places to visit near san diego ca

San Diego   Travel Guide

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32 Fun Things to Do in San Diego

Perched on the scenic Southern California coastline, San Diego's diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone – whether you're on a family vacation, a girls' getaway or traveling solo. Head to Balboa Park for world-class museums,

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Balboa Park Balboa Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Leave your car in one of the parking lots and take the free Balboa Park Tram that runs every 10 to 15 minutes to get around. Save money with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which offers discounts at park museums. – Sharael Kolberg

Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo , this 1,200-acre park is the city's cultural hub. Located in downtown San Diego (about 1 ½ miles north of the city center), Balboa Park is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic. Wander around the park's many gardens while admiring the intricate Spanish-Renaissance architecture that permeates the grounds (the best examples are the California Building and the reconstructed House of Hospitality). The Botanical Building is a great starting point in Balboa Park. The building is one of the most photographed places in Balboa Park and is one of the largest lath structures in the world. But don't just look at it. The famous botanical building features more than 2,100 permanent plants, including striking collections of tropical plants and orchids. Balboa Park also features a cactus garden, a rose garden, a Japanese-style garden as well as a palm tree canyon, among many others.

USS Midway Museum USS Midway Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: Feel what it's like to be a jet pilot in air-to-air combat in the thrilling flight simulator (for $10 per person; reservations required). Then head to the Flight Deck to see the aircraft up close. – Sharael Kolberg

San Diego is a big military town. You'll likely see bases scattered about while exploring the city, especially around parts of San Diego Bay. The USS Midway is one of these affiliated sites that offers an insider's look into what is normally closed off to the public. The USS Midway is the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century, having played host to more than 200,000 sailors over the course of its 47 years of service. This historical relic offers patrons the opportunity to explore approximately 60 different exhibits and more than 30 restored aircraft, including some that have flown in World War II, Operation Desert Storm and the Korean War. During the self-guided audio tour, you'll see the crew's sleeping quarters, the engine room and the primary flight control room, among other areas of the 4-acre flight deck. There are also flight simulators, a cafe and a gift shop.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego Zoo Safari Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: Spend the night with the animals on a Roar & Snore Safari. Guests sleep in comfortable tent cabins with cots and heaters. Witness the animals' activity after dark and roast s'mores around the campfire. – Sharael Kolberg

If you want more of the San Diego Zoo , head about 35 miles north to its Safari Park in Escondido. Here, you can view some of Africa's most beloved animals – including lions, elephants and cheetahs – roaming free (well, relatively). There are also meerkats, zebras, gorillas and bald eagles, to name a few. True to its name, the park offers a variety of different safaris, including a zip line safari and a wildlife safari in an open-air truck.

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San Diego Bay Cruises San Diego Bay Cruises

San Diego is known for its beaches and beach activities, and one of the best ways to experience the city is from the ocean. Along the city's Embarcadero, you'll find many cruise options, each offering a different experience. Finding the right experience and type of trip depends on your interests and time constraints. There are many one- to two-hour cruises available for people of all ages. Some are whale watching focused , as San Diego is one of the top places for whale watching in the country. Others, such as Flagship Cruises and Events' San Diego Harbor Tour, are sightseeing cruises , which visitors enjoy thanks to the engaging tour guides who narrate as the boat passes notable San Diego landmarks. Families with young children may appreciate the city's SEAL tours, which are narrated by guides on an amphibious vehicle; the tour consists of a 30-minute ride on land coupled with an hourlong ride on the water where passengers often see seals and other wildlife. Couples may be more interested in fine dining cruises, which provide guests with meals or drinks as they float along the city's bay. Options include a luxury dinner cruise from City Experiences or the Champagne brunch cruise from Flagship Cruises and Events . Then, there are cruises for thrill-seekers: Complete with whipping winds and splashing water for a 30-minute ride, boat adventures like the high-speed Patriot Jet Boat ride are not for the faint-hearted. 

Cruises depart from various ports within the harbor. Other attractions like Seaport Village , the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are also nearby, so there are plenty of activities to keep you busy before or after your cruise.

Coronado Beach Coronado Beach free

Compared to Mission Beach , this popular shoreline boasts fewer sunbathers and calmer waves. Just across the bay from San Diego, Coronado Beach is popular with families and couples alike thanks to its long shoreline (affording plenty of room for beachgoers), clean sands, peaceful atmosphere and idyllic location in the "Crown City" (in Spanish, "Coronado" means "crowned one"). In fact, not only is it one of the best beaches in San Diego , it's also considered one of the best California beaches .

While you won't have access to a bustling boardwalk (like that at Mission Beach), you will have plenty of picturesque scenery to admire (besides the surf): magnificent mansions sit behind the beach on Ocean Boulevard. And the Hotel del Coronado – a National Historic Landmark that made its debut in 1888 and appeared in the 1959 Marilyn Monroe film "Some Like It Hot" – is perched just beyond the sand. When you're not boogie boarding or building a sand castle, heed the advice of recent visitors and simply walk the approximately 1.75-mile-long shoreline. Even if you're visiting San Diego during the winter season (December through February) when the water is a little too chilly for swimming, you should still plan to make a stop here for the scenery. And if you enjoy ice skating, the Hotel Del Coronado offers the unique opportunity to ice skate right alongside the beach.

Petco Park Petco Park

Often considered one of the top baseball stadiums in the country, Petco Park is a must-visit for San Diego Padres fans or for anyone who wants to witness a baseball game and take in the striking San Diego skyline. The park, which was built in 2004, sits beside the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego's East Village. The stadium reflects its Southern California location through the light sandstone exterior and decorative palm trees and vegetation. San Diego's notoriously sunny and dry weather also makes Petco Park an ideal baseball stadium: The Padres rarely see home games rained out, so it's highly unlikely visitors will need to worry about their plans getting canceled.

The stadium offers tours for anyone who wants to learn more about the ins and outs of the park. The daily tours highlight the press box, the dugout, the Padres Hall of Fame and more. Tours last about 80 minutes and tickets cost $38 for adults. Visitors can purchase tickets online or in person at the Western Metal Supply Building Ticket Windows on Seventh Ave and K Street up to 30 minutes before the tour starts. (The tour schedule differs depending on game days.) On game days, visitors can take a pregame tour. These tours cover most of the same sights as the daily tours, but also let visitors witness the excitement and energy of game preparation; game-day tours may also include the opportunity to watch batting practice. Prices vary depending on the day and time of the tour.

Legoland California Legoland California

Legoland California features much more than the company's ubiquitous plastic building blocks. It boasts an amusement park – one of the top California theme parks – with more than 60 rides and a 10-acre water park with several slides. It also has an interactive aquarium with more than 6,000 animals. Other activities include Lego-related live shows and 4D movies. For a low-key activity, head to MINILAND USA, which features miniature replicas of major cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York City and Washington, D.C., all constructed from millions of Legos. New in 2023, there's also a replica of San Diego that includes Lego reconstructions of all of the city's famous landmarks. 

If this seems like too much to do in a single day, you can reserve one of the resort's hotel rooms , which, of course, are outfitted in decor inspired by Lego product lines. What's more, each room has a separate sleeping area for kids. The park itself houses several restaurants serving kid-approved fare like burgers and pizza, as well as a barbecue eatery that appeals to adults thanks to its craft beer menu.

La Jolla Cove La Jolla Cove free

La Jolla Cove is the jewel of La Jolla. Located across the water from La Jolla Shores , La Jolla Cove may not be much in terms of a beach, but its striking beauty and snorkeling reputation more than make up for it among recent visitors. The site is an ecologically protected area that is home to vibrant wildlife both in and out of the water. In fact, it's not uncommon to spot sea lions hanging close to the cove's bluffs and tide pools. Oftentimes, they even come on the beach. 

This is also an excellent spot for beginner snorkelers. Advanced snorkelers should take advantage of the sea caves located along the bluffs, but only with a guide. If you aren't an advanced snorkeler but still want to see the caves, you can take a kayak tour , or visit the Cave Store, which is home to a human-made tunnel that goes directly inside the Sunny Jim Cave. Travelers say even if you don't plan on swimming or snorkeling, you should still visit the attraction for its picture-perfect setting. 

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Mission Beach Mission Beach free

Mission Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with families thanks to its variety of amenities and laid-back vibe. In addition to its approximately 2-mile-long boardwalk, the beach is also home to Belmont Park , a beachfront amusement park featuring arcades and numerous rides, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster – a nearly 100-year-old National Historic Landmark. Mission Beach is also a great spot for beginner surfers (several surf schools offer lessons here).

When lunchtime rolls around, head to one of the many beachside eateries that flank the boardwalk or Mission Boulevard (the area's main thoroughfare), or have a picnic at Bonita Cove, the bayfront park located across the street from Belmont Park that also features a playground as well as several restrooms.

Old Town San Diego Old Town San Diego free

Take a trip back in time at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, an approximately mile-long and half-mile-wide area contained stretch of preserved or reconstructed shops and houses on the grounds of the first European settlement in California. Widely considered the "birthplace of California," Old Town San Diego shows visitors what it was like to live through different eras of California history, from the time of Spanish explorers to the California gold rush. Some important stops include the adobe Casa de Estudillo, a house built in the 1820s that is one of the oldest surviving Mexican-Spanish-style structures of its type in the state. The park also shelters a reconstruction of San Diego's first brick building, a courthouse first built in the mid-19th century. Nearby the park, the Junípero Serra Museum, named for the Spanish missionary who helped colonize San Diego and other areas of California, is also a must-see because its architecture and location have helped make it a famous San Diego landmark. It sits on a hill in Presidio Park near green spaces, picnic areas and memorials, and it provides great views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The Whaley House, another of the city's early brick buildings (and one some believe to be haunted), also sits near the park.

There are plenty of shops in the Old Town area, many of which sell handcrafted items from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The town's Mexican heritage is also preserved through the various restaurants that dish out authentic Mexican food. Favorite eateries include El Agave, Cafe Coyote and Tahona Bar. Previous visitors enjoyed simply strolling through the streets, relaxing on the green spaces and listening to mariachi bands. For a little help navigating the area, sign up for one of the best San Diego tours .

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This oceanfront reserve features 1,750 acres of unspoiled land, including the Torrey pine, America's rarest pine tree. There are approximately 3,000 Torrey pines in the reserve alone, and aside from San Diego, the only other place in the country the pines grow are on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara . The reserve also houses one of Southern California's last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges. What does that mean for you? Plenty of hiking opportunities (8 miles to be exact). Trails offer a chance to get up close and personal with the attraction's famously beautiful sandstone ravines and badlands, as well as breathtaking views of the coastline. And if you come during the spring, you'll see wildflowers on full display.

Popular trails include the short Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 miles round trip), which features two ocean overlooks, and the longer Razor Point Trail (1.4 miles round trip), which tours more of the sandstone geological features of the reserve. There is also the nearly mile-long Beach Trail that leads to Torrey Pines State Beach. Of all San Diego's beaches , a long walk along Torrey Pines State Beach is a must simply for its views of the towering sandstone cliffs that border it.

San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo

Spanning 100 acres in Balboa Park , the San Diego Zoo is not only one of the largest zoos in the country, it's also home to one of the largest collections of rare and endangered animals in the world (more than 12,000 animals in total). Amur leopards, jaguars, red pandas, giraffes, elephants and koalas (the largest collection outside of Australia) are just a few of the many animals that call the San Diego Zoo home. The exhibits are linked by an expansive series of trails, such as the Monkey Trail, the Hippo Trail or the Tiger Trail. On these designated pathways, you'll come face to face with numerous exciting creatures, including hippos and bonobos in the Lost Forest, polar bears in the Northern Frontier, rhinos in the Urban Jungle or Chinese alligators in the Discovery Outpost. You'll need plenty of energy – and a map (or smartphone app) – to see everything the zoo has to offer. Should your feet grow weary while exploring, the zoo offers a 35-minute guided bus tour of the park. There's also the Skyfari Aerial Tram that transports visitors from one end of the park to the other, offering a bird's-eye view of the exhibits below. The zoo also hosts animal presentations and animal encounter programs daily, and houses a 4D movie theater that screens educational wildlife films. 

Travelers almost unanimously agree that the San Diego Zoo is the best zoo they have ever visited. Recent visitors were impressed with the vast number of animals on display and the various activities. In fact, many said a daylong visit isn't enough time to see everything. Travelers suggest wearing quality walking shoes, as the distance between some exhibits is considerable. Some recommended hopping on the Kangaroo Bus that stops at four different places in the park, going on the guided bus tour or taking the Skyfari just for the views alone. Though a few reviewers express disappointment with the amount of walking involved and the high prices of admission and concession, visitors say the experience is worth it.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Birch Aquarium at Scripps

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to SeaWorld San Diego , consider this small aquarium in La Jolla. Located at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, the Birch Aquarium overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the source of the fish and invertebrates housed in its more than 60 habitats.

Creatures here include sea turtles, sharks and seahorses (which are a key focus of its conservation efforts). The interactive institution has outdoor pools that allow visitors to have hands-on experiences with young sharks, rays and sea cucumbers. It also offers daily behind-the-scenes tours. Other highlights include a two-story, 70,000-gallon giant kelp forest and a blue penguin exhibit (blue penguins are the world's smallest penguins).

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Sesame Place San Diego Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Place is a kid-oriented destination inspired by the "Sesame Street" TV series. It features a neighborhood constructed to resemble the show's set with recognizable locations like Hooper's Store and Big Bird's Nest. This is where children can have their photos taken with some of their favorite puppet characters (or adults dressed to look like them) or hear them tell stories. Sesame Place also has a variety of themed rides, including Super Grover’s Box Car Derby (a family-friendly roller coaster) and the Sunny Day Carousel, as well as numerous water slides. Sesame Place also stages live parades and shows featuring Bert, Ernie and the rest of the gang. In addition, it has several on-site eateries, such as Oscar's Grouchy Grub and Grover's Grill.

Visitors – adult ones, anyway – point out this is primarily a place for children to romp and may be of limited interest to anyone else. Some say that despite the "Sesame Street" trappings, it’s essentially a water park. (Indeed, it was adapted from the former SeaWorld Aquatica San Diego water park.) And others grumble that it can get rather expensive. Even so, many say that if you enter knowing what to expect, and with companions of the appropriate age in tow, you can have a magical time here.

Pacific Beach Pacific Beach free

Pacific Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with college students thanks to its lively atmosphere and proximity to bars and restaurants. Families looking for a quieter stretch of sand may want to venture a little farther south to Mission Beach . Pacific Beach is a popular surf spot that's home to Tourmaline Surfing Park, which is known for its slow waves that are ideal for novices. This section of Pacific Beach is not swimmable, but even if you don't want to try your hand at surfing it's still a fun place to watch others ride the waves, according to past travelers.

Pacific Beach earns high marks from reviewers for its beautiful views and clean shores. Others appreciate the variety of eateries that sit within walking distance of the sand. Aside from Mission Boulevard, you can find a heavy concentration of bars and nightlife options on Garnet Avenue and Grand Avenue. If you don't want to experience this side of Pacific Beach, take a walk along Crystal Pier or stick to the beach north of this pier (a popular area for families). 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand breakfast, head to the whimsical, pink-themed Morning Glory restaurant. The soufflé pancakes, dim sum cart and spro (espresso) are worth the long wait in line. – Sharael Kolberg

Centered around the 10,000-square-foot Piazza della Famiglia, a European-style plaza connecting Columbia and India streets, Little Italy is a neighborhood teeming with restaurants, cafes, art galleries, craft beer taprooms and boutiques. Here, old-school eateries like Mona Lisa Italian Foods, Filippi's Pizza Grotto and Waterfront Bar & Grill neighbor trendy, upscale establishments like Kettner Exchange, Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack.

Gaslamp Quarter Gaslamp Quarter free

The Gaslamp Quarter's 16 blocks are peppered with Victorian-style buildings that now house a variety of shops, art galleries, theaters and trendy restaurants, not to mention plenty of bars and clubs. The area stretches from L Street all the way up to Broadway, including Sixth, Fifth and Fourth avenues as well as out to First Avenue at G Street. The Gaslamp Quarter Association, the city of San Diego and other groups devised a plan to transform some of these streets into car-free plazas collectively called the Gaslamp Promenade. The best place to start your tour of the Gaslamp Quarter is at the Gaslamp Quarter Gate itself, located at L Street and Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue is considered downtown San Diego's main thoroughfare. You'll find the most action here, especially at night. Thanks to all of its amenities, the Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego's premier nightlife destination. If you're not a night owl, another way to experience the Gaslamp Quarter's lively atmosphere is to take advantage of the patio seating offered at some of the neighborhood's restaurants, or venture to one of the many rooftop bars (the Andaz San Diego  boasts 360-degree views of the city's skyline). For help navigating the neighborhood, sign up for one of the best San Diego tours .

Past visitors say this is the area to stay in if you're looking for a hip, busy scene. The Gaslamp Quarter also hosts many annual events year-round, including San Diego Comic-Con. However, because it's so popular, travelers also warn that parking can be limited, especially when there's a game or event at Petco Park . Consider using public transportation instead; several bus lines stop in the area. If you do drive, you can park at Horton Plaza Park or one of the other structures in the area (where rates vary by day of the week, time of day and length of your stay). To avoid all parking fees, you can park at the Old Town Transit Center for free and take the trolley from there, which goes straight into downtown San Diego. You'll find the Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego, southwest of Balboa Park . The bars, restaurants and stores maintain different hours of operation, so check out the neighborhood's website for more information and to read more about upcoming events.

Seaport Village Seaport Village free

If you want to spend the afternoon watching ships float in and out of the harbor while sipping coffee or shopping for souvenirs, Seaport Village is the place to go. Located on the San Diego waterfront not far from the USS Midway Museum and the convention center, the 14-acre village is home to more than 50 shops, 13 casual dining outlets and four fine dining restaurants. Even visitors who aren't particularly fond of shopping said they still enjoyed strolling the 4 miles of cobblestone paths winding through the sunny outdoor complex. What's more, it's the jumping-off point for one of the best California tours within San Diego: the San Diego Seal Tour. If you're looking for panoramic sea views, grab a bite at Edgewater Grill. And at the end of the day, Seaport Village is a great place to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Many visitors also appreciate the view it affords of the Coronado Bridge.

Seaport Village is also a popular entertainment venue. If you're visiting San Diego in March, don't miss Busker Fest – a free event showcasing street performers from all over the globe. There is also live music every weekend on stages in the Carousel and Lighthouse districts.

