What to Do in San Diego

San Diego is where perpetual sunshine meets laid-back California cool—a coastal paradise where world-class beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless outdoor adventures create the perfect pre- or post-cruise escape along America's finest coastline.

Nestled along Southern California's Pacific coast, San Diego offers a rare combination of big-city sophistication and beachtown charm. With 70 miles of pristine coastline, year-round temperatures averaging 70°F, and over 266 sunny days annually, this harbor city delivers everything you'd want before embarking on your Pacific cruise—from surfing perfect waves in La Jolla to exploring Spanish colonial history in Old Town, from craft brewery hopping in North Park to watching sunset over Coronado Bridge.

Whether you're arriving a day early before your Mexican Riviera cruise from the B Street Cruise Terminal or extending your stay after sailing back to port, San Diego rewards every moment you invest in exploring it. The city's compact downtown, efficient trolley system, and walkable neighborhoods make it easy to pack in attractions without the stress of navigating sprawling urban chaos.

So grab your sunglasses, slip into comfortable shoes, and discover why San Diego has been stealing hearts.

Best Outdoor Activities in San Diego

San Diego's outdoor scene is legendary—perfect weather, dramatic coastal cliffs, and endless Pacific horizons create a playground for adventurers and beach lovers alike.

1. Explore Balboa Park

Balboa Park stands as one of America's great urban cultural parks—1,200 acres of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, world-class museums, lush botanical gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo all contained within walking distance of downtown. The park was created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and remains a testament to San Diego's commitment to culture and beauty.

Start your visit at the iconic California Tower in the Museum of Man—climb to the top for sweeping views across the park, downtown skyline, and distant Pacific. The Botanical Building's lily pond creates picture-perfect reflections, while the Japanese Friendship Garden offers serene pathways, koi ponds, and authentic tea ceremonies. The Alcazar Garden, inspired by Spain's Alcazar Castle, dazzles with vibrant seasonal flowers, ornate fountains, and colorful Moorish tiles.

Beyond gardens, Balboa Park houses 17 museums covering everything from art and science to aerospace and automotive history. The Museum of Photographic Arts showcases world-class photography exhibitions, while the Fleet Science Center engages kids with interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater. The Air & Space Museum displays historic aircraft including actual moon landing capsules.

The free Spreckels Organ Pavilion hosts concerts year-round on the world's largest outdoor pipe organ—4,530 pipes creating thunderous sound under open skies. Street performers, artists, and food vendors line El Prado, the park's main pedestrian walkway, creating a festival atmosphere most afternoons.

• Pro tips:  Parking is free throughout the park, but arrives early on weekends. Most museums offer discounted admission on rotating Tuesdays—check individual websites. Plan at least half a day to properly explore, or dedicate multiple days to thoroughly experience the museums.

2. Visit the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo needs no introduction—this 100-acre wildlife sanctuary pioneered open-air, naturalistic habitats and remains one of the world's most respected zoological institutions. Home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 650 species, the zoo emphasizes conservation, education, and animal welfare above entertainment.

Walking through the Africa Rocks exhibit, you'll encounter penguins diving through crystalline waters, leopards prowling rocky outcrops, and baboons socializing in expansive territories. The Gorilla Forest showcases Western lowland gorillas in a lush tropical setting, while Elephant Odyssey tells the story of Southern California's prehistoric past alongside modern elephants, lions, and jaguars.

The Skyfari aerial tram glides 170 feet above treetops, providing bird's-eye views across the zoo and Balboa Park. Guided bus tours offer narrated overviews perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time. Kids love the petting zoo where they can interact with domestic farm animals.

The zoo's commitment to endangered species breeding programs has saved species from extinction—California condors, giant pandas (though they've been returned to China), and Przewalski's wild horses among them. Educational keeper talks throughout the day explain animal behaviors, conservation challenges, and what visitors can do to help.

Adult admission is $74, children 3-11 are $64. Combination tickets with the Safari Park (an hour northeast in Escondido) offer great value if you have multiple days. Arrive when gates open at 9 a.m. to beat crowds and see animals at their most active before afternoon heat.

