2025 San Diego county Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

#wecreate Seal Rock is a beautiful spot to visit if you’re looking for stunning sea views and the chance to see some wildlife. The best way to get there is by car or taxi, we drove there because it was easier for us than a taxi 🚖 Once you arrive, you can take a short walk down to the beach and enjoy the view of the blue sea and blue sky. You’ll also have the chance to see different birds and squirrels that call this area home. Many of the birds you see here are quite special so some of the locals and amateur turist like to visit here and take a look at them with their Profesional cameras 📸 If you’re lucky, you might even spot some seals or sea lions sunbathing on the rocks! The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature. #sandiego #california #beachlife #sea

The Anza Borrego Desert is technically part of the Colorado Desert, but since the dry, prickly landscape stretches across California’s borders, you can visit it without actually stepping foot into the other state. It’s a fun way to play with your map while you journey into the sandy recesses of the wild west. As for the highlights of the desert, it depends on what you’re in the mood to see. If you’re a naturalist, you’ll be fascinated by the catclaws and manzanitas that flourish despite the conditions of the earth. If you’re fascinated by foreign cultures, the desert is close to several Native American reservations. The Anza Borrego Desert is also home to metal art sculptures that draw thousands of curious visitors each year. They range from mythical dragons to abstract geometric shapes, so they’re always worth a look. If you’re looking for the top attractions in California and Colorado, consider the Anza Borrego Desert. It’s cool, unique and multicultural, so it’s one of the best finds in two separate states. Address: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, United States

Taking advantage of the Thanksgiving long weekend, we traveled from LA to San Diego, visiting two zoos and some major attractions. Because we were traveling with kids, we adopted a relaxed approach, giving them a nap each day. On the first day, Thanksgiving, the Safari Park closed early at 3 PM, so it wasn't too crowded. After entering the park, we went straight to the Africa Tram, waited in line for about 15 minutes, and saw giraffes, antelopes, rhinos, and other African animals. Afterwards, we had breakfast at Okavango Outpost. After breakfast, we visited the elephant, tiger, goat, and kangaroo enclosures, seeing some animals that interested the kids. After the visit, we returned to the main park entrance, rode the carousel, bought souvenirs, and left the park around 2:30 PM, just in time for the kids' nap. We then had lunch at Xiangcun Renjia. For accommodation, we took advantage of a Chase Reserve Edit deal and chose The US Grant Downtown. In the evening, we walked to the Midway Museum and saw the statues. (Figures 2-8) The next morning, we went to the San Diego Zoo. We headed straight for the bus upon entering, but still waited in line for 30 minutes. I recommend sitting on the right side of the bus for a better view of the animals. On the bus, we saw tigers, elephants, lions, bears, and more, all from the right side. After getting off the bus, you can go directly to see the flamingos, and then follow the trail to see various monkeys and orangutans. Finally, we took an elevator down to the panda enclosure, waited in line for 30 minutes, and only saw a sleeping panda! 🤣 Afterwards, you can take an elevator across the bridge to the cable car entrance, and take the cable car back to the park entrance. We left the park around 2 PM. The kids were sleeping, so we rushed to La Jolla Cove. We had dinner at the lounge of The Marine Room, a restaurant with a sea view. We took advantage of a Chase Reserve deal; the view was beautiful, the food was delicious, and it was definitely worth it. Because it was Black Friday, we ended the second day's itinerary with shopping at Fashion Valley on the way back. (Figures 9-15) The third morning, we visited Balboa Park. Parking is convenient; you can directly access Casa del Prado Theatre from there. Parking spaces are limited but very convenient. Lily Pond and the Botanical Building are must-sees, filming locations for the Korean drama "The Heirs." The California Tower landmark is also worth seeing, offering a panoramic view of the park. Finally, you can finish with Bea Evenson Fountain. On the way back to LA, we ate at Xiangcun Renjia again; all the dishes were excellent and none were disappointing. (Photos 16-18)

Join the Scripps Pier Sunset Science Walk hosted by Birch Aquarium, held on select Saturdays and Sundays through December 2025. Please refer to the official website for specific times. This exclusive event offers participants a unique opportunity to explore Scripps Pier at Pacific sunset, learning about fascinating marine creatures such as plankton, squid, and sharks. The tour also highlights the groundbreaking research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, with a special focus on the Scripps CO2 Project, showcasing the latest advances in ocean monitoring and climate science. Advance booking is required, and the experience is suitable for ages 9 and up. Come join this inspiring experience to deepen your understanding of marine ecosystems and climate science!