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La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores free

Known for its gentle waves and active beachgoers, La Jolla Shores is an ideal place to relax for a few hours. Locals and tourists hit this beach to surf, see marine life and enjoy the clean ocean water and sand. Families flock to La Jolla Shores and appreciate the reliable lifeguard presence and ample public restrooms. Adjacent to the beach is the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which houses two artificial reefs meant to attract marine life. Its perimeter is marked with buoys to enforce the strict no fishing rules. Along with fishing, collecting seashells is prohibited, as the area is part of the Marine Life Refuge used by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography for research. Away from the protected refuge, surfers and boogie boarders come to catch waves in designated zones. Additionally, kayak and snorkeling gear rentals are available and visitors can sign up for scuba diving classes ahead of time.  La Jolla Kayak  and  San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours  are two companies that offer rental equipment.

There are a handful of dining options where visitors can grab a quick bite or nice meal just a short walk from the shore. For a prime vantage point, visitors suggest seeking out one of the rooftop decks at the local bars, where you can enjoy shoreline views and vibrant sunsets over cocktails.

Liberty Public Market Liberty Public Market free

If you find yourself hungry and near the San Diego Bay, look no further than Liberty Public Market for a delicious solution. Housed in a former Navy training building within the Arts District of Liberty Station, the market features more than 30 independently run food stalls, each with its own unique flair. Visitors can stroll through the bustling market and sample a variety of cuisines, including pizza, tacos, salads and more. Some stalls have more specific products, such as Baker & Olive, which sells premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or Old Town Soap Company, which offers natural self-care and wellness products. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available.

Visitors say the Liberty Public Market is perfect for anyone traveling with a large group, as everyone is sure to find something they like. For more shopping, guests can venture outside to the various other accessory stores around Liberty Station.

San Diego Golf Courses San Diego Golf Courses

With more than 70 courses and temperate weather year-round, the San Diego area ranks as a top destination for golfers. The city of San Diego operates three municipal courses: Balboa Park Golf Course, which boasts views of the nearby downtown area as well as the Pacific Ocean; Mission Bay Golf Course, the only one in the city with night lighting; and Torrey Pines Golf Course, which also features ocean views and has hosted some prestigious professional competitions. All three are regarded as among the best in the area.

Recent players called the Balboa Park course both challenging and fun, and enjoyed its scenic views. Golfers regularly describe the Mission Bay course as small, but frequently cite the friendliness of the staff. Golf enthusiasts rave about the Torrey Pines course with some saying their time there was the highlight of their trip to San Diego. Visit the city's parks and recreation department's website for information on reserving tee times.

Children's Pool in La Jolla Children's Pool in La Jolla free

Animal lovers are sure to enjoy Children's Pool beach in La Jolla. Because of the California coast's sometimes harsh waves, a seawall was built in the 1930s on a portion of the beach to make the waters calmer for children. However, builders didn't realize the calm waters would appeal to seals as well. In recent years, seals have started flocking to Children's Pool to bask in the sun, play in the water and give birth to their pups. The wildlife phenomenon has turned the beach into a must-see tourist attraction.

Visitors can walk out onto the seawall to watch the seals from above, and many agreed Children's Pool was one of the highlights of their San Diego trip. They suggest bringing binoculars to see the seals and jackets as it can get chilly on the seawall. They also warn the abundance of seals can sometimes result in a rather pungent scent, but seeing the animals in their natural habitat is worth it.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum offers a hands-on look at San Diego's days as a bustling seaport. You can tour all types of historic vessels, from sailing ships to submarines, including the world's oldest active ship, the Star of India. If exploring boats doesn't satisfy your craving for a nautical experience, set sail on one of the museum's vessels, such as the Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California. Prices and tour availability vary by boat, so make sure to check the website for more information. 

Recent visitors said the boat tours gave them a new understanding of the workmanship and skill required of sailors. Past travelers also note that you should allot yourself plenty of time to explore the various ships. Along with the boat tours, you can also tour several permanent and visiting exhibits that detail San Diego's maritime legacy through art and artifacts. Travelers say the exhibits are fascinating, even for youngsters. 

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Belmont Park Belmont Park

A trip to San Diego is not complete without a visit to beachfront amusement park and boardwalk Belmont Park. The park, which has been in operation since 1925, offers something for everyone. Those looking for a thrill can ride the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the spinning Beach Blaster, while those who prefer something calmer can enjoy the carousel, go mini golfing or hit the arcade. Additional activities and attractions include rock climbing, bumper cars, zip lining and laser tag. Despite the park's busy location ( Mission Beach ), previous visitors were pleased that the lines were usually short. However, they advise going in the morning or evening to minimize wait times regardless. Belmont Park also features a variety of retails shops and equipment rental vendors. Visitors also enjoy Plunge San Diego, the park's indoor pool that features beach views.

Belmont Park serves typical amusement park fare (like hot dogs, ice cream and burgers). The park is also home to a handful of upscale restaurants, including seafood and sushi spot Cannonball, which offers one of the city's largest rooftops and overlooks Mission Beach.

Torrey Pines Gliderport Torrey Pines Gliderport

Travelers can take in Torrey Pines' unique coastal scenery from a new perspective at Torrey Pines Gliderport. The gliderport is one of the top spots in California for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. In operation for almost a century, this unique adventure hub allows visitors to witness the beautifully preserved California coastline from above. Each tandem paragliding and hang gliding flight (in which you fly with an instructor) lasts 20 to 25 minutes and gives visitors the chance to witness the sandstone cliffs, golf courses and vibrant water from the sky before landing back where they started – 350 feet above Black's Beach. (Or, depending on wind conditions, gliders may land on the beach itself and hike back to the top of the cliff.) Anyone of any age can sign up for a tandem gliding ride, but minors must get formal approval from their parents or guardians.

Visitors say the rides are worth the price because it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many; they rave about the guides who made them feel safe and also made the ride fun.

SeaWorld San Diego SeaWorld San Diego

Though you may spot wildlife at any one of San Diego's beaches (especially Pacific and Mission beaches) none put on quite as good a show as the performers at SeaWorld. Here, you'll get to see a range of animals, including dolphins, California sea lions, California otters and sea turtles, among others. As for the rides, travelers love the lightning-fast Manta roller coaster, but caution against the Journey to Atlantis or Shipwreck Rapids rides if you don't want to get wet. In 2022, the park added the Emperor, which it bills as California's tallest and fastest roller coaster with a 14-story vertical drop and speeds of up to 60 mph. For something a little more low-key, head to any one of the park's animal exhibits, such as the underwater shark-viewing tunnel or the penguin habitat, which features nearly 400 penguins. There's also the Sesame Street Bay of Play (included in your SeaWorld general admission ticket), which features various wet and dry playgrounds, as well as a bounce house, climbing structure and smaller rides suited for children and toddlers.

Recent visitors had a blast at SeaWorld, especially those with kiddos in tow. Travelers say you can't miss a show, with many being fond of the dolphin show in particular. Make sure to arrive early though, as lines can get long. Travelers also highly recommended wearing quality walking shoes and bringing an extra jacket or change of clothes in case you get wet on the rides or at the shows (there's a splash zone for most). Travelers who didn't bring a change of clothes said they were miserable walking around the park wet and balked at the high price of clothing available at the park.

Cabrillo National Monument Cabrillo National Monument

The southernmost tip of Point Loma is where you'll find the Cabrillo National Monument. The statue depicts Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who, in 1542, was the first European explorer to navigate the California coast. Situated about 10 miles southwest of downtown San Diego, this monument is much more than just a memorializing effigy. The main reason people make the journey to the monument is for its incredible views. From the monument, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific as well as downtown San Diego, Coronado, and on a clear day, the mountains of Tijuana, Mexico.

Once you've gotten your fill from the top, walk or drive down Cabrillo Road to experience the Point Loma Tide Pools, or take a scenic walk along the coastal trail. There's also the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail that cascades down into the east side of the point and ends right above the bay waters. For those more interested in the historical aspect of the attraction, the National Park Service site features ranger talks further explaining the story behind the Cabrillo Monument as well as the restored Old Point Loma Lighthouse, located a short walk south from the monument on Humphreys Road. 

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial free

Situated in La Jolla, less than 3 miles south of La Jolla Shores , the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial was built in 1954 to honor every U.S. veteran, living or deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Along with a massive cross, there are also a series of 11 walls displaying more than 3,500 granite plaques devoted to individual military persons and their accomplishments. Volunteer docents are on hand to answer questions. The memorial conducts ceremonies honoring veterans each Friday morning as well as special events on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

In addition to its solemn purposes, the site atop its namesake mountain boasts exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego and, to the east, the mountains. Visitors frequently remark on the beautifully realized tribute to servicemen and women, as well as the unrivaled views of the surrounding area.

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Silver Strand State Beach Silver Strand State Beach

Situated on a sand-spit between Coronado and Imperial Beach, Silver Strand State Beach stretches for 2 ½ miles on the Pacific Ocean and another half-mile on San Diego Bay and offers exceptional views of both bodies of water. It's a popular spot for boating, surfing, picnicking, water-skiing, fishing, volleyball and camping. The Bayshore Bikeway – a 24-mile bike route that extends from Coronado through Imperial Beach and Chula Vista into downtown San Diego – passes through the area. Silver Stand takes its name from the iridescent oyster shells that cover the sand and make it a popular destination for shell collectors. South of the beach, a trail leads to San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Recent visitors say Silver Strand is an attractive and clean place with a relaxed atmosphere. They also confirm that it's a popular spot for RV camping.

Sunset Cliffs Sunset Cliffs free

A few miles from Cabrillo National Monument , Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent place for ocean views in Point Loma. Situated about 9 miles due west of downtown San Diego, Sunset Cliffs stretches across 68 acres and runs 1.5 miles along Point Loma peninsula's western shoreline. The dramatic sandstone cliffs and untouched vegetation along with its stunning ocean vistas make for an unforgettable stroll. The area is also home to a few secluded beaches as well, though getting to them can be tricky. There is a beach popular with locals at the beginning of Cordova Street off of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, but you have to traverse down the steep cliffs to get there. For an easier descent, head to the end of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at Ladera Street and take a walk down the available stairway. It won't lead you to the beach, but it will get you just above the crashing waves. You can reach the sand by wading through water on the rocky shore. Nicknamed Garbage Beach for the kelp covering the rocks, the area is pretty popular with surfers, so expect to see lots of locals catching waves. If you venture farther up into Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, you'll find plenty of walking trails right along the ocean and through the coastal scrub that dot the area. 

As its name implies, sunset is a popular time to visit the park and recent visitors say arguably the best. If you want to avoid the crowds at dusk, try to plan a mid-week trip rather than a weekend visit. Travelers recommend bringing along a sweatshirt in case the ocean breeze gets a little too chilly. Past visitors also suggest using the restroom before stopping here as there are no facilities on-site. You can get to Sunset Cliffs via public transportation. If you're staying downtown, take the trolley to Old Town Transit Center then catch the No. 35 bus and it will take you to the beginning of the cliffs. Sunset Cliffs has no opening or closing hours, though it's best to go when there's light for maximum visibility. People have had accidents falling off of the cliffs, so be sure to observe the signs marking unstable cliffs. For more information, visit the parks and recreation website .

San Diego Wine Tasting & Tours San Diego Wine Tasting & Tours

San Diego is home to numerous, mostly family-owned, wineries and tasting rooms located in areas throughout the county, including Escondido, Julian, Solana Beach, Ramona, Carlsbad and in the city proper. The climate and soil are conducive to growing grapes for award-winning artisan wine. You'll find everything from sprawling vineyards like Bernardo Winery with 2,500 vines, or Pali Wine Co.'s charming tasting room in Little Italy , to beachside wineries, such as Gianni Buonomo Vintners, or mountain wineries like Hawk Watch Winery. There is a large range of varietals grown in this area, such as pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, petite syrah, sangiovese and more. Original offerings include almond Champagne and chocolate port by Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards.

Whether you want to get out of town and take a scenic drive to visit one of the winery estates or just want to stop by a quaint wine tasting room in downtown San Diego, these hidden gems are worth exploring while in the area. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, consider signing up for one of the best Temecula wine tours . Located in the hills of Southern California's wine country between Los Angeles and San Diego, Temecula is home to dozens of wineries.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue operated by the San Diego Symphony. Located at the Embarcadero Marina Park South, this venue, which opened in 2021, was a five-year collaboration between the San Diego Symphony and leading architects, design firms, sound engineers, construction experts, fabricators and audiovisual teams. It's recognized for its unique and stunning shell design, which it describes as "acoustically superior." Visitors can listen to a variety of live music at this waterfront venue while dining on locally sourced culinary offerings. Musical performances range from classical to pop, with concerts by artists like Michael Bolton, Van Morrison and Counting Crows, to name a few.

Past visitors raved about the scenic waterfront venue, applauding the acoustics and the stunning harbor views.

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The 18 Best Things to Do in San Diego, From Art Museum Visits to Scenic Hikes

By Archana Ram and Marie Tutko

Some may scoff at its nickname—"America's Finest City"—but when it comes to things to do, San Diego offers more than just temperate weather year-round. Yes, as befitting any city in Southern California, there are pristine beaches; but there's also a vibrant arts scene; food and music that embrace the diversity of cultures here; and a rich military history that lend San Diego its distinct charm. As for that temperate weather—well, it means it's easy to get outside and enjoy some of the country's best hiking, biking, and surfing spots. Whatever has brought you to town, be sure to stop by the places on this list, a roster of the best things to do in San Diego.

Read our complete San Diego travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Arrow

A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego , this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. ( See our  favorite San Diego area hikes, here. ) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass ), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind the visitors center is currently closed and guided hikes aren't offered at the moment.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego — Museum Review Arrow

This local institution devoted to showcasing modern art is perched right across from the Pacific Ocean in the tony coastal community of La Jolla just outside San Diego , and recently reopened its doors after an extensive $105 million overhaul. This is the flagship location for the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (there is a second location downtown), and the building was originally designed by architect Irving Gill as a home for philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps–it was later converted into a museum in 1941. Today, MCASD has more than 4,000 pieces from renowned and emerging artists in its collection. If you’re pressed for time, be sure to check out what’s on display in the special exhibition gallery, as well as the paintings by Andy Warhol.

San Diego Zoo Arrow

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo spans 100 acres and houses more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Plan to spend at least a half-day at the zoo to get the full experience, which includes shows and animal presentations. During the summer, Nighttime Zoo event series allows visitors to stay later into the evening. There are plenty of restaurants throughout the park where parents can recuperate with a much-needed afternoon beer.

Torrey Pines Golf Course Arrow

The iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course is known for its two 18-hole championship courses that sit on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. From the scenery and challenging greens to the prestige factor, this course is a bucket-list destination for avid golfers—Tiger Woods has clinched career-defining wins here, and the word is former President Obama has teed off here, too. Every January, it hosts the Farmers Insurance Open, one of the top events in the PGA Tour, and the U.S. Open was held here in 2021. There's diverse terrain, ocean views, and hang gliders usually floating around holes 12 and 13 on the south course.

Matt Ortile

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Kelsey Glennon

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Belmont Park Arrow

Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars. For lower-octane pursuits, there's also an arcade and carousel.

Balboa Park Arrow

Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego , filled with world-class museums, restaurants, and beautiful greenery. The lush, 1,200-acre urban oasis is also home to nearly 30 museums and cultural centers, plus the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are more than a dozen attractions in the park, each with its own events and special exhibitions.

La Jolla Cove Arrow

Luxuriate in SoCal splendor in the upscale seaside village of La Jolla Cove, a quick 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego . Wind through Prospect Street to browse shops like the iconic Warwick’s, the nation's oldest family-run bookstore, or dine with an ocean view at high-end restaurants like seafood-centric George’s at the Cove. Walk along seaside Coast Boulevard for primo photo ops of the cliffs, stopping at the Children’s Pool to watch sunbathing seals camped on the rocks. Head to Peter Lik fine art gallery for awe-inspiring landscape photography . And, if you need to, recharge your battery at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, a grassy area ideal for picnics and watching the sunset. Fun fact: It's the most-photographed place in San Diego.

Little Italy Arrow

This quaint neighborhood is the place to go for charming Italian restaurants and bakeries, wine bars, and boutique shopping. The main thoroughfare along India Street is home to trusty favorite Italian spots like Barbusa, Buon Appetito, and Civico 1845, but the neighborhood has made room for several non-Italian restaurants in recent years, such as Ironside Fish & Oyster , Juniper & Ivy , and Queenstown Public House. There's also a popular farmers market on Saturdays. The nightlife scene in Little Italy draws people in their thirties and forties.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá Arrow

There are 21 missions dotting the California coast, and San Diego lays claim to the first. Established in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcalá is the physical representation of Christianity's birth on the West Coast. Even today, you can worship here—it's an active parish with Mass held daily—but even if you aren't a practicing Catholic, the mission is still a sight to behold, with white stucco walls, Spanish roof tiles, and grand archways. It stands on a hill overlooking Old Town with gorgeous views.

Petco Park Arrow

Petco Park is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Diego , but the appeal doesn't stop at baseball. The stadium was named the best MLB ballpark to watch a game at by USA Today in 2022, and is among the few in the nation with a water view–it's a stone's throw from San Diego Bay. Hop heads will love the stellar local craft beer options: there are more than 40 different varieties poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium. And with more than 50 dining options, Petco Park's culinary appeal stretches far beyond hot dogs. Many local restaurants run operations in the stadium, including Carnitas’ Snack Shack, Hodad’s, and Grand Ole BBQ. Some notable eateries that opened here in the past year include famed soup dumpling purveyor Din Tai Fung, Sambazon (acai bowls), Jack in the Box (the company was founded in San Diego) and San Diego’s Finest Hot Chicken.

Sunset Cliffs Arrow

Set atop jagged, postcard-worthy sea cliffs, San Diego 's aptly named Sunset Cliffs neighborhood rewards visitors with panoramic ocean views. Hands down San Diego's most popular spot at dusk, Sunset Cliffs attracts a crowd nightly for its serene, picture-perfect views. Part of the neighborhood overlaps with Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a 68-acre reserve known for its sea caves, rock arch formations, and extremely steep bluffs. Follow a path along the cliffs for a scenic walk, while making note of the sprawling homes nearby. Head up the hill to the nearby Little Lion Café for a healthy, Cali-bistro fare to-go or dine on their small patio. Or grab classic French dessert with a Cuban twist—like passion fruit caramels and a mango cheesecake—at Chef Vivian Hernandez-Jackson's excellent neighborhood patisserie Azucar and head to the water for a sweet sunset.

