San Diego Travel Guide
San Diego Travel Guide
San Diego, with 70 miles of coastline, moderate year-round climate,
pristine parks, zoos, craft breweries, a bustling nightlife and much more,
is a popular and fantastic pick for a sunny California beachfront vacation.
IHG invites you to stay at all of our San Diego hotels, where you’ll always
find yourself in a great place to enjoy the city.
Things to See
Many visitors come to San Diego to enjoy dozens of soft, sandy beaches,
some of which are famously flanked by colorful reefs, charming tide pools
and rugged cliffs. The flat landscape of Coronado Beach offers a romantic
setting, while La Jolla Beach gives families options for picnics, spending
hours in its grassy park or taking scuba classes, and Silver Strand is
great for camping next to the coastline. Join or watch surfing in
Tourmaline Surfing Park or Solana Beach, see the annual U.S. Open
Sandcastle Competition each summer at Imperial Beach, and The Strand, or
Pacific Beach, gives large crowds two miles of leisure, shopping,
restaurants or simple relaxation.
If you prefer heading inland, there is an abundance of attractions
including Legoland California, Balboa Park, SeaWorld, the Living Coast
Discovery Center, Birch Aquarium, the San Diego Zoo and the zoo's Safari
Park. Also visit San Diego's museums, which are as diverse as its visitors.
Young visitors can check out the New Children's Museum, Children's
Discovery Museum or the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, all of which offer
hands-on experiences. Also don’t miss the San Diego Model Railroad Museum,
which features the largest
model railroad display in the world, spanning 27,000 square feet.
Hotels in San Diego
You'll want to book hotels well in advance if you're visiting during peak
summer season. Lower hotel rates are found from March through May, and
September through November. Many San Diego family hotels offer recreational
amenities such as outdoor heated pools, which guests usually find more
comfortable than unheated pools since the average summer temperature is
only 76 degrees. Boost your value even further by looking for weekly rate
hotels in San Diego, or hotels with complimentary breakfasts and nightly
manager's receptions.
Where to Stay
San Diego has many distinct districts. Coronado's sparkling sand and
beckoning beaches make it a popular pick for romantic retreats. The Gaslamp
Quarter comes alive at night with an array of popular clubs and
restaurants. While these 16 blocks are well-known for rooftop bars and chic
nightclubs, they're also family friendly during the day, putting you near
the New Children's Museum and San Diego Zoo. Mission Valley and Old Town
offer an historic feel while keeping you just minutes from the city's
big-name attractions. If you're interested in outdoor activities, East
County will call to you with hiking, biking, and climbing opportunities in
Anza Borrego State Park.
How to Get to San Diego
San Diego International Airport is centrally located and serviced by most
major airlines. The San Diego Trolley provides convenient transportation
around the city with three trolley lines and 53 stations. The North County
Transit District's Coaster trains offer service to nearby beach communities
from downtown San Diego and Old Town. If you're travelling further, the
22-mile SPRINTER rail system connects San Diego to Vista, Oceanside,
Escondido, and San Marcos. Book hotels throughout the city with
InterContinental Hotels Group, find the perfect room for your vacation and
begin planning your visit.