Planning a vacation can be stressful you never know what you’re going to forget and how it’s going to affect your trip! If you want to make sure you think of everything for your upcoming getaway to California, you’ve landed on the right blog. Here, we’ll tell you three things you need to think about prior to your San Diego trip and take the burden of planning off of your shoulders. So, are you ready to get started? Let’s go!
To discover the best things to do in San Diego once you get here, download our free Travel Guide! This exclusive planning tool features all our top recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more. 

Get My Guide

Answer These 3 Questions Before Going on Your San Diego Trip

How Will I Get There?

There are several ways to get to San Diego from the destination you’re coming from. The first is planning a fun road trip. This is a great option if you’re traveling with friends and want to start vacation with an adventure. If you’re short on time and want to get to San Diego more quickly, then flying is your best option. That being said, you will need to rent a car when you land, and the airport car rental center offers plenty of options for that. If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, you can take the shuttle downtown and head over to San Diego Prestige. This rental company specializes in luxury cars and yachts! 

 What Will I Do?

San Diego is a vibrant city with relaxing beach vibes. It’s a perfect destination for travelers looking to unwind while enjoying the pleasures of a Southern California way of life. Here are some of our favorite things to add to your travel wishlist:

Where Will I Stay?

One of the most important aspects of your San Diego vacation is where you decide to stay. Don’t neglect your standards simply because you’re away from home! At Monarch Luxury Villas, we offer the best properties in the area. From stylish downtown condos to lavish villas by the ocean, you will find exactly what you’re looking for. Enjoy a glass of Champagne by the pool, hire a private chef to cook you dinner, and sleep the night away in your luxurious bed!

Plan a Fabulous Stay with Monarch Luxury Villas

view on rue villaNow that you’re more secure in your travel plans, it’s time to make them a reality. Browse our beautiful selection of properties at and pick the one that fits your needs the most. Whether you are traveling with your better half on a romantic getaway or taking your family on a fun adventure, we have what you need! Relax in a splendid and luxurious home, minutes away from all the wonderful things to do in San Diego.
Book My Stay

Are you planning a getaway to San Diego from Arizona? How about turning it into a fun road trip? There’s nothing like driving up the West Coast, blasting music, and admiring the scenery! In this blog, we’ll help you plan your adventure and make the most of the journey. So, read on, take notes, and start mapping out your road trip from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego! Next, discover the best things to do once you reach San Diego in our free Travel Guide! This exclusive planning tool features our recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.

Access My Guide

3 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Road Trip from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego

How Long is the Drive?

The drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego is 357 miles long and takes about five and a half hours. It’s the ideal length for a road trip because you won’t spend the entire day in the car!

What to Pack

There are a few things to consider when packing for your vacation. First, pack the items you’ll need for your road trip. That includes water, snacks, phone chargers, etc. We also recommend creating a playlist that you can blast with the windows down! Be sure to load up your itinerary before you leave, too, as there might not be service along the way.
You also need to think about what to pack for San Diego. The weather in Southern California is sunny all-year-long, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for all types of weather. Here are some items you might want to consider taking with you:

  • Shorts and jeans
  • Cotton T-shirts
  • Sandals and flip flops for the beach
  • Hiking boots if you decide to hit the trails
  • Bathing suits
  • A light jacket
  • Your camera!

Stops to Make Along the Way

The drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego is stunning, to say the least. If you love nature and beautiful vistas, then you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of our favorite things to see along the way.

The Perfect Place to Rest After Your Road Trip

Rooftop view of La Jolla, CAThey say it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey. In this case, however, we can assure you that the destination will be the highlight of your trip! Monarch Luxury Villas offers a beautiful selection of properties in San Diego that will make your vacation unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a romantic condo for two or a spacious home for your family and friends, Monarch Luxury Villas has you covered. 
Find My Villa

What do you see when you picture San Diego in your mind? Is it a sunny beach? Turquoise water? Maybe you imagine scenic hiking trails. San Diego is a picture-perfect summer destination, and the good news is, you don’t even need to visit during the summer to experience it. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best of what our coastal city has to offer, visit San Diego in September! This time of year is ideal for a low-key, relaxing getaway. 
Learn more about the best things to do in San Diego in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Inside this planning tool, you’ll find our top recommendations for local restaurants, high-end shops, fun events, outdoor adventures, and more. 

Get the Guide 

 

Here’s All You Need to Know About Traveling to San Diego in September 

What’s the Weather Like in San Diego in September? 

One of the greatest things about San Diego is the temperate, year-round weather. Although winter can get cooler, there’s really no difference between spring, summer, and fall! Traveling to San Diego in September feels like extending your summer vacation with the warm breeze, glowing sun, and blue sky. Temperatures in September range from highs around 77 to lows around 66 degrees.

What Should You Pack? 

As we previously mentioned, San Diego in September is like summer. So, your suitcase should include the following items: 

  • Several pairs of shorts 
  • Sandals 
  • Flip-flops for your beach trips 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Hat or cap 
  • A pair of jeans in case it gets cooler at night 
  • A light jacket 
  • Bathing suits 
  • A pair of hiking boots if you decide to hit the trails 
  • Beach towels 

What Are the Top Seasonal Things to Do? 

In addition to all of the outdoor activities you can enjoy in San Diego, like soaking up the sun on the beach, hiking stunning canyon trails, and dining at ocean view restaurants, here are some other seasonal activities and events to indulge in when you visit in September. 

Are You Ready to Book Your Villa? 