Del Mar Racetrack Arrow

The Del Mar Racetrack is a spectacle for high rollers and casual gamblers alike, with lightening-fast horse races that'll get your heart pumping. The track is open Thursday through Sunday, holding about eight to 12 races daily. There are 30 minutes between races to place your bets or refill your drink. In general, it's mostly adults here, but during the track's non-racing hours, the venue holds special events like food truck festivals and concerts that can bring a more diverse age range. General admission tickets are $8.

USS Midway Museum Arrow

This 971-foot-long floating museum is the best way to learn about and honor San Diego 's significant naval community. The decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. Visitors can get a taste of navy life by visiting the plane-packed flight deck, sprawling hangar bay, mess hall, and berthing. The museum hosts about 400 active-duty military events annually—including reenlistment, retirement, and change-of-command ceremonies—which are all open for the public to observe.

Cabrillo National Monument Arrow

This nature preserve and historic site at the edge of the Point Loma peninsula is one of the most picturesque spots in San Diego . It’s about 20 minutes from downtown, with the scenic ocean views starting from the moment you drive in. Once you park at the visitor center, you’re treated to panoramic views of San Diego Bay, downtown, Coronado, and the naval station on North Island. On clear afternoons, you can see all the way to Tijuana, Mexico. The park spans 140-plus acres, and there’s plenty of outdoor activities here from hiking trails to exploring tide pools, or just enjoying the views from one of the many overlooks. Cabrillo National Monument is a landmark where several milestones in San Diego’s modern history converge.

The Whaley House Museum Arrow

The Whaley House Museum has been called one of the most haunted houses in the United States. The two-story Greek Revival-style home was built by businessman Thomas Whaley in 1857, and the Whaleys experienced several tragedies after moving into the home, including the deaths of two of their children. The property was already rumored to be haunted before the home was built since the grounds were once an execution yard, and paranormal activity is said to occur in the house to this day. A guided evening tour is the way to go here. Being in the home after sundown adds to the spine-tingling effect, and the guides–who are dressed in Victorian-era clothing–are enthusiastic storytellers. The details they share about the neighborhood’s history, the Whaley family, and the tragedies that happened on the property makes it all engaging and brings the house to life.

Barrio Logan Arrow

One of California's 14 Cultural Districts, this historic, artsy neighborhood is rooted in Mexican and Chicano cultures. The most obvious proof is Chicano Park, the neighborhood's collection of more than 80 outdoor murals painted onto the concrete girders of the Coronado Bridge. The larger-than-life portraits depict iconic cultural figures, like revolutionary Emiliano Zapata and Aztec goddesses. Many of the hip, modern businesses that have landed are still rooted in the community's culture. There's Por Vida for coffee, Border X Brewing for Mexican-inspired craft beers like a horchata brew, Salud! for street tacos that garners long (long) lines, and Simón Limón, which sells beauty and home goods. And for old-school flavor and some of the best Mexican food in San Diego , don't miss a meal at Las Cuatro Milpas , but get there early—they usually sell out by lunchtime.

Coronado Arrow

The dreamy city of Coronado is an island (technically, a peninsula) stronghold of hotels, resorts, and beach-front restaurants. Make the short, two-mile journey over one of San Diego ’s most recognizable structures, Coronado Bridge, or take the ferry to get there. The main business district, which hugs Orange Avenue, is filled with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly hangouts like MooTime Creamery, so it's a popular spot for families. And, of course, the famous Hotel Del Coronado continues to be a draw.

Cedros Avenue Design District Arrow

Take a stroll down the palm tree-lined Cedros Avenue Design District in sunny Solana Beach to shop at eclectic local independent boutiques, galleries, and home goods stores. With more than 85 shops jam-packed into a petite two-and-a-half blocks, this condensed district can be easily traversed within an afternoon. But you might want to spend more time: there's plenty of local art to catch at the galleries, along with great stores for clothing, and a fantastic farmers market on Sundays.

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego

Written by Karen Hastings and Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 20, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Located in Southern California, not far from the Mexico border, San Diego is the oldest town in California. It has an enchanting natural beauty and a mild Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine – perfect for outdoor adventures.

Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions are the museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial-style architecture found in Balboa Park; the world-famous San Diego Zoo; and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.

For a little history and shopping, you can stroll the streets of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park or wander through the Gaslamp Quarter.

If you want to soak up the year-round sunshine and sea breezes, San Diego beaches are some of Southern California's best , with more than 68 miles of coastline in and around the city for sunning, swimming, and surfing.

Discover the best places to visit and things to do in this beautiful SoCal city with our list of the top tourist attractions in San Diego.

1. Balboa Park

2. san diego zoo, 3. gaslamp quarter, 4. midway aircraft carrier museum, 5. seaport village, 6. san diego beaches, 7. old town state historic park, 8. point loma and cabrillo national monument, 9. mission beach, 10. sunset cliffs natural park, 11. san diego harbor cruises, 12. mission basilica san diego de alcala, 13. san diego museum of art, 14. san diego whale watching cruises, 15. san diego air & space museum, 16. outdoor adventures, 17. the new children's museum, 18. seaworld san diego, where to stay in san diego for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to san diego, map of tourist attractions in san diego, best time to visit san diego, ca.

Balboa Park is a one-stop wonderland for tourists. This 1,400-acre site encompasses historical buildings, numerous museums, gardens, and green space. The park was created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-1916, and most of the buildings remain from that event. The predominant architecture is Spanish-style, with low-rise buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings.

Among the highlights of the park are the botanical gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo . Even if you never go into a building, the park is simply a beautiful place to visit.

Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.balboapark.org/

A top tourist attraction in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the United States . Visiting this family-friendly attraction is also one of the top things to do in San Diego with kids . Plan at least a whole day here to really get the most out of your visit.

You can see all kinds of exotic animals here, including gorillas, grizzly bears, koalas, leopards, bonobos, polar bears, rhinos, and sloths. The zoo attempts to replicate a natural environment for each animal, such as rocks for Amur leopards and a chilly pool for the polar bears.

The San Diego Zoo includes a Safari Park . In this area, all the animals roam free within large-enclosure natural settings. For instance, giraffes graze in a savanna; cheetahs dart through a jungle; and elephants wander through a sheltered valley. Because the Safari Park offers guided tours in an open-air truck or cart (with no walking required), it's a good option for families with kids. (Some tours have a minimum age requirement of three years and older.) Insider's Tip: Bring binoculars!

The Safari Park's carefully designed habitats support the zoo's mission to educate visitors about protecting the environment. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance invests in conservation projects around the world that are dedicated to restoring wildlife populations in their natural habitats.

Spread out along a beautifully landscaped canyon, the zoo also displays an impressive botanical collection – more than 700,000 plants from around the globe grace the grounds.

Want to have more time with your favorite animals? You can upgrade your experience by signing up for behind-the-scenes and close-up animal experiences.

If your feet get sore from walking around the park, you can always hop on the Kangaroo Bus or glide over the exhibits in the Skyfari Aerial Tram . Better still, purchase a Skip-the-Line San Diego Zoo ticket , which includes admission, as well as unlimited rides on the bus and tram. You'll also avoid any long lines at the entrance.

The San Diego Zoo is about a 40-minute drive north of downtown San Diego.

Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/

Adjacent to Petco Park and the Convention Center, the Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District is the hub of the city's nightlife. It's a great place to visit if you're looking for things to do in downtown San Diego – especially after dark.

Restored late-19th- and early-20th-century Victorian buildings house buzzing entertainment venues, trendy shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving every kind of cuisine you can imagine, from Persian food to pizza. This is a great place to catch some live jazz, comedy, or theater performances.

The district runs for about 16 blocks, from Broadway to San Diego Bay, and it's easily walkable, but you can also hop on bike taxis if your feet need a break.

Thanks to its great location in the heart of the city, the Gaslamp Quarter is also a great place to stay. High-end hotels range from boutique properties like the Pendry San Diego to big-brand properties like the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego , a short stroll away from all the action.

Official site: http://gaslamp.org/

Walking along the San Diego waterfront on the Embarcadero, you might be surprised when you come across one of the US military's largest ships. The decommissioned USS Midway is permanently berthed at Navy Pier.

The highlights of a visit to the USS Midway Museum include more than 60 exhibits and over 30 restored aircraft. More than 225,000 military service personnel served on the ship, and you can take a self-guided audio tour to learn all about its history. For an additional fee, you can also try a flight simulator on board.

To save time on your busy sightseeing agenda, consider purchasing a Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket . This will allow you to bypass the crowds at the entrance, so you have more time to visit other top San Diego attractions.

Address: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.midway.org/

San Diego's Seaport Village is a delightful place to stroll around and spend an afternoon. Located right on the waterfront, this area of unique shops and restaurants is one of the city's must-sees.

Picnic tables, benches, and waterfront patios are sprinkled throughout the area, and weekends can be very busy. Eclectic performers take to the outdoor stage regularly in the afternoons. Kids love riding the historic carousel with hand-carved wooden horses.

The area is easily accessible on foot from many of the nearby attractions, including the USS Midway . Since there is limited and expensive parking at Seaport Village, it might be best to park a little distance away and enjoy the stroll along the waterfront to the site.

Address: West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.seaportvillage.com/

Year-round sunshine and miles of beautiful surf-washed coastline make San Diego a perfect place to visit for a beach vacation. No matter what you like to do, San Diego's best beaches offer conditions for every type of activity.

For basking in the sunshine and people-watching, head to Mission Beach with its buzzing beachfront boardwalk and seaview cafés. Ocean Beach delivers a dose of hippy chic, and pet owners can let their pooches run off-leash here at the aptly named Dog Beach . Surfing is also popular at these famous beaches.

If surfing is your top priority, Del Mar is one of the most consistent locations. Other popular surf spots include Pacific Beach, Trestles, Swami's, and Black's Beach, and beginner surfers should head to Oceanside or La Jolla Shores .

Want to take the kids for a day of sun, sand, and sea? The best family-friendly beaches are Del Mar, Silver Strand, Coronado Beach, and La Jolla Shores . And if you prefer a wild and rugged slice of coastline, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve fits the bill, with scenic hiking trails and soaring sea cliffs.

Wondering about the best time to visit San Diego for a beach vacation? It depends on your chosen activity. If you're a surfer, winter storms bring big swells. If you're a swimmer, summer is the best time to take a dip, and if you're headed to the coast to soak up some sunshine or stroll along the shore, you can do that at any time of the year.

At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo.

Visit a working blacksmith studio, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants. Many of the historic buildings, including five original adobe structures, have been repaired, and newer buildings that have been added are in the same historical architectural style.

The Old Town State Historic park is one of the most visited state parks in California. There is no admission fee, and many of the attractions are free. You can also sign up for free walking tours offered twice daily (at 11am and at 2pm).

Address: 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663

Breathtaking views out over San Diego and the Pacific Ocean make Point Loma one of the best places to visit in this beautiful city. You can start soaking up the vistas on the scenic road up to Point Loma. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mexico, and you might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins or whales.

This is where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first landed on the west coast of the United States in 1542. You can learn about the history of his incredible "Voyage of Discovery" through a variety of displays and exhibits at the Cabrillo National Monument. A large statue dedicated to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo gazes out over the land he discovered.

Also located on Point Loma is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse , built in 1858. Visitors can tour the refurbished lighthouse building.

Hiking the scenic trails is another popular thing to do here. If you have children in tow, take the one-mile Bayside Trail to the tide pools.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm

The seaside neighborhood of Mission Beach epitomizes San Diego's sunny Southern California lifestyle. The beautiful blonde-sand beach is the focal point here.

Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball are popular things to do, and a three-mile scenic boardwalk skirts the shore. Come here on a sunny day, and you'll see locals rollerblading, skateboarding, strolling, and cycling along here, or dining at one of the many beachside cafés or restaurants.

A highlight of Mission Beach is Belmont Park , an East-Coast-style seaside amusement park complete with a historic roller coaster, excellent restaurants, fairground eateries, and street performances. It's a favorite San Diego attraction for kids.

Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to visit is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the ocean panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues.

During the gray whale migration season, the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers a chance to spot these graceful creatures as they migrate to Baja California in Mexico.

San Diego sits right on the water, and boat tours are a great way to do some sightseeing while soaking up the sunshine and fresh air. Hopping aboard a San Diego harbor cruise also gives you a fresh perspective of this beautiful seaside city. On this one- or two-hour narrated cruise, you can learn a little history, see the city skyline, and possibly spot some seals and sea lions basking along the rocky shore.

Tours include a cruise under the Coronado Bridge, and you can choose to sit either indoors or out on deck. Snacks and beverages are also available for purchase.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was California's first mission. In 1769, the Spanish Franciscan Father from Majorca, Junipero Serra, founded the mission stations, the first of which was built in San Diego. A few years after it was founded, however, it was moved six miles inland because disputes had arisen between the Spanish troops and the Indians.

In 1775, the Indians set fire to the new mission, the Fathers sought refuge with the army, and it wasn't until 1777 that they built a new mission station with the help of the Indians.

Today, the mission is a National Historic Landmark , and it's a wonderful place to learn about San Diego's early history. Highlights include visiting the old church with a bell tower, declared a basilica in the 1970s; strolling around the peaceful gardens ; and browsing the fascinating exhibits at the Padre Jayme Museum .

You can take a self-guided tour or book a guided tour in advance through the website.

Address: 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, California

Official site: https://www.missionsandiego.org/

Art lovers looking for a dose of culture should head to the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Its distinctive facade is a copy of the 17th-century University of Salamanca, in the so-called plateresque style, with finely-chiseled terra-cotta work. Busts of Spanish painters adorn the entrance, and their artworks are among the many eclectic exhibits displayed here.

The museum's collection covers a broad spectrum of works from around the world, including pieces that date back 7,000 years. Highlights include works by Spanish and Italian old masters, along with South Asian paintings and art from the Americas, including 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures.

Address: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.sdmart.org/

San Diego is one of the best places in Southern California to spot migrating whales. Blue whales, gray whales, humpbacks, and minke whales swim these waters at different times of year, and you also have the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and even orcas.

Whale watching trips are one of the top things to do in San Diego from December through April , when the gray whale migration kicks into gear. Blue whales usually migrate during the summer months, from mid-June through September .

The best way to see these gentle giants up close is aboard a San Diego whale watching cruise . This 4.5-hour cruise takes place aboard a replica of the old sailing schooner that won the 1851 America's Cup. In addition to an exhilarating sailing experience, you'll also learn about the different species of marine life, as well as US Navy sites you pass along the way. Drinks, snacks, and a whale sighting guarantee are all included in the tour.

For anyone interested in aviation and space flight history, this museum in Balboa Park is not to be missed. The museum educates the public about aircraft and space-age technology, with exhibits that help visitors understand the chronology and the pace of progress.

The museum begins its presentation of flight history with a model of the first hot air balloon, launched by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783, and a reproduction of the Wright brothers ' gliders. The presentation continues with exhibits of rare historical aircraft that date back to World War I. Also on display are mint-condition military aircraft from World War II, including the Navy F6F Hellcat and the A-4 Skyhawk Jet.

With a wide variety of collections, from aircraft, spacecraft, and flight simulators to photographs and film archives, the San Diego Air & Space Museum pays tribute to the rich aviation heritage of San Diego.

Visitors can stop at the museum's gift shop to pick up flight-themed souvenirs, such as books, puzzles, T-shirts, telescopes, model airplanes, and astronaut-autographed plaques. The gift shop even sells mini spacesuits for your little aspiring astronaut.

Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, California

Official site: https://sandiegoairandspace.org

With its year-round balmy weather and sunshine, San Diego is a top destination for outdoorsy types. Local residents enjoy an active lifestyle in all seasons, but tourists can also take advantage of the many things to do in San Diego during a visit.

Travelers can participate in outdoor adventures , from biking along coastal trails and sailing in the bay to hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The wide range of water sports and other activities will appeal to all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

A world of creativity and exploration awaits at The New Children's Museum. This innovative museum delights kids with engaging play areas and interactive exhibits, designed to encourage the imagination and critical thinking.

Contemporary artists developed the art installations for this unique museum. Each exhibit takes up the space of an entire room. Children enjoy looking at the art, as well as playing in the rooms. There are also art studios and workshops , where visitors can make their own art such as clay objects and paintings. Parents can participate in the art projects with their kids.

The multi-level modern building provides an inviting space for the museum exhibits. Eco-friendly construction techniques were used to build the 50,000-square-foot museum.

The New Children's Museum has a store that sells art supplies, games, puzzles, educational toys, children's books, and whimsical apparel.

As amusing as the museum's exhibits, the Bean Sprouts cafe offers healthy, organic seasonal meals and snacks designed to wow kids. The café serves breakfast and lunch with a special children's menu, plus allergy-friendly options. Kids love the café's "Imaginibbles," which feature fun, creative presentations, such as the "Grilledzilla" grilled cheese sandwich and the "Crocamole" avocado hummus, resembling the face of a crocodile.

Official site: https://thinkplaycreate.org

One of the top things to do in San Diego with kids, a visit to SeaWorld is sure to be a memorable experience for the youngsters in your family. Little ones delight in watching the friendly dolphins and frolicking otters, while bigger kids are awed by the shark exhibits and killer whale presentations.

SeaWorld San Diego combines the features of an aquarium and an amusement park . There are sea animal exhibits and thrilling roller-coaster rides, as well as more gentle rides for the little ones. Set on 100 acres of Mission Bay Park grounds, SeaWorld gives kids the chance to learn about sea animals such as walruses, sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, and flamingos.

Besides the sea animal shows and exhibits, SeaWorld also offers close-up encounters with dolphins (by reservation).

A new attraction at SeaWorld, Sesame Place is designed for kids who love the Sesame Street television show. Sesame Place includes Sesame Street -themed rides, a wave pool, character shows, and a musical play area.

Parents will appreciate the facilities at SeaWorld, including restaurants such as Big Bird's Bistro (suitable for children aged two years and older) and The Waterfront restaurant overlooking Mission Bay. SeaWorld also has several gift shops and boutiques where visitors can purchase T-shirts, sweatshirts, sea animal plush toys, and other souvenirs.

Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California

Official site: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/

In San Diego, the prime tourist attractions are spread out over a large area. However, staying downtown affords easy access to many of the top sites, including the Gaslamp Quarter; Balboa Park; San Diego Zoo; the harbor; Horton Plaza shopping; Little Italy; and Petco Park, where the Padres play. From downtown, it's about a 10-minute drive to the quieter shores of Coronado, a popular weekend escape. Here are some highly rated San Diego hotels in a convenient, central location .

