San Diego Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Positioned just across the Mexican border on the southern edge of California is the vibrant city of San Diego. With endless sunshine, world-class attractions for families, and fascinating cultural sights, you won't be disappointed during a trip to America's Finest City.

San Diego is historically significant as it was the first location inhabited by Europeans on the American West Coast. Explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo claimed the area for Spain in the mid 16th century and was originally part of the Mexican Empire. San Diego became part of the U.S. in the mid 19th century in the wake of the Mexican-American War. 

Now California's second city, San Diego draws visitors from across the world looking to soak up some sun and experience the Golden State. Swing by a San Diego luggage locker with Bounce and take a tour of this gorgeous city.

A weekend in San Diego

10 Best Ways to Experience San Diego in 2024

With one of the best climates in the United States, many things to visit, including Sea World and the famous San Diego Zoo, and some fabulous beaches and nature conservancies, there are plenty of reasons to visit this city. Throw in a long and varied history, and a rich mix of cultures, and you are assured of a colorful and interesting stay.  

You will not want to be bothered by having to haul your bags with you, so Bounce luggage storage services have teamed up with local businesses to provide easy–to–access and reliable storage facilities. That will leave you free to enjoy an unencumbered visit.  

Best San Diego Tours for Wine Connoisseurs – S.D. Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours

San Diego is in wine country so if you would like to get to experience some of the local vineyards and taste what all of the fuss is about, this is your chance. This company has a number of tours, and they are very varied. They offer tours for those who prefer to be chauffeured, another for those who are happy to just walk, and even a train tour for those who just like to be a little bit different. They will also put together events for private parties or help turn your corporate get-together into something truly memorable.

Call them on 858-551-5115 or email at tasty@sdbeerwinespirits.com

Best Hiking Tours – San Diego Tours, Experiences and amp; Adventures

When in San Diego, you are in a city surrounded by hidden gems. All around you lie adventure possibilities if you just have the right people to guide you. Whether you are after some desert hiking, off – the – beaten – track canyons to explore, or doing a bit of serious climbing, this is a company that can be of service. They promise you adventures that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

To find out more of what they are about talk to them on 619-987-2341 or email them at runco@sdri.net

Best Way to Capture San Diego – San Diego Photo Tours

Our photos are often our main mementos to remind us of our experiences and transport us back in time, even many years later. Having a few quickly snapped selfies is all very well, but if you want your photos to go beyond that, then having a professional to guide you to the best vantage points can be crucial. 

San Diego Photo Tours offer the services of professional photographers to take you on tours ranging from four hours to a full day. Under their expert guidance, you are bound to come away with those brilliant images you were hoping for.

Call 858-692-8402 or email@sdphototours.com

Best Walking Tours – San Diego Walks

This is a city that lends itself to being explored on foot.  There is a rich history here and many of the famous landmarks hold deeper secrets that you simply wouldn’t uncover without expert local guidance.  This company has many tours and the variety is quite surprising. You could discover the secrets of Balboa Park, or you might just prefer to delve into some of the old town tales combined with tacos and tequila. 

Learn more about what they propose by emailing at info@sndiegowalks.com or call on 619-329-9926

Best Sailing Tours of San Diego – Sail San Diego

When seen from the water, a city always offers a very different picture of itself. This company poses a range of sailing adventures that last anything from two to six hours. What's more, they are happy to cater to kids, and you can be assured that your child will delight in exploring San Diego beneath canvas sails. 

Combining San Diego’s great beauty with both the wind and the waves is an experience you won’t soon forget. Call 619-297-7426 or email at info@sailsandiego.com

Best Ghost Tours – Haunted Dan Diego

There is a side to this city that few get to experience. If you think you are brave enough and are over ten years old, then you might just be ready to experience the spooky side of San Diego. Delve deep into the hidden history and ghostly folklore that other tours don’t like to mention when you choose a walking tour or haunted bus tour.  

All tours take place after dark, and none of them will leave you unchanged. Call 619-255-6170 or email to book your ghostly encounter at Info@HauntedSanDiegoTours.com

Best Tours of La Jolla – Everyday California

Here’s a company that can get you up close to nature with their ocean adventures. La Jolla is a spectacular ecological reserve, and these guys offer you the chance to experience it by kayak. Paddle through one of the highest concentrations of marine life in California, explore hidden sea caves, and look out for gray whales or spotted Leopard Sharks. No experience is necessary, and you will come away with memories to last a lifetime.

