San Diego Tourism Authority
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FAQs
San Diego is the USA’s 8th largest city, and is located at the south end of the Californian coast, and the city’s metropolitan area is immediately adjacent to the US-Mexico border.
San Diego International Airport is conveniently located, approximately 5kms from the heart of the downtown area. The airport is also served by the Metropolitan Transit System bus route #992. Most rental car agencies have airport facilities and/or provide service to arriving visitors.
A lot of people say that everything is “20 minutes away” in San Diego. While that’s not exactly true, most everything is conveniently located in San Diego. The table below will give you an idea of travel times from the city centre that can be expected under normal circumstances.
Coronado – 7 minutes
Escondido – 30 minutes
Hotel Circle – 10 minutes
La Jolla – 20 minutes
Mission Bay – 15 minutes
Oceanside – 45 minutes
San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field) – 10 minutes
Tijuana – 30 minutes
Ensenada – 2 hours
San Diego is 2 hours south of Los Angeles. When normal travel resumes, from LA you can fly, get the Amtrak train from Union Station or Anaheim, drive or organise private transportation. Please be sure to check local regulations and travel advice.
Tijuana is approximately 16 miles (25 kilometres) south of downtown San Diego. Once international travel resumes, the recommended method to travel to Tijuana is to take the trolley to the border and walk across. Crossing the border by car generally takes longer, with long lines at the border crossing. You will need a valid passport to travel across the border. Check this page for more information on crossing the Mexican border.
With 100 distinct neighbourhoods in San Diego, here is a breakdown of the county:
- Mission Beach & Bay Area – Home to Seaworld, beaches and a laid back vibe.
- Mission Valley & Old Town – lots of shopping and history! A great central location to use the trolley/Light Rail to get around.
- Downtown – the centre of the action with easy walking access to the Gaslamp quarter known for great bars and nightlife.
- Coronado – its home to the famous grand Victorian Hotel Del Coronado a fabulous place for couples or if you have clients who are on a friends’ trip.
LEGOLAND is 40 minutes from downtown located in Carlsbad. It’s best to do it either on your way to or from San Diego.
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Belmont Park: Family Attraction in San Diego
San Diego is an elite destination for families with a large range of attractions and beaches to enjoy with the whole family. Belmont Park is a standout family attraction. Located by the surf and sand of Mission Beach, Belmont Park is San Diego’s only beachfront amusement and entertainment center. From the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster to the dynamic oceanfront restaurants, Belmont Park is the quintessential Southern California beach experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family. There is also a gaming arcade, nautical-themed miniature golf and many souvenir stores for endless fun.
Find the Ice Cream of your Dreams in San Diego
Summertime is prime time for ice cream, and San Diego is loaded like a giant waffle cone with great places to savour it. Here’s the scoop on some favourite places to indulge in cold, creamy delights all around San Diego — from traditional tastes to boldly creative flavours.
Spooky Season in San Diego
You’re in for a trick–or–treat with a trip to San Diego this October. Many of the iconic attractions across the city are offering spook–tacular events to entertain families this Halloween.
Family Fun in the Sun in San Diego
With 31 beaches to explore, thrilling attractions, and a wide range of famil-friendly hotels, San Diego, the 8th largest city in the U.S, is the perfect place for a fun-filled family escape. From roller coasters to water parks to up-close animal encounters to professional sports, there’s no shortage of all-ages of fun to be had in San Diego.
Plan the LQBTQ+ wedding of your dreams in San Diego
San Diego ranks as one of the world’s most desirable place to throw your LQBTQ+ wedding. With idyllic backdrops, this warm and welcoming city is the perfect destination for your special day.
Delicious Detours: Plan a Road Trip to San Diego
For visitors who enjoy indulging in local foodie delights while on vacation, San Diego’s burgeoning culinary scene offers diverse flavours to savour. For those who also enjoy a good road trip, many of the city’s most notable restaurants and eateries can be found along scenic highways and neighbourhood thoroughfares.
Plan a Dream Surf and Skateboard Fun-Filled Trip to San Diego
San Diego’s laid-back vibe and wholesome lifestyle make California’s beach city an oasis for travellers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Explore San Diego’s Vibrant Neighbourhoods: New and Old
San Diego’s 100 colourful and distinct neighbourhoods all offer its own culture, arts and dining opportunities and experiences.
