San Diego International Airport

People Eating in the Food Court in Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport

Finding the Best Food at SAN

SAN has many mainstay restaurants and cafes for people who enjoy bagels, sandwiches and burgers. However, what makes this airport’s dining scene special are the numerous restaurants that are extensions of San Diego favorites. Some of these include Stone Brewing, Phil’s B.B.Q., Bankers Hill Bar & Market, Prado at the airport and Pannikin Coffee & Tea.

Feast on fresh ingredients for awesome SoCal flair. Relax while waiting for a flight with tasty craft beers, irresistible tacos, delicious wines, handmade pizzas, mouthwatering barbecue and hip espresso. If you don’t feel like searching around the airport for great food, there are even apps available to deliver meals directly to your gate.

The Airport Authority has even installed filtered water fill up stations in both terminals to fill up your empty water bottles after you have gone through the security checkpoints. So there is no need to buy expensive bottles of water anymore inside the terminal if you plan ahead.

Staying Entertained at SAN

Even though San Diego International Airport isn’t a huge place, it provides a surprising number of ways to stay entertained. As you may expect in such an important hub of art and culture such as San Diego, SAN organizes many art expositions and live music performances.

With a full spa available, you can unwind in comfort before or after a long flight. If you have time, you can take in breathtaking San Diego Bay views from the nearby Spanish Landing Park just across the street from the airport. Breath in San Diego’s refreshing ocean air one last time before going home.

Another incredible way to spend happy moments at the airport is with the Ready, Pet, Go program. This phenomenal program allows travelers to interact with volunteers and dogs. This is designed to reduce stress and make everybody happy.

Few things have a better effect on your time at the airport than playing with a friendly canine. Feel free to pet the golden retrievers, beagles, terriers, collies, pugs and other therapy dogs participating in the program. Large and small pups love getting scratched behind the ears and receiving some affection.

There are plenty of ways to spend an incredible getaway in San Diego close to the airport. Whether you’re looking for food, dancing, beaches, amusement parks, museums, art galleries or scenery, you’re always only a few miles away:

Hilton Bayfront San Diego on San Diego Bay

Staying at a Great Hotel Near the Airport

In reality, the close proximity of San Diego International to Downtown San Diego makes it easy to stay at the hotel of your choosing. There are private resorts with lush gardens, rooftop lofts with views of Old Town San Diego, hip studio accommodations in Gaslamp Quarter, relaxing spas at La Jolla and luxury hotels right on the Mission Bay waterfront.

Indulge in contemporary comfort at the AC Hotel by Marriott San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter. Located in the heart of Gaslamp, surrounded by cafes and vibrant nightlife, our chic lodging is the perfect base to explore PETCO Park, the cruise ship port, Balboa Park, the Convention Center, and the USS Midway. Experience modern design and prime location for an unforgettable stay.

Most of these hotels offer airport shuttle service and some will offer you free shuttle service, make sure you inquire at your hotel. San Diego hotels have tons of personality, so wherever you stay, you’re in for an amazing experience.

If you want to be as close to the airport as possible, there are many incredible options available. Luxury hotels on Harbor Island — directly across from the airport — provide fantastic vistas of San Diego Bay. In addition to elegant amenities such as open-air dining and private balconies, these hotels give you instant access to breathtaking beaches.

Travelers are close to San Diego’s most charming inns. Little Italy is filled with iconic lodging for couples looking for something quiet and romantic. For families with kids, it’s easy to find spacious suites in the area near Little Italy and Waterfront Park in the Harborview neighborhood.

Casa Del Prado Theater at Balboa Park

Visiting Balboa Park

You can’t visit San Diego without taking a trip to this gigantic park. Miles of trails for hiking, biking, skateboarding and walking await. Visit legendary gardens, photograph Spanish architecture or tour one of Balboa Park’s 17 museums. Balboa Park is even home to the San Diego Zoo.

Orangutan at the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park

Experience the San Diego Zoo

A bucket-list destination, the San Diego Zoo is home to countless endangered and rare species. Watch your kids giggle happily with elephants, lions, tigers, koalas and other exotic creatures.

You can also save on top attractions and activities including the San Diego Zoo by purchasing a Go City San Diego pass. This card will help you save up to 55% off regular admission costs. You can even get an additional discount if you purchase the Go City San Diego pass through our website.

Restaurants and Bars in the Gaslamp Quarter

Shopping & Nightlife at the Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego’s urban playground that offers cool shopping during the day and hot nightlife when the sun goes down. Check out unique craft breweries, high-profile restaurants and the best signature cocktails around, into addition to live music and dancing.

Boardwalk Along the Embarcadero next to Seaport Village

Checking out Seaport Village

When you’re in the mood to stroll aimlessly along the San Diego Bay in the Embarcadero at Seaport Village, this is the place to be for kids and adults alike. Expect gorgeous views, romantic sunsets and mouth watering seafood.

Aerial Shot of Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean

Don’t Miss out on Mission Bay Park

The largest man-made water park in the world, Mission Bay Park gives you access to countless water sports and beach activities. Go sailing, paddle boarding, kiteboarding, swimming, jet skiing and more.

The list of popular San Diego destinations within biking and driving distance is too large to count. You can easily reach many of the most popular beaches in San Diego in half an hour or less. Go surfing at Pacific Beach, sail around Coronado Island or watch the sun go down at Sunset Cliffs National Park.