The back story
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The back story
San Diego: the back story
Beaches, Balboa Park and the bay: Southern California’s laid-back southern city.
Region guide · California
San Diego: Our Favourites
Hotel del Coronado, La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park and the Zoo, the USS Midway and Addison’s three stars.
What's onThis week in California
What to see and do
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Museums and gardens
Balboa Park
San Diego’s great park of museums, gardens and Spanish Revival buildings.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101Explore View on map
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In Balboa Park
San Diego Zoo
The famous zoo in Balboa Park.
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101Explore View on map
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An aircraft carrier on the bay
USS Midway Museum
A decommissioned aircraft carrier turned museum on the downtown waterfront.
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Lighthouse and tide pools
Cabrillo National Monument
A national monument on Point Loma, with the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and views over the bay.
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106Explore View on map
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Cliff-top trails
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Trails among rare Torrey pines on the sandstone cliffs between La Jolla and Del Mar.
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Sea lions and clear water
La Jolla Cove
A small cove below La Jolla village, known for its sea lions and clear water.
Eat and drink
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Three MICHELIN Stars
Addison
William Bradley’s restaurant at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130Explore View on map
Where to stay
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The Victorian beach resort
Hotel del Coronado
San Diego’s famous Victorian beach resort, with its red turrets on the sand at Coronado.
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118Explore View on map
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Above the Pacific in La Jolla
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
A lodge overlooking the Torrey Pines golf course and the Pacific.
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037Explore View on map
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Home of Addison
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
A grand resort in a canyon north of San Diego, home of the three-MICHELIN-star Addison.
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130Explore View on map
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In Rancho Santa Fe
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
A resort and spa in Rancho Santa Fe, north of San Diego.
5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067Explore View on map
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In the Gaslamp Quarter
Pendry San Diego
A stylish hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, close to the convention centre and Petco Park.
550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101Explore View on map
Getting there
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Close to downtown
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego’s airport, a few minutes from downtown.
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By the sea, San Diego to San Luis Obispo
Pacific Surfliner
Amtrak’s coastal train between San Diego, LA, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.
Share your San Diego tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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