With never-ending sunshine and urban delights, Southern California’s golden child is reigning supreme over the entire region.
Many agree Los Angeles has lost its way, and Orange County is still on the up-and-up with Anaheim leading the charge.
But it’s the famed 70 miles of beautiful coastline where record numbers of tourists are pouring in. No matter if it’s spring, summer, fall, and now flipping the page to winter, the blue skies and blue waters of San Diego are always calling your name.
The proof is in the pudding with the latest tourism statistics showing 32 million visitors have already flocked here – and the year’s not over!
This is extra impressive given some frustrations and unusual aspects ‘America’s Finest City’ has seen in 2024, but things have turned a corner.
One thing is for sure – the allure of San Diego’s outdoor splendor and laid-back lifestyle have eclipsed California’s other well-known destinations, making it the ultimate beach getaway on the West Coast.
70 Degrees, Safe & Endless Things To Do
For perspective, I’ve been a mostly proud San Diegan for a decade, but there are certainly days when I have my toes dipped into the digital nomad water, ready to take a full plunge.
For tourists, however, San Diego is remarkable, and that’s how it sold me when I first visited. Not much has changed, and it still lives up to the ‘Sunny San Diego’ moniker.
Political leaders come and go, and gas prices go up and down, but the ocean breeze and sun-kissed shores are constants, luring in visitors and keeping locals fulfilled (and distracted from the upper-tier costs of living).
Looking at the scope of California, there’s simply no better beach city. LA has transformed into an unrecognizable shell of an icon, where many residents and recent visitors alike agree the city has lost its magic.
Same can be said for San Francisco, a city that once prided itself on its progressive spirit, now finds itself with zombie-like streets and notable spikes in crime.
It’s almost as ironic as an Alanis Morrisette song, isn’t it? A city backdropped with Alcatraz now struggles to keep its own streets secure…
San Diego has its own set of issues with notable pockets off-putting to tourists, but overall, there’s no major city on the West Coast you’ll feel safer.
Whether it be enjoying a night out in the Gaslamp, eating Baja-style tacos beachside in Pacific Beach, or taking a step back in time perusing Balboa Park’s centuries-old Spanish architecture, or discover California’s roots in Old Town – and that’s just scratching the surface!
Where Pristine Beaches Meet Urban Delights
San Diego is the antithesis to LA’s image-obsessed culture. Yes, you’ll still come across Botox’d smiles and thousand-dollar millionaires, but those encounters are primarily limited to La Jolla and Coronado, two of the bougie-est beach towns here.
It’s the pristine coastline, endless outdoor adventures, and salt-of-the-Earth people that truly define San Diego 2 hours away from the bright lights of Hollywood.
While the southernmost beach town, Imperial Beach, is due for a renaissance, anywhere between the “island” of Coronado to Oceanside offers postcard-worthy beaches, all with different vibes.
For example, tourists typically congregate at Mission Beach, home to beachside roller coasters and carnival games at Belmont Park.
The party crowd loves Pacific Beach with great happy hours all along Garnet Ave. and late-night ragers at Maverick’s ’til 2am every night but Sunday.
The more laid-back spots are ones off tourists’ radar for the most part.
Between the upscale resorts of Del Mar and Carlsbad (two of my faves for ‘staycations’), lies Solana Beach, Cardiff and Encinitas – all great beach hangout spots with a cold Mexican beer and delicious local seafood, like the mouthwatering Fish N’ Chips at Fish Shop (some of the best I’ve ever had; and I’ve been to London twice!).
Better yet, San Diego is home to some really cool neighborhoods. Unfortunately, many tourists stay in Hotel Circle, where quite honestly there’s nothing to do.
These are 5 of my favorite neighborhoods off the typical tourist path:
- Kensington (never crowded; every restaurant has a patio!)
- Shelter Island (check out Kellogg Beach, a local secret!)
- North Park (thriving beer scene and eclectic eats)
- Mission Hills (great brunch spots and epic views from Presidio Park)
- Chula Vista’s ‘3rd Avenue’ (sublime Mexican food and trendy cafes)
Why Visit San Diego In Winter
Winter is a ‘wonderful time of the year’ to be festive for the holidays and enjoy less crowds as most Arizonians will have made the trek back home..
Swap your swimwear for ugly sweaters and join in many-a transformed Christmas bars, including my favorite password-required speakeasy behind the aforementioned 3rd Avenue’s Lime In The Coconut, where “X” marks the spot (that’s your hint).
And then you can trade in your ugly sweater for formal attire at arguably the best brunch spot in San Diego with Bloody Marys to die for.
Check out a Taste of the Turf Club overlooking the famous Del Mar Racetrack and enjoy all the holiday flair of the Bing Crosby Season.
But my favorite wintry escape is Julian, a local mountain town home to a battleground of pie shops claiming to be the best.
Experience ‘white Christmas’ vibes just an hour away, where you’ll find old-timey shops, rustic inns, and the best Sangria on Earth at Blue Door Winery.
Just make sure to check road conditions before visiting.
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