img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}There are a select few places providing winter sun that travelers scope out year after year — California being one of them.
While iconic cities such as San Francisco can get a bit nippy, Southern California boasts year-round sunshine, from the bright lights of Hollywood all the way down to the border.
Just to prove I’m not partial, travel experts named my hometown California’s top sunny escape from the frigid temps that blanket much of mainland America.
That’s right — my hometown of San Diego is this year’s top winter getaway, according to Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).
And they’re right!
Not only are there vibrant shores awaiting to steal you away from shoveling your driveway, there’s no shortage of fun in the sun when it comes to “America’s Finest City”.
San Diego: Wintertime Is Best To Avoid Hordes Of Crowds
People I meet who know I live here, but have never been here, always make the assumption San Diego lives up to its “75 and sunny” vibes 365 days per year.
While no place is flawless, it’s pretty close, with the exception of a handful of oddball weather days intermixed. Heck, we even had a tornado warning last week!
But, don’t worry — that’s like seeing a unicorn at the San Diego Zoo.
The weather is truly blissful, and even more so when you can find your own slice of paradise, which is an impossible task during late spring and especially summer.
Mission Beach (as seen above), lined with carnival games and roller coasters, practically becomes off-limits to locals during “tourist season” when Arizona and Nevada plated-vehicles invade our roadways.
As does La Jolla to see the sea lions, as does Pacific Beach to convince yourself you’re still young, and even what we San Diegans consider our tight-lipped secrets have slowly but surely become tourists’ new go-to spots (ahem, Solana Beach).
But all that changes in winter. You can score front row parking mere steps from the beach, and find an open barstool at a seaside bar in a jiffy, which my new favorite is Miss B’s Coconut Club in aforementioned Mission Beach, and of course, get into the famous San Diego Zoo with far fewer snot-nosed kiddos running around like wild banshees.
Insider Tip: Despite opportune parking in winter, be aware of San Diego’s newly issued downtown parking laws implemented during events ($10 per hour?!).
Experience More Culture Than You Might Expect
Given that San Diego lies in LA’s gargantuan shadow, first-timers seem to think San Diego is a small, coastal town.
In reality, it’s a full-fledged city with numerous captivating facets no matter where your interests lie.
Yes, some beach communities ooze small-town charm where locals all seem to know each other, but San Diego is actually one of the biggest cities in America, and I always encourage visitors to go outside their comfort zone beyond the Zoo, Mission Beach, the Gaslamp Quarter, and any other notable locale that’s been endlessly regurgitated by guidebooks.
For example, don’t eat at Mission Beach unless you have to — it’s a tourist trap.
For an authentic meal, visit the Convoy district near ever-popular La Jolla for San Diego’s version of Chinatown. Venture to the outskirts of downtown to Little Italy and grab a Soppressata sandwich at Mona Lisa’s deli, or my new favorite coffee spot, Twive, a hidden stand on the far north end that feels and tastes straight out of Italy.
Or if you want the best seafood in town, hit up Mitch’s, and I promise the only disappointment is that it’s busy year-round.
For a portal to a past era, if you do visit the Zoo, you’re already steps away from the heart of Balboa Park, which looks straight out of Old World Mexico with its ornate Spanish Colonial architecture and tiled fountains.
It’s truly mesmerizing, no matter how many times I visit — and I’ve been coming here for 10 years.
New Flights & Airport Makeover: More Ways To Get Here Than Ever
Giving credence to people’s misperception of San Diego’s small town vibes, they are right about it feeling that way since San Diego International Airport only has one runway.
Terminal 1 was a time capsule up until its recent glow-up, and I’m happy to report it’s now open and better than it’s ever been with modern amenities and better traffic flow to ensure you make your flight.
What’s even more exciting is San Diego now has 2 airports. Yes, you read that right…
35 minutes north of downtown lies the underrated beach city of Carlsbad, which just last year welcomed American Airlines as its first commercial suitor in years.
It’s been such a success that United is now following suit, but travelers will have to wait until March 2026.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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