3. Relax at La Jolla Cove & Beaches

La Jolla—"the jewel" in Spanish—lives up to its name with dramatic coastal cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and some of San Diego's most exclusive real estate. La Jolla Cove is the area's crown jewel, a small crescent beach protected by sandstone cliffs where California sea lions bask on rocks and seals bob in the surf.

The sea lion colony at Children's Pool Beach has become a major attraction—dozens of seals and pups lounging on the sand, completely unfazed by gawking tourists. A rope barrier keeps humans at a respectful distance while allowing incredible photo opportunities. The best viewing is during pupping season (December-May) when newborn pups nurse and play in the shallows.

For actual swimming and snorkeling, La Jolla Cove offers calm, clear waters teeming with orange garibaldi (California's state fish), leopard sharks, and occasionally dolphins. The protected La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve ensures pristine conditions for marine life. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent from shops along Prospect Street.

Just south, Windansea Beach offers stunning rock formations and world-class surf breaks favored by locals over the more touristy Cove. The beach's rugged beauty and powerful waves create a quintessentially Southern California scene—surfers waiting for sets, sea birds diving for fish, and golden afternoon light painting everything in warm hues.

• Practical notes: Street parking in La Jolla is extremely limited and expensive. Arrive before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. for better luck. Alternatively, use ride-share services to avoid parking hassles entirely.

4. Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve protects the last mainland stands of the rare Torrey pine tree—an ancient species that grows naturally only here and on Santa Rosa Island. The 2,000-acre reserve features eight miles of hiking trails winding through unique coastal sage scrub, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and pristine beach.

The Beach Trail descends 300 feet down switchbacks to Torrey Pines State Beach—a wide, sandy stretch with powerful surf and tide pools to explore. The Guy Fleming Trail (two-thirds of a mile) offers easier walking with spectacular ocean views through native vegetation. The more challenging Razor Point Trail (1.3 miles round-trip) leads to a clifftop overlook where hang gliders launch from Torrey Pines Gliderport next door.

Wildflowers bloom spectacularly in spring (March-May), painting hillsides in California poppies, lupine, and coastal sunflowers. Gray whales migrate past offshore (December-April), and if you're lucky, you'll spot their distinctive spouts and tail flukes breaking the surface.

The reserve is a true nature preserve with strict rules—stay on marked trails, no dogs, no bikes, no collecting plants or rocks. The focus is preservation, ensuring these rare ecosystems and the endangered Torrey pines survive for future generations.

• Visiting logistics: Entry is $15 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, free on weekdays. The reserve opens at 7:15 a.m., and morning hikes offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing. Bring water and sun protection—shade is minimal.

5. Experience Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park delivers exactly what its name promises—jaw-dropping Pacific sunsets viewed from dramatic 60-foot sandstone cliffs. Located in the Point Loma neighborhood just south of Ocean Beach, this linear park stretches 1.5 miles along the coastline with multiple overlooks, sea caves, and tide pools.

The cliffs' geological formations create natural sculptures—arches, caves, and coves carved by millennia of wave action. Surfers challenge the powerful breaks below (this is advanced surfing only), while shore fishermen cast lines from rocky outcrops. Tide pools teem with sea anemones, hermit crabs, and sea stars during low tide—consult tide charts and explore carefully.

As sunset approaches, locals and visitors gather along the clifftop trail to watch the Pacific swallow the sun. On clear evenings, the sky explodes in oranges, pinks, and purples that set the ocean ablaze. Street performers often appear, adding music to the natural spectacle.

• Safety warning: The cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Multiple deaths occur annually from people climbing on unstable formations or getting too close to edges. Stay on marked trails, respect barriers, and never turn your back on the ocean—rogue waves can and do sweep people off rocks.

Historical & Cultural Landmarks

San Diego's history as California's birthplace and major military port creates layers of fascinating sites worth exploring.

1. USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum offers an extraordinary glimpse into naval aviation history aboard America's longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. This floating museum—permanently docked on San Diego's Embarcadero—served the nation from 1945 to 1992, from World War II through Operation Desert Storm.

Walking the massive flight deck feels like stepping onto an active military installation—over 30 restored aircraft crowd the 4-acre surface, from F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets to helicopters and historic propeller planes. You can climb into cockpits, touch control panels, and imagine launching from this floating runway into hostile skies.

The self-guided audio tour (included with admission) features actual Midway veterans narrating their experiences. You'll explore the bridge where captains commanded the ship, the combat direction center where battles were coordinated, the galley that fed 4,500 sailors, and even the cramped sleeping quarters where crew bunked four-high. Flight simulators let you experience carrier landings—notoriously one of aviation's most difficult maneuvers.

The hangar deck houses exhibits on naval aviation history, while retired admirals and former crew members often volunteer as docents, eager to share stories and answer questions. Their firsthand accounts bring the cold steel and machinery to life in ways static exhibits never could.

Adult admission is $30, children 6-12 are $15, active military free with ID. Plan at least 2-3 hours to properly explore. The museum sits right on the Embarcadero, making it easy to combine with other waterfront attractions.

2. Cabrillo National Monument

Perched at the tip of Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument commemorates Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's 1542 landing—the first European expedition to reach what would become California's west coast. This historic site offers much more than just history lessons.

The monument's location provides stunning 360-degree views—downtown San Diego skyline to the north, Coronado Bridge spanning the bay, naval ships moving through the channel, and on clear days, Mexico's coastline visible to the south. A statue of Cabrillo overlooks the bay where he first dropped anchor over 480 years ago.

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855, stands fully restored and open for tours. Step inside to see how lighthouse keepers lived and worked in this remote outpost. The lighthouse operated only 36 years before being replaced by a new light at sea level—fog often obscured the hilltop beacon, rendering it useless.

Tide pools along the monument's rocky shore rank among Southern California's best. During low tide (check tide tables before visiting), explore pools teeming with sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea stars, and octopuses hiding in rocky crevices. Rangers lead guided tide pool walks on weekends—educational and free with park admission.

From mid-December through March, Point Loma becomes one of San Diego's premier whale watching locations. Pacific gray whales migrate past on their 12,000-mile journey between Alaskan feeding grounds and Mexican breeding lagoons—the longest known mammal migration. Bring binoculars and watch for distinctive spouts and tail flukes breaking the surface.

Entry is $20 per vehicle, valid for seven days. The monument opens at 9 a.m., and morning visits offer clearer skies and calmer conditions before afternoon winds pick up.

3. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Old Town transports visitors to 1820s-1870s San Diego when it served as the first Spanish settlement and later Mexican and early American community. This six-block historic park preserves original adobe buildings, restored homes, museums, and vibrant Mexican culture through shops, restaurants, and live performances.

Costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, woodworking, and other period crafts in the working shops. The Seeley Stables Museum showcases stagecoaches and carriages from California's frontier era, while the Casa de Estudillo—one of the finest surviving examples of Spanish Colonial architecture—offers self-guided tours through rooms furnished as they would have been in the 1820s.

Mariachi bands stroll the plaza on weekends, their music floating across the square as visitors browse colorful Mexican handicrafts, pottery, leather goods, and folk art. The area's restaurants serve some of San Diego's best traditional Mexican cuisine—handmade tortillas, slow-braised carnitas, and margaritas strong enough to make you forget your cruise departs tomorrow.

The park hosts cultural celebrations throughout the year—Cinco de Mayo transforms Old Town into a massive street festival, while Dia de los Muertos features elaborate altars honoring departed loved ones. These aren't tourist shows but genuine cultural celebrations embraced by San Diego's large Mexican-American community.

Free admission to the state park, though individual museums may charge $4-6. Parking is limited; arrive early or use the Old Town Transit Center (trolley and bus) adjacent to the park.

Beaches & Waterfront

San Diego's 70 miles of coastline offer everything from family-friendly bay beaches to powerful surf breaks for experienced riders.