Luxury Hotels:

• In San Diego, luxury-seeking travelers don't have to sacrifice sea views for a central location. The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego overlooks the sparkling San Diego Bay, a short hop from Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the USS Midway Museum.
• In the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, The US Grant is steeped in historic elegance, while the Omni San Diego Hotel is connected to Petco Park via a pedestrian skywalk. Both are near other top attractions, such as Balboa Park and Little Italy.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the Gaslamp Quarter, with views over Petco Park, the hip Hotel Indigo San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter is a pet-friendly property with an eco-friendly roof garden.
• Also in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown resides in an evocative 1920s bank building. This three-star hotel has a restaurant, fitness center, and concierge.
• Not far from here, The Bristol Hotel San Diego is a stylish boutique hotel within walking distance of all the downtown action, as well as the USS Midway Museum and Horton Plaza.

Budget Hotels:

• Travelers watching their wallet but still seeking a central location should consider the Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center , in the heart of its namesake district, and the Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego , five minutes by car to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
• Another affordable, good-value option is Old Town Inn , a 10-minute walk from Old Town, with easy access via the trolley to Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the harbor.

Sightseeing Tours :

• To see all the top sights in San Diego, the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour is the way to go. With the city's year-round mild climate, this is the perfect tour in any season, and it allows for complete flexibility. Get off and explore the areas that interest you or just stay on to see the city at a leisurely pace without having to worry about driving or parking. One or two day passes are available.

Since the city's weather is warm and sunny for most of the year, the best time of year to visit San Diego is from March through May and September through November, when the rates for hotels and airfare are cheaper. The weather is typically warm and sunny during these times of year, and the chance of rain is low for most of these months - except March, which can be wetter than the rest of spring and summer.

In April through May , spring weather usually brings warm weather, with temperatures in the 60s. Flowers bloom in local gardens, including the botanical gardens in Balboa Park, and you'll find fewer crowds. Keep in mind that May can be a little foggy - locals often refer to this as "May Gray," but saving money on accommodation and airfares might be worth visiting at this time.

In the fall, from September through November , you can expect crystal-clear sunny days; warm daytime temperatures, which can sometimes exceed summer temperatures in September; and fewer crowds at the city's top attractions. October and November (excluding Thanksgiving) are the cheapest months to travel at this time of year.

Peak season is June through August, during summer break, but June tends to have less sunshine than all the other summer months. At this time of year, warmer inland temperatures suck moisture in from the ocean, creating a thick blanket of fog along the coast , which the locals call "June Gloom." Early summer is also when crowds tend to swell as schools close for the summer high season. But the late summer — July, August, and September — brings the best beach weather .

Low season is typically during the winter months, from January through March. Rain is more likely during these months, but if no storms are in the forecast, you can expect the weather to be clear and sunny, with no fog, so it's worth taking a chance if you want a Southern California city fix at this time of year.

No matter what time of year you visit, it's also a good idea to bring layers because nights can be cool, even in summer.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Things to See and Do near San Diego : If you have more time up your sleeve, you might want to include some San Diego day trips in your travel itinerary – you can even take a quick trip to Mexico. Looking for an active vacation? Check out some of the top outdoor adventures in San Diego , from kayaking and sailing to hiking and biking the beachfront bike trails.

San Diego Family Travel : If you're traveling with children, San Diego has plenty of rewarding things to do with kids . Wondering where to stay in San Diego for a kid-friendly vacation? Check out some of the best resorts for families. And if you're also bringing your furry family members, San Diego has some excellent pet-friendly hotels.

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77 Best & Fun Things to do in San Diego, California [2024]

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Last updated: April 14th, 2023

From exploring unique attractions to finding the best beaches and tacos, here are 97 things to do in San Diego, CA.

San Diaaago! America’s Finest City, Ron Burgundy’s place of work, and one of the sunniest places in California .

There’s a lot to love about this city. And with so much to see and do in San Diego for all ages, it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular place to visit. 

I spent five years living in San Diego, going to school and working at internships and a myriad of jobs to stay afloat during my time in college.

Over that period, I grew to love the city for its perfect weather, beaches, tequila, desert landscape, unique historical nature, and delicious Mexican food.

On top of that, my fiance grew up in San Diego and we go back for regular visits, so you could say I’m a wealth of knowledge when it comes to knowing all the best things to do in the city.

San Diego will always have a soft spot for me, which is why I wanted to write this San Diego bucket list, so you can enjoy my favorite local spots and things to do around the city too. 

From the most popular attractions in San Diego to unique local experiences, these are my picks for the best things to do in San Diego, California!

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Table of Contents

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is the top attraction in San Diego and the place to visit if you want to experience many sights in one place. 

I’ve spent probably a dozen or so sunny afternoons in this sprawling park and I still haven’t seen everything it has to offer.

There are 16 museums in the park; some you can even get into for free on certain Tuesdays if you’re a San Diego resident or in the military.

Besides the museums, Balboa Park also houses 16 gardens and beautiful historical architecture best described as Spanish Colonial Revival.

Caricature artists, balloon animals, and fair foods, such as cotton candy and popcorn, line park boulevards. 

The world-famous San Diego Zoo is also here (which should definitely be on your San Diego to-do list). 

And you’ll sometimes find cool old cars (Chevy Impalas!) parked around the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

One of my favorite parts of the park is the random carousel near the zoo, which lets you feel like a kid again.

There are so many things to do in Balboa Park that it’s one of the best ways to spend a day in San Diego if you’re trying to see a lot in a short time.

I’d recommend spending at least an afternoon here, if not an entire day.

Check out a few of the different attractions and discover why it’s the most popular place to visit in San Diego. 

Below are the top sights I’d recommend seeing at Balboa Park.

San Diego Zoo

If you love animals, the San Diego Zoo is the place to see a wide variety. 

The huge, 100-acre San Diego Zoo has a reputation for being the best in America and ranks among the top zoos in the world.

The worldwide renown of San Diego’s zoo makes it one of the top things to do in San Diego, California.

There’s plenty to see at the San Diego Zoo, with over 650 species and more than 3,700 different animals.

My favorite exhibits include the panda bear family (be prepared to wait in line to see them) and the Polar Bear Plunge.

The Polar Bear Plunge allows you to see these fantastic creatures in their natural habitat, swimming playfully in the water or hamming it up on the ice.

I had never seen a polar bear swim underwater before visiting the San Diego Zoo and it was magical.

The San Diego Zoo is open 365 days a year. Just note that the hours vary depending on the season.

You can grab your San Diego Zoo tickets ahead of time here . 

Grab your FREE San Diego Travel Planner! You’ll get instant access to printable checklists for what to see in San Diego, as well as travel itineraries and key local travel tips.

Fleet Science Center

The Fleet Science Center is in the very center of Balboa Park, surrounded by numerous other fantastic museums. 

This museum features over a hundred interactive exhibits that demonstrate scientific concepts in a fun and kid-friendly way. 

But the Fleet Science Center isn’t just for kids–people of all ages will find something exciting to discover here.

In addition to the exhibits, the Fleet Science Center also has a planetarium called the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater.

You can see IMAX movies, documentaries, and more in the dome theater.

Just note that tickets to showings at the dome are separate from the regular museum admission.

San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT)

If you’re passionate about science, Balboa Park has a lot to offer.

Just across from the Fleet Science Center lies the San Diego Natural History Museum , where you can dive deep into the natural world.

Dinosaur bones, gems, fossils, shells, and diorama displays are always on view at this museum.

Plus, a rotating series of special exhibitions and unique events (like Dinosaurs of Antarctica) round out the programming.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

The San Diego Air and Space Museum is down towards the park’s southwest corner. 

Here, you’ll find exhibitions that detail everything related to the history of flight–from the first hot air balloon all the way up to modern space exploration.

Currently, there’s a special exhibition on American Women of Flight, which you can visit with your general admission ticket. 

There’s also the Max Flight Interactive Ride, which is a fun flight simulator that requires a separate ticket purchase.

Spanish Village Artist Center

The Spanish Village Artist Center is a colorful corner of the park that showcases every type of local art imaginable.

This historic Spanish Village dates back to the 1936 California Expo. Today, it houses an artists’ collective. 

The buildings are all artist studios that visitors can stroll past along brightly-painted cobblestones that create a magical atmosphere. 

For a more hands-on experience, check out their classes, workshops, and public events roster. 

Museum of Us

Another San Diego museum worth visiting is the Museum of Us . 

Formerly called The Museum of Man, this unique anthropology museum displays exhibits that ask tough questions to explore the human experience.

One of the museum’s ongoing exhibits is the popular community art project, PostSecret.

Other current limited-time exhibits include Cannibals: Myth & Reality, Hostile Terrain 94 (about the humanitarian crisis at the US-Mexican border), and Living with Animals (about our complex history with animals).

Another reason to check out the Museum of Us is that the building includes the California Tower, an intricate piece of architecture that dates back to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. 

The California Tower is nearly 200 feet tall and an iconic San Diego landmark. You can learn more about the tour that allows you to climb to the top here .

San Diego Museum of Art and Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego

As you’ve probably noticed already from this list, Balboa Park is chock-full of museums, including some fantastic art museums. 

Just next door to the San Diego Museum of Art is the Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego .

While the San Diego Museum of Art houses collections from around the world dating back thousands of years, the ICA displays artwork by artists living and producing today. 

Encinitas has a second location known as “ICA North,” while the Balboa location uses the moniker “ICA Central.”

Both locations are free every day through a pay-as-you-wish initiative.

Exhibitions frequently rotate at the ICA San Diego, so there’s always something fresh and new to see. Check their website to see what’s currently showing. 

Visit the San Diego Museum of Art and the ICA back-to-back for an art-filled afternoon! 

Pro tip: If you meet the requirements, you can enjoy Balboa Park Free Tuesdays. This is where different museums offer free admission for San Diego residents, active military personnel, and their dependents. You can find the list of rotating Balboa Park free museums here . 

Japanese Friendship Garden

Another sight located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego.

The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides visitors with a unique and chilled-out experience. 

Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year.

These events include yoga classes, meditation sessions, and San Diego Sake Day.

If you’re looking for a break from the city without actually needing to leave it, this is a good place to visit in San Diego. 

Organ Performance at Spreckels Pavilion

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One of the more unique things to do in the San Diego area that is completely free is seeing an organ performance at Spreckels Organ Pavilion .

Spreckels Pavilion in Balboa Park hosts free organ concerts every Sunday at 2 pm.

One cool fact is that this organ has been playing in this location for over 100 years, since 1915 when the Panama-California Exposition came through San Diego.

It’s also the largest outdoor musical instrument in the world with 5,019 pipes. 

During the San Diego summer, there are additional Monday evening concerts and silent movie nights accompanied by the live organ.

Old Globe Theatre

Another Balboa Park attraction, the Old Globe Theatre houses a popular theater company in San Diego.

It produces around 15 musicals and plays yearly, providing some solid San Diego entertainment year-round. 

San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre was built in 1935 and was modeled after Shakespeare’s Old Globe Theatre in London. 

If you’re visiting San Diego in December, don’t miss out on their annual production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas . 

In case you didn’t know, Theodor Seuss Geisel (more commonly known as Dr. Seuss) lived in San Diego for four decades and throughout the height of his writing career.

To give you an idea of how much San Diego loves Dr. Seuss, the library at my alma mater, UCSD, is named Geisel and features Dr. Seuss statues.

Belmont Park

A Mission Beach amusement park, Belmont Park is reminiscent of a summer fair with a fun atmosphere and unique rides that are good for all ages.

My favorite ride at this historic park would probably have to be the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.

Built in 1925, this wooden coaster rivals the Giant Dipper in Santa Cruz.  

Other favorite rides include the Beach Blaster (a very tall spinning swing) and the Octotron (another spinning ride but one you can control with a joystick).

Pro tip: Belmont Park is one of the best things to do in the city at night if you’re under 21 (for all you younger college kids or parents traveling with teens).

Presidio Park 

San Diego’s Presidio Park is the site of the first European settlement in California, dating back to the eighteenth century. 

This historic park still contains the landmark where Junipero Serra planted a palm tree upon his arrival in 1769. 

To learn more about this Spanish missionary, you can visit the Junipero Serra Museum, located in the park. Or, simply enjoy a picnic on one of the park’s sprawling lawns.

Liberty Station Park

At the site of a former naval training center not far from the airport, Liberty Station Park is more than just a city-run historic park. 

Apart from grassy areas for playing sports and walkways overlooking a San Diego Bay inlet, Liberty Station Park is a public space surrounded by lots of shopping and art. 

Open studios and outdoor public art installations happen on the first Friday of every month, so that’s an excellent time to visit.

And Liberty Public Market is just a few blocks away if you’re looking for a wide array of lunch options. 

Liberty Public Market is another old navy building that has now been converted into a bustling gourmet food court.

Chicano Park

The colorful Chicano Park in Logan Heights is the oldest Mexican-American neighborhood in San Diego.

This area is where you’ll find tons of incredible murals under the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.

In fact, Chicano Park features the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world.

In Chicano Park, there are seven acres worth of murals and sculpture gardens, as well as galleries and brewpubs now (because of gentrification).

It’s also important to note that the local community valiantly fought for Chicano Park after the city of San Diego took away much of the surrounding land and added freeways from the 1940s through the 70s.

It’s a special place to visit in San Diego to honor the Chicano community and appreciate the history found at the park and the greater Logan Heights neighborhood. 

• The Embarcadero & Seaport Village

One of the aspects I love about San Diego is that you’re never too far from the water, no matter which neighborhood you’re in.

The Embarcadero is probably one of the most well-known seaside areas in San Diego.

It’s home to many popular waterfront attractions, including one of the best museums in San Diego–the USS Midway Museum. 

Located right next to downtown San Diego, the Embarcadero is the cruise ship hub of the city, so you can expect it to be touristy.

However, it’s also a beautiful spot to walk around during the day or at night for a good dose of San Diego vibes. 

The Embarcadero is also where you’ll find Seaport Village , full of souvenir shops and good views.

And it’s where you’ll find The Headquarters, an old police command post now full of trendy restaurants.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway is in the top five coolest museums I’ve visited, and the history behind the vessel and its purpose are just as intriguing.

There are over 60 exhibits on the huge ship and 29 restored aircraft, including everything from fighter jets to rescue helicopters. 

The informative free movie near the entrance goes through the history of the Battle of Midway, which is where the ship got its name.

You can tour multiple levels of the carrier, view old living quarters and pilots’ ready rooms, and even step inside World War II fighter jets. 

And similar to the Air & Space Museum at Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum also has flight simulators for an additional cost.

Before or after seeing the museum, I’d recommend grabbing lunch at the Fish Market Restaurant for mouthwatering fish tacos. 

Before you leave the area, don’t miss walking underneath the Unconditional Surrender statue near the museum for that perfect photo op.

You can grab tickets for the USS Midway Museum ahead of time here .

Maritime Museum of San Diego

San Diego’s Maritime Museum has one of the world’s most extensive collections of restored historic ships. 

Located in the San Diego Bay next to Waterfront Park, the proudest piece in the Maritime Museum collection is an 1863 ship called the Star of India. 

Visitors to this floating maritime museum can walk the Star of India’s decks along with many other historic vessels.

General admission will get you on to most of the museum’s ships.

Coronado Island

That island you always see across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado Island has been a popular staycation destination and tourist attraction in San Diego for decades. 

What used to be an old ferry landing has become a sunny playground for immaculate beaches, palm-lined walks, and open-air San Diego fun.

Plus, you get a great view of the San Diego skyline from the island. 

On the island , you can go shopping in one of the local specialty shops or art galleries, devour fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants, lay on the beach, or rent a kayak to explore the bay from the water.

You can also take a guided walking food tour around the island or maybe even go on a Coronado Cruise Bike Tour .

There’s plenty to keep you busy around the island, whether you’re traveling with a family, as a couple, or by yourself.

Coronado Island is also where one of the most famous San Diego hotels is– Hotel del Coronado –if you’re looking to stay on the island (or simply want to tour the property). 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is similar to the San Diego Zoo but on a smaller scale and is located on the opposite side of the county, up in Escondido.

I visited the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on my last San Diego trip because my Go Card included it, but if you had to choose between the two, I would spend my time at the original San Diego Zoo.

I find the zoo more enticing because it offers a greater variety of animals to see and interact with.

With that said, the Safari Park offers a completely different animal experience with its many safaris. 

I also like the fact that the enclosures are much larger for a more comfortable living arrangement and daily roaming for the animals.

At the Safari Park, I experienced the Africa Tram, which is included in the admission price. The downsides to this tour are the wait times and the fact that the animals are so far away.

All other safari options are an additional cost to the admission price, but if you’re willing to splurge, they would be well worth it compared to the Africa Tram. 

I saw other visitors feeding giraffes on their Caravan Safari, but if you want that experience, it will cost you upwards of $100.

The Zoo and the Safari Park are worth seeing if you have time for both San Diego attractions.

You can grab your Zoo and Safari Park combo ticket ahead of time here .

Read my complete guide to the San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park .

Note: You’ll notice that SeaWorld is missing from this list. In response to controversy following the 2013 documentary, Blackfish , SeaWorld has taken steps to improve its conditions and eliminate the orca breeding program. Still, I’ve decided not to include them on this bucket list due to their history of animal abuse and the questionable ethics of having animals perform for crowds.

San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego’s Botanical Gardens in Encinitas sprawl over 37 acres and contain over 5,300 different types of plants.

Explore San Diego and the surrounding area by getting to know its native plants.

Or take an exotic tour of the world by viewing the Botanic Garden’s endangered plant species.

The SDBG also has a robust calendar of events, including plant-related shows, art exhibitions, parties, and summer evening concerts.  

• Birch Aquarium

San Diego’s Birch Aquarium is an extension of the Scripp’s Institution of Oceanography at UCSD.

Birch Aquarium showcases over sixty marine habitats filled with colorful undersea life. 

Visit sharks and penguins or a two-story giant kelp forest.

Or, check out the living tide pool plaza, where you can stick your hands into pools containing starfish, anemones, hermit crabs, and more.

Drive Up the Coast Highway

One of the best day trips from San Diego is a simple drive because the area is blessed with miles and miles of stunning coastline. 

And my favorite way to see the beauty of North County beaches is along the Coast Highway, also known as Hwy 101.

Starting around Torrey Pines Reserve, the Coast Highway goes through some of San Diego’s lovely scenery and suburbs, including Del Mar, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Carlsbad, and Oceanside .

