This beautiful beach city is the best winter getaway in California, according to travel experts

There are a limited number of places that offer winter sun and that travelers go to year after year. California is one of them.

While iconic cities like San Francisco can get a little spicy, Southern California has sunshine all year round, from the bright lights of Hollywood to the border.

To prove I’m not biased, travel experts called my hometown of California the best sunny escape from the frigid temperatures blanketing much of continental America.

That’s right – my hometown of San Diego is the best winter destination this year, according to Gaan (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).

And they are right!

Not only are there vibrant shores waiting to lure you away from clearing your driveway, there’s no shortage of fun in the sun when it comes to “America’s Finest City.”

San Diego: In winter, it’s best to avoid hordes of crowds

People I meet who know I live here, but have never been here, always assume that San Diego lives up to its “75 and sunny” vibe 365 days a year.

While no spot is spotless, it’s still pretty close, with the exception of a handful of odd weather days mixed together. Heck, we even had a tornado warning last week!

But don’t worry: It’s like seeing a unicorn at the San Diego Zoo.

The weather is truly glorious, and even more so if you can find your own piece of paradise, which is an impossible task in late spring and especially summer.

Mission Beach (as seen above), lined with carnivals and roller coasters, becomes virtually off-limits to locals during “tourist season” when vehicles with Arizona and Nevada plates invade our roads.

Like La Jolla to see the sea lions, like Pacific Beach to convince yourself you’re still young, and even what we San Diegans consider our secrets has slowly but surely become the new favorite spot for tourists (ahem, Solana Beach).

But that all changes in winter. You can park in the front row just steps from the beach and find an open bar stool at a seaside bar in an instant, which is my new favorite Mrs. B’s Coconut Club at the aforementioned Mission Beach, and of course head to the famous San Diego Zoo, where far fewer snot-nosed kids run around like wild banshes.

Insider tip: Even though there is plenty of parking in the winter, be aware of San Diego’s new downtown area parking laws implemented during events ($10 per hour?!).

Experience more culture than you might expect

Considering that San Diego sits in the gigantic shadow of LA, first-time buyers seem to think San Diego is a small coastal town.

In reality, it is a fully-fledged city with countless fascinating facets, regardless of your interests.

Yes, some beach communities exude small-town charm, where the locals all seem to know each other, but San Diego is actually one of America’s greatest cities, and I always encourage visitors to venture outside their comfort zone, past the zoo, Mission Beach, the Gaslamp Quarter, and every other notable spot endlessly regurgitated in guidebooks.

For example, don’t eat at Mission Beach unless you have to: it’s a tourist area.

For an authentic meal you can go to the Convoy district most popular La Jolla for San Diego’s version of Chinatown. Head to the outskirts of downtown, to Little Italy and grab a Soppressata sandwich at Mona Lisa’s deli, or my new favorite coffee shop, Twoa hidden stand on the distant nThe north end that feels and tastes straight out of Italy.

Or if you want the best seafood in town, go to Mitch’s, and I promise the only disappointment is that it is busy all year round.

Visiting the zoo puts you just steps from the heart of Balboa Park, which seems straight out of Mexico’s Old World with its ornate Spanish-colonial architecture and tiled fountains.

It’s really fascinating no matter how many times I come – and I’ve been coming here for ten years.

New flight and airport makeover: more ways to get here than ever

Because people give credence to the misconception of San Diego’s small town atmosphere, they are right to feel this way since San Diego International Airport only has one runway.

Terminal 1 was a time capsule until its recent glow, and I’m happy to report that it’s now open and better than ever before, with modern amenities and better traffic flow to ensure you can make your flight.

What’s even more exciting is that San Diego now has two airports. Yes, you read that right…

35 minutes north of downtown is the underrated beach town of Carlsbad, which last year welcomed American Airlines as its first commercial suitor in years.

It was such a success that United is now following suit, but travelers will have to wait until March 2026.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.