To find out more about their kayaking safaris or one of the many other ocean adventures they can provide, email  info@everydaycalifornia.com or call them on 858-454-6195

Best Bike Tour – Fat Wood Beach Cruiser Experience

Coronado Island, just opposite San Diego, offers a wealth of beach experiences. For the uninitiated, Fat Woody Cruisers are handcrafted electric bikes that provide a unique touring experience. Accompanied by your guide, bike creator, and local expert, you are guaranteed a wonderful outing along with plenty of laughter. Riders need to be over 21, but minors can come if over 14 and supervised by their parents.

If you fancy weaving along ocean paths while riding a totally exceptional machine then call 619-779-2314 or email at sales@fatwoodycruisers.com

Best Private Tours – San Diego Best Private Tours – Journeys with Julie

Julie prefers to think of herself as a travel “coach” rather than just a tour guide. She brings with her a wealth of in-depth knowledge about her city and loves nothing better than sharing it with curious travelers. Rather than creating tours and then persuading you to go on them, she prefers to discuss the options and then build a tour around you.

To chat with Julie and create a tour that is perfect for your own tastes and needs, call her on 898-692-8402 or email her at SDPrivateTours@gmail.com

Best Car Tours in San Diego – San Diego Ride & Tours 

Let someone else take the strain of getting you there. This is a company that offers the full spectrum of San Diego tours and all from the comfort of one of their luxury vehicles. Whether you fancy a beer tour, a wine tour, or want to see some of the sights, this company is able to get you there. They can put together day tours or longer experiences and are happy to work with you to provide the travel adventure most appropriate to your needs.

Call 619-794-2486 or email them at info@sdrtours.com

Spending a weekend in San Diego is sure to create some great memories. Ideal for both families and solo adventurers, San Diego provides an excellent variety of activities. 

• Discover exotic animals at the San Diego Zoo. The most popular zoo in the U.S., the San Diego Zoo boasts roughly 800 animal species, including harpy eagles, polar bears, and jaguars.
• Tour the historic U.S.S. Midway. A decommissioned aircraft carrier, the Midway served in the U.S. Navy for over 45 years. Visitors can climb aboard this vast vessel and learn about its inner working and Cold War history.
• Get your adrenaline pumping at Belmont Park. This beachfront amusement park has been a family favorite since 1925. It features the Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster dating back to the park's opening, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Soak up some sun at La Jolla Cove. One of San Diego's best swimming spots, these crystal clear waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. 

San Diego lockers

San Diego is one of the U.S.'s most walkable cities; however, you probably won't want to lug anything around the city with the sun beating down. Bounce provides the best luggage storage services in San Diego, where you can securely stow your stuff while making the most of your San Diego adventure. Download the Bounce app and find a convenient San Diego luggage storage service perfect for your vacation. 

Off the beaten path in San Diego

San Diego is superb for getting some peace and quiet away from big crowds. From expansive local parks to hidden gem attractions, San Diego has it all. Drop your bags off at a luggage locker in San Diego, and step off the beaten path at these excursions.

• Relax for the day at Balboa Park. Covering around 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of the oldest public parks in the country. The park contains several themed gardens, including Japanese and Australian displays, and is perfect for a picnic in the sunshine.
• Plan a hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve. A 1,500 acre stretch of undeveloped California coastline, Torrey Pines State Reserve is popular with birdwatchers, and annual whale migrations can sometimes be seen from the clifftops. 
• Enjoy sublime city views from atop Cowles Mountain. Standing at around 1,592 feet tall, Cowles Mountain is the highest point in the city. The trek up can be challenging but provides some of the best views of San Diego's skyline.

What to do alone in San Diego

If you're in San Diego on business or just looking to kill some time on a layover, it can be tricky to work out the best activities for lone travelers. Luckily, San Diego has an array of museums and historic sights to visit, which are well-suited to solo sightseers. Keep your bags safe by checking in at a San Diego luggage locker, and add these activities to your individual itinerary. 

• The San Diego Museum of Art is an excellent excursion to take alone. Kill a few hours touring the museum's collection, with items dating back to 3,000 B.C. You'll find works by many famous artists on display here, including Henri Matisse, Rene Magritte, and Georgia O'Keefe.
• Take to the skies at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. This museum is home to dozens of historic air and spacecraft, such as the Apollo 9 Command Module and a reproduction of the 1902 Wright Glider. 
• Step back in time at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Situated in San Diego's Old Town, this state historic park features several original buildings dating back as far as 1820.

The best souvenirs in San Diego

You'll no doubt miss the endless sunshine San Diego has to offer, so why not pick a memento from your travels? There are several excellent souvenirs you can pick up around the city which make great keepsakes and presents. San Diego doesn't have much in the way of iconic cuisine, but they are known to produce some mouthwatering chocolate treats. San Diego is also a seaside town with an artsy population. As a result, you might want to consider picking up a nautical painting of the area to remember your experiences in America's Finest City.