We have been to a lot of places. A lot. Nine years on the road will do that to you. But San Diego? San Diego hits different.
The weather is perfect. The food is unreal. The scenery makes you want to pull over every five minutes and just stare. And the people are some of the friendliest we have ever met on the road.
We have spent a lot of time exploring this city. We know the good spots and the not-so-good ones. So we put this guide together for you. Whether you are planning your first visit or your fifth, we think you will find something useful here.
Let us get into it.
What You Will Find in This Guide
1. Why San Diego Should Be on Your List
2. The Best Areas to Stay
3. Things You Cannot Miss
4. Where to Eat (Trust Us on This One)
5. Tips for RVers
6. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why San Diego Should Be on Your List
Here is the short answer: the weather.
San Diego gets about 266 sunny days per year. The average temperature in summer sits right around 75 degrees. There is almost no rain from June through September. It is basically the closest thing to perfect weather you will find in the United States.
But it is not just the weather. San Diego has beaches, mountains, deserts, and a big beautiful bay. All within a short drive of each other. You can surf in the morning and hike in the afternoon. You can spend a day at one of the best zoos in the world and then have fresh fish tacos on the water for dinner.
It is also a city with real history. Old Town San Diego is considered the birthplace of California. The USS Midway has been sitting in the harbor since 1992 and it is one of the coolest museums you will ever walk through. There is a lot here. More than most people realize.
2. The Best Areas to Stay
San Diego is a big city. Where you stay makes a big difference in how much you enjoy your trip. Here are the areas we love most:
- Mission Bay. This is our favorite. You are right on the water with easy access to the beach, Old Town, and the Gaslamp Quarter. It is central to everything.
- Chula Vista. Just south of downtown. A little more relaxed, great views of the bay, and some really good food options. This is actually where we anchor our Hot August Nights tour.
- Coronado. If you want that classic beach-town feel, Coronado is hard to beat. The Hotel del Coronado alone is worth a visit, even if you are not staying there.
- Pacific Beach. Great for younger travelers or anyone who wants to be right in the middle of the beach scene. Lively, fun, and walkable.
For RVers, the campground options near the bay and Chula Vista are some of the best in Southern California. Full hookups, great views, and easy access to everything.
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3. Things You Cannot Miss
We are not going to list every tourist attraction in San Diego. You can Google that. What we are going to do is tell you the things we think you absolutely have to do. No skipping these.
- Balboa Park. Over 1,200 acres of museums, gardens, and the famous Spanish Colonial buildings. You could spend two full days here and still not see everything. The San Diego Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum are our picks.
- The San Diego Zoo. Yes, it is a zoo. But it is not just any zoo. It is consistently ranked as one of the top five zoos in the entire world. The animals, the exhibits, the landscaping. All of it is incredible.
- Old Town San Diego. This is California’s birthplace. It is free to walk around and the history is fascinating. Add a plate of enchiladas and a cold margarita and you have got yourself a perfect afternoon.
- USS Midway Museum. An actual aircraft carrier turned museum, sitting right in the harbor. Walk the flight deck, climb into the cockpits, and try one of the flight simulators. It is impossible not to be amazed.
- La Jolla Cove. Sea caves, harbor seals, crystal-clear water. If you like snorkeling, this is one of the best spots in the country. If you just want to sit and watch the seals do their thing, that is great too.
- Coronado Island. Take the ferry across the bay and spend a few hours exploring this beautiful little island. Rent bikes and ride along the Silver Strand. Stop in at the Hotel del Coronado for a drink. Do not miss it.
“San Diego is the kind of place that makes you understand why people move there and never leave.” — Paul & Lorena
4. Where to Eat (Trust Us on This One)
San Diego has world-class food. And we are not just talking about fancy restaurants. Some of the best things we have ever eaten here cost less than ten dollars.
Start with fish tacos. San Diego has a real claim to being the fish taco capital of the United States. Do not leave without having at least three or four. Our rule is to find the places that look a little rough around the edges. Those are usually the best ones.
The craft beer scene here is no joke either. San Diego has over 150 craft breweries. You will not run out of options. Stone Brewing and Ballast Point are the big names, but honestly some of the smaller neighborhood spots are even better.
If you want a full sit-down dinner, the Gaslamp Quarter has dozens of great options in a really fun, lively setting. George’s at the Cove in La Jolla is more upscale but worth it for a special night out. And if you want the freshest seafood in the city, head to the waterfront near the Embarcadero.
One more thing. If Lorena is with you and you are anywhere near the border, she will absolutely make the case for a quick day trip to Tijuana for the best street tacos and churros you have ever had in your life. Just trust her on this.
5. Tips for RVers
We are full-time RVers. We have pulled our rig into San Diego more than once. Here is what we have learned:
- Book early. San Diego campgrounds fill up fast, especially in summer. If you are coming in July or August, try to book at least three to four months out.
- Know your rig size. Some of the more popular campgrounds have length limits. If you are in a big Class A or a long fifth wheel, check before you book.
- The bay area campgrounds are worth the extra cost. The views and location make it worth it. You will not spend as much on gas driving to all the attractions.
- Parking a toad in the city is much easier than trying to navigate a big rig. If you pull a toad or have a tow vehicle, use it for day trips into downtown and the neighborhoods.
- August is peak season. Expect crowds at the popular spots. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to beat the lines.
Overall, San Diego is one of the most RV-friendly big cities we have visited. The infrastructure is good, the campgrounds are well-run, and the people are used to seeing rigs on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit San Diego?
Any time, honestly. But late summer is our personal favorite. August and September have warm temperatures, low crowds compared to July, and the ocean is at its warmest. That is why we run our Hot August Nights tour in August.
How many days do you need in San Diego?
We think you need at least five to seven days to do it right. You can see the highlights in three or four days, but you will feel rushed. A full week lets you explore at a comfortable pace and actually enjoy yourself.
Is San Diego good for families?
It is one of the best family destinations in the country. The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, the beaches, LEGOLAND nearby in Carlsbad. There is something for every age group.
Can you do a day trip to Tijuana from San Diego?
Yes, and Lorena highly recommends it. The border crossing at San Ysidro is the busiest in the world, so go early and expect a wait on the way back. You will need a valid passport. The food and shopping are fantastic and it is a unique cultural experience just a few miles from downtown San Diego.
Is San Diego expensive?
It can be. But it does not have to be. There are tons of free things to do including beaches, Balboa Park, Old Town, and the waterfront. Campsite costs vary but are generally in line with other major West Coast cities. Budget carefully and you can have an amazing trip without going overboard.
The Bottom Line
San Diego earns every bit of its reputation. The weather, the food, the scenery, the history. It has got it all. And we genuinely believe the best way to experience it is with an RV, with people you enjoy being around, and with no rush to be anywhere.
That is exactly what we built our Hot August Nights tour around. A full week in America’s Finest City, with Paul and Lorena as your guides, and 20 rigs of great people to share it with.
If that sounds like your kind of trip, we want to hear from you.
