San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest in California. In 2019 the city celebrated it's 250th anniversary. It is known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbor, extensive beaches, and long association with the United States Navy. It is home to Louis Kahn's masterpiece The Salk Institute, William Pereira's brutalist Geisel Library, and Richard Neutra’s Airman’s Memorial Chapel.
San Diego airport is uniquely located in the heart of the city. For info on getting to and from the airport see the Airport Website.
If you're coming from Los Angeles or further north, you might want to consider the Pacific Surfliner.
Ride share apps Uber and Lyft operate in San Diego
Get around downtown for free with FRED (Free Rides Everywhere Downtown). Download the App here.
Take the San Diego Coronado Ferry for a quick tour of the bay.
For trips further afield, MTS operates the San Diego Trolley and local bus routes.
Gaslamp - 16-block historic district downtown bustles with a motley crew of tourists and office workers during the week, and a party crowd headed to the bars and nightclubs after dark.
East Village - Downtown neighborhood with a mix of modern high-rises, industrial warehouses, and Victorian-era homes.
Little Italy - Pedestrian-friendly neighborhood by the bay with an urban feel and some of the most buzzy restaurants and bars in town.
North Park - Trendy hood north of Balboa Park. Its anchor 30th Street and University is a hub of the craft brewing industry. You will also find sushi, taquerias, brunch spots, live music at North Park Observatory, thrift shops, and cafés—all with a hipster touch.
South Park - Charming neighborhood south of Balboa Park. Quieter than North Park but with a similar hipster feel. Enviable Craftsman homes, indie boutiques, cafés, and beer bars.
Barrio Logan - The heart of San Diego’s Mexican American community. Bustling with art galleries, new eateries, and breweries.
Liberty Station - Former naval training center on the bay renovated as a lively mixed-use development.
Juniper & Ivy - Fancy farm to table
Lionfish – Go for the sushi
Ironside Oyster Bar – Go for the oysters
Born & Raised – Go for the interior design and the Caesar salad
Balboa Park – The USA's largest urban cultural park. Take a stroll to admire the Spanish colonial revival architecture, check out the world famous San Diego Zoo, or visit one of the many museums and galleries. Highlights include Irving Gill's Marston House, the San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Downtown - Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – Contemporary art in a historic setting, with site-specific installation by artist Richard Serra.
Coronado – Visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado and the quintessential California beach. Tip: take the ferry for a cheap and quick tour of the bay (Uber or walk the 2 miles to the hotel from the Ferry landing)
USS Midway – A fascinating insight into life onboard an aircraft carrier
ArchDaily San Diego City Guide
RICHARD WELSH LIBRARY at NewSchool of Architecture + Design |
1249 F Street San Diego CA 92101 |
619 684 8783 |
