A Travel Price Comparison for California San Diego vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit San Diego or San Francisco?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Diego and San Francisco. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Diego

San Diego is a relaxed, outdoorsy, and idyllic coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a eccentric, one-of-a-kind, and scenic coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

San Diego and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Diego or San Francisco?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Francisco than San Diego. While San Diego is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Diego is known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. San Diego is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. San Francisco is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge.

How is San Diego different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Francisco and San Diego. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Diego or San Francisco?

San Francisco is renowned for its historical sights. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in San Francisco are world-renowned. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

San Diego offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, San Diego is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

San Diego is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in San Diego or San Francisco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through San Francisco, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in San Diego has something for everybody. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for live music.

San Diego has a thriving music scene. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is renowned for hiking. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

San Francisco is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

San Diego is a popular spot for hiking. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Is the Shopping Better in San Diego or San Francisco?

San Francisco is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, San Francisco draws large crowds to its stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Families?

Both San Diego and San Francisco are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Diego is very family-friendly. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Francisco is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Couples?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Is San Diego or San Francisco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

San Francisco has a great public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is San Diego or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is San Diego Worth Visiting? and Is San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or San Diego?

How long in San Diego or San Francisco?

Both San Diego and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in San Diego. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for San Diego, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

Couples should spend more time in San Diego than San Francisco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Diego that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than San Diego if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Francisco.

One day in San Diego or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the energetic destination of San Diego. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in San Diego or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in San Diego or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of San Diego. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

A week in San Diego or San Francisco?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal city of San Diego. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between San Diego and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Diego Expensive? and Is San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Diego or San Francisco?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of San Diego and San Francisco, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit San Diego or San Francisco?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit San Diego or San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and San Diego are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, San Diego is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Diego in July average around 71°F (22°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, San Diego usually receives less rain than San Francisco. San Diego gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Diego or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and San Diego during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, San Diego is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in San Diego average around 68°F (20°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

San Diego usually gets less rain in October than San Francisco. San Diego gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Diego or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Diego and San Francisco. The winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

San Diego is a little warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, San Diego usually receives less rain than San Francisco. San Diego gets 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Diego or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Diego as well as San Francisco. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Diego is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Diego in April average around 62°F (17°C), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

San Diego usually gets less rain in April than San Francisco. San Diego gets 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and San Diego