Los Angeles & San Diego Twin & Multi-Centre Holidays 2025/2026

The best times to visit Los Angeles and San Diego are the spring months of March to May and the autumn period from September to November. These seasons offer mild temperatures, great hotel rates and a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for a deeper dive into the local Californian lifestyle. Additionally, the lighter tourist traffic during these months means you can explore both cities' sights at a leisurely pace, from beachside strolls to cultural immersion.
 

Los Angeles and San Diego are both located in the Pacific Time Zone and follow the same standard time, which is UTC-8 during Standard Time in the winter months and UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time in the summer months. Meaning no pesky jet lag to worry about - well, from one city to the other anyway.

Both cities are 8 hours behind the UK, so an initial power nap upon arrival may be required!

LAX is the largest and busiest airport in the Los Angeles area. It offers a wide range of domestic and international flights and is the most convenient choice if you're travelling internationally. Bob Hope Airport, located to the north of Downtown LA, is a good choice if you're staying in the northern part of LA as it's closer to areas like Burbank, Glendale, and parts of the San Fernando Valley. Long Beach Airport is located to the south of Downtown LA and can be a convenient choice if you're planning to explore southern parts of Los Angeles County.

San Diego International Airport is the primary airport serving San Diego and is conveniently located near Downtown. Tijuana International Airport (which is technically located in Mexico), is just across the border from San Diego - ideal if you fancy a pit-stop south of the border.

One of the most visited places is Balboa Park, a large urban park in the heart of the city that’s often considered to be the cultural centre of San Diego. The San Diego Zoo is located within the park itself and is one of the most famous and well-regarded zoos in the world. It's a major draw for visitors of all ages and home to a wide variety of animals.

Balboa Park also houses a few fascinating museums covering a range of topics, from art and history to science and technology. Some popular spots include the San Diego Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, and the Fleet Science Center. You’ll also find beautiful gardens in the area, including the Botanical Building and the Japanese Friendship Garden, which look fantastic when they’re in full bloom.

If you want to be close to the beach and enjoy a more laid-back, seaside atmosphere, then Santa Monica is the place for you. There are beautiful beaches, the Santa Monica Pier, and plenty to do by way of shops and restaurants. Venice Beach, located towards the south, is known for its hippy vibes and eclectic inhabitants - plus you’d be close to the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Muscle Beach, which provide hours of entertainment. Beverly Hills, however, is the place to be if you want to experience the LA high life during your multi-centre holiday. Similarly, Rodeo Drive is one of the most eminent destinations for shopping and dining.

Downtown San Diego is a great choice if you want to be in the very heart of the city. You'll be situated close to attractions like the Gaslamp Quarter, the USS Midway Museum and the waterfront. There’s a buzzing nightlife, plentiful options for dining, and some great shops.
If you’re after a more opulent and picturesque seaside experience, La Jolla is a beautiful coastal community with exquisite beaches and fine dining. You’ll also have the chance to admire sea lions in their natural habitat.
Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are perfect for those who want a more relaxed, beachy atmosphere - both popular with the surfer crowd, so don your board if you have one! Coronado Island, located across the bay from Downtown San Diego, is known for its pristine beaches and has a charming, historic feel. If you're looking for a fashionable and artistic neighbourhood, North Park is known for its craft beer scene, boutiques, and arts culture.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a must for your Los Angeles multi-centre holidays. This hugely popular studio and theme park offers visitors a chance to experience the magic of movie-making and spend the day navigating rides and soaking up all the fascinating sets, props and other attractions.

Located in Anaheim, Disneyland truly lives up to the magic. It consists of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park where all your childhood dreams can come true with the help of a little pixie dust.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame features an array of stars embedded with the names of famous faces from the entertainment industry. Look out for the Olsen twins, Arnie and King of Rock himself, Elvis.

Santa Monica Pier is another for your list. This historic pier features an amusement park, many restaurants, shops, and beautiful views of the ocean and coast. You absolutely must snap a picture of The Hollywood Sign too - it’s visible from many parts of the city so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get the best angles.

The San Diego Zoo is revered worldwide for its extensive collection of animals and its commitment to conservation and education. It offers a unique opportunity to see a wide variety of species in more naturalistic habitats. The zoo's lush, beautifully landscaped grounds make it a memorable experience for families, animal enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The numerous exhibits include pandas, elephants, giraffes, lions and tigers amongst the many species. It's not only a place for entertainment but also a centre for research and conservation efforts which is important work.
 

San Diego's proximity to the ocean means you can find some of the best fish tacos in the world here. They tend to feature fresh, grilled or fried fish, served in a soft tortilla with toppings like cabbage, salsa, and crema - fishy delishy! San Diego generally offers a bounty of fresh seafood, so you can enjoy everything from sensational seafood platters and clam chowder to local catches like sea bass and yellowtail.

California burritos are a San Diego speciality too, typically filled with grilled steak, french fries, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. The culinary scene also includes a focus on farm-to-table dining, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

For the sweet tooth travellers out there, San Diego has a growing dessert scene, with artisan ice cream shops, bakeries and dessert bars offering an assortment of sweet treats to sample. Need something to wash it down with? This city is a craft beer haven, with numerous breweries to its name. Sample everything from IPAs to stouts at the local breweries and tasting rooms, while craft cocktail bars are also a popular haunt, all offering inventive and well-crafted drinks for those looking to enjoy the city's nightlife with a fancy cocktail in hand.

It’s great to be prepared, so taking time to do some research and make a list of the specific attractions, activities, and places you want to visit across both cities is a great idea for your Los Angeles and San Diego multi-centre holidays. Create a rough itinerary, including a list of must-see locations and flexible options for each day and check the weather forecast for both cities during your travel dates, so you can pack accordingly. You’ll want to be comfortable, so consider taking a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs for a more cosy flight.

Effective planning and thorough preparation can significantly enrich your experience and enable you to steer clear of potential challenges. Maintaining flexibility is essential because unforeseen circumstances may crop up during your journey. So be sure to stay well-informed, stay ready, and seize every opportunity to fully enjoy your exploration of San Diego and Los Angeles 2025/2026!