One of my favorite parts of the highway is a little further outside the city, just past San Clemente.

Along the way, stop at the local staple, Pizza Port, for its delicious pizza and beer.

There’s a reason it’s so popular with locals, the fare is mouthwatering, and the vibe is very much surfer.

When you get to Encinitas, Pannikin Coffee & Tea is one of my favorite coffee shops in San Diego.

It’s located in a cute cottage, complete with a white picket fence and outside seating.

In general, I recommend taking your time and stopping as much as possible as you go up the coast.

Each little city has a unique personality and plenty of sights, beaches, and foodie spots. 

If you don’t have a car or don’t want to worry about driving, another good option for seeing this beautiful part of the coast is taking the Amtrak Coaster train.

I’ve taken it multiple times to visit my sister in Los Angeles and it’s still the most beautiful train ride I’ve been on.

Carlsbad Flower Fields 

Another stopover just off the highway is the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, where you can frolic in Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. 

If you drive north from downtown San Diego, passing through Del Mar and Encinitas, you’ll shortly wind up in Carlsbad. 

There, you’ll find Carlsbad Ranch and its nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flower fields.

From March to May each year, these flowers bloom in vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink. During this time, you can visit these very Instagramable fields for a small entry fee. 

The front entrance area also has several smaller gardens, restrooms, and a pizza trolley.

Looking for more flowers in California? Read my guides to the best California flower fields , lavender farms , sunflower fields , and where to see California poppies in bloom.

Legoland 

Legoland is another compelling reason to make the trip up to Carlsbad. 

This California resort includes a theme park, aquarium, water park, and hotels based on the popular toy brand.

Throughout all of this fun are numerous models made with LEGO bricks. 

You can visit Legoland as a San Diego day trip or make a weekend getaway out of it by purchasing a vacation pass. 

Make sure to plan ahead, as you’ll need reservations to get into Legoland.

If you can swing it, I’d also try to go as early in the day as possible and avoid school breaks. The last time I visited Legoland, it was packed and the lines were pretty long.

You can purchase your admission tickets ahead of time here . 

Del Mar    

Del Mar is a beautiful beach town located pretty far north of downtown San Diego but still within the county of San Diego.

 I’ve enjoyed many sunny summer afternoons and date nights in Del Mar throughout the years.

This charming seaside community offers the best of the Southern California coast with beautiful beaches and oceanside restaurants.

The town’s other attractions include the Del Mar Racetrack and the San Diego Fairgrounds–the site of the annual County Fair, which draws over a million visitors yearly. 

Taco Tuesday in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is a bustling neighborhood just above Mission Bay, packed with surf shops, bars, and restaurants.

Taco Tuesdays in Pacific Beach are one of the best things to do at night in San Diego if you want to experience the local college nightlife.

You can expect cheap shots of tequila, Mexican food, sombreros here and there, and strong margaritas that are bigger than your head.

During the winter months, it quiets down a bit, especially when the universities are out.

But if you happen to stumble upon a Taco Tuesday in the fall or spring, get ready to party.

It’s a lot of fun for college students, especially those newly 21-year-olds because everything is cheap and there’s a lot of craziness, dancing, and shots.

The nice thing about going out in Pacific Beach is that it’s easy to do a bar crawl.

Most of the bars line Garnet Street side by side or are close by off the side streets.

Pacific Beach Alehouse and Tavern at the Beach are a bit more laidback than the usual bars-turned-clubs for the slightly older crowd. 

If you’re looking for more of a Mexican vibe, head to Cabo Cantina, which is overflowing on Taco Tuesdays.

Moonshine Beach is probably the best option if you’re looking for a good place to dance.

Or, if you want to avoid the Coronas and have some craft beer instead, Bub’s at the Beach is one of my favorites in Pacific Beach.

One thing to note is if you’re after a nice dinner of cheap tacos before going out on the town, I would suggest getting to PB as early as possible since places fill up quickly during the busy months.

My recommendations for tacos in the neighborhood include Cabo Cantina, World Famous, and the taqueria stands that always seem to pop up on the streets outside the bars on Tuesdays.

North Park is considered the hipster neighborhood of San Diego, California. It has a fun and quirky side that is easy to fall in love with.

I’m convinced I will move here if I ever move back to San Diego.

I saw one of my favorite concerts ever in North Park (The Tallest Man on Earth) at the beautiful old Birch North Park Theatre.

And the bars offer a little bit of everything for whatever style of nightlife you’re going for.

It’s an excellent neighborhood to check out if you’re spending the weekend in San Diego and want to explore some of the best San Diego nightlife.

One of my favorite bars in North Park is Seven Grand, a whiskey bar that hosts live music and has black and white movies playing on a loop.

The bartenders look like they just stepped out of the 1920s.

Seven Grand has an entire wall of whiskey , taking up 15 pages on their drink menu, with the top shelf reached by a rolling ladder.

Another bar to check out in the area is The Office.

Half bar, half club (as are many establishments in this city), The Office gives off the feel of a smoky cocktail lounge that’s lively with a bit of an older crowd. Their decent beer list is a bonus.

North Park is one of those places to go out in San Diego that is trendy yet feel-good.

The neighborhood offers a fun night out without the constant over-intoxication in Pacific Beach. 

And if you’re not as interested in the nightlife, there are plenty of things to do in North Park that don’t involve drinking.

This includes checking out the many trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops during the day. 

Microbrewery Tour

It’s no secret that San Diego, California has one of the best microbrewery scenes in the US.

You can find a brewery in just about any suburb, so no matter where you are, you can get a taste of the San Diego beer scene.

I usually do a self-guided brewery tour with a combination of walking and Uber while I’m in town.

But if you’re after a more organized tour, this San Diego Brewery Tour is an excellent place to start.

Visiting breweries is one of the best local things to do around San Diego, especially if you’re a fan of good beer.

And with over 100 breweries in greater San Diego County, you’re spoiled for choice.

My favorite breweries include Ballast Point (give me a Sculpin IPA any day), Green Flash, and Stone for their classy brewery and rock garden.

Other recommendations include Coronado, Lost Abbey, Latitude 33, Modern Times, Mother Earth, Half Door Brewing, and Mission Brewery.

Looking for more brewery recommendations? Read my guide to the best California breweries (there are quite a few San Diego breweries mentioned). 

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Old Town San Diego , also known as the birthplace of California, is where you’ll find a bustling Hispanic community. 

It’s also where the indigenous Kumeyaay people lived 9,000 years ago before the Spaniards arrived. 

There are many fun things to do in Old Town San Diego. You’ll find local artisan shops, many Mexican restaurants, and some cool historic buildings.

If you’re a history buff, Old Town is a good historic neighborhood to explore, especially compared to the rest of the city, which leans more into its modernness. 

You can find the complete list of historic sites in Old Town San Diego here . 

Gaslamp Quarter

Whether you’re after some of the best shopping in San Diego, bar hopping, classy restaurants, architecture, or simply people-watching, the Gaslamp Quarter is the city’s heart. 

If you’re wondering what to do in downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is where you should start.

This is especially the case if you enjoyed the historical side of Old Town and you’re hungry for more.

The Gaslamp Quarter’s beginnings go back to 1850 when William Heath Davis began developing land in the hopes of creating a town on the waterfront.

You can still visit his house in the Gaslamp Quarter as it’s now a museum.

I would recommend exploring the Gaslamp Quarter during the day and at night to see the difference, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when it comes alive with nightlife (don’t miss The Shout House!). 

There are plenty of things to do in the Gaslamp Quarter to keep you busy for the day. 

Some fun activities include checking out the historical architecture around the neighborhood, bar hopping, eating at some of the trendiest restaurants in San Diego, and perusing art galleries. Take your pick!

Little Italy

Little Italy is the historic Italian neighborhood in downtown San Diego that was originally the center of the city’s tuna fishing industry. 

These days, Little Italy is a lively and walkable neighborhood packed with trendy bars and restaurants. 

If you have a sweet tooth, check out Extraordinary Desserts, a dessert-only cafe serving gourmet sweets.

Otherwise, some of the best things to do in Little Italy are its many outdoor events.

There’s the ‘Mercato’ Street Market , which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday.

And there’s the Little Italy Summer Film Festival , which screens Italian-language films every Saturday in July and August. 

Read our complete guide to Little Italy, San Diego .

Ocean Beach Farmers Market

A very popular farmers market in San Diego, California, the Ocean Beach Farmers Market is not as bustling as the Little Italy Street Market but it is more local.

This market happens every Wednesday from 4-8 pm and features the same vibe as the one in Little Italy but on a smaller scale.

It’s also a bit more hippie in nature than the one in Little Italy, which, if you know anything about OB, goes well with the overall atmosphere of the neighborhood. 

Have your pick of fresh produce and enjoy the local art and live music.

Once you finish perusing the market, you can walk to Ocean Beach to enjoy a sunset near the pier. 

San Diego Hiking Trails

Although completely opposite to the climate I grew up with in Northern California with its lush redwood forests , desert-like Southern California is where I really started to get into hiking for the first time. 

Hikes in San Diego are a whole different style: dusty and hot with wide expanses of multicolored earth tones for miles and miles.

That said, I grew to love the many hikes I did around the county while I was living there.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite hiking trails within San Diego County:

• Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma (Bayside Trail) – 2.8 miles, 400 ft elevation gain.
• Mount Woodson (aka Potato Chip Rock) – 6.4 miles, 2,000 ft elevation gain.
• Torrey Pines State Reserve hikes – Varies, but most trails at the park are under two miles. 
• Cowles Mountain at Mission Trails Regional Park – 3 miles, 950 ft elevation gain.
• Three Sisters Falls – 4 miles, 1,000 ft elevation gain. The trail is only accessible from November to June. Bring proper hiking boots and gloves for climbing the ropes.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve 

Speaking of hikes and stunning outdoor places in San Diego, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve deserves its own section–it’s that beautiful. 

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a state park just north of the city, nestled below Del Mar. The park’s 2,000 acres of coastal land offer numerous cliffside trails for hiking.

Of San Diego’s many parks and hiking areas, Torrey Pines is one of the prettiest and it’s super close to La Jolla and the UCSD campus. 

Once you’ve had your fill of hiking–or lounging on the beach if that’s more your style–Torrey Pines State Beach is a pristine place to stroll, swim, sunbathe, or watch the sunset. 

Read my detailed guide to hiking Torrey Pines . 

Mount Soledad Lookout

One of my favorite free things to do in San Diego, California is to watch the sunrise from the Mount Soledad Lookout.

We used to go up there every year to welcome new members into our sorority with the sunrise.

I’ve also watched many sunrises and sunsets up there with friends, talking about life over delicious California burritos.

Considered by some to be the best San Diego viewpoint, Mount Soledad looks out over La Jolla and honors American veterans and fallen soldiers.

The road to get there can be hard to find in the winding hills of La Jolla, but once you see the view, it’s more than worth it. 

It’s also beautiful to go up there at night to witness the twinkling lights of La Jolla and hear the ocean below. 

Point Loma Peninsula

San Diego has so many good views that it’s sometimes hard to keep track or prioritize which ones to see first.

One of the best views in San Diego that you shouldn’t miss is from Point Loma Peninsula and the Cabrillo National Monument .  

Start at the southern tip of the peninsula to visit the Cabrillo National Monument, where Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo landed at San Diego Bay in 1542.

At the monument, you’ll find the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, one of the first of its kind on the West Coast.

Today, the Point Loma Lighthouse is a museum that lets you peek back into history.

As you spend the day exploring the many things to do around the peninsula, you’ll find trails and tide pools, and learn more about California history.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Before you leave the Point Loma Peninsula, head to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to watch the sun go down with the locals. 

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a gorgeous stretch of cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean. 

Natural erosion has shaped these golden sandstone cliffs into dramatic formations, so be sure to watch your step as they can also be unstable in places. 

As its name suggests, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a beautiful place to watch the sunset over the ocean, but it’s also a worthwhile place to take a walk any time of day. 

Stretching for three miles along the coast between the neighborhoods of Ocean Beach and Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a city park, making it one of the best things to do in San Diego for free.

Cuyamaca Peak

As the second-highest peak in San Diego at 6,512 feet, Cuyamaca Peak features fantastic views that stretch for 100 miles on a clear day, all the way to Coronado Island and Mexico.

This area is a popular local place to visit and worth the time if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do near San Diego.

The trail to the viewpoint climbs over 1,000 feet, so be prepared for a decent amount of uphill work, but it’s okay for beginner hikers in relatively good shape.

To reach the peak, go to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and take the Stonewall Peak Hike. 

The Stonewall Peak trail is 5.4 miles, takes around 2.5 hours to complete, and is one of the more accessible trails to get up to the top.

Also, don’t forget to check the weather before you tackle the hike. 

The peak gets 3x more rain than any other place in San Diego and can either be very hot in the summer or very cold in the winter. Pack appropriately. 

San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge

The San Diego Bay State Wildlife Refuge is a salt marsh that provides urban refuge for local wildlife. 

Numerous trails make the San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge a peaceful spot to hike and learn about the species that live there. Just be sure to leave no trace if you go!

Seasonal tours are available if you want a more guided educational experience.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

Founded in 1769 by Spanish friar Junípero Serra, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was the first Franciscan mission in California and still operates as a working Catholic church today. 

The Mission is a beautiful historic building to explore, regardless if you’re religious or not. 

Guided tours happen Monday through Friday at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm, and you can request a group tour ahead of time here . 

San Diego Beaches 

One of the best free things to do in San Diego, California is to spend the day at the beach!

There are over 50 beaches in San Diego County and all of them offer a different experience depending on the neighborhood in which they’re located.

I spent a lot of time exploring the North County beaches in San Diego when I was going to school, specifically in the La Jolla area, which is known for its many manicured beaches. 

A few favorites near campus include La Jolla Shores, Black’s Beach, and Torrey Pines State Beach. 

Other fantastic beaches to check out around San Diego County include: 

• Windansea Beach
• Ocean Beach
• La Jolla Cove + Children’s Pool Beach
• Pacific Beach
• Coronado Beach
• Mission Beach
• Solano Beach
• Del Mar Dog Beach

Ocean Beach is a great place to watch the sunset from the pier and meet all of the old hippies and stoners walking around. It’s also a popular place for surfers and skaters alike.

Coronado Beach is stunning and offers excellent views of the San Diego skyline. 

Mission Beach has the Belmont Amusement Park touching the sand and a scenic boardwalk to walk along. And Del Mar’s Dog Beach is an ideal place to take the pooch.

If you’re a fan of sea lions, head to La Jolla Cove, where sea lions regularly lounge along the shore.

La Jolla Shores is another scenic and pristine beach and a fun place to take the family.

Above Black’s Beach, before you walk the steep path down, you’ll find stunning coastal views and paragliders.

Once on the beach, you’ll find a secluded stretch of sand (although you should note that part of it is a nudist beach as well). 

The options are limitless, and it would be a shame to not visit one of these best beaches in San Diego while you’re in town.

Plus, there are plenty of water activities at most beaches if you don’t just want to sunbathe, such as paddle boarding, kayaking , surfing, and snorkeling.

Swim with Leopard Sharks in La Jolla

Wondering what to do in La Jolla that’s a bit more adventurous? 

Every year, thousands of leopard sharks come through La Jolla to mate and lay eggs, sometimes staying for up to six months. 

If you want to see this magical experience up close, you can snorkel alongside the sharks when they’re in town, usually from early June to the end of September/October. 

You’ll typically find the highest concentration of them at the end of August and through September. 

And in case you’re worried, leopard sharks have a ferocious name but are completely harmless. 

You can rent a snorkel from one of the many shops in La Jolla and go with a friend or go on a guided tour with a local company .

You’ll find the sharks along most of the La Jolla coastline, but usually, La Jolla Cove is the best for leopard shark spotting. 

This is what you can expect from the experience: 

Tide Pools 

The San Diego coastline has countless tide pools, which isn’t surprising since the warm waters of San Diego make excellent tide pooling conditions. 

You can get an up-close-and-personal look at lush sea life in many places in the San Diego region.

The best time for tide pooling in San Diego is during fall and winter at low tide.

One of the top places to go tide pooling is Coronado Beach, directly in front of the Hotel del Coronado. At low tide, you’ll find a ton of anemones, starfish, barnacles, and more.

La Jolla also offers abundant tide pool opportunities. 

After visiting the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, head down to Shell Beach in Ellen Browning Scripps Park, then to the La Jolla Tide Pools. They’re all within a short walk from each other.

You’ll also find Point Loma tide pools at the southern tip of its coastline.

This area is where you’ll find the national monument and Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which could round out your day near the water. 

Tide pools are fascinating at any age, but it’s an especially fun (and educational!) activity if you’re wondering what to do in San Diego with kids.

San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park

Did you know that San Diego has its own underwater park?

It just shows you how dedicated the city is to local marine life and how interconnected its ties are to the ocean. 

If you’re a water person at all, the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is a sight to see and one of the best water activities in San Diego.

The park covers 6,000 acres of ocean and tidelands and is home to four distinct marine habitats.

Either rent a snorkel and explore it yourself or go on a group tour with a local company . You can go kayaking on top of the waterpark and around La Jolla Cove as well.

The waterpark is also a popular spot for scuba diving in San Diego if you’re certified. 

Mission Beach Boardwalk

The Mission Beach Boardwalk is another fun and free thing to do in San Diego, California, and easily one of the best things to do in Mission Beach.

The boardwalk brings all of San Diego’s best parts together in one place–sunshine, a beautiful beach, active locals, and those endless summer vibes.

I actually only recently discovered the Mission Beach Boardwalk on my last trip to San Diego, but I quickly fell in love with the local atmosphere.

You can walk or run along the boardwalk to get a full view of Mission Beach or rent cruiser bikes to feel like a true Californian.

Walk or ride down to Belmont Park and hop on the Giant Dipper roller coaster once you get your exercise in for the day. 

Paragliding at the Gliderport in La Jolla

Paragliding at the Gliderport is one of the most popular things to do in La Jolla for the more adventurous traveler. 

When I was in college, my friends and I would always comment on how we’d one day go paragliding off those cliffs next to campus.

Sadly, it didn’t happen back then (one day!).

However, it’s still an activity in San Diego that I would wholeheartedly recommend and one I hope to do myself someday.

Torrey Pines Gliderport is located near the UC San Diego campus and allows you to glide out over the cliffs and beautiful Black’s Beach below.

It costs $175 to paraglide for 20-25 minutes and you’ll have to call the day of to book because it all depends on wind conditions.