📅 Itinerary Day 1: Kick off your adventure with a city tour that’ll totally level up your mood! Hit up the major hotspots – don't forget your camera, because every corner is Insta-worthy. Pop into museums and cute boutiques for those main character moments. Day 2: Beach day, baby! Spend your morning soaking up the sun at the local seaside (open sunrise to sunset, address: Beach Ave, right by City Park 🏖️). Chill out with your squad, paddle in the waves, and grab a fresh coconut from the friendly vendors. In the afternoon, check out the historic quarter – cobblestones, cozy cafés, epic vibes. Day 3: Time for culture and food! Stroll through the famous market (Market Lane, open 8am–6pm), snack on street eats, and browse the stalls for unique finds. Cap your day with a sunset rooftop bar session overlooking the city skyline – yes, it's as gorgeous as it sounds. 🏨 Accommodation Stay at the Vibe Central Hotel, 123 Downtown Road (check-in: 2pm, check-out: 11am). Sooo good for solo travelers or groups! Super comfy rooms and friendly staff who’ll hook you up with all the best local secrets. 🍴 Food Recommendations - Taste of Korea: Open 24/7, 88 Foodie Street. Their spicy fried chicken? Insane! - Mediterranean Eats: Oceanview Bistro, 55 Waves Blvd (Mon–Sun, 11am–11pm). Seafood pasta here is a whole vibe. - Local Market Bites: Market Lane, daily specials—try the crispy dumplings and mango smoothies! 📌 Tips - Download the trip.com app for easy bookings and live updates - Always carry cash for street snacks - Bring sunscreen, trust us! - Book attractions in advance through trip.com for the best deals - Take it slow and soak in the scenery—you only get these travel feels once! Ready for the ultimate adventure? Your 3-day escape is gonna be legendary!

Here’s a quick two-stop adventure in sunny San Diego county—get ready for nature, relaxation, and easy hacks to make the most of your visit 🌞🌲 Top Spots to Visit: 1️⃣ Stonebridge Park - 15030 Sycamore Trail Rd, San Diego, CA 92131 Open all day, year-round! This spot is perfect for a low-key picnic or morning stroll. The playground is great if you have little ones, and the surrounding walking paths are rarely crowded. Tip: Grab some takeout from a nearby café and enjoy lunch in the fresh California air! 2️⃣ Beeler Canyon Trail Parking - Poway, CA 92064 Welcome to hiking paradise! Park at Beeler Canyon Trail and hit the trail for gorgeous panoramic views. Go early—the parking fills up fast on weekends and it’s cooler in the morning. Bring plenty of water, and don’t forget your camera for wildflower shots in spring. How to get around: Driving is your best bet here! Both locations offer free public parking. Pro tip: Use your phone to navigate—San Diego’s traffic is way friendlier than San Francisco’s, but local roads can twist and turn. Food recommendations: Pick up coffee and pastries at nearby Caffé Venti (13131 Scripps Poway Pkwy, San Diego) before your park stroll. After hiking Beeler Canyon, hit Main Stream Bar & Grill in Poway for burgers and local craft brews. San Diego tips: No need for fancy permits—these trails are open access. Bring a hoodie in case coastal breezes kick in. If planning to hike after rain, check for trail closures! #SanDiegoOutdoors #HiddenGems #ParkLife #CaliforniaTrails

One thing I must bring on my travels? Loquat leaf tea! 🌿 The loquat tree is basically a superhero plant—you can use every single part of it. The leaves are full of antioxidants, good for digestion, help calm coughs, and even support your lungs. Some people say every leaf you drink adds another day to your life (so I’m planning to live forever, obviously). When I travel, I boil the leaves, let them sit overnight, and pour the tea into my backpack bottle. My kids love it too—especially when I add a little sugar. It’s still way better (and cheaper!) than paying $3 for a drink. Plus, I save money, save plastic, and boost my health all at the same time. ✈️💚 #FrugalTravel ✈️ #TravelWithKids 👩👧👦 #BudgetExplorer 💸 #EcoTravel 🌍 #FarmLifeToFlightLife 🌱✈️ #CheapTravelHacks 🔑 #BackpackAdventures 🎒 #WanderOnABudget 🌿 #TravelMoreSpendLess 💚 #HealthyTravelTips 🍵 #FamilyTravelGoals 🧳 #SaveMoneyTravelFar 💵✈️ #TeaTimeTraveler 🍃 #SustainableTravel 🌎 #AdventureForLess

