Cheap tickets to San Diego

Nestled on the Pacific coast at the southernmost end of Southern California, San Diego is the second-largest city in the state. Thanks to year-round temperate weather, the city is an outdoors haven, known for its fabulous golf courses and pristine beaches. A weekend in San Diego also offers plenty in terms of culture, thanks to a number of renowned museums. Additionally, the city is home to several beautiful nature preserves, ideal for time spent outdoors but not necessarily at the ocean. Package holidays in San Diego let you experience it all, from diverse restaurants and charming neighborhoods to the nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter and the funky vibe of Ocean Beach.

Flights to San Diego land at San Diego International Airport (SAN), with direct flights arriving from cities as varied as Dublin or Cork. You can reach various destinations within the city by commuter rail or taxi. All foreign travelers who do not hold a US visa should be sure to file the ESTA waiver online, a minimum of 72 hours before travel (leaving more time for this is always better). The main language spoken is English, but you'll also hear some Spanish during city breaks in San Diego. The city is eight hours behind the UK, and the city's currency is the U.S. dollar, of course.

During a weekend in San Diego, you can expect a balmy climate, low humidity, and good air quality. August is the hottest month, with daytime highs averaging around 25°C. January and February are the coldest months with an average low temperature of 9°C. March to May and September to November are great times to plan package holidays in San Diego, as the city is temperate and makes an ideal setting for outdoor activities.

Whether you're hiking through the Torrey Pines State Reserve, admiring the breathtaking scenery at La Jolla Cove, or strolling along the sand at Coronado Beach, a weekend in San Diego offers plenty to do.

• At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is the largest cultural park in the United States, and besides its beautiful outdoors, it is also home to the San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Museum of Art.
• City breaks in San Diego wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of the many beaches. Swim, surf, or play at Ocean Beach, Coronado Beach, and the Pacific Beach.
• Head to La Jolla Cove to watch the sunset over the ocean. During the day, the cove also provides scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities.
• Day or night, stroll through the lively Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, where you'll find high-end boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants.
• Go bird-watching at some of the country's important wetland reserves, including Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, Tijuana Estuary, Lake Cuyamaca, and the Famosa Slough.

A weekend in San Diego should definitely include some flora and fauna, whether you choose to visit the San Diego Zoo or the Birch Aquarium on UC San Diego's campus, or admire the diverse range of native plants and flowers at the San Diego Botanic Garden, the Desert Garden, or the Flower Fields of Carlsbad. Travelers with children will want to head to lively LEGOland California for the amusement park rides and, naturally, endless LEGOs.

To enjoy the city's picturesque green spaces, head to Mission Trails Regional Park or Ocean Beach Park. After booking a flight and hotel for San Diego, arts and culture enthusiasts should look into visiting the USS Midway Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, or the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Where to Eat In San Diego

Package holidays in San Diego let you access a pretty vibrant food scene. You'll find American classics aplenty in the Gaslamp Quarter, while upscale dining can be had in abundance in tony La Jolla. Head to the nieghboring areas of Harborview and Little Italy for a mix of upscale restaurants, including Italian, seafood, and New American options. The hip neighborhood of Hillcrest, meanwhile, is home to diverse casual restaurants and a plethora of cafes.

What Is There to Bring Home From San Diego?

There's plenty of upscale shopping to do in this city, but for a local gift, pick up a bottle of Temecula olive oil. You can also find interesting local handicrafts at the charming Old Town Market, located in the scenic Old Town State Historic Park.