San Diego is an understated Californian holiday destination, having better beaches than Los Angeles, loads of culture and entertainment, and good national travel deals. It basks in the sun year round and also boasts excellent shopping and many family attractions, while nearby are plenty of extras to see by car rental from San Diego.
Getting there
San Diego International Airport is only a few minutes from downtown and its attractions by car and is a much better alternative to LAX if you are staying in the city. National deals on travel to San Diego are available year round. Both Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses also terminate in town. Coming by rental car to San Diego, the I-5 serves from Los Angeles and runs on down to the Mexican border. Interstate 805 is a useful bypass and I-8 heads east into the mountains.
Key attractions
This sunny city is one for the family as there are many fun attractions in the town, including San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and the awesome Wild Animal Park. Balboa Park is a major go-to area, too, with its gardens and museums, and for city fun by night, head for the buzzing Gaslamp district.
Out and about
Many visitors with car rental in San Diego head due south to Tijuana, over the border into Mexico. Note Itеs best to park up and walk over to the town to avoid the traffic. There are quieter beaches all up the coast, such as at Encinitas or Del Mar, while Carlsbad features California Legoland.
Leisure options
The beaches are the main attraction in San Diego, year round, with dozens to choose from and also some pretty, protected parks. Swimming, water sports, and sailing are all popular pastimes and there are a huge number of golf courses that are accessible by rental car from San Diego.
Safety
San Diego is a lot more laidback and easy on the nerves than Los Angeles, though the beaches and Balboa Park are best avoided at night. Pickpockets are prevalent during summer, particularly near beaches and on public transport, while driving in Tijuana is tougher.