Cypress Cabana ChateauNow that we’ve got you all excited about visiting San Diego in September, it’s time to make your trip a reality! Find the home of your dreams with Monarch Luxury Villas. We offer a wide selection of high-end villas ranging from superb condos to magnificent homes with stellar views. Treat your significant other or the entire family to the adventure of a lifetime and relax in beautiful San Diego, California!
Browse Our Villas

Are you traveling to San Diego in the near future? If so, you must spend time in Coronado! This beautiful resort town across the bay is the ideal spot for a relaxing vacation. You can enjoy some of San Diego’s most stunning beaches, dine at oceanfront restaurants, stroll along the historic walk, and more! Read on to discover five of our favorite things to do in Coronado, CA, and start planning your trip.
Learn more about San Diego’s top activities in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find our recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor adventures, and more.

Access the Guide

Discover 4 of the Best Things to Do in Coronado, CA

Soak Up the Sun at Coronado Island Beach

One of the best attractions on Coronado Island is the beach! It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the San Diego area, and when you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why. Take time to relax on the golden sand, dip your feet in the turquoise water, and breathe in the salty air coming from the ocean. 

Discover the Heritage Walk

Learn more about Coronado’s history on the Heritage Walk. This fascinating walk is part of the Museum of History and Art and can make for a fun outing. Start by exploring the museum, then head over to historic Orange Avenue where you’ll see some of Coronado’s most stunning homes as well as the Hotel del Coronado.  

Get a Cocktail at the Hotel del Coronado

If you’re a movie buff, you’ll recognize the Hotel del Coronado immediately! Indeed, this was the setting for the famous Hollywood movie Some Like it Hot starring Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. It’s also the place that inspired the world-renowned book Somewhere in Time. After spending the day in Coronado, head to the hotel’s outdoor bar and sip on a fancy cocktail overlooking the ocean. 

Dine by the Ocean

Go from happy hour to dinner at the Hotel del Coronado’s restaurant. Sheerwater offers jaw-dropping views as well as exquisite food. We highly recommend the diver scallops and smoked pork belly or the lamb shank!

Find Your Dream Villa in Coronado

Monarch Luxury VillaAre you ready for a memorable stay in Coronado? Start planning your trip with Monarch Luxury Villas! Browse our selection of luxurious properties and pick the one that suits you and your party best. Whether it’s a romantic getaway with your significant other or an exciting family adventure, you’re sure to find what you are looking for. 
Find Your Villa

If you’re interested in vacationing in San Diego, you may be asking, “Should I stay in La Jolla or San Diego?” You’ll want to carefully consider these options to ensure you choose the area that’s right for you. San Diego and La Jolla both offer visitors a unique experience, but we can help you determine which is best for your Southern California dream vacation. Don’t worry! You’ll be soaking up the sun in no time. 
There are so many exciting things to do in both La Jolla and San Diego. Access our complimentary Travel Guide to discover the highest quality restaurants, galleries, and activities available in the area.  

Get the Guide

How to Choose Between Staying in La Jolla or San Diego

La Jolla 

While La Jolla is technically in the city and county of San Diego, it’s often thought of by locals as an independent area. However, it does refer to a particular area within San Diego. We can describe this area with one word: picturesque. This upscale beach town is home to some of San Diego’s most excellent restaurants, shops, and homes. 

Demographics

La Jolla is known as San Diego’s Jewel by the Sea. Within La Jolla, you’ll find some of San Diego’s most awe-inspiring homes, as well as some of the highest price points. The community consists of everything from couples enjoying a luxury retirement to families vacationing for the summer. 

Beaches

One of the best parts of La Jolla is its rugged coastline that makes for some of the best views in all of San Diego. Beaches are the primary focus in this part of town and for a good reason!  Each offers something a little different. You can choose Shell Beach to search for starfish, La Jolla Shores for a flatter landscape, and even Children’s Pool to spot sea lions. 
Discover more details about La Jolla’s best beaches

Activities

You’ll never run out of things to do while staying in La Jolla! You can find everything from luxury art galleries to upscale shopping in Downtown La Jolla. Plus, if you’re feeling outdoorsy, indulge in the local hiking trails in Torrey Pines State Park or play a few holes at the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Browse luxury villas in La Jolla.

San Diego

Demographics

You can expect San Diego to feel more like an urban city than a relaxing beach town like La Jolla. There may be larger crowds, but that’s because there’s most going on! 

Beaches

There is no shortage of beach access in San Diego. Ocean Beach tends to attract the largest number of visitors with its classic Southern California atmosphere and panoramic, coastal views. This area is casual and laid back with surf shops and oceanside bars lining the shore. You can also find the popular Dog Beach north of here so your four-legged friend can enjoy the sunshine as well.  

Activities

San Diego boasts a lengthy roster of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld, Petco Park, Legoland, and Balboa Park. Millions of people travel each year to experience the fun for themselves. You’ll also find a wide array of educational museums and award-winning restaurants in the area. 
Browse luxury villas in San Diego.

Stay With Monarch Luxury Villas

Modern La Jolla Escape kitchen owned by Monarch Luxury VillasRegardless of where you choose to stay, Monarch Luxury Villas offers a collection of some of the most highly saute-after homes in San Diego. Whether you decide to stay nestled in the hills of La Jolla or near all of the action in Downtown San Diego, we have the perfect villa for you. Imagine private pools, panoramic vista, private chefs, and full concierge services. We know how to experience luxury in San Diego. Allow us to show you. Book your stay at one of our stunning villas today.