There is never a bad time to visit San Diego, but if you’ve been looking for a sign to head west, this is it! With 70 miles of beaches, mountains to climb, and world-renowned attractions for any age, San Diego is the perfect place to plan your next RV vacation. After you’re done exploring the land of Ron Burgundy, head up the Pacific Coast Highway, or south for a jaunt across the border. Vamanos!
Where to Stay:
Mission Bay RV Park
Located in De Anza Cove, you’re just a few steps away from the beach and the many walking and biking trails in the area. If you’re traveling in a group of multiple RVs, call ahead and the resort will help you book adjacent sites. Otherwise, go directly to their website to pick your campsite.
260 sites – Restrooms and showers – Laundry Facilities — Full hook-ups — Free WIFI and cable TV — Dump station — Boat launch
Mission Bay RV Park | 2727 De Anza Road | San Diego, CA 92109 | (877) 219-6900
Campland on the Bay
For over 50 years, Campland has been providing family fun for vacationers. With 562 sites, there are plenty of options at this oceanfront resort. You’ll never be caught unprepared with their Market and Coffee Counter offering groceries, snacks, RV supplies and convenience items.
562 sites – Restrooms and showers – Laundry Facilities — Full hook-ups — Onsite restaurant — Dump station
Campland on the Bay | 2211 Pacific Beach Dr. | San Diego, CA. 92109 | (800) 422-9386
Silver Strand State Park
This perfectly located state park has access to miles of beaches on both the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. If you are the kind of camper who prefers fewer frills with a cheaper price tag, then this is the park for you. Bear in mind, this state park has no sites, but they have four parking lots that can accommodate ~1000 vehicles at a time altogether.
Restrooms and showers — Pet-friendly (does not apply to beaches)
Silver Strand State Park | 5000 Highway 75 | Coronado, CA 92118 | (619) 435-5184
La Pacifica RV Park
If you prefer to stay inland, then check out La Pacifica RV Park! This affordable park is located just a short drive from both the beaches and the city, so you have the best of both worlds. Head out for an adventure or relax by the pool. The choice is all yours.
Full Service – Pet-friendly — Laundry Facilities — Shower and bathroom facilities — Free WIFI
La Pacifica RV Park | 1010 W. San Ysidro Blvd. | San Diego, CA 92173 | (619) 428-4411
Santa Fe RV Park
At Santa Fe RV Park, you will have easy access to beautiful beaches, world class golf courses, and tons of San Diego attractions. All sites have electrical hookups, a full-sized picnic table (by request), and satellite TV. Stay active on a nearby nature trail, or keep it close to home in their on-site workout facilities!
~100 sites — Full Service – Pet-friendly — Laundry Facilities — Fitness center — Restroom facilities
Santa Fe RV Park | 5707 Santa Fe Street | San Diego, CA 92109 | (858) 272-4051
What to do:
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is quite the possibly most well-known zoo in the country, which makes it a must see attraction! Glimpse all the wildlife you can imagine, from cheetahs to galápagos tortoises to babirusas. (That last one is worth an especially long look). For you animal lovers, they’ve got a whole collection of special experiences, including an up-close animals in action experience and guided tours.Buy your tickets in advance here.
San Diego Zoo | 2920 Zoo Drive | San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 231-1515
Mission Beach/Pacific Beach
Spend an afternoon on San Diego’s boardwalk! Play around and go biking, boogie boarding, surfing, whale watching, sport fishing, or scuba-diving. Continue the joy ride on the famous Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, originally built in 1925 and since restored. Finally, kick back (or keep the energy flowing!) at any of the many bars and restaurants along the two-mile boardwalk. Without a doubt, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Torrey Pines Natural Park Reserve
Located within San Diego city limits, Torrey Pines has managed to remain one of the wildest stretches of land in Southern California. Hike the many trails (easy, moderate, or challenging), and check out the unmissable view of (and from!) the cliffs at the reserve. While visiting, please remember that a reserve is not a park. Torrey Pines is home to many threatened plants, animals, and habitats. Visit and enjoy the views, but help keep Torrey Pines wild!
Torrey Pines Natural Park Reserve | 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road | San Diego, CA 92037
City Cruises Harbor Tours and Whale Watching
The best view of San Diego is from the water! Get away from shore to see the sites, and hopefully a whale or two. If you want to make a day (or night) of it, book a brunch or dinner cruise to enjoy while taking in the scenery. For those of you traveling sans kids, check out the Sights & Sips Cocktail Sunset Cruise offering hors d’oevres, tray passed desserts, and, of course, cocktails.
City Cruises Harbor Tours and Whale Watching | 970 N Harbor Dr. | San Diego, CA 9210 | (858) 298-2969
Snorkel San Diego
Check out amazing underwater coves with Snorkel San Diego. Meet a sea lion face-to-face (but no touching!) Stay with your guide for an unforgettable 2-hour experience, and don’t forget a waterproof camera or GoPro! Snorkel San Diego also offers scuba diving for those that are certified.
Snorkel San Diego | La Jolla Cove, 1160 Coast Blvd. | La Jolla, CA 92037 | (619) 260-1880
Where to eat:
Water Grill
Fresh Seafood and a fun atmosphere. What more could you need? Enjoy wild Alaskan halibut, wild New Zealand pink bream, or even a wild Spanish octopus. If you’re up for it, you can also reserve a space for private dining for you and your party (10 people minimum).
Water Grill | 615 J St. | San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 717-6992
The Fish Market
Straight from the ocean to your table—that’s the mission of The Fish Market. These guys operate their own seafood processing and distribution facility, so you can be sure that no matter which dish you order, it’s fresh from the ocean. Enjoy traditional seafood, oysters, or poke and sashimi, right on the water at this San Diego staple.
The Fish Market | 750 N Harbor Dr. | San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 232-3474
Born and Raised
If you need a break from seafood, head over to Born and Raised. You’ll find a 2,700 square-foot garden rooftop with an Art Deco touch. Indulge in some of the best steak dishes on the west coast. If you’re in need of a more romantic vibe, get one of their delicious Dinners for Two: a steak sampler, a 21-day dry-aged duck, a whole lobster, or a beef wellington. Yummmmmm.
Born and Raised | 1909 India St. | San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 202-4577
Dobson’s
Located in the heart of San Diego, Dobson’s has been serving California fusion fare for 37 years. Find $7 house wine, $7 well drinks, or $7 draft beer during their happy hour. Sit at the famous (and San Diego’s oldest!) mahogany bar and sample some of the city’s most creative dishes. But be sure to make a reservation in advance—this place fills up fast! Alternatively, if you want a low key night, they also make ordering online easy.
Dobson’s | 956 Broadway Circle | San Diego, CA 92101 | (619)-231-6771
Seaport Village
If the family can’t agree on a restaurant, then head to Seaport Village! With tons of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, everyone will leave happy. Find pizza, fish, burgers, ice cream, and loads and loads of local shops, including a whole store dedicated to magnets, as well as another showcasing nautical treasures.
Seaport Village | 849 W. Harbor Dr. | San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 530-0704