59-Mile San Diego Scenic Drive

One of the more under-the-radar free activities in San Diego is driving the San Diego Scenic Drive .

As I’ve mentioned, San Diego is known for its breathtaking views.

This scenic drive is basically the highlight reel of some of the most beautiful parts of the San Diego Coast.

You shouldn’t miss it if you’re serious about sightseeing around San Diego. 

It’s one of the best things to see in San Diego if you truly want to grasp just out beautiful the city can be. 

You should give yourself at least three hours to do the full drive, but probably more if you’re like me and like to jump out to take a lot of pictures along the way. 

These are some of the sights to include along the drive: 

• Harbor Island
• Point Loma & Cabrillo National Monument
• Mission Bay & Mission Beach
• Mount Soledad
• La Jolla Cove
• Presidio Park
• Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo

If this sounds like too much to fit into one day, you can break it up into different days to see some of the most beautiful spots in San Diego. 

To find the drive, look for the blue and yellow signs with a white seagull that are markers along the drive every quarter mile.

Silver Strand Bikeway

If you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego and you’re into biking but don’t want to race around the track at the Velodrome, the Silver Strand Bikeway is an ideal alternative. 

It’s a gorgeous ride through 12 miles of sunshine along the coast.

It’s also perfectly accessible for beginner and casual cyclists, unlike the Velodrome. 

The bikeway takes you from Coronado Island to the southern tip of the San Diego Bay, providing great views and an ocean breeze along the way. 

The trail is relatively flat and well maintained, so it’s perfect for riders of all skill levels.

Some people even ride the path on a cruiser bike, so no crazy gears are necessary.

Midway through your ride, make sure to take a dip at Silver Strand Beach to cool off and break up the bike ride on a hot day.

Rooftop Cinema Club

I absolutely love rooftop cinemas!

While living in Europe, I went to quite a few, so I was excited to learn that San Diego started doing them through the Rooftop Cinema Club. 

They play everything from cult classics to recent movies, and you’ll get your personal set of headphones, city views, cozy blankets, and a selection of food and drinks to enjoy while watching the film. 

The Rooftop Cinema Club actually has a few locations around the US now (and one in London), including LA, Houston, and New York, and their popularity only continues to grow.

I can’t think of many better things to do in San Diego than go to a rooftop cinema because the weather is gorgeous year-round.

Plus, it’s a fun romantic thing to do in the city if you’re looking for a good date night idea. 

You can find out what’s currently playing here . 

San Diego Padres Game at Petco Park

I always recommend seeing at least one baseball game when you visit San Diego (if it’s the right season) because the downtown Petco Park stadium has such a unique atmosphere.

Baseball might not be the most exciting game for a lot of people, especially if you didn’t grow up watching or playing the sport.

However, it’s a completely different experience when it’s live and you’re at Petco Park. 

The Padres don’t have quite the same die-hard fan base that the LA Dodgers or San Francisco Giants have.

That said, Petco Park is a beautiful modern stadium to watch a game from, right near the ocean and downtown.

I’ve been to a few baseball games at Petco Park and I always have a blast, even if the Padres don’t win a ton.

If you’re looking for San Diego things to do and you happen to be there during baseball season (March/early April to late September/early October), don’t miss out on a game at Petco Park.

Humphreys Concerts by the Bay

Located on Shelter Island on the Point Loma Peninsula, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay is a beloved local outdoor music venue hosting popular music and comedy acts since 1982. 

Concerts run from May through October and feature anything from rock to jazz, folk, blues, international music, and even comedy shows.

Seeing a show at this beautiful outdoor venue is one of the most popular things to do in San Diego for couples and a great date night idea in the city. 

You can find a complete list of their upcoming shows here . 

South Bay Drive-In Theatre

If you’re looking for another good date night idea in San Diego, look no further than the drive-in.

I went on a date here a while back to see the zombie rom-com, Warm Bodies , and it was a unique date night idea that was very fun.

Drive-ins are not common around the US anymore; most have gone out of business (although they’ve started making a comeback again since 2020 ). 

Because of this, I’m always excited when I find a drive-in that’s not only still in business but also a popular local thing to do.

Head to the South Bay Drive-In any day of the week for a double feature that you can watch from the comfort of your car.

They usually play newer movies and it’s also one of the best cheap things to do in the city.

Ticket prices are only $9 for adults and kids 5-9 years old are only $1. Talk about a deal!  

La Jolla Playhouse

Located on the UCSD campus and showcasing talented acts throughout the year, the La Jolla Playhouse is a non-profit theater worth seeing a show at if you’re in the area.

Some of the more unique events they offer at the La Jolla Playhouse are their audience engagement events.

These include Talkback Tuesdays and Discovery Sunday, where you can interact with the actors on stage after the performance.

The La Jolla Playhouse is a staple in the San Diego theater scene and a fun local venue to experience while you’re in town. 

Grab Brunch and Walk Around Downtown La Jolla

La Jolla is a stylish neighborhood on the northern end of San Diego where you’ll find miles of coastal cliffs and stunning beaches. 

It’s also where the UCSD campus is located, as well as fashionable boutiques and plenty of brunch spots.

Numerous delicious restaurants offer brunch along Prospect Street adjacent to Shell Beach and Children’s Pool Beach.

Two of my favorites include Brockton Villa Restaurant and The Cottage. 

The Cottage was always a huge hit with students when their parents were visiting.

I was always partial to Brockton Villa though for their eggs benedict and ocean views. I spent many Sundays going to brunch there.

After eating, you can stroll around the surrounding area, peruse the shops, and take in some artwork at Legends Gallery. 

Then, head over to one of the beautiful La Jolla beaches, such as La Jolla Cove or La Jolla Shores.

Fashion Valley 

Many people like to shop while on vacation. If that sounds like you, be sure to pay a visit to Fashion Valley , San Diego’s largest shopping mall.

Whenever I needed a new outfit for an upcoming party or simply wanted to go shopping with friends, I’d always head over to Fashion Valley because of its plethora of options.

It’s where you’ll find all the luxury brands such as Cartier, Gucci, and Prada. But you’ll also find Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters if that’s more your style. 

In other words, you’ll find brands at every price point, plus a similarly comprehensive selection of restaurants.

San Diego Harbor Cruise 

It’s hard to visit San Diego and not partake in at least one harbor or whale watching tour because these cruises highlight the best part of the city–its proximity to the water. 

If you’re visiting San Diego from May to early December, I’d recommend going on one of the popular harbor cruises to take in the San Diego skyline from the water. 

You can grab tickets here for a popular inexpensive San Diego harbor cruise that lasts an hour or two.

Whale Watching Cruise

If you’re looking for things to do in San Diego during winter, I’d recommend adding a whale-watching cruise to your San Diego itinerary.

This was one of the first activities I ever did in San Diego when I was a freshman in college, and that experience was the first time I was able to see whales up close. It was very cool.

Grey whales migrate near the city’s shores from mid-December through April. 

If you want to try to see the cute babies, early spring is when you’re more likely to see female whales with their calves. 

You can grab tickets to an environmentally-friendly whale watching cruise here .

This four-and-a-half-hour cruise leaves from Shelter Island and the San Diego Bay, then heads out onto the Pacific Ocean.

With the price of your ticket, you’ll also get sodas and snacks, plus a whale-watching guarantee: if you don’t spot any whales during the trip, you can try again for free.

They offer four daily trips, leaving throughout the morning and early afternoon.

San Diego Trolley Tour

If you only have one day in San Diego, California, a San Diego Trolley Tour is an excellent way to see a lot quickly.

The Trolley Tour Leaves from Old Town and takes you over the Coronado Bridge on a twenty-five-mile loop. 

You can hop off any time at one of the 100 San Diego attractions along the way, then hop back on as the next trolley passes your stop.

Buying a one-day or two-day pass gets you free entry to 10 museums across San Diego, California, which is a fantastic value.

If you want to pack in a lot of sights, the Trolley Tour is cost-effective and one of the best San Diego tours to experience if you’re new to the city. 

San Diego Food Tour

Hop on a San Diego food tour to explore the local cuisine.

San Diego’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cooking dating back to the formation of the city.

Food tours are always a fun thing to do in San Diego because there’s such a delicious foodie scene in the city.

I have two favorite tours in particular that are chock-full of food and history.

The first food tour takes place in the Gaslamp District, where your tour guide will take you to five different eateries for a stomach jamming day of large portions and plentiful flavors.

Or you can choose a tour that dives fully into the area’s tequila and Mexican food and stops by multiple restaurants along the way.

The samples and drinks add up faster than you think, so watch out!

Mormon Battalion Historic Site

While you’re in Old Town, visit the Mormon Battalion Historic Site .

It commemorates a group of 500 Latter-day Saints who joined the U.S. Army in 1846, forming the Mormon Battalion.

The battalion marched 2,000 miles across the southwest, improving trails on their way to California.

Soldiers who found gold also played an important role in the California Gold Rush, which drew other settlers to the region.

While at the historical site, you can also see demonstrations on brickmaking and gold panning.

The Battalion Historic Site is just off the freeway, down the street from the Whaley House Museum.

Ghost Tour Around the City

Alright, it’s time to get a little spooky.

San Diego is known as one of the most haunted cities on the West Coast. So, naturally–or supernaturally (sorry, couldn’t resist)–you have to go on a ghost tour while you’re there.

Haunted tours are one of the more unusual things to do in San Diego but in the best way. My favorite tour starts at Old Town Corral Plaza, across the street from a cemetery.

From there, you’ll travel by foot and by private bus to five haunted locations: Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, the Horton Grand Hotel, the Villa Montezuma Museum, the Whaley House Museum, and El Campo Santo Cemetery.

These sites were chosen with the help of local ghost hunters who say that right now the Gaslamp Museum is the most active location in town.

All of the museum admissions are included in the tour price.

Bring your camera because people on this tour frequently feel and see paranormal activity.

Who knows, maybe you’ll catch a floating orb or feel a hand on your back. I’m getting the chills just thinking about it! 

The Haunted Whaley House Museum

If you’re looking for spooks but aren’t interested in a full tour, sign up for a Whaley House Museum Paranormal Investigation .

Known as America’s Most Haunted House, this is a hot spot for ghost hunters.

The investigation takes place after all of the day-time visitors return home to their comfy beds. You’ll work alongside a professional paranormal guide, using real ghost hunting equipment.

This is not a tour for the squeamish.

If you want to watch videos featuring the Whaley House and learn more before going, I recommend checking out Ghost Adventures, Ghost Files, and Buzzfeed.

Otherwise, if you want an in-depth tour of the Whaley House Museum, but the after hours tour seems a little too scary, there are also self-guided day-time and evening tours.

Barona Cultural Center & Museum

When you visit San Diego, pause to learn about the Kumeyayy/Diegueno People who have lived on San Diego land since long before settlers arrived.

The Barona Cultural Center and Museum aims to protect cultural practices, language, art, and objects for future generations.

The cultural center is located on the Barona Band of Mission Indians’ Reservation and everyone is welcome to visit the museum and learn.

The Barona Cultural Center and Museum is only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

I suggest calling ahead to confirm that they’ll be open when you stop by. You can also ask ahead of time for a tour of the museum.

Saturday Farmers’ Market

In the mood for something fresh? If you’re looking for things to do in San Diego this weekend, walk around the Saturday Farmers’ Market at Old Poway Park.

You can buy fruit, veggies, flowers, and more straight from the farmers who grew them.

These are the highest quality products, certified inspected by the agricultural commission.

Plus, there are mouth watering food vendors cooking up the freshest street food around.

From January through August, I recommend visiting the market on the first and third Saturdays of the month so that you can also peruse the Boardwalk Craft Market.

During the fall, the craft market is open every Saturday.

After shopping, take a ride on the Old Poway Park railroad, which the kids will go nuts for.  

Train Rides at the Old Poway Park

Hop aboard the Poway-Midland Railroad for a loop around Old Poway Park.

With vintage and antique tracks, this railroad is more than a theme park ride–it’s a piece of town history.

In the late 1800s, there were plans to build a railroad in Poway to transport produce across the valley.

This never happened, but in the 1960s, a local Poway resident built his own narrow gage railroad.

After his death, the city acquired the locomotive and a volunteer organization formed in order to run the railway.

Today, there are three different trains, which run on alternating weekends. You’ll get to ride either the Locomotive, the Speeder, or the Cable Car.

The Locomotive runs on the first and third Saturdays of the month and is ADA accessible with a wheelchair lift.

Poway-Midland Railroad is one of the best things to do in San Diego if your traveling with multiple generations.

Everyone loves a good train ride and it’s slow enough for grandma and grandpa, but still exciting for the kids.

Plus, you can rest your feet and have a picnic in the park afterward.

Kobey’s Swap Meet

Looking for cheap things to do in San Diego? Dial up your vintage wardrobe or sneaker collection at Kobey’s Swap Meet .

This 15-acre swap meet is open from Friday to Sunday every week at the San Diego Sports Arena.

Kobey’s draws a whopping 1,000 vendors and 20,000 shoppers.

It goes without saying that you better drink your coffee in route so you don’t miss out.

Plus, every third weekend, Kobey’s hosts Vintage Alley. This is a specially themed weekend that brings in 300 sneaker and vintage clothing vendors.

Parking is free and plentiful. Friday admission is $1 while Saturday and Sunday admission is $2. How’s that for cheap!

Listen to Live Music

Disconnect your earbuds and immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the San Diegan music scene.

One of the best things to do in San Diego for young adults (or really any age) is to visit one of the nightly live music shows.

I should know. Back in my college years, I did an internship at one of the local San Diego magazines as a concert reviewer and music writer, so I would go to shows around the city a lot.

And there are dozens of music venues to choose from.

Sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming with so many options, but I’d start planning my night by checking the line-up on Casbah’s website.

Other spots I’d recommend are Belly Up Tavern, House of Blues, and The Observatory in North Park.

Cedros Avenue Design District

If you like live music and shopping, Cedros Avenue Design District will be your happy place.

Stretching along Solana Beach, Cedros Avenue has over 85 boutiques and artisanal eateries.

It’s also home to San Diego’s famous Belly Up Tavern, mentioned above.

After a day of shopping, you can sip a local beer and listen to the next big stars perform their hearts out.

If I’m not planning around seeing a specific band at Belly Up, I try to visit the design district on a Sunday so that I can also do a little bit of shopping at the Cedros Avenue Farmers’ Market.

There, you’ll find 60+ vendors with organic produce.

Bahia Belle Cruise

Let me start by saying that if you get married on a Bahia Belle Cruise , I expect an invitation.

The Bahia Belle and the William D. Evans sternwheelers are antique cruise ships that can be booked with full catering for parties, corporate gatherings, and weddings.

The Bahia Belle is a 19th-century paddleboat with hand-carved oak furnishings and a stunning polished brass ceiling.

It’s big brother, the William D. Evans, is a 100-foot private boat that features a two-ton paddlewheel and the most elegant stained glass dining room ceiling I’ve ever seen.

Sesame Place Theme Park & Waterfront Park

Bring to life the magic of Sesame Street at the Sesame Place San Diego theme park.

Yes, you heard me right. San Diego is home to Big Bird, Elmo, and the crew.

This is one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids who aren’t quite old enough to appreciate some of the slower-paced historical destinations.

The Sesame Place San Diego park is geared toward little ones with Sesame Street characters walking about and amusement park rides for the whole family.

But if it’s super hot, I suggest packing your swimsuits and taking the kids to the water park within Sesame Place. It has slides, a lazy river, and even a splash castle.

Otherwise, if you’re looking to go somewhere else on a hot day, Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego is completely free and open to the public.

Only a 20-minute drive from Sesame Place, you’ll find interactive fountains for the kids to play in, play structures, green fields, and a garden space.

Something that really stands out among these two locations is their dedication to providing accessible fun for kids of all abilities.

Villa Montezuma Tour

Touring the Villa Montezuma is a special treat for any literature and architecture fans. The Villa Montezuma was built as a “Palace of the Arts” in 1887.

It was originally owned by famed author, Jesse Shepard, also known as Francis Grierson.

While touring the villa, you’ll step back in time.

Each room has been restored with impeccable attention to detail, from the original fleur-de-lis wallpaper to the imported English fireplace tiles.

And don’t get me started on the stained glass windows.

If you’re looking for more of San Diego’s ghosts, head back to the Whaley House. Villa Montezuma is said to be enchanted, rather than haunted.

Comic-Con International: San Diego

To say that the San Diego Comic-Con is a big deal would be an understatement. It began in the 1970s and now attracts over 130,000 attendees.

In recent years, it’s outgrown its home at the San Diego Convention Center and has expanded to include satellite events at neighboring hotels.

San Diego Comic-Con is a hot spot for dressing up as your favorite comic book character and meeting like-minded people who share an appreciation for the genre.

You’ll find comic books and readers from around the world.

Eat All of the Tacos

Maybe you slept in and missed a morning tour. That’s okay!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Diego today that don’t require a reservation, discover the best taquerias and taco trucks around San Diego.

I taste-tested a ton of taco spots during my five years living in San Diego and I came away with the understanding that you mostly can’t go wrong with wherever you choose to go.

However, some of my favorites are Puesto , Tacos el Gordo , and the Taco Stand . 

Sunset Sailing Cruise

Sunset sailing cruises on the San Diego Bay are one of the best things to do in San Diego for adults who want a peaceful date night.

From Shelter Island, you’ll cruise the San Diego Bay listening to music and watching San Diego’s skyline during golden hour.

With beer and snacks included, this is a dreamy adventure. And since there’s a maximum of six people, it makes for an intimate sailing experience.

I recommend booking early, as this is a popular tour.

Learn to Surf

What better way to enjoy the sun than from atop a surfboard?

With San Diego Surf School , you can arrange group or private lessons for just the right amount of personalized instruction.

The 90-minute beginner lessons focus on pop-up, wave timing, and efficient paddling.

This should be at the top of your list if you’re traveling with friends and want to do something active.

You’ll learn at one of San Diego’s calmest beaches with well-trained instructors who prioritize safety.

Plus, the wetsuit and surf board are included with your lesson price.

Mini Day Trips from San Diego

If you’re looking for additional fun things to do in San Diego, maybe it’s time for a mini day trip.

Within San Diego County, you can visit Julian , Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Lake Hodges. 

If you’re willing to go a little outside the county, Temecula is the prime wine-tasting destination near San Diego. It’s also a great place to go hot air ballooning.

Julian is an adorable quaint town that’s fun to walk around and take a break from the rushing city.