1. Coronado Beach & Hotel del Coronado

Coronado Beach consistently ranks among America's best beaches—wide, clean sand stretching nearly a mile, gentle waves perfect for swimming, and the iconic Hotel del Coronado providing a stunning backdrop. The sand sparkles with flecks of mica that catch sunlight, creating the beach's famous golden glow.

The Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888, stands as a National Historic Landmark and one of the world's great seaside resorts. Even if you're not staying here (rooms start around $400/night), walk through the ornate lobby with its soaring wooden ceilings, browse the boutiques, grab a drink at the beachfront patio, and admire Victorian architecture that's appeared in countless films including "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe.

Coronado Island (technically a peninsula) connects to downtown San Diego via the graceful Coronado Bridge—a 2.1-mile span rising 200 feet above San Diego Bay. The drive offers spectacular views, though pedestrians and bicycles must use the ferry. The Coronado Ferry lands at the Ferry Landing Marketplace, where shops and restaurants overlook the downtown skyline.

Rent bikes and cruise Coronado's flat, tree-lined streets past charming beach cottages and Navy installations. The Silver Strand bike path extends 15 miles south along the isthmus to Imperial Beach, offering car-free pedaling with beach and bay views the entire way.

2. Mission Beach & Pacific Beach

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach form a continuous three-mile stretch of classic Southern California beach culture—volleyball nets, surfers, skateboarders, and sun-worshippers creating an energetic, youthful atmosphere. The Ocean Front Walk (boardwalk) parallels the beach, popular with joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers.

Belmont Park, an oceanfront amusement park operating since 1925, anchors Mission Beach. The Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster—a National Historic Landmark—provides thrills with its 73-foot drops and 50 mph speeds. The park offers free entry (you pay per ride), making it perfect for an hour of fun without committing to a full theme park day.

Pacific Beach leans younger and livelier, with dozens of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants concentrated along Garnet Avenue. The Crystal Pier extends 900 feet into the Pacific with a unique hotel built atop it—tiny cottages where guests fall asleep to waves crashing beneath their floor. It's quirky, expensive, and books months in advance.

For calmer waters and family-friendly conditions, Mission Bay Park wraps around the beaches with 27 miles of bayfront offering paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and swimming in protected waters. Rent equipment at multiple locations or bring your own to explore this marine playground.

Dining & Neighborhoods

San Diego's culinary scene reflects its border location and fishing heritage—expect exceptional Mexican food, fresh seafood, and California-fresh ingredients throughout.

Little Italy

Little Italy packs over 70 restaurants, cafés, and pubs into a compact neighborhood between downtown and the waterfront. This isn't a manufactured tourist district but a genuine Italian-American community that's evolved into one of San Diego's hottest dining destinations.

Start your day at Queenstown Public House or Pappalecco for outstanding coffee and pastries. For lunch, Kettner Exchange serves modern American cuisine with Asian influences—the mushroom tan tan and spicy tuna crispy rice earn rave reviews. Herb & Wood, from Chef Brian Redzikowski, showcases seasonal California ingredients in inventive dishes that photograph as beautifully as they taste.

Dinner options range from traditional trattorias to upscale fine dining. Civico 1845 offers California's first fully vegan Italian menu showcasing bold Calabrian flavors. Monello specializes in Milanese cuisine with their famous cheese wheel pasta—hot pasta tossed inside a hollowed wheel of Italian cheese that melts and coats every strand. Asti Ristorante delivers exceptional seafood pasta that locals swear is the best in San Diego.

The Saturday morning Little Italy Mercato (farmers market) transforms Date Street and India Street into a bustling marketplace with over 185 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and artisan bread to prepared foods and flowers. It runs 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and attracts huge crowds—arrive early for best selection and manageable foot traffic.

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter comprises 16½ blocks of restored Victorian-era buildings now housing over 100 restaurants, nightclubs, bars, shops, and galleries. By day, it's a historic district with architectural charm; by night, it transforms into San Diego's nightlife epicenter.

