University City Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit University City
Popular places to visit
San Diego Mormon Temple
You can learn about the history of San Diego with a trip to San Diego Mormon Temple. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
San Diego Zoo
One of the largest zoos in America housing around 4000 creatures, San Diego Zoo offers an enchanting and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Petco Park
Purchase a hot dog and watch the San Diego Padres, California’s southernmost Major League Baseball team, play on their home field.
Balboa Park
One of America’s largest urban green spaces, Balboa Park is an exciting spot packed with art, culture, and a world-renowned zoo.
SeaWorld
A fun family favourite, where you can get up close to the local marine life, enjoy fun rides and be wowed by the performances.
Mission Bay
Mission Bay is San Diego’s vast and beautiful outdoor playground with great weather and calm waters that seem made for watersports.
Activities
Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures
City Cruises San Diego: Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise
San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
City Cruises San Diego: Premier Dinner Cruise
Our pick of the best University City Hotel Deals
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
"The parking was extra and cost almost as much per day as the rental car. The room came with included amenities, but only if you reminded the staff every day."
Reviewed on 24 June 2026
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
"No Regrets about this trip at all- and I slept like the dead- thank you!"
Reviewed on 24 June 2026
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
"This hotel is showing its age and smelled "musty." It clearly used to be very nice but is showing the signs of it being a while since it was built. Overall, a decent place to stay at a reasonable price point. The airport shuttle is a great amenity and the onsite restaurants were very good."
Reviewed on 23 June 2026
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
"The convenience of being right on the beach can’t be beat! But the rooms definitely need some updating and the air conditioner was full of dust. Overall, my family had a great time at the pool, beach, and sports courts."
Reviewed on 24 June 2026
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
"Just a hop,skip and jump away from Petco Park and Gaslamp District. Very nice hotel,valet parking staff was nice and helpful. Only reason I rated the way I did was because I asked the gal at front desk if someone could go to our room and try to fix out TV since it was NOT working at all. Husband ..."
Reviewed on 25 June 2026
California Suites Hotel
"The place is charming and a bit vintage, not at all antiseptic! It’s unique. Briana and Josh at the front desk were kind and helpful. The little Mexican restaurant Los Palmitos, that Briana suggested was perfect for an affordable, delicious meal in good company, watching Mexico play in the World ..."
Reviewed on 25 June 2026
Check University City hotel availability
Our guide on where to stay in University City
Downtown San Diego
Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.
Pacific Beach
The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.
Mission Beach
If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Beach and Mission Bay are top sights worth seeing.
Gaslamp Quarter
Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Lyceum Theatre – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Mission Bay
If you're spending some time in Mission Bay, Mission Bay and Mission and Pacific Beaches are top sights worth seeing.