When I did a day trip there, I spent it eating apple pie, drinking apple cider, and walking around the cute downtown area.

If you’re looking for a more outdoorsy day trip, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Lake Hodges have some gorgeous hikes to tackle.

Grab your FREE San Diego Travel Planner! You’ll get instant access to printable checklists to help you plan your trip, plus more restaurant and hotel recommendations and a full San Diego itinerary. 

Looking for more Southern California travel inspiration? Don’t miss our related articles below!

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

6 thoughts on “77 Best & Fun Things to do in San Diego, California [2024]”

Thanks for the info, to return the favor… In Balboa Park the formerly Museum of Man is now The museum of Us

Thanks for letting me know! I just updated the whole article, including that mention of the Museum of Man (now Us) after my recent trip down to San Diego this past weekend. 🙂

Great article! You definitely covered everything – and more!

Thanks, Dino!

I haven’t been to the California Missions down there yet, good recommendation, Maureen!

WOW, great article as well as images. For part 2 you can add some of California Mission near San Diego and Oceanside too. Thanks!

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57 Best & Fun Things To Do In San Diego (California)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: June 22, 2020  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

More than 35 million people visit San Diego each year, and they all go for something different.

Some flock to the beaches and their high-rise condos and resorts; others are more interested in the quirky, funky places that house the city’s art, food, fashion and music.

Why are you interested in San Diego?

Are you going for the cruises or the cocktails?

Are you dying to see the baseball stadiums or the sunken submarines?

Maybe you want to experience it all. That’s okay, too.

We can help with planning your trip until your itinerary is just the way that you want it.

Are you ready to explore one of the finest vacation spots in the United States?

Here are 57 things to do in San Diego, California!

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

1. La Jolla Cove

kan_khampanya / Shutterstock

La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed destinations in San Diego, and once you’re snorkeling underwater with a school of bright, colorful fish darting all around the bubbles, you’ll understand why.

The water is beautiful. The beaches are tropical.

Local marine life includes everything from starfish to sea lions, and the landscapes range from sandy cliffs to grassy hills and slopes.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of cool things to do at La Jolla Cove, too.

It’s a popular site for swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, biking and picnicking.

Since it’s part of a marine refuge area, there are restrictions against things like motorized boats, but you’ll find plenty of entertainment elsewhere.

Consider a trip to La Jolla Cove if you have a water-resistant camera and a love for photo ops.

You’ll definitely fill your reel in a place like this!

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address: 31100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, United States

Looking for more thrills around La Jolla? Be sure to check out some of the things to do in La Jolla .

2. San Diego Zoo

Sherry V Smith / Shutterstock

You’ve been to zoos before, but you’ve never been to the San Diego Zoo .

Home to more than 3,500 animals, the San Diego Zoo is considered one of the best in the world.

Tigers stalk around canyons. Monkeys swing from trees. Birds and butterflies flutter in open-air houses.

You don’t have to feel guilty about your patronage, either.

The San Diego Zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation, so your money is going to a good cause.

In fact, they actually pioneered the “cageless” habitat design that would later become standard in zoos.

Do you love animals? Do you want to enjoy tours, shows, rides, theaters and aerial trams?

The San Diego Zoo offers such a good time that it’s basically a vacation within a vacation, so you’ll definitely want to stop by while you’re in California.

Address:  2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

3. iFLY San Diego

vivooo / Shutterstock

Sky diving is one of the most fun things to do in San Diego, and you don’t even need a plane.

With indoor skydiving facilities like iFLY , you can experience all of the thrills with none of the risk!

The secret lies in their wind tunnel.

Built with revolutionary technology, it mimics the sounds, speeds and sensations of a death-defying dive, but you’ll actually just float in an enclosed tunnel.

There will even be flight instructors nearby to supervise.

Kids and adults are both welcome at iFLY.

There are some age restrictions for very young children, but even if they aren’t allowed in the wind tunnel, they can appreciate the demonstrations, snacks, simulations and more.

If you’re looking for cool things to experience on your vacation, stop by iFLY.

It isn’t the only indoor skydiving facility in California, but it’s one of the best, and it’s centrally located near San Diego for those who are vacationing there.

Address:  2385 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108, United States

4. MooTime Creamery

Wayne Hsieh / flickr

Locals have been going to MooTime Creamery for generations.

Despite its popularity, it retains a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that will take you right back to the days of neighborhood ice cream shops.

It’s the kind of place where you and your own kids can form a new tradition.

Flavors rotate daily and include the classics as well as fun, creative inventions like “brownie batter” and “black raspberry chunk.”

You can order old-fashioned cones or new-school novelties like waffle tacos and cookie sandwiches.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the place is always packed, so you’ll want to get there early.

Another option is to grab your frozen dessert and enjoy it on a stroll through San Diego’s sunny streets!

California can get hot.

Use the MooTime Creamery to cool yourself down amidst fun flavors and vintage-style charm.

Address:  1025 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States

5. Downtown San Diego

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

With everything from hole-in-the-wall diners to luxurious spas and resorts, downtown San Diego is one of the most fun, diverse places in the city.

Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, you can find plenty of activities to show you a good time.

Bars and clubs are there for the hopping.

Symphonies and orchestras can offer amazing date nights.

If you’re into history, there are gaslamp historical quarters teeming with museums, monuments and landmarks.

If you’re more modern, there are trendy cafes and glitzy boutiques located in parks, plazas and shopping malls.

The list of things to do in downtown San Diego is so large that it could be its own list, so trust us when we say that it’s a bustling place filled with possibility.

If you’re thinking about what to do on your San Diego vacation, downtown is an absolute must.

Check out these awesome things to do in downtown San Diego!

Visiting other parts of California? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Santa Cruz & things to do in Orange County !

6. Balboa Park

Dancestrokes / Shutterstock

You can’t visit San Diego without a trip to Balboa Park .

Packed with trails, gardens, museums, zoos, theaters, concert stages and recreational facilities, it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in the entire state of California.

Nature lovers can stroll through dozens of landscapes that include everything from lily ponds to zen gardens.

History buffs can take tours through museums, memorials, art houses, science centers and cultural institutes.

Do you like culture? Someone is always hosting an open-air concert or theater production.

Do you like games? There are ballparks, bowling alleys and remote-controlled racetracks.

There are even fun and unique places to visit like archery ranges!

There are so many cool places to see in Balboa Park that you might need to plan a second vacation just to experience it all.

It’s easily one of the best things to do in San Diego, California, so give yourself plenty of time to explore it!

Check out this awesome walking tour in Balboa Park here.

Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

7. 10 Barrel Brewing Company

10 Barrel Brewing Company (San Diego)

Vacations can be stressful. If you need to crack open a cold one to relieve some stress, visit the 10 Barrel Brewing Company .

Located inside a two-story warehouse, this microbrewery is the definition of “industrial chic.”

Gigantic windows cast sunshine over hardwood floors; ceilings have light bulbs hanging from exposed wood beams and criss-crossed metal tracks. Outside, a rooftop bar is always packed with people.

If crowds aren’t your thing, you don’t have to be near them.

You can go to the brewery for nothing more than its collection of craft beers.

They have so many to choose from that you could get drunk just by sampling different kinds!

The 10 Barrel Brewing Company is one of the best spots to grab a beer in San Diego.

In a city with hundreds of bars and brewpubs, it stands out from the crowd for both style and substance.

Address:  1501 E St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

8. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

Situated on top of a cliff, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse used to be the most elevated lighthouse in the United States.

It was so tall, in fact, that the clouds often hid it from view, so lighthouse keepers would fire shotguns at approaching ships to keep them away.

Things are much less dramatic now, but the Old Point Loma Lighthouse is still great in terms of San Diego attractions.

You can take a tour, explore the grounds, visit the on-site museum and catch a show from historical re-enactors.

On the lighthouse’s birthday, the actual tower is open to the public, so you can climb the steps and gaze at San Diego from on high.

You won’t want to miss the Old Point Loma Lighthouse if you’re a fan of fun landmarks and monuments.

Just the fact that it’s still standing is a testament to its strength!

Give it a visit while you’re touring the California coast.

Address:  1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, United States

9. Belmont Park

It’s hard to miss Belmont Park .

With a gigantic wooden roller coaster that winds around the San Diego coastline, it’s the kind of destination that will stop you right in your tracks.

The roller coaster is just the beginning.

For high-octane fun, you’ll have your choice of slides, carousels, ziplines, tilt-a-whirls, vertical plunges and bumper cars.

For entertainment on the ground, there are things like laser tag and mini-golf.

There’s even an old-fashioned arcade for adults who enjoy the nostalgia!

If the sights don’t get you, the sounds and smells will.

Belmont Park is the kind of place where pretzels are always cooking and grand prizes are always jingling.

It’s a must do for folks who aren’t afraid of color, noise, food, fun and excitement.

To unleash your inner child in San Diego, take a trip to Belmont Park.

It’s one of the hottest tourist spots in the state, and it’ll leave you breathless from the sun and the rides!

Address:  3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

10. The Casbah

Tristan Loper / flickr

Are you ready to rock the casbah ?

This entertainment venue is one of the best in San Diego, especially if you’re a fan of live music.

It has live performances at least 5 – 6 times per week!

Some are indie bands that you won’t recognize.

Others are famous names like Alanis Morissette and Blink-182.

The Casbah even hosted Nirvana back in the day, so it isn’t some rinky-dink stage; it’s one of the major points of interest of San Diego.

A full bar keeps the alcohol flowing.

A lounge area offers a pool table and other amenities.

There’s even a semi-secret room that’s only opened during sold-out shows when the space is needed, so there are actually benefits to going when there’s a crowd!

If you’re wondering what to see in San Diego, California, stop by the Casbah for some beer, billiards and bands.

It isn’t a place to bring the kids, but it can provide adults with a lot of fun.

Address:  2501 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Traveling to other parts of California? Why not check out our lists of things to do in San Jose , things to do in Palm Springs  & things to do in Anaheim ?

11. Cedros Avenue Design District

Cedros Avenue Design District

If you like to explore off the beaten path, let your wandering feet take you to the Cedros Avenue Design District in San Diego.

It has more than 80 vendors packed into 2.5 blocks, and most of them are local, independent artisans who specialize in homemade goods and trendy services.

Book lovers will appreciate the collections of rare and secondhand volumes.

Fashionistas will enjoy the boutiques and street stalls that sell everything from jewelry to luxury footwear.

Health nuts will appreciate the juice bars, smoothie stands and tea shops.

The atmosphere ranges from thrifty to upscale.

The businesses can be fun and trendy or old, battered and authentically vintage.

The Cedros Avenue Design District is one of the most unique things to do around the San Diego region.

There’s simply nowhere else in the city like it.

If you’ll be in town, you’ll definitely want to drop by and pick up a souvenir or two.

Address: Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075, United States

12. Embarcadero

Located just a few miles from downtown San Diego, Embarcadero is one of the busiest waterfront destinations in California.

It has plenty of tourist attractions, including a floating maritime museum, but it also boasts a rich and colorful history as a port.

People have been flocking to Embarcadero for generations.

In the old days, they fished off its piers and docked along its harbors; today, they’re more likely to go dining, shopping, cruising or sightseeing.

The seafood is fresh. The attractions are awesome.

The bars and restaurants are always lively, and if you visit during the summer months, there’s a festival just about every week.

Consider a trip to Embarcadero if you’re looking for fun things to do in San Diego along the coast.

There’s a reason why it’s considered one of the top sites in California!

Address: Harbor Drive between Market and Grape streets Broadway Pier, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

13. Spanish Village Art Center

The Spanish Village Art Center offers a sensational collection of art.

For starters, it has a constant rotation of artists who work with felt, paint, metal, beads, photos, glass and clay.

There’s always something new to see even if you’ve visited before, so the locals of San Diego enjoy it just as much as the tourists.

Thanks to the diversity of its artists, there’s also a lot of variety in its subject matter.

The displays range from sharply critical contemporary paintings to soft and mellow vintage-style prints.

A global atmosphere is very much present.

Stop by the Spanish Village Art Center for a trip into the imaginations of diverse international artists.

Their work is the definition of creativity, and you’ll have a blast as you explore it.

You can travel the world without ever leaving San Diego, California!

Address:  1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

14. San Diego Air and Space Museum

Have you ever seen the planet from a bird’s eye view?

At the San Diego Air and Space Museum , it’s not just possible; it’s a standard feature.

This museum offers all kinds of pictures, videos, displays, exhibits and models that celebrate the intersection of science and technology.

The halls are filled with reproductions of aircraft and spacecraft.

The galleries immortalize the names and faces of pilots, astronauts, engineers and other important people in the field.

There are even interactive portals where you can watch a rover in action or snap a selfie in a space suit!

If you’ve ever watched The Martian and dreamed about having Matt Damon’s job, the San Diego Air and Space Museum is your chance to get up close and personal with the skies.

It’s easily one of the best places to visit in San Diego.

Address:  2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

15. Lake Hodges

Autumn Sky Photography / Shutterstock

With an activity roster that includes everything from kayaking to barbecuing, Lake Hodges is one of the most fun places in California.

It’s about a half-hour drive from San Diego, so you’ll need to be okay with taking a detour, but escaping the city lights will be worth it.

You’ve never seen a glittering blanket of stars like this one.

The lake itself is a reservoir that stretches for more than 1,200 acres.

That translates to miles and miles of shoreline that can be used for boating, fishing, picnicking and more.

A concession stand offers snacks, and a bait and tackle shop has rentals and licenses for various activities.

There’s nothing like deep lungfuls of fresh, clean air to make you feel connected to nature.

At Lake Hodges, you’ll be absolutely dizzy with it.

It’s the best lake in the San Diego region for getting away from it all!

Address: 20102 Lake Dr, Escondido, CA 92029, United States

Going on a road trip around California? Check out our lists of things to do in Santa Barbara & things to do in Sacramento !

16. Grand Tea Room

Genevieve Prentice / flickr

There’s nothing like a good cup of tea, and the Grand Tea Room is the place to get it.

Nestled in the historic district of downtown Escondido, it has a quaint, cozy atmosphere where the tables are covered in lacy doilies and the decorations range from ornate portraits to padded couches straight out of a vintage novel.

The menu is just as charming as the furnishings.

If you’re short on time, have just a cup or two of chai, red bush, darjeeling or classic black tea.

If you want one of those high afternoon tea experiences that you’ve always seen on Downton Abbey, reserve a two-hour slot that includes a full platter.

You’ll be served scones, fruit bowls, petite desserts and dozens of varieties of loose-leaf tea.

The Grand Tea Room isn’t one of the flashier tourist spots.

In fact, its tucked-away location is easy to miss.

Fortunately, it’s worth the effort of finding it, especially for tea addicts who are always on the prowl for their next fix.

Go and see what flavors that California teas can offer you!

Address: 145 W Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025, United States

17. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

With a name like “Sunset Cliffs,” you might expect this place to be amazing.

The good news is that you’d be right.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of the most gorgeous locations in San Diego, so it’ll make an unforgettable memory for you during your vacation.

The first step is actually getting there.

For the best views, you’ll need to hike to one of the clifftops to watch the sun sink behind the horizon.

You can also explore caves, caverns and coastlines with amazing rock formations and colorful displays of nature and sea life.

One of the best tourist spots is an underground cave with an open ceiling where you can watch the clouds and stars drift by.

Another popular location is a bluff where you can go cliff diving into the water.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Diego at night, swing by Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

It more than lives up to its name with its breathtaking summits.

Address:  Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, United States

18. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Are you wondering what to do in San Diego on a rainy day?

It’s a rare phenomenon for such a sunny place, but it does happen, and it doesn’t have to be a vacation ruiner.

Just visit somewhere like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) .

MCASD houses many different types of art, including paintings, sculptures, scrolls and 3D art installations that jut out from the walls and dangle from invisible strings.

The only requirement is that they don’t date back further than 1950.

They have to be modern.

Visitors to the museum can take self-guided tours or attend special events like lectures and auctions.

Their calendar is always packed, so it’s just a matter of choosing something that interests you while you’re in San Diego.

Don’t let a rainy day put a damper on your vacation.

With places like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, you can still enjoy a fun afternoon in the city.

Address: 1100 Kettner Boulevard (between Broadway and B Street), San Diego, CA 92101, United States

19. San Elijo Lagoon

Marcel Fuentes / Shutterstock

Coastal wetlands are disappearing from California, but the San Elijo Lagoon is one of the few remaining holdouts.

It’s fiercely protected by local environmental groups because of both its beauty and its biodiversity.

Visitors to the San Elijo Lagoon are encouraged to start at the nature center.

It was built with recyclable, sustainable materials and runs on solar power, so it gets a gold seal when it comes to eco-friendliness.

It’s filled with samples from the lagoon and artifacts from the Native American tribes who used to live on it.

When you’re ready to go outside, there are ample trails for walking and hiking.

They range in difficulty depending on their length, terrain and elevation.

Some wind around the marshes and shrubs for miles; others are just short treks to see the birds.

The San Elijo Lagoon is proof that San Diego attractions don’t have to be razzle-dazzle to be awesome.

A quiet afternoon on the trails will be just as fun as some of the other things in the city!

Address:  2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007, United States

20. Ocean Beach

ESB Professional / Shutterstock

Ocean Beach is such a famous place in San Diego that its residents have their own name: “OBceans” or “OBecians.”

They’re proud to live there, and fortunately, they’re happy to welcome tourists as well.

The main draw of Ocean Beach is its potential for a shopping extravaganza.

Hundreds of vendors call it home, and most of them are small, independent retailers selling books, flowers, furniture, jewelry, baked goods, antique collectibles and all of the kitschy souvenirs that you could ever need.

Some big-name businesses have tried to set up shop in Ocean Beach, but they’ve always been stopped by the community.

People organize protests every time.

This is one of the only places to visit in San Diego that hasn’t been commercialized!

Are you visiting the coastal cities of California?

Do you want cool things to see in a neighborhood like none other?

Grab a reusable shopping bag and make a trip to Ocean Beach.

Address: Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, United States

Visting other areas of California? Check out our lists of things to do in San Francisco  & things do in Los Angeles !

21. Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

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If you’re pouring over a map of San Diego and wondering where to go, consider Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave .

Formerly a smuggler’s tunnel, it’s become one of the best known attractions in the city for folks who like cool historical locations.

Your journey starts in a small, wood-shingled beach shop.

There are hundreds like it in California, but this one has a secret exit that will lead you down sandstone cliffs and into a sea cave.

The trip will be dark, wet, humid and slippery.