Meet Cali-Baja culture in San Diego
A unique blend of Mexico and California culture is reflected in San Diego through its foods, art and experiences. read more…
10 Things You Didn’t Know about San Diego
A fusion of 33 beautiful beaches, vibrant culinary scene, and 100 distinct neighbourhoods, all with a laid-back, welcoming local vibe.
NASCAR San Diego Weekend
In June 2026, San Diego makes history as host of the first-ever NASCAR
San Diego Weekend, held at Naval Base Coronado to mark the 250th
anniversary of the U.S. Navy. It will be the first NASCAR race ever
staged on a military base.
The Flower Fields – 1 March to 10 May
The Flower Fields returns to Carlsbad Ranch March 1 through May 10 with 55 acres and nearly 80 million Giant Tecolote Ranunculus in full bloom. This beloved spring tradition in North San Diego County pairs its iconic rolling rainbow hills with new experiences for 2026, including a rotating local pop-up vendor series and an expanded Butterfly Encounter greenhouse featuring exotic varieties like the Blue Morpho. Guests can also enjoy live music, wellness classes, hands-on workshops and family favorites such as tractor wagon rides, the Sweet Pea Maze and U-Pick blueberries.
Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise
This Thanksgiving, enjoy a two hour luxury lunch cruise on San Diego Bay with a 1:00 PM departure aboard a Flagship yacht. Guests will savor a chef prepared traditional holiday meal while taking in beautiful waterfront views in a festive atmosphere. Perfect for couples, families, and friends, this special cruise offers a chance to relax, celebrate, and create lasting memories without the stress of cooking or cleanup, making it a unique holiday experience.
San Diego Food and Wine Festival is on November 7-9
The San Diego Food and Wine Festival returns to the Embarcadero November 7-9 to showcase cross-border cuisine, celebrated chefs, winemakers and more. The festival also spotlights sustainability, features award-winning chefs including James Beard–recognized talent, and supports culinary education programs through scholarships that benefit aspiring hospitality professionals across the region.
SeaWorld Día de los Muertos
SeaWorld will celebrate Dia de los Muertos on November 1 and 2, embracing this cherished cultural tradition with vibrant flavors, music, and family friendly activities. Guests can admire striking Catrina statues in bold colors and explore ofrendas, altars that honor loved ones who have passed. The atmosphere will be filled with marigolds, candles, and papel picado. Traditional Latin music and festive cuisine will create an experience that is both meaningful and celebratory for all ages.
Haunted Harvest
The Curse of Clementine returns to Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in 2025. The evening begins with live music and folk dancing, followed by ghost stories to set a spooky mood. Guests then board a haunted hayride through the back of the farm before searching on foot for Clementine’s final resting place. Prepaid registration is required, and tickets are limited to 30 per hayride.
Del Mar Racing Season
San Diego horse racing returns to the iconic Del Mar Racetrack, where the turf meets the surf. Each summer, fans gather from mid July to early September to experience the thrill of live racing, wagering, and seaside fun. This tradition dates back to 1937 when Bing Crosby welcomed the first guests, and Seabiscuit claimed a legendary win in 1938. Today, top horses, trainers, and jockeys bring world class competition, blending sport, nostalgia, and sunny California charm.
San Diego County Fair
This summer, we’re celebrating the joy pets bring to our lives, from loyal pups to curious cats and everything in between. Join us for the Summer Pet-tacular, where the bond between humans and animals takes centre stage. Enjoy exciting rides, fun games, delicious food, amazing exhibits and live entertainment in a pet-loving celebration for all ages.
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival
A major three-day festival featuring over seven stages and more than 80 bands is set to take over San Diego’s scenic Embarcadero waterfront. Blending music, food, art and coastal culture, the event includes yacht parties, water activities, art displays, after-hours events, a craft beer village and local culinary offerings. With flexible re-entry, Wonderfront Festival invites attendees to tailor their experience and fully immerse themselves in the heart of the city.
Kids Go Free October
For the entire month of October, the Kids Free Program in San Diego enables children under 12 to receive free tickets to dozens of attractions and free meals across many restaurants and popular hotels. With most attractions, visitors can get two free kid tickets per every ticket purchased for an adult traveller. This can significantly discount the family trip and allows visitors to create more special memories at a discounted price. This will be the 13th year that San Diego has run the Kids Free Program in October.