San Diego, California's second-largest city, borders Mexico to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Renowned for its warm climate, stunning coastline, and numerous beaches, this trip took us from Los Angeles to Coronado Island for a 4-day, 3-night stay at the Marriott Resort. Highlights included visits to the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and the beachfront hotels of Coronado Island—a wonderful journey. Below is an inspired AI introduction: 🌟 San Diego: Where Sunshine, Waves, and History Perfectly Blend 📜 The Golden Age of Coronado Island Strolling along Coronado Island's fine sandy beaches, with the Pacific's gentle waves at your feet and 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture before you, this 1.2-square-mile island was one of California's earliest resort destinations. In 1888, the island built the world's largest all-wood hotel—the Hotel del Coronado (now a Curio Collection by Hilton), where Marilyn Monroe filmed *Some Like It Hot* and Edison himself installed the nation's second electric lighting system. Gazing out from Stan's Beach, you can still sense the glamour of Hollywood stars arriving by yacht in its heyday. 🌉 A Military Legend Bridging Two Eras The Coronado Bridge spanning San Diego Bay is not just the artery to Coronado Island but also a witness to WWII history. Nearby, the USS Midway Museum houses an aircraft carrier that served for 47 years, its rust-streaked deck planes recounting tales of the 1991 Gulf War. 🏰 A Modern Interpretation of Spanish Soul The red-tiled roofs and white walls of the Hotel del Coronado, a Curio Collection by Hilton, perfectly echo the architectural style of the 1769 Spanish mission that founded San Diego. Enjoying a Mexican-style breakfast on the terrace at dawn, you'll notice the tablecloth patterns mirror those of pottery made by local Native Americans 200 years ago. The palm-lined path in the hotel's backyard follows the original route laid out by early Spanish settlers. 🌊 The Philosophy of Life in the Tides By Coronado Island's community pool, 92-year-old surfing coach Stan teaches every student the same first lesson: "Put down your phone—watch the tide chart!" This unexpectedly captures San Diego's life wisdom: embrace modern conveniences but respect nature's rhythms. Islanders still plan fishing schedules by lunar phases, where contemporary fast-paced living and ancient wisdom coexist beautifully. As dusk paints Coronado Bay's waters crimson, Spanish guitar melodies from the hotel terrace blend with the USS Midway Museum's taps—this is San Diego, a place where history and the present resonate in perfect harmony.

#foodandstay Address: 1112 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Atmosphere: Peaceful desert setting, family-friendly with outdoor dining space. Stay: Spacious rooms with nice views, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Food: Simple, tasty American and southwestern-style meals. Highlights: Outdoor pools, spa, tennis courts, and golf nearby. Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#springitinerary Spring in Julian is pure small-town charm with mountain air! The apple trees were just starting to bloom with soft white flowers, and the hills around town turned green after the winter rains. I strolled Main Street, sampling fresh apple pie (a must!) and browsing the quirky antique shops. The weather was crisp but sunny — ideal for a relaxing day trip. Pro tip: take the scenic drive up — wildflowers dot the roadside in spring. If your #springitinerary craves cozy vibes, homemade treats, and fresh mountain beauty, Julian is a sweet pick!

#springitinerary Anza-Borrego in spring is like a desert miracle! I hit it during a superbloom, and the sandy flats were transformed into a colorful carpet of desert lilies, primroses, and vibrant verbena. The air smelled sweet, and butterflies flitted everywhere. I hiked Palm Canyon and found an oasis shaded by native palms — a cool contrast to the open desert. Warm days and cool nights made it perfect for camping under the stars. #springitinerary dream for wildflower chasers and stargazers alike. Pro tip: check bloom reports before you go — timing is everything here!

#AprilTravelSupport 📍Sovereign Modern Thai Cuisine : 1460 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 United States 🌶️ The charm of Sovereign Modern Thai Cuisine - Located in the East Village, this Michelin-recommended restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Thai and Isan cuisine. The clean interior and cocktail bar add to the sophisticated atmosphere, and it is loved by locals and travelers enough to be featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’. (Tip: Reservations are required, 6pm time is recommended ⏰) 🍲 Recommended menu - Lavender Martini cocktail is recommended! (Tip: You can request to adjust the spiciness 🌶️) 📸 Best photo point - Take a picture with the minimal interior and plating background! (Tip: Use the window seat to take advantage of natural light 📷) ✨ Experience Thai cuisine in San Diego at Sovereign Modern Thai!

