San Diego, California, is often referred to as “America’s Finest City”. It’s a US destination that has something for everyone, combining laid-back beach vibes with urban sophistication. If you’re a Millennial like me, you’ll find that it’s an especially great city to visit. 

From its stunning coastline to the rich arts and culture on offer, San Diego is the perfect spot for relaxation and adventure. 

Why You Should Visit San Diego

San Diego is a city that you can truly feel at home in, even if you’re just visiting for a week. It’s a place where you can start your day with a hike in the hills, spend the afternoon at a hip craft brewery, and end the evening with a concert or art show.

Of course, that’s not all that’s on offer here! Some of my favorite things to do in this sunny city include: 

Surfing at Pacific Beach

As one of the city’s most popular beaches, Pacific Beach is the hotspot for the best surfing in town. If you’re feeling brave, rent a board and hit the waves, or just kick back on the beach and enjoy being around the friendly locals. 

Going for a Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This coastal state park is always worth taking the time to explore and it has scenic trails for all types of hikers (even the occasional ones). In particular, I love the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean you can enjoy here. Keep an eye out for those rare Torrey Pine trees! 

Getting a Cultural Fix at Balboa Park

San Diego’s cultural hub is an experience that should not be missed. Home to not one but a total of 17 different museums, the San Diego Zoo and beautifully landscaped gardens—you could easily spend a day here exploring everything it has to offer. 

There’s also ample places to kayak if you prefer that to surfing—La Jolla Cove is a great place to head to spot the local marine wildlife, including seals and sea lions. Then, there’s Old Town San Diego, which invites you to step back in time and wander its historic streets and buildings, enjoying some authentic Mexican cuisine along the way. 

If you fancy something truly unusual to do, San Diego even has its very own Blackjack Hall of Fame! Here in the digital age we’ve probably all gotten used to playing blackjack in its digital incarnation, especially with the online casino sector becoming such a core segment in the global gaming industry. Nevertheless, it’s still enjoyed by people across the world in its real life format, and, at the Barona Casino in San Diego, you can see which gaming luminaries have had their names added to the wall. 

When to Visit and How to Get There

By now I’m sure you’re raring to go visit San Diego. Before you book that last minute flight, though, some preparation is advised. Being a Californian destination, you can generally rely on the climate to be enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit is during late spring (April to June) and early fall (Sept to October). Not only will this guarantee you the best weather, but you’ll also avoid those peak summer crowds. Quite a few local festivals and events also take place during these seasons, so you won’t be short of things to do. 

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the primary gateway to the city, conveniently located just three miles from downtown. Major airlines offer direct flights from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Chicago. Once you arrive, you can easily reach the city center via taxi, rideshare services, or hop on the San Diego Trolley.

Where to Stay 

Now, a word on accommodation. San Diego has plenty of options available to suit all budgets. I’ll cover the basics below, but for last minute deals and current prices it’s always advisable to check out price comparison sites like KAYAK and travelsupermarket.com. 

If you’re traveling on a shoestring, the HI San Diego Downtown Hostel and the ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel are great choices. Both options offer clean, comfortable rooms with a vibrant community atmosphere, while the Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel is stationed right on Pacific Beach, ensuring you won’t miss those early morning waves. 

For mid-range travelers, the Pearl Hotel in Point Loma is my recommendation. This retro-chic boutique hotel is stunningly designed and the perfect retreat to come back to after a busy day exploring the city. 

If you can splash out on luxury accommodation, book a room at the Pendry San Diego. Located in the lively Gaslamp Quarter, this hotel is dripping with upscale amenities like the guests-only rooftop pool.

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