San Diego Holidays
Welcome to America's Finest City
Somewhere between strolling along San Diego’s 70 miles of coastline, making room for that last fish taco, kayaking with sea lions in La Jolla, and catching a show in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, you can see how this Californian outpost has earned the moniker, ‘America’s Finest City’. In fact, this is not San Diego’s only crowning title. The city is known as the ‘Craft Beer Capital of America’, as well as being home to the largest urban cultural park in the US, the largest pop-culture convention in the world, and the pioneering San Diego Zoo.
Luxury Holidays in San Diego
Whilst giving off an air of relaxed barefoot charm, San Diego is also a sophisticated hub for business and leisure. Check yourself in at one of the city’s most exclusive resorts and peruse a bevy of luxury experiences. Indulge in some retail therapy at the upscale boutiques in La Jolla. Hire a Duffy boat to sail across San Diego Bay. Watch the sun setting over the water from Coasterra restaurant whilst enjoying an extraordinary meal. In terms of comfort, refinement and, moreover, unforgettable moments, San Diego is your oyster.
5 Reasons to visit San Diego
Around The World – Get a sense of San Diego’s Mexican heritage at the Old Town, with its authentic eateries serving mouth-watering burritos, and an array of historical buildings, museums and shops. Also be sure to take advantage of the number of annual events representing the diversity in San Diego, including the Asian Film Festival and Precious Festa – the largest Italian festival in Western USA, in gastronomic hotspot, Little Italy.
Active Adventures – Those who enjoy picking up the pace in the great outdoors will fall head over heels for San Diego and its epic surrounds. Brilliant beaches are a surf and sail paradise, whilst land lovers should head to Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, Cowles Mountain, or Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for some unbelievable hiking trails. San Diego is a fantastic golfing destination with over 90 courses, meanwhile cyclists will have plenty of ground to cover around San Diego Bay.
Family Friendly – San Diego has theme parks and family-friendly activities galore. Beyond the entertainment giants that are Legoland, SeaWorld, USS Midway, and The Zoo, there are also some fantastic lesser-known attractions to frequent. Visit Belmont Park to experience a historic wooden rollercoaster, go to the Children’s Pool at La Jolla for child-proof wildlife watching, watch a San Diego Padres Baseball Game, or even take a group surfing lesson.
Bottoms up – San Diego hosts over 150 local breweries and 115 dynamic wineries, as well as being a gateway for some of the finest vineyards in both California and Mexico. Coupled with an amazing beer and wine industry, San Diego also offers a buzzing nightlife. Start your night at a world-class tap room and end in Downtown’s lively Gaslamp Quarter, where 16 city blocks await, packed with rooftop bars, jazz bars, and VIP nightclubs.
Beachcombing – From snorkelling and swimming to beach volleyball and simply soaking up the radiant sunshine, San Diego’s varied and vibrant coastline is undeniably attractive. A staggering number of beaches invite all kinds of aquatic exploration, whilst we can’t forget perhaps the largest waterpark of its kind in the world: Mission Bay Park. Comprised of 4,200 stunning acres and 27 miles of golden beaches, Mission Bay is a beach lover’s dream.
Things to do on holiday in San Diego
Spice Things Up – Being so close physically to Mexico, San Diego is the prime destination in America for discovering the joys of Latino cuisine. Hunt for the perfect fish taco, the most piquant jalapeno margaritas, or the birthplace of the carne asada burrito. We recommend grabbing a table at Puesto in Seaport Village, where the atmosphere and décor is superseded only by the punchiness of their flavours.
Art in the Park – A trip to Balboa Park is a definite highlight, from lavish gardens and magnificent backdrops to performing arts, museums, restaurants and a wealth of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo. El Prado oozes character, awash with tropical vegetation, swaying palm trees, and Spanish colonial buildings, it’s the perfect place for a picnic or a romantic evening stroll.
Get Wild – If animals are your thing then a trip to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park or SeaWorld should be top of your list. Get up close and personal with whales, polar bears, sharks and penguins at SeaWorld before seeing the giant panda family, elephants and monkeys at San Diego Zoo, all surrounded by exotic plants and landscapes.
Escape the City – Take the quick trip across the San Diego Bay to Coronado Island, where you’ll find a stunning beach and the legendary Hotel Del Coronado, which serves a legendary Sunday brunch. Travel up into the mountains and you’ll encounter the historic mining town of Julian, where you can try some of the best apple pie in America. Julian is also home to a range of old western style streets as well as antique shops.
