San Diego Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
First time visitors to America’s Finest City are in for a treat whether they visit during the sunny days of spring, summer, fall or winter. San Diego is open 365 days a year and is always ready to entertain. The moment you arrive you can’t wait to return. For some, a first time visit turns into a lifetime stay. The city embraces visitors with open arms, inviting guests to run their toes through miles of sand-filled beaches, splash in the grand waves of the Pacific Ocean, spend the day with amazing animal friends at a world class zoo, hike countless trails, take in both professional and college sports and sample more craft beers than imaginable. Come for a day, a week, a month or more and you’ll find entertaining adventure to fill each magical moment.
This small city packs a big punch. Whether you’re staying in downtown, one of the beautiful coastal beach areas or a bit further from the city’s epicenter, there’s something for everyone. Downtown spots give you access by foot, bus or trolley. Beachfront areas provide access to bicycle share programs and are characterized by their flip-flop wearing attitude. Our historic sites include whale-watching points, hiking adventures and a trip back to the beginning days of San Diego’s history. No matter where you choose to start your journey, you can easily access all of our vantage points throughout your visi
Best Way to See the City
San Diego SEAL Tour
Check out the best way to see the city sights not just on land, but by sea as well. Pick up your tour at Seaport Village or the Embarcadero and take off for an unforgettable amphibious adventure. Explore San Diego’s streets and waterways as your friendly driver shares the history of this beachside oasis with you.
Things to Do by Downtown Neighborhood
Marina/Waterfront
All the big hotel players from Hyatt®, Hilton®, Marriott® and more are located in the marina district and offer various accommodations in downtown San Diego. With views of the water and passing yachts, resting your head near the famed Embarcadero is a relaxing spot unlike any other. Check out the restaurants, shops and sunset viewing spots at Seaport Village and The Headquarters.
Climb the stairs at the nearby Convention Center for stunning views of San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge and Coronado Island. Hop on the ferry and venture across to Coronado and visit the iconic Hotel Del Coronado® and spend the day in an idyllic island location. During the summer, check out the San Diego Symphony Orchestra Pops Concerts and various events on the lawn of Embarcadero Park.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter houses restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs, historic landmarks, hotels, shops and more. The 16 ½ block radius spans the center of the city providing visitors an opportunity to wander historic walkways, crosswalks and viewing spots and take in the sights of the city. Join a walking tour and awe at the architecture merging old with new, the original gaslamp and the sweet chocolate sensations of the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. A short walk to Horton Plaza finds a Southern California outdoor mall complete with Macy’s®, movie theater, shops, plazas and more. Horton Plaza Park, a new central venue space, provides a perfect spot to rest amidst the bustle of the city.
Little Italy
A short walk from the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the Maritime Museum, Little Italy provides visitors with a spectacular Saturday Farmers’ Market and Italian eateries as far as the eyes can see. Take your pick of pizza, pasta and parmigiana and alight your senses while wandering this neighborhood of food, parks, breweries and afternoon delights. On Saturday morning, be sure to rise early to get the best pick of the market. Whether you’re a fan of food trucks, crafts, coffee and unique local products or just enjoy strolling through a market, this one will not disappoint. Packed with visitors and vendors alike, this market is complete with sea urchin, hot sauce and all things organic. The largest Farmers’ Market in the downtown area is bound to fill both your soul and your belly.
East Village
As the newest addition to San Diego, the East Village is constantly growing. Baseball aficionados will be cheering as they’re a stone’s throw from Petco Park and book lovers will find solace at the City Library complete with a roof deck art gallery, event space and viewing platform. Check out the constant building of new apartments, Fault Line Park, and the outdoor entertainment space at The Quartyard. Mission Brewery housed in the old Wonder Bread Factory provides hours of enjoyment for craft beer fans while foodies delight in our juice bars, ramen restaurants and tasty eclectic cuisine.
Must Visit Neighborhoods Outside of Downtown
La Jolla
Known often as the Jewel of Southern California, this coastal beach locale is filled with everything spectacular. From breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, home to the world renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and upscale hotels and restaurants, La Jolla boasts incredible views from all angles. Don’t forget to stop by the cove to spot the famous seals and to explore the caves.
Mission Beach
Boardwalk, beach town, beachside amusement park…this is what you’ll find in Mission Beach. Complete with a roller coaster, mini golf and wave house, this iconic region of San Diego has been around for almost a century. Here you’ll see barbecues on the beach, boardwalk goers, sunset watchers, volleyball players, and bicycle riders amidst a beachside town of locals and travelers alike.
Old Town
Officially known as the Birthplace of California, Old Town houses a state park with many influential points of interest, vendors, entertainment, restaurants, museums, galleries and more. Come for the mariachi music or the fresh made tortillas – regardless of the reason, you won’t want your visit to end. Bring the family to check out the schoolhouse, creameries and be sure to take the opportunity to dip your entire family’s hands into wax to create one giant family candle memory.
Point Loma
Housing five diverse districts, Point Loma offers a special spot by the water. From the restaurants of Liberty Station to the multi-million dollar homes on the Point, you’ll find surf, sand, and sea life all around. Be sure to check out Cabrillo National Monument for a view of the Point Loma Lighthouse and sensational Tide Pools.
Top Attractions by Neighborhood
Downtown
Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Waterfront District, and Little Italy
La Jolla
Cove and Seals
Mission Beach
Belmont Park Boardwalk to Pacific Beach, SeaWorld, Old Town, Old Town State Historic Park
Point Loma
Cabrillo National Monument Sunset Cliffs
Tasty Restaurants by Neighborhood
Hillcrest
Snooze AM
North Park
Carnitas Snack Shack
Old Town
Fiesta de Reyes
Gaslamp Quarter
Royal India
Mission Hills
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
Mission Beach
The Mission
La Jolla
Sugar and Scribe
Little Italy
Farmers’ Market
Liberty Station
Liberty Public Market
Point Loma
Mitch’s Seafood
Tickets - Select Your Journey
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Old Town Trolley Tours: As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” Since 1989, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego.
SEAL Tour: Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by land AND sea. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience.
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner
- SEAL Tour:
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village
- State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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SEE THE WHALEY HOUSE BY DAY & NIGHT
Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
Evening Guided Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Evening Guided Tour:
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
- Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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Ghosts & Gravestones
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Dying to Take a Ride on the Dark Side? Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed
- Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
- Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
- Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
- Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AT NIGHT
San Diego sparkles at night, and what better way to see it than with Old Town Trolley Tours! Hop aboard our trolley for a picturesque evening you won’t forget.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Old Town Market
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
- See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
- Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks
- Highlights include The Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado’s Ferry Landing, USS Midway and more
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