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns to the heart of La Jolla Village for its 16th year on September 28 and 29. The event will showcase regional and international fine art from over 160 artists, a variety of flavor experiences from local food vendors, and the Wine & Beer Garden boasts more than 35 international wineries, local craft breweries, and distilleries. Live entertainment including music and dance performances, a two-day silent auction and pet-adoption stations will also be featured at the festival.
Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro
The world’s top professional female surfers will be back in Oceanside for the annual Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro, a 3 day event jam-packed with world-class surfing competition that will blow your mind, and a festival village loaded with female-inspired vendors, activities and amazing entertainment.
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival
A highly anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village, and plenty of local flavours. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festivalgoers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.
Gator By the Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival
The spirit, sounds and flavours of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.
Chinese New Year Faire
The San Diego Chinese New Year Fair is a two-day event celebrating the Lunar New Year, showcasing exciting performances, Asian art and culture, an array of delicious Chinese and Asian food, and much more. The event is free to the public and a popular destination for families and audiences of all ages as they experience and celebrate the Lunar New Year.
San Diego Bird Festival
The San Diego Audubon Society invites you to the San Diego Bird Festival, which celebrates the birds and habitats of San Diego County. We’re celebrating the birds and habitats of our county, which truly offer some of the best birding in the United States. In a world where social media and smart devices seem to be taking over, birds are a lovely reminder that the world is full of real experiences. All you need to do is Look Up!
San Diego Tet Festival
Attracting more than 25,000 people every year from all over the city, the 3-day celebration features free admission, a number of new attractions, activities, games, food and live entertainment, including, but not limited to, A-list Vietnamese singers and performers, lion dancing, firecrackers and some of our most popular programs, the Miss Vietnam of San Diego pageant, Step-Up Dance and Golden Voice.
San Diego Lunar New Year Festival
Join us for the arrival of spring based on the Lunar Calendar, and features many customs such as giving thanks, worshipping ancestors, and wishing New Year’s greetings. There will be many events and attractions for all to enjoy. Don’t miss out!
28 Days of Museum Moments
February remains the perfect month to discover (or re-discover) the story of San Diego during Museum Month with 50% off admission to more than 60 San Diego County museums, historic sites, gardens, zoo/aquariums and more. Join us every day in February as we explore a rich world of cultural experiences, including virtual activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and other special museum moments you can only find in San Diego. #SDMuseumMonth
San Diego Black Film Festival
Established in 2002 and held each year during the last week of January, the San Diego Black Film Festival has grown to become one of the largest black film festivals in the country. We screen over 100 films each year: Comedy, Drama, Documentaries, Animation, GLBT, Horror, Religious, Foreign/African Diaspora, Shorts, Feature Films and music videos. As the first and largest black film festival of the year, we will premiere a large percentage of the independent black films that will prove successful throughout the year at other film festivals.
What's New
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The San Diego Zoo has Welcomed 2 New Adorable Pandas
Cue the panda cuteness! The San Diego Zoo welcomed two new giant pandas named Xin Bao and Yun Chaun, which are available to view as of August 8. This is the first time that pandas will be on display at the zoo since 2019, and it will also make the San Diego Zoo the only place in the U.S. where guests can view the loveable creatures until new bears arrive later this year.
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Sesame Place San Diego Debuts ‘Dine with Elmo’ Experience
Sesame Place San Diego has recently debuted the Dine with Elmo experience at the brand-new Sunny Day Café. The immersive experience allows guests to dine alongside their favorite furry friends and experience exclusive entertainment including singing, dancing, and photo opportunities.
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Seaworld San Diego welcomes "Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish experience"
SeaWorld San Diego unveiled its newest attraction, Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience, on 15 March. This highly anticipated exhibit offers a first-of-its-kind immersive journey into the mysterious world of jellyfish. Visitors can explore vibrant displays, interactive elements, and up-close encounters with these graceful creatures. Blending education with wonder, the experience invites guests of all ages to discover the beauty and brilliance of the ocean’s most mesmerising drifters.
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The Bower Coronado
The Bower Coronado, set to open this spring, marks one of the first major developments in Coronado in several decades. The property introduces a fresh take on hospitality, featuring seamless, transaction-free check-ins and personalised guest itineraries. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, the hotel’s design highlights natural textures and tranquil elements, reflecting a refined sense of simplicity and calm. Its setting pays tribute to the former site of John D. Spreckels’ Japanese tea garden.
