San Diego
San Diego: the back story
The back story
About San Diego: the back story
San Diego is California’s southernmost big city, with its bay, beaches and Balboa Park. Coronado and La Jolla are its two famous beach towns.
Downtown and the bay
The Gaslamp Quarter and the USS Midway Museum are on the downtown waterfront, and the airport is only minutes away.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park holds the San Diego Zoo, museums and gardens around the Botanical Building.
Hotel del Coronado’s red turrets are one of the best-known sights on the California coast.
La Jolla and Coronado
La Jolla Cove has sea lions and clear water; Torrey Pines’ cliff-top trails are just north. Across the bay, Hotel del Coronado sits on the sand.
Our advice: take the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego from LA for the sea views.
Why it's on our list
- Downtown and the bay
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla and Coronado
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with San Diego: the back story before you go.