Find your shine in San Diego

Just 30 miles south of Carlsbad, “America’s Finest City” is a wonderland of fun in the sun. With magnificent beaches, world class restaurants, eclectic neighborhoods, and attractions for all ages, it’s no wonder why international transplants build their roots there. You’ll also find that friendly locals are eager to share the best kept secrets of San Diego. Think the trek is too far? Of all the cities near San Diego, Carlsbad is perfectly situated near regional transit options and major freeways which will get you to downtown San Diego and surrounding neighborhoods in no time.

Notable Rankings

When it comes to quality of life and places to visit, San Diego tops the charts.

Best

Cities for an Active Lifestyle - San Diego, CA

WalletHub, 2019

US Airport - San Diego International Airport

Forbes, 2019

Large City in America - San Diego, CA

Best Cities, 2018

Coolest City in America - San Diego, CA

Forbes, 2017

Big City in the U.S., Reader's Choice - San Diego, CA

CNTraveler, 2017

#27

Best City in the World - San Diego, CA

Best Cities, 2017

Neighborhoods

Find a place that fits your style

San Diego’s neighborhoods are diverse and inviting, offering unique experiences to visitors and residents. Downtown San Diego provides the allure of an urban setting with the electric Gaslamp District and iconic Little Italy being popular dining and nightlife destinations. Seaport Village is also a hotspot for shopping and harbor views. If you’re feeling the classic SoCal by-the-beach vibe, then you’ll be inclined to stroll the shores of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and the funky Ocean Beach. For hip and vibrant, hit up North Park and Hillcrest, while Old Town will give you a sense of the city’s historic past. Visit the grand and oft-photographed “Hotel Del” on Coronado or, for stunning beach views and chic shopping visit La Jolla, where you’ll see why this area is considered “the jewel” of San Diego.

Attractions & Sports

Pandas, Padres and more!

With over 800 species to see, the San Diego Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the world. If the sea is calling, Sea World San Diego offers a thrilling theme park along with some incredible up-close encounters with our marine friends. Balboa Park is home to over 16 museums hosting culture, nature, science and arts exhibits among spectacular gardens and architecture. Get a sense of San Diego as one of the nation’s military hubs aboard at the USS Midway Museum where you’ll be able to look inside a historic naval aircraft carrier.

Yes, the Chargers are really gone. But that doesn’t mean San Diego is anything less of a great sports town. Besides, you’ve got Aztecs, Toreros, Tritons and more to cheer for if you need to get into the school spirit. The San Diego Padres are the pride of the city, with Petco Park serving up home runs along some of the best ballpark food in America. Del Mar Racetrack, where turf meets surf, is a summertime favorite of the locals while the indoor excitement of Gulls hockey and Seals lacrosse brings dedicated fanbases from around the region.

Arts & Culture

Experience new cultural connections

Often dubbed the “Smithsonian of the West” Balboa Park is perfect relaxing day strolling around beautiful gardens and taking in engaging museums. Some of the more popular ones are the San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego Natural History Museum and the Timken Museum of Art. Speaking of art, the Arts District at Liberty Station is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Rock out or dance till you drop at some of San Diego’s most popular music venues including the Belly Up, Music Box, or Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay. And the play’s the thing especially at incredible theaters like the La Jolla Playhouse and the spectacular Old Globe Theater, where you’ll feel transported back into the time of Shakespeare.

Beaches & Outdoors

Beach or Bay, have it your way!

You can’t fully experience San Diego without a trip to the beach, and with so many options to choose from it’s clear as to why. Coronado is regularly considered one of America’s finest beaches with pristine stretches of sand and views of Point Loma. Have a family fun day at Belmont Park or barbeque on Mission Bay and take a quick dip in the waters of Mission Beach or Pacific Beach while you’re at it. Black’s Beach in La Jolla features looming cliffs and adventurous hang gliders hovering over miles of epic SoCal beaches. Venture a little further north, and you’ll be able to frolic with your four-legged friends at the Del Mar Dog Beach.

Events

The fun lasts year-round

Suit up this summer and don your finest superhero garb, because you’re going to want to partake in the epicness that is San Diego Comic Con, one of the largest and star-studded weekends in the world. From tacos to truffles, taste the best that San Diego has to offer during San Diego Restaurant Week or indulge on fried goodness at the San Diego County Fair. You won’t want to miss the Miramar Air Show, the largest military air show in the United States. Football fanatics rejoice–the SDCCU Holiday Bowl comes to San Diego every December featuring epic matchups between Big 10 and Pac 12 powerhouses. Torrey Pines Golf Course is part of professional golf’s “West Coast Swing” with the Farmers Insurance Open held there every year and the U.S. Open returning regularly.