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The Manchester Grand Hyatt
The Manchester Grand Hyatt is set to reopen the refreshed Sally’s waterfront restaurant on 3 April. Guests will be able to sip mezcal and tequila-inspired cocktails while enjoying panoramic views of San Diego Bay from the newly extended outdoor terrace.
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Veranda at Hotel del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado has unveiled Veranda, a new open-air dining destination offering sweeping ocean views and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Set on the newly restored terrace, the space invites guests to enjoy fresh cuisine and great conversation in a truly iconic setting. Part of the hotel’s six-year restoration, the veranda faithfully recreates the original 1888 design, once graced by presidents and Hollywood legends alike.
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The Paleo Centre at San Diego Natural History Museum
Opening in May 2025, the San Diego Natural History Museum will introduce The Paleo Center, a cutting-edge exhibition space where visitors can observe fossil preparation in action. Guests will have the chance to explore fascinating collections up close and engage directly with scientists as they work, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at palaeontology in progress.
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San Diego Zoo Extended Hours
Summer nights just got wilder. From May 23 to August 10, the San Diego Zoo’s annual Nighttime Zoo invites guests to experience the park after dark. With extended hours until 8:00 PM, visitors can enjoy live music, pop-up performances and special evening entertainment across the park. It’s the perfect way to see the animals and soak up the summer atmosphere long after the sun goes down.
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Seaworld San Diego Summer of Fun
SeaWorld San Diego is bringing the energy this season with festivals, concerts and family fun. Now through June 22, the park is celebrating 10 years of Baby Shark with character meet-and-greets and a live mini show in partnership with The Pinkfong Company. On weekends from May 2 to 18, Viva La Musica returns with Latin food, live music and the debut of SoCal Taco Fest. The fun continues with the 2025 Summer Spectacular Concert Series, lighting up Saturday nights from June 21 to August 23 with headliners like Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, Fat Joe and more.
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San Diego Natural History Museum
Starting June 6, the San Diego Natural History Museum unveils the Tom Demere Paleontology Center, a cutting-edge fossil processing lab and collections space. Visitors can explore the new centre as part of Amazement in the Basement, an exhibition featuring rare natural history specimens. The exhibition also highlights fascinating stories of medical breakthroughs and conservation efforts rooted in The Nat’s own research collections.
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Hotel Del Coronado
After six years of work, the Hotel Del Coronado completed a $550 million renovation in June. The project refreshed the historic Victorian building, garden courtyard, and event spaces while also adding two new dining venues. Guests can now enjoy Veranda, an all day restaurant with coastal inspired cuisine, and Nobu del Coronado, the world renowned Japanese restaurant that brings elevated dining to this iconic California destination.
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Baby Grand
Baby Grand, the second hotel from hospitality group CH Projects, is opening soon on Coronado’s Orange Avenue. The $17 million property will offer 31 stylish rooms and introduce three unique restaurant concepts designed to enhance the local dining scene. With its boutique charm and focus on culinary experiences, Baby Grand is set to become a vibrant addition to Coronado, blending modern hospitality with the neighborhood’s coastal atmosphere.
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La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has welcomed Chef Ananda Bareño to lead the resort’s culinary program, which includes the Marine Room and The Shores Restaurant, as well as a new restaurant, market, and bar launching as a part of a $60 million resort-wide transformation.
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Seaworld San Diego
The park has announced the lineup for its 2025 Summer Spectacular Concert Series, running Saturday nights from June 21 through August 23 and featuring performances by artists such as Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, Fat Joe, Waka Flocka Flame, and more.
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LEGOLAND® California Resort
New Driving Schools offer kids the chance to learn the rules of the road on fresh tracks at both Driving School and Jr. Driving School. The new tracks are located in Fun Town and feature realistic road scenarios, intersections, roundabouts, and even a car wash equipped with interactive bubble triggers that activate as kids drive through.
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The New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum recently debuted Artopia, an 8,600 square foot expansion that provides more room for guests to think, play and create. The new exhibit includes gallery space, classrooms expanded art-making studio space and will offer art-making workshops, artist-led experiences, and opportunities for private event rentals, all of which will be for multi-generational audiences.