Restaurants cover every cuisine imaginable. The Oceanaire Seafood Room serves impeccably fresh fish in an elegant steakhouse atmosphere. Rustic Root focuses on farm-to-table cuisine with Mediterranean influences. For upscale Italian, Operacaffe creates authentic Northern Italian dishes in an intimate setting near Petco Park.

The Gaslamp comes alive after dark with rooftop bars, dance clubs, and live music venues drawing crowds until 2 a.m. (California's last call). Altitude Sky Lounge atop the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter offers craft cocktails with panoramic city views. Noble Experiment, a speakeasy hidden behind a refrigerator door in the back of Neighborhood restaurant, serves expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting that requires reservations.

Must-Try San Diego Foods

• Fish Tacos are San Diego's signature dish—lightly battered or grilled fish tucked in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, crema, and fresh salsa. Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, The Fish Market, and Puesto (for innovative variations) all serve excellent versions.
• California Burritos stuff carne asada, french fries, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole into massive flour tortillas. Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop in Mission Hills creates Instagram-worthy wrestling-themed versions that taste as good as they look.
• Craft Beer flows freely—San Diego claims over 150 breweries, more than any other county in America. Stone Brewing World
• Bistro & Gardens, Ballast Point, and Modern Times Coffee represent different corners of San Diego's beer scene. Many breweries offer food trucks or full kitchens pairing dishes with their brews.

Cruise-Ready Tips for Travelers

The Port of San Diego's B Street Cruise Terminal serves as a major departure point for Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coastal, and Panama Canal cruises.

1. Getting to B Street Cruise Terminal

The cruise terminal sits at 1140 N. Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego, easily accessible from San Diego International Airport (SAN) just three miles away.

From the Airport:

• Taxi: Flat rate around $20, 10-15 minute drive. Taxis queue at designated airport pickup areas.
• Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): $12-18 depending on demand, pickup from designated rideshare zones.
• Shuttle Services: Several companies offer shared shuttles ($15-25 per person) or private transfers. Book online in advance.
• Public Transit (MTS): San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System operates buses and the trolley. Route 992 Airport Flyer connects the airport to downtown ($2.50), but involves walking with luggage—not ideal for cruise passengers with heavy bags.

From Los Angeles (120 miles north):

The drive takes 2-3 hours depending on traffic. Take I-5 South directly to downtown San Diego, exiting at Hawthorn Street. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner runs multiple daily trains between Los Angeles Union Station and Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego ($40-70), with the depot a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal.

2. Hotels Near the Cruise Terminal

Several hotels sit within walking distance or offer free cruise terminal shuttles:

• Wyndham San Diego Bayside sits directly across from the B Street Terminal. Bay-view rooms offer views of your ship arriving.
• Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown provides comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and free port shuttle service one mile away.
• Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego towers above the waterfront with luxury accommodations, multiple restaurants, and stunning bay views.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay-Downtown features suite-style rooms, free cooked-to-order breakfast, and evening reception with complimentary drinks.

Many downtown hotels offer "park and cruise" packages—stay the night before your cruise, leave your car in their lot during your voyage (typically $12-20/day), and receive free or discounted airport/port transfers. Call hotels directly to inquire about these packages.

3. What to Do Before Boarding

Cruise boarding typically begins around noon with ships departing by 4-5 p.m. If you have morning hours before check-in:

• Breakfast in Little Italy: Queenstown Public House serves excellent brunch, or grab pastries and espresso at Pappalecco before strolling through the neighborhood.
• Waterfront Walk: The Embarcadero pedestrian path connects Little Italy to Seaport Village, passing the Maritime Museum, USS Midway, and "Unconditional Surrender" statue. It's flat, scenic, and takes 30-45 minutes one way.
• Quick Museum Visit: The Maritime Museum of San Diego opens at 10 a.m. and sits just north of the cruise terminal. Tour historic vessels including the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship.
• Seaport Village: This waterfront shopping and dining complex features boutiques, restaurants, and street performers. It's touristy but pleasant for a stroll while killing time.

