AARP’s San Diego Travel Guide

​Offering far more than just surf and sand, San Diego is 1 of the nation’s most biodiverse spots, with mountains, deserts, lakes and bays all within county strains — and, of course, far more than 70 miles of gorgeous seashores. Maybe that’s why San Diego, the county seat, is recognised as America’s Very best Town. Locals and visitors alike delight in the finer matters in existence: experience, relationship, speculate and joy, all woven organically into the city’s material. Every thing seems additional available listed here, and not just the outdoor. Dine at Michelin-awarded restaurants devoid of ready months for a reservation enjoy no cost, inexperienced community transportation and reconnect with the basic pleasures that come from actually effortless residing. 

When to go to San Diego

San Diego is moderate and temperate yr-round, but the summer months months are large season, when tourism and price ranges spike. Intention for vacation in September and October to seize picture-great temperature devoid of the crowds and heightened fees. Alternatively, late wintertime (January and February) is sunny and serene, with daytime temps in the 50s and 60s. ​

How to prepare for your journey

Dependent on the size of your visit, root your self in one hotel, then choose working day excursions to distinct neighborhoods and locations. But examine with places to eat initially — numerous are shut on Mondays. San Diego is commonly relatively informal, and numerous stroll the sidewalks and sit for meal in the exact same flip-flops they wore to the beach front, irrespective of the time. Total, wear what will make you snug.

How to get to San Diego  

Fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN), and use the trolley process to get all over downtown or the Coaster commuter coach for visits to coastal communities to the north. The normal journey-hailing companies (Uber and Lyft) are out there during the county, nevertheless a one particular-day Old Town Trolley Tour pass ($46.55) grants endless rides concerning 11 preferred spots throughout the greater downtown area, as perfectly as entrance to 10 museums. In the downtown place (Tiny Italy down to Seaport Village and throughout to East Village and up to Cortez Hill, bordering Balboa Park), there is also the totally free, entirely electric powered Fred shuttle, which gives on-need rides, a great deal like Uber and Lyft, but for the value of a idea. Most communities have a rental store for e-bikes, or electric powered bikes, that give you an additional thrust — a common, thrilling alternative for getting about that alleviates the pressure of pedaling uphill.

Where to stay

Inn at the Park 

This reasonably priced house is a limited drive from the airport yet in just going for walks distance of Balboa Park and its suite of facilities (museums, the Outdated Globe Theatre, dining places). Inn at the Park presents creature comforts through its suites — finish with kitchenettes — at extremely reduced price, presented the primary site. The downside? There’s a surcharge for Wi-Fi, and parking can be scant except you choose for the $20/day valet.

Harborview Inn & Suites 

What the economical Harborview lacks in type (the furnishings are uncomplicated and to some degree outdated) it tends to make up for in price and spot. Just two blocks from the food items hub of Very little Italy, and in strolling distance of the Embarcadero and waterfront, the locale can not be beat. Additionally, there’s complimentary, even though confined, on-web page parking. Accessible rooms are readily available on the ground ground. 

La Jolla Shores Hotel

Perched on one of San Diego’s premier seashores, La Jolla Shores Hotel features attendees direct access to a vast, flat beach and mellow, shallow waters that are excellent for discovering at leisure. Just talk to the beach concierge to set you up with a complimentary umbrella, towel and chair. If the water temperature doesn’t fit you, head to the outdoor heated pool.

The Seabird Resort 

Wake up to the audio of crashing waves when you stay at The Seabird, Oceanside’s pet-pleasant coastal luxury vacation resort. The rooms are gentle and airy, showcasing performs curated by the Oceanside Museum of Artwork, even though commissioned performs from community artists insert character to common areas. There’s also an out of doors pool with lounge seating and a warm tub if the Pacific Ocean, just throughout the avenue, is only as well much absent. At ground stage, nestled into The Seabird’s sister assets, is what is affectionately identified as the Prime Gun Residence, an 1888 Victorian property featured in the original Prime Gun film as the residence of Tom Cruise’s appreciate curiosity, Charlie. Following remaining all but deserted for a long time, the dwelling was masterfully restored, carefully moved and reopened as a pie shop.