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Comic-Con Museum
The Comic-Con Museum is introducing two new exhibits this summer. “Sangre, Sudor, Myth: The Art, Culture, and Heritage of Mexican Lucha Libre” opens May 22 and is a collaboration with the Consulado General de México en San Diego that highlights the art behind the fan-favorite pro-wrestling form.
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Leu Leu
San Diego celebrity Chef Claudette Zepeda’s newest concept, Leu Leu, is officially open in Leucadia. Chef Zepeda, who was once a contestant on Top Chef and a judge on Netflix’s Iron Chef Mexico, has been in the San Diego culinary scene for 20 years, with stints at James Beard-nominated Bracero and El Jardin. Leu Leu’s menu is inspired by Zepeda’s Mexican American heritage, with Mediterranean influences.
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50 Best Discovery
The historic La Valencia Hotel recently debuted on 50 Best Discovery, a highly-curated collection of city guides that is an extension of the annual 50 Best rankings of restaurants, bars, and hotels. The iconic La Jolla property, celebrating 100 years in 2026, was added to the platform after a vote by the expert Academy members, some of the world’s foremost restaurant, bar and travel connoisseurs.
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New Exhibits at the Navy SEAL Museum
Open as of October 4 in Downtown San Diego near the Embarcadero, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego offers an immersive experience into the elite world of U.S. Navy SEALs. Through hands-on exhibits, cutting-edge technology, and face-to-face interactions with retired SEALs, the museum will spotlight the values of leadership, perseverance, and service. This new museum, and the first on the west coast, connects visitors with the storied legacy of Naval Special Warfare, just across the bay from where every Navy SEAL begins their journey in Coronado.
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Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego’s Revamped Guest Rooms
As part of a property-wide transformation, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has debuted its fully redesigned deluxe guest rooms in the Seaport Tower. This milestone marks the first completed phase of the 1,628-room hotel’s top-to-bottom renovation, which will continue through 2026 with additional upgrades to guest accommodations, dining venues, meeting spaces, and rooftop recreation.
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New Restaurant: Lana
Lana is a new and upscale neighbourhood eatery in coastal Solana Beach. From industry veterans Travis LeGrand and Mark Whedon, the 5,000-square-foot space will feature a central bar, multiple dining areas, and a patio. Lana aims to offer coastal comfort and everyday luxury, reflecting the area's evolving culinary scene.
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Lilo Earns Michelin Star in San Diego
The 2025 Michelin Guide recently named the newly opened Lilo as San Diego’s newest one-star Michelin restaurant. Lilo is an intimate, design-forward tasting restaurant from Eric Bost and John Resnick, the team behind Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, serving 12-course dinners to just 22 guests per evening. With Lilo’s addition, San Diego County now boasts five Michelin-starred establishments: the three-star Addison by Chef William Bradley, and one-star restaurants Valle (Oceanside), Juene et Jolie (Carlsbad), and Soichi (University Heights).
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New Lego Galaxy at Legoland
The new year is stacking up to be a fun one at LEGOLAND California with the debut of the space-themed land, LEGO Galaxy, on March 6. The out-of-this-world adventure features the Galacticoaster, the park’s first new rollercoaster in 20 years, which will take parkgoers on a high-tech adventure where they can virtually customize their spacecraft.
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New Immersive Shark Encounter at Sea World
SeaWorld unveiled plans for a reimagined Shark Encounter experience, debuting Spring 2026. The all-new experience will transport guests into a breathtaking aquatic environment, inviting them to explore the ocean like never before and discover the remarkable beauty and power of sharks. The cutting-edge exhibit will showcase 11 species of sharks from around the world — many of which are vulnerable or threatened — and include multimedia that will educate guests about sharks’ incredible diversity and their vital role in the ocean.
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Training
The San Diego Specialist Program (SDSP) is designed to help raise awareness and knowledge of key drivers of travel to San Diego.
• Become a San Diego Specialist by completing the 25-question online quiz.
• Each question will have a multiple-choice answer.
• Click on the links offered after each question for more detailed information.
• Receive your San Diego Specialist Certificate immediately upon completion of the program.
This simple program will help you learn more about what San Diego has to offer, where to find detailed information, and the tools available to help you sell San Diego.
Find out why San Diego has become one of the most desirable vacation destinations. Become a San Diego Destination Specialist now and earn your certificate.
Available in English, Spanish, German & Japanese
Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.
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