San Diego Weather
The weather in San Diego is phenomenal, characterised by warm dry summers, mild winters and low rainfall. With on average 201 days a year with temperatures 21°C and above, it’s the perfect holiday hotspot in terms of climate.
San Diego Facts
• State - California
• Area - 372.4 sq. miles
• Population - 1,301,607
Twin Centre & Multi Centre
America’s golden west coast is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches and the laid back lifestyle that they inspire. San Diego is ideally positioned to the south of both LA and San Francisco, meaning a multi-centre trip visiting them both doesn’t have to involve going back on yourself. LA is perfect for a dual-centre excursion, being only a short flight or around 2 – 3 hours’ drive away.
San Diego Holidays 2024 / 2025
Please avoid disappointment and book early for your 2024 / 2025 holidays in the USA. With Kenwood Travel you’ll find bespoke luxury holidays at fantastic value. Explore your options for an exclusive escape to San Diego with one of our travel experts. With over 45 years’ worth of experience, we are well-equipped to help you find the holiday of a lifetime.
Special offers
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Boasting beautiful surroundings, three swimming pools and a host of other excellent amenities, the Sheraton San Diego is a perfect San Diego Destination.
5 nights Room Only including United Airlines flights from £968 per person
Holidays we think you'll like
Top Pick Hotels
Hotel del Coronado
A symbol of Victorian elegance, this San Diego resort boasts 28 acres of oceanfront property. Its iconic red-roofed towers and secluded Beach Village houses 679 rooms.
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Perched on a sandy bluff overlooking the sparkling ocean, the Pacific Terrace Hotel provides Four Diamond, beachfront accommodations in San Diego's Pacific Beach.
Pendry San Diego
Embodying the sun-kissed spirit of San Diego, this 5* resort located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter enjoys proximity to many key area attractions, as well as fantastic quality.
The US Grant
Set in the Gaslamp Quarter, this Art Deco-style hotel is elegance at its finest, featuring an art work collection worth $6.5M and an award winning restaurant.
Things to do in San Diego
USS Midway
Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, the USS Midway was once the longest-serving aircraft carrier in American history. Today, it serves as a captivating museum, offering fantastic interactive exhibits perfect for groups and families to explore. Over its lifetime, more than 200,000 men served aboard this colossal vessel. Visitors can learn about their experiences, from the flight deck showcasing 29 aircraft to the flight simulators that provide a glimpse into the lives of the pilots who once roamed its skies.
Balboa Park
This 1,200-acre nature park features 17 museums, gardens, musical theatres, a sports complex, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Its Spanish-Moorish architecture and 19 distinct gardens draw visitors from all over the globe. Highlights include the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the Spanish Village Art Centre for unique handicrafts, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which hosts free evening concerts. We recommend setting aside a whole day to explore the park. To maximize your time, take advantage of the free Balboa Park trams.
The Gaslamp Quarter
A renowned district in downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is often referred to as the "historic heart" of the city. This vibrant area offers an unforgettable ambiance and an endless array of attractions and activities. Enjoy the lively outdoor entertainment at Horton Plaza Park, admire the iconic ornate lamps, and savour local cuisine at a variety of inviting restaurants. Be sure to visit the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House and the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum to delve into the rich history and culture of the area.
Petco Park
Petco Park offers a spectacular experience with the best sight lines in baseball and breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally stunning, the park celebrates the region's sea, sky, natural beauty, cultural diversity, and unique spirit. Our goal is to make this not only the best ballpark in America but also one of the top entertainment destinations. Located in downtown San Diego, Petco Park is surrounded by numerous bars and restaurants and is within walking distance of the Convention Centre, Seaport Village, and Waterfront Park.
San Diego Zoo
Renowned for its innovative cageless exhibits, San Diego Zoo offers visitors a delightful and informative journey. Housing over 4,000 animals, the park presents a rich tapestry of wildlife from various ecosystems, ranging from deserts to rainforests. Board the tour bus, traversing three-quarters of the zoo, where a knowledgeable guide shares insights about the animals as you observe them in their natural environments. For a panoramic view of the entire park, don't miss the opportunity to soar above on the 'Skyfari' gondola lift.
La Jolla Cove
This beach, nestled between sandstone cliffs along the San Diego coast, offers calm waters perfect for diving and snorkelling. Stroll along the rocky shore to observe large colonies of sea lions lounging in their natural habitat and tending to their pups. Enjoy a picnic while taking in the ocean views from the cliffs at sunset. During low tide, you can swim in the crystal-clear tidal pools. Don't miss Sunny Jim's Sea Cave, accessible via a tunnel. Arrive early in the morning to secure a parking spot.
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