Sunbathing

Had a great time in San diego #travel #san diego #zoo

Spring in California is a true miracle of nature's palette! Everywhere you look, flowers are in full bloom, painting every inch of space with vibrant colors. Today, we'll take you to some of the best flower viewing spots in California. Take notes and get ready for a spontaneous romantic trip! 🌼 Antelope Valley: From March to May, it's peak blooming season. The hillsides are covered in golden flowers dancing in the wind, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. Look closely, and you'll find purple lupines scattered among them, adding a touch of romance. 🌻 Walker Canyon: The most beautiful time to visit is from February to April. The hillsides are blanketed with dense orange flowers, a truly magnificent sight that will fill you with excitement! It's close to Los Angeles and easily accessible, perfect for a weekend getaway. Put on your brightest clothes and take a photo in this sea of flowers – it's sure to light up your social media! 🌸 Julian: From March to April, experience the charm of the countryside, where apple blossoms and lilacs cover the hills. Stroll along the paths, and the fragrance of pure white apple blossoms will transport you to a poetic paradise. Don't forget to explore the local shops and farms, and savor the taste of fresh apple pie and homemade jam! 🌼 Lompoc: From April to May, yingsu flowers and lupines intertwine to create a beautiful pastoral landscape. The town's tranquil atmosphere will soothe your soul. 🌼 Carrizo Plain: From March to May, golden fields of flowers, buttercups, and purple lupines stretch across the vast plains, creating a dreamlike scene that changes with every step. Here, the hustle and bustle of the city fades away. 🌼 Anza-Borrego Desert: From February to April, desert lilies, verbenas, and primroses bloom in the arid desert, creating a stunning contrast between the desert and the sea of flowers that will surely captivate you. 🌼 Mendocino Coast: From March to May, the magnificent scenery of wildflowers and the ocean combines to add endless possibilities to your flower-viewing journey. So, there you have it – the best flower viewing spots are all listed for you. All that's left is for you to take action!

Visited the campus and their flowers were all in bloom. The turtles weren't afraid of people 🐢

Visiting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in spring was an unforgettable experience. The desert was in full bloom, and the flowers were everywhere—vibrant colors scattered across the landscape. I could not even imagine that the desert can be so colorful and vivid with life. A tip: bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The desert heat can be intense, even in spring, and there’s little shade on some trails. One of my favorite moments was just sitting quietly and watching the desert come alive. The flowers, the birds, and the quiet made my day! #nationalparks #usa #california

#closetonature La Jolla Shores in San Diego is a breathtaking coastal retreat famed for its stunning ocean views and pristine sandy beaches. As one of the most picturesque spots along the California coast, it offers a serene escape with panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean that captivate surfers, sunbathers, and sightseers alike. Sweeping Ocean Vistas La Jolla Shores features a long stretch of golden sand backed by impressive cliffs, providing a spectacular setting for a day at the beach. The unobstructed beach views are especially mesmerizing during sunset when the sky and sea are painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It's a perfect moment for photographers and romantics to capture the scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Vibrant Marine Life Beyond its beauty, La Jolla Shores is celebrated for its vibrant marine life. The waters here are a part of the protected San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can explore kelp beds, encounter colorful fish, and even spot seals and sea lions that frequent the area. Active and Relaxing Pursuits For those looking to stay active, La Jolla Shores provides ample opportunities for water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. The gentle waves make it an ideal spot for beginners. Meanwhile, the wide, flat beach is perfect for those who prefer to relax on the sand, enjoy a picnic, or simply watch the waves roll in. Visitor Tips - Arrive Early: Parking can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early can help secure a spot close to the beach. - Respect Wildlife: Always observe marine life from a distance and follow local guidelines to ensure the protection of the area’s natural inhabitants. - Stay for Sunset: Don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset from La Jolla Shores—it’s truly a breathtaking sight. #LaJollaShores #SanDiegoBeach #PacificSunset #BeachDay #OceanLife

that's awesome

this farm you can pick your own fruit. it is 82 ac. kids are safe here. also can fish in a small lake.#farm #sandiego #cali

#freehotelstay #sandiego #organic #fruit ##wyntrurange #americanbeautyi #sandiegozoo #california #cali #familytrip #farm

#christmastrip

#fallingseason

#timetotravel Miniland USA, located within LEGOLAND California Resort, is a delightful experience that brings the world to life in miniature form. As you step into this enchanting realm, you're transported to various iconic destinations, recreated meticulously with LEGO bricks. The attention to detail is astounding, from the tiny bustling streets of New York City to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Grand Canyon. Visiting Miniland USA is not just enjoyable for kids, but a treat for all ages. You'll find yourself marveling at the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into each exhibit. The interactive elements, like moving trains and boats, add an extra layer of fascination. It's a great place to explore, take photos, and appreciate the ingenuity of LEGO builders. Whether you're a LEGO enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, Miniland USA is a must-visit destination that sparks imagination and nostalgia.

#summerin SanDiego

[phil's bbq] 3750 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110-5129 ⏱ 11:00 - 21:00 There is a must-visit barbecue restaurant when you travel to San Diego, and that is "phil's bbq". It is close to Balboa Park and the price is reasonable, so it is great! ♡ The parking lot is large and drinks are unlimited refills! ♥ It is a great place for travelers to visit and eat until they are full. The palm trees all over San Diego are so beautiful and the sky was also beautiful. - #SummerIsSummer #USTravel