"San Diego is California at its most livable — and its most underrated."
San Diego has long lived in the shadow of Los Angeles to the north, but the city has quietly built one of the most compelling food and hotel landscapes in the American West. The climate is the finest in the continental United States — 266 sunny days a year, low humidity, and temperatures that rarely stray far from 70°F. The beaches are exceptional, the craft beer scene is the best in the country, and the dining has reached a level that demands serious attention.
The city is defined by its neighbourhoods — La Jolla for coastal luxury, the Gaslamp Quarter for history and nightlife, Little Italy for dining, North Park for craft beer and independent restaurants. A great San Diego trip moves between them, using the city's excellent weather as an excuse to walk, cycle, and eat outdoors at every opportunity.
"La Jolla Cove — the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Southern California."
TastesOf Editorial
At a Glance
What Not to Miss
La Jolla Cove
The most beautiful stretch of coastline in Southern California — a sheltered cove surrounded by sea caves, with sea lions basking on the rocks and kayakers exploring the kelp forests offshore. The cliffs above the cove are lined with some of San Diego's finest restaurants.
The Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego's historic Victorian district, now home to the city's most concentrated collection of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. The architecture is extraordinary — 16 blocks of late 19th-century commercial buildings, beautifully preserved.
Balboa Park
A 1,200-acre urban park containing 17 museums, multiple performing arts venues, and the San Diego Zoo. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of the park's buildings — built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition — is among the finest in the American West.
Craft Beer Scene
San Diego is the craft beer capital of the United States — home to more craft breweries per capita than any other American city. The North Park and Mission Hills neighbourhoods have the finest concentration of taprooms, and the quality is consistently exceptional.
Coronado Island
A peninsula connected to the mainland by a graceful bridge, Coronado is home to the Hotel del Coronado — one of America's great Victorian resort hotels — and some of the finest beaches in California. The Silver Strand is extraordinary.
Dining in Little Italy
San Diego's Little Italy has evolved from an Italian-American neighbourhood into one of the most exciting dining districts on the West Coast. The Saturday farmers market is one of the finest in California.
Where to Stay
Hotel del Coronado
Historic IconA National Historic Landmark operating since 1888 — the grande dame of California resort hotels. The Victorian architecture, the beachfront setting, and the history (Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like It Hot here) make it unmissable.
Estancia La Jolla
Boutique LuxuryA hacienda-style resort in the heart of La Jolla, with a spa, multiple pools, and a restaurant that sources from its own garden. The most refined address in La Jolla.
Pendry San Diego
Design HotelThe finest hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter — beautifully designed, with excellent dining and a rooftop pool that overlooks the city. The best base for exploring downtown San Diego.
The Verdict
California's most livable city — and one of America's most underrated culinary destinations.