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With endless sunshine and urban delights, Southern California’s golden child reigns supreme over the entire region.
Many agree that Los Angeles has lost its way, and Orange County is still on the rise, with Anaheim leading the charge.
But it’s the famous one 70 miles of beautiful coastline where record numbers of tourists are pouring in. Whether it is spring, summer, autumn, and now as the page turns to winter, the blue sky and blue water of San Diego always calling your name.
The proof is in the pudding with the latest tourism statistics to show 32 million visitors have already gathered here – and the year is not over yet!
This is especially impressive considering some of the frustrations and unusual aspects that ‘America’s Finest City’ has seen in 2024, but things have turned around.
One thing’s for sure: the appeal of San Diego’s outdoor splendor and laid-back lifestyle have overshadowed California’s other well-known destinations, making it the ultimate West Coast beach getaway.
70 degrees, safe and endless things to do
For perspective, I am one largely I’ve been a proud San Diegan for a decade, but there are definitely days when I dip my toes in the digital nomad waters, ready to take a full dip.
For tourists, though, San Diego is remarkable, and that’s what sold it to me when I first visited. Not much has changed and it still lives up to the name ‘Sunny San Diego’.
Political leaders come and go, and gas prices rise and fall, but the ocean breezes and sun-drenched shores are a constant, luring visitors and keeping locals happy (and distracting from the higher cost of living).
Looking at the scope of California, there simply isn’t a better beach town. LA has been transformed into an unrecognizable shell of an icon, with many residents and recent visitors agreeing that the city has lost its magic.
The same can be said for San Francisco, a city that once prided itself on its progressive spirit but now boasts zombie-like streets and notable spikes in crime.
It’s almost like that ironic like an Alanis Morrisette song, right? A city with Alcatraz in the background struggles to keep its own streets safe…
San Diego has its own problems and notable pockets that deter tourists, but overall, there isn’t a major city on the West Coast where you’ll feel safer.
Whether it’s a night out in the Gas lampeating Baja-style tacos on the beach Pacific beachor take a step back in time Balboa Park centuries-old Spanish architecture, or discover California’s roots Old town – and that’s just the beginning!
Where pristine beaches meet urban delights
San Diego is the antithesis of LA’s image-obsessed culture. Yes, you’ll still encounter Botox smiles and thousand-dollar millionaires, but those encounters are mainly 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 undergoing a renaissance, everywhere between the ‘island’ of Coronado and Oceanside offers postcard-worthy beaches, all with a different atmosphere.
For example, tourists typically congregate at Mission Beach, home to beachside roller coasters and carnival games Belmont Park.
The party crowd loves Pacific Beach, with great happy hours along Garnet Ave. and until late at night Mavericks Every evening until 2am, except Sundays.
The more relaxed places are for the most part off the radar of tourists.
Between the luxury resorts of Del Mar and Carlsbad (two of my favorites for staycations) are Solana Beach, Cardiff and Encinitas – all great beach spots with a cold Mexican beer and delicious local seafood, like the mouth-watering Fish n chips bee 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 at Hotel Circle, where there is honestly nothing to do.
These are 5 of my favorite neighborhoods off the typical tourist path:
- Kensington (never busy; every restaurant has a patio!)
- Shelter island (check out Kellogg Beach, a local secret!)
- North Park (booming beer scene and eclectic food)
- 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 year’ to celebrate and enjoy the holidays less crowds as most Arizonans will have made the trek back home.
Trade your swimsuits for ugly sweaters and join many transformed Christmas bars, including my favorite password-required speakeasy behind the aforementioned 3rd Avenue’s Lime In The Coconutwhere “X” marks the spot (that’s your clue).
And then you can trade in your ugly sweater for formal wear at perhaps the best brunch spot in San Diego with Bloody Marys to die for.
Check out one Flavor of the Turf Club overlooking the famous Del Mar Racetrack and enjoy all the holiday flair of the Bing Crosby season.
But my favorite winter destination is Julian, a local mountain town with a battlefield full of pie shops that claim to be the best.
Experience the ‘White Christmas’ atmosphere just an hour away, where you’ll find old-fashioned shops, rustic inns and the best sangria in the world Blue Door Winery.
Make sure you check this road conditions before you visit.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