Always allow 60-90 minutes from hotel to ship including check-in. Traffic can be unpredictable, especially during Friday afternoon rush hour (3-6 p.m.). Better to arrive early and relax in the terminal than stress about missing your ship.

4. Luggage Storage

If you need to store bags between hotel checkout and cruise boarding (or after disembarkation before flights):

• Bounce and LuggageHero partner with businesses near the cruise terminal offering hourly luggage storage ($6-9 per bag).
• Hotels often provide luggage storage for guests even after checkout. Call ahead to confirm availability and any associated fees.
• B Street Terminal has limited luggage storage during cruise embarkation days, but availability isn't guaranteed. Don't count on this option.

Day Trips from San Diego

San Diego's location makes several worthwhile day trips accessible.

1. Tijuana, Mexico (20 miles south)

Crossing the border into Tijuana opens a world of authentic Mexican culture, food, and shopping just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. The city has undergone significant revitalization with safe tourist areas, excellent restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Avenida Revolución forms the tourist corridor with shops selling handicrafts, leather goods, silver jewelry, and souvenirs at negotiable prices. The food scene has exploded with critically acclaimed restaurants like Misión 19, Animalón, and Tacos Kokopelli earning international recognition. Street tacos from cart vendors cost $1-2 and deliver authentic flavors impossible to replicate north of the border.

• The Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) houses museums, theaters, and an IMAX dome showcasing Mexican art and history.
• Plaza Santa Cecilia offers weekend mariachi performances in a charming outdoor setting.
• Border crossing: Walk across at San Ysidro (southbound is easy; returning can involve 1-3 hour waits) or take the Cross
• Border Xpress pedestrian bridge from Otay Mesa directly into Tijuana Airport. US citizens need a valid passport. Don't drive—parking and navigating Tijuana traffic creates unnecessary stress. Taxis or Uber work well within Tijuana.

2. Temecula Wine Country (60 miles north)

Southern California's premier wine region sprawls across rolling hills an hour north of San Diego. Over 40 wineries produce excellent wines—particularly robust reds—in a Mediterranean climate similar to Tuscany. Most wineries offer tastings ($20-30) with vineyard views and many include tours.

• Top wineries: Ponte Winery features Italian varietals and a beautiful property with restaurant. Wilson Creek Winery is famous for almond champagne and lively tasting rooms. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers luxury accommodations if you want to spend the night.
• Old Town Temecula provides boutique shopping, restaurants, and wine bars in a charming downtown district. Hot air balloon rides lift off at dawn over vineyards—a spectacular if expensive ($200+) experience.

3. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (90 miles east)

California's largest state park protects 600,000 acres of Colorado Desert wilderness just two hours from San Diego. The park explodes with wildflowers during spring (February-April) following wet winters—carpets of desert sunflowers, lupine, and brittlebush transforming barren landscapes into botanical wonderlands.

The desert's stark beauty provides dramatic contrast to San Diego's coastal environment. Badlands formations, palm oases, and bighorn sheep create otherworldly scenery perfect for hiking, photography, and stargazing. The night skies rank among the darkest in Southern California—the Milky Way blazes overhead with zero light pollution.

Borrego Springs, the small town within the park, offers lodging, restaurants, and the fascinating Galleta Meadows Estate with 130 massive metal sculptures scattered across the desert—including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and a giant serpent.

Why San Diego Deserves Your Time

San Diego isn't just a convenient cruise departure point—it's a destination that rewards every moment you invest in exploring it. From the cultural treasures of Balboa Park to the natural beauty of La Jolla's coastline, from exceptional dining in Little Italy to sunset over the Pacific at Sunset Cliffs, this Southern California gem delivers experiences that will enhance your cruise vacation.

The city's perfect weather, friendly locals, and remarkable diversity of attractions create the ideal pre- or post-cruise escape. Whether you have a few hours or several days, San Diego promises memories that last long after your ship returns to port.

Ready to experience America's Finest City? Browse cruises departing from San Diego and start your adventure with CruiseDirect.