There are stairs and rails, but they’re built directly into the caverns, and the tides wash over them quite often.

The danger is part of the appeal, however.

It truly looks and feels like the bootlegger’s passage that it used to be.

If you want to make some fun, lasting memories while you’re in San Diego, grab your flashlight and venture into Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave.

Address: 1325 Cave St, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, United States

22. Bahia Belle

Bahia Belle Cruise

Travel to Mississippi without even leaving California when you take a cruise on the Bahia Belle .

It’s a gigantic, turn-of-the-century sternwheeler boat, and it meanders through San Diego’s bays and harbors like something out of Gone With the Wind.

Hours of operation are 6 PM – 1:30 AM, so it’s a nighttime adventure.

Families can enjoy a wholesome “sunset cruise” with snacks and beautiful views of the water.

Singles can mingle with “after dark” parties that include cocktails, live music and other forms of entertainment.

Bahia Belle is operated by the Bahia Resort Hotel, and it’s free to all guests.

You can also purchase one-time tickets if you aren’t staying at the hotel.

A trip on the Bahia Belle is one of the top things to do in San Diego.

It’s such a fun and unique setting that everything will feel like new, so even if you’ve taken cruises before, buy a ticket for the sternwheeler tonight!

Address:  998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

23. Aquatica

Aquatica San Diego

Amusement parks are always a popular option for tourist attractions in San Diego, but there’s something special about Aquatica .

Maybe it’s the fact that it’s the perfect way to cool down during a hot day in San Diego.

With everything from thrill rides to lazy rivers and pools, you can swim, splash, slide and dive to your heart’s content.

Maybe it’s the fact that it offers lots of fun activities outside of the water, too.

You can catch a marine show, dine at a seafood restaurant or have a close encounter with a dolphin or penguin.

Either way, if you’re looking for family-friendly undertakings in San Diego, Aquatica is a must do.

You can buy day passes or season passes depending on the length of your vacation.

Stay for the afternoon; stay for the summer.

Aquatica will always welcome you!

Address:  2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911, United States

24. Cardiff State Beach

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California is known for its beaches, but with miles and miles of coastline to choose from, how are you supposed to pick the right vacation destinations?

One option is Cardiff State Beach in San Diego.

Protected by the government, it offers clean, sandy slopes and warm waves that are suitable for swimming and surfing.

You can even take the dog for a walk as long as he stays on a leash.

There are plenty of scheduled activities to choose from as well.

Do you like working up a sweat? Join a yoga class or volleyball game on the beach.

Do you live for camping? There are campgrounds nearby where you can set up your RV.

By offering endless amounts of fun, Cardiff State Beach has cemented itself as one of the best beaches in San Diego.

If you only have time to hit a couple while you’re in town, make sure that Cardiff is on your list.

Address: Highway 101, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007, United States

25. Legends Gallery

cultivar413 / flickr

Did you know that Dr. Seuss lived in San Diego?

While not a real doctor, his “prescription for fun” endeared him to the masses to such an extent that he has the place of honor in San Diego’s Legends Gallery .

Filled with all of the delightful whimsy that you’d expect, the Legends Gallery is a place where renowned authors and illustrators have their work showcased to the world.

There are early, unreleased sketches from famous books; there are 3D models of beloved characters brought to life.

Dr. Seuss isn’t the only legend on display, either.

You can learn about Tom Everhart, Mackenzie Thorpe and many others.

Some hail from San Diego; others are international creators.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Legends Gallery is one of the best attractions in San Diego.

It fills a fun little niche that you didn’t even know existed, but once you visit, you’ll be glad that you did.

Address:  1205 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

26. Compass Balloons

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Located a few miles outside of San Diego, Compass Balloons is a hot air balloon company that offers scenic rides over southern California.

You’ll marvel at everything from city towers to remote valleys and vineyards in wine country.

Depending on your budget, you’ll also have options for public, private or group tours, so it’s the kind of experience that you can customize.

Are you hoping for a romantic date night?

Book a his-and-her ride during the sunset.

Are you traveling with co-workers and looking for team-building exercises?

Toast to a successful product launch while you’re hundreds of miles in the air.

Compass Balloons will let you experience all of the amazing sights of southern California from an unforgettable vantage point.

Anyone can take a walking or biking tour, but how many people can say that they’ve taken an aerial tour?

As long as you don’t mind a short drive outside of San Diego, Compass Balloons is one of the best places near the city to have an adventure.

Address:  1969 Villa Cardiff Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007, United States

27. San Diego Model Railroad Museum

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You never really outgrow a childhood obsession with trains, and at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum , you can embrace that fact.

It’s a place that you won’t find in a lot of travel guides, but as the largest museum of its kind in the entire world, it’s a valuable sightseeing location in California.

Model trains cover every inch of the space.

Some are miniature replicas of historic, real-life locomotives; others are imaginative toys built for kids that have colorful pieces and moving parts.

If you like learning about trains, there’s a reference library in the back of the museum, and it includes books, videos, manuals, blueprints and antiquated footage that was saved from the ravages of time.

Visit the San Diego Model Railroad Museum if you’re looking for cool places to go that aren’t listed in every single brochure about San Diego.

Sometimes, the little-known spots can offer the best experiences.

Address:  1649 El Prado Modern and Contemporary Art and Dynamic, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

28. Children’s Pool Beach

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Are you looking for fun things to do in San Diego with kids?

You might like Children’s Pool Beach .

Originally commissioned as a place where children could swim without the danger of high waves, it quickly became a nesting spot for local seals.

They flocked to the area by the hundreds, and it actually became unsafe for kids to be in the water because of their bacteria.

If you visit Children’s Pool Beach this weekend, you’ll find that swimming is technically allowed but highly discouraged.

Kids still love it, however, because of the seals.

They dive, splash, call to each other, sunbathe on the rocks and generally have the time of their lives in their adopted habitat, so it’s a sightseeing opportunity like none other.

If you love animals, Children’s Pool Beach is one of the best places to visit in San Diego.

It offers a zoo-like experience of getting close to wildlife, but it’s all natural.

Your kids will be talking about this memory for years to come.

Address: 850 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, United States

29. Petco Park

Home to the San Diego Padres, Petco Park is a baseball stadium where you can take the whole family out to a ball game.

It’s filled with state-of-the-art features that include everything from gigantic videoboards to smaller HDTVs scattered around the bars and concession stands so that you’ll never miss a moment of the action.

Baseball isn’t the only thing to enjoy at the stadium, either.

It’s also been a place for rugby, basketball, golf and tennis as well as concerts and motor sports.

It even held American Idol auditions back in the day!

Long story short, there’s lots of stuff to do at Petco Park.

It’s just a matter of looking at their schedule and seeing what options are available to you while you’re in San Diego.

Are you ready to chomp some peanuts, watch some hoops or bang your head to some metal music?

Petco Park has it all!

Address:  100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

30. San Diego Museum of Art

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You can’t miss the San Diego Museum of Art .

Its front doors are located in a gigantic, cathedral-style facade that took a full two years to build, and they can be seen from every direction if you’re in the neighborhood.

They’re that big.

Inside, the collections are just as impressive as the exterior.

The museum is home to hundreds of paintings, sculptures, documents, artifacts and general historical pieces, and they date all the way back to 5000 BC.

You can explore the entire rise and fall of an ancient civilization just by passing through a particular hallway.

Tours are available, but they’ll need to be scheduled in advance.

If you’re hoping to go this week, call as early as possible.

They can get booked up quickly.

The San Diego Museum of Art is one of the major points of interest in the city.

Don’t resist the temptation to peek inside.

Once you see those humongous doors, let them guide you to a wonderful tribute to art and culture.

Address:  1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102, United States

31. Little Italy

GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock

You can smell the pastas and sauces.

You can hear the drifting notes of violins in the air.

This is Little Italy , and it’s located right in the heart of San Diego.

You don’t have to travel to Europe for an authentic Italian experience.

Thousands of miles away, this bustling block offers everything from food to fashion for lovers of Italian culture, making it one of the coolest places to visit in California .

Dine at the restaurants. Sip cocktails in the open bars and umbrella-covered patios.

Watch street performers do their thing, and empty your wallet at upscale clothing boutiques and souvenir stalls.

San Diego is no stranger to exotic cultures.

For example, it also boasts a Chinatown and an Asian Pacific Historic District.

There’s just something special about Little Italy, so if you’re looking for unique things to do while you’re in the city, stop by for a deep-dish pizza with all of the fixings!

Check out this awesome walking tour of Little Italy here.

Address: 1668 Columbia St From Laurel south to West A Street, San Diego, CA 92101-2502, United States

32. Villa Montezuma

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Also known as the “Spook House,” the Villa Montezuma of San Diego is a haunted mansion that has been baffling and frightening residents since its foundation in 1887.

It was built by a famous pianist who died quite suddenly after playing a single, final note of a piano performance.

His friends at the dinner party had no idea what was wrong since his fingers were still poised over the keys.

After his cremation, the mansion was passed from owner to owner, and they all reported strange incidents and occurrences.

There was a corner where nothing would grow.

There was a hidden passageway that defied all architectural logic.

Today, the Villa Montezuma is one of the biggest places of interest for supernatural spooks.

People come from all around the U.S. just to see San Diego’s haunted mansion.

If you dare, it can be a fun stop on your travel itinerary as well.

Address:  1925 K St, San Diego, CA 92102, United States

33. Mission Trails Regional Park

A hike in Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the best things to do in California .

The whole preserve spans more than 7,000 acres, and depending on where you enter, you can see everything from bare, rocky cliffs to green fields bursting with life.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the wide range of activities offered at the park.

You can walk on the trails or bike along the river; you can camp in the mountains or go picnicking in the plains.

There are even areas for horseback riding if you want to try some fun vacation activities that you can’t get at home.

The Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in San Diego, and since it’s open 365 days per day, you don’t even have to plan your trip around it.

It’ll always be there.

Just grab your hiking boots and go!

Address: 1 Father Junipero Serra Trl, San Diego, CA 92119, United States

34. UTC Ice Sports Center

San Diego might be known for its sunshine, but there are plenty of places to go if you’re in the mood for something chillier.

One of these sites is the UTC Ice Sports Center .

Located in a shopping center, the UTC Ice Sports Center offers an indoor ice-skating rink for visitors of all ages.

Free skating is their popular pastime, but they also have shows, classes, hockey games, ice polo lessons and more.

Your skill level doesn’t matter.

You can be a complete beginner and still have fun.

They actually offer free classes if it’s your first time on the ice!

The UTC Ice Sports Center is a little piece of winter even during the blazing days of a California summer.

It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego when you’re tired of the heat, and thanks to its full rotation of shows, classes and lessons, you’ll never want for things to do.

Another bonus is that it’s located within a shopping center, so when you tire of skating, just put your regular shoes back on and hit the theater or the food court!

Address:  4545 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122, United States

35. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

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With breathtaking views of sandstone canyons and tree-lined beaches, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US .

Despite its popularity as a tourist attraction, it offers a glimpse into the rugged, untamed beauty of California’s wilderness.

Part of its wild nature comes from the fact that it’s protected land.

Home to the endangered Torrey pine tree, it’s monitored closely by ecologists to ensure that this precious species is preserved for future generations.

You can still find plenty of action at the reserve, however.

There are dozens of trails, cliffs, gardens and beaches for the outdoor explorer.

There’s even a nude beach for adults!

Take a trip to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve if you’re wondering where to visit in San Diego.

It has a different kind of magic than the urban sprawl of the city, but it’s still a wonder to behold.

Address:  12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

36. Coronado Bridge

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Built in 1967, the Coronado Bridge is an architectural marvel.

It’s instantly recognizable as part of the San Diego skyline, and it winds and twists around the bay for a distance of more than 11,000 feet.

It even lights up at night!

You might not think of a bridge as a must see travel location, but you will after you’ve driven over the Coronado.

It offers panoramic views of blue water in every direction, and if you roll your windows down, you can enjoy a fresh ocean breeze that fills your lungs and whips the hair around your face.

It’s basically a scenic drive on a busy highway, so you can experience the best of both worlds.

The one drawback of the Coronado Bridge is that there’s no path for pedestrians, so you’ll need a car.

Another option is to find a tour or travel guide that will take you in a bus or van.

If you can find a way to cross the bridge, however, it’s worth the effort.

In fact, it’s pretty much a crime to visit San Diego without seeing the Coronado Bridge.

Put it on your to do list and get the full San Diego experience!

Address: State Route 75 South Embarcadero, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

37. Barona Resort and Casino

Are you feeling lucky?

Hit the slots at the Barona Resort and Casino .

It’s a little outside of San Diego, so you’ll need to be comfortable with leaving the city limits and hitting up another region of California, but it’ll be worth the gas money if you make it all back!

Table games include everything from poker to roulette.

The restaurants offer fine dining as well as classic, comfortable fare like burgers, wings, noodles, pizzas and steaks.

The resort will be ready for you when you get tired.

The casino will be waiting when you wake up again.

The Barona Resort and Casino is one of the best attractions near San Diego.

If you’re ready to court Lady Luck, call and book a room tonight!

Address:  1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040, United States

38. Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar

Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar

Located in a single dimly-lit room with red walls and wooden furnishings, the Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar is like a blast from the past.

It has the kind of rustic charm that defined old-school California architecture, so when you step through the doors, you half-expect to see miners or gold rushers kicking up their boots after a long day of work.

The menu, however, is thoroughly modern.

There are steaks and kebabs; there are crab legs, lobster tails and shrimp cocktails.

When you’re done with the main course, order some cheesecake or chocolate mousse pie for dessert!

Another fun thing about the restaurant is that it has a piano bar.

Several nights per week, you can enjoy live music from local musicians.

Some will even sell their music after the show if you want to take home a souvenir from San Diego.

The Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar is a must see while you’re in San Diego.

Not only does it have a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, but its steak is some of the best in the city.

You’ll definitely leave this place with a loosened belt!

Address:  2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, United States

39. San Diego Bay

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Bursting with shops, resorts, restaurants, malls and other hubs of events and activities, San Diego Bay is one of the most vibrant waterfront communities in California.

There are so many things to see and do that your neck will have a permanent crick as you try to look at everything all at once.

Are you hungry?

Grab a bite to eat at one of the many burger joints and shrimp shacks.

Are you restless?

Hit the water with a boat, kayak, yacht or cruise ship.

Are you looking for a cultural experience?

Check out one of the floating museums or art galleries.

Depending on when you visit the city, you might also catch some spectacular annual events.

There are fireworks on the Fourth of July and a parade of holiday lights during Christmas.

Check the bay’s website to see if there’s anything happening this weekend!

If you’re wondering what to visit in San Diego, make time for the San Diego Bay.

It’s a must see for tourists, but even the locals have fun here.

40. California Tower

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With the mountains to the east and the ocean to the west, the views from California Tower have to be seen to be believed.

Not only will you enjoy a stunning panorama of sky, air, land and water that stretches in every direction, but you’ll get to do it from eight stories high.

Tours are available every day.

You reserve a ticket for a specific time, and a guide will take you up the tower while sharing facts and stories about everything that you pass on the ascent.

It takes about 40 minutes in total, and when you’re done, you’ll be at the eighth-floor observation deck.

You might also like the view from the ground.

The California Tower has an ornate and intricrate design that combines features of Baroque, Plateresque and Gothic architecture.

It’s the kind of landmark that you can admire from great distances as it looms over San Diego.

Do you like historic monuments?

Do you enjoy aerial views in 360° visibility?

Make the climb up the California Tower.

You won’t regret it.

Address:  California Tower, 1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Doing a road trip around California? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Long Beach  & what to do in Pasadena !

41. Liberty Public Market

David Tonelson / Shutterstock

When asking people for recommendations on what to do during a trip to San Diego, they’ll probably mention Liberty Public Market .

It runs all day and every day, and it offers a staggering amount of goods from dozens and dozens of vendors.

Whether you’re looking for rare books, artisan cheeses, homemade jewelry or cheesy t-shirts saying “I Heart California,” you can find them here.

The market is housed in an old Navy building, so there’s an industrial feeling to the space even as you move among bouquets of fresh flowers and bread that’s still warm from the oven.

You can drink and dine; you can shop ’til you drop.

Every corner holds a new opportunity, especially if you’re open to trying new foods or swapping stories with stall owners.

Expect a crowd.

Liberty Public Market is one of the major points of interest of San Diego, so there are always folks milling near and within it.

If you don’t mind a little hustle and bustle, however, Liberty Public Market is definitely one of the best stops in San Diego.

It’s the kind of iconic destination that you have to visit at least once!

Address:  2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, United States

42. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

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Located a few miles outside of San Diego, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club offers the latest and greatest in horse racing.

Spectators fill the seats in their finest fashion; gamblers are allowed to bet on more than a dozen races per day.

Its southern-style charm has been transported from Kentucky to California.

There are even kid-friendly days if you’re looking for San Diego attractions that the whole family can enjoy.

Though it’s primarily a place for adults, the racetrack has also been used for concerts, carnivals, food truck festivals and more.

California’s gambling laws can be complicated, but at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, everything is legal and regal.

It’s a high-class attraction for folks who are ready to hit a jackpot.

Address:  2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States

43. Nico’s Mexican Food

Nico’s Mexican Food

If you’ve never had fries stuffed inside of a burrito, you’re missing out on a southern California classic.

It might sound like a strange combination of ingredients, but it’s served in just about every food truck and food court in the area, including San Diego.

Nico’s Mexican Food is one of the best places to try this savory wonder.

Their tortillas come stuffed with meats, cheeses, fries and your choice of beans and salsas.

They’re tidily wrapped to start with, but once you bite into them, you’ll turn into a wild animal savaging at its kill.

They’re that good.

Other menu options include tacos, enchiladas, tostadas and sides like beans and fried rice.

Everything lives up to the “Mexican” part of the restaurant name.

Truly, though, the crowning jewel is the fry-filled burrito.

It’s known as the “California burrito.”

Once you’re converted to its goodness, you’ll never go back.

Address:  4918 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, United States

44. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

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There are dozens of basilicas in the state of California, but the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala is the most iconic.

Founded in 1769, it has the white stucco walls and metal bells that mark classic Spanish architecture, and it also boasts many “firsts” for the region.

It was the first basilica built in San Diego.

It was the first to martyr and entomb a Christian priest.

It was one of the first to be registered as a National Historic Landmark.

Today, the basilica still functions as a church.

You can attend mass or say your prayers under the tiled archways as the bells ring.

Tours are also available; you can stroll the grounds, listen to the stories and get a closer look at the religious history of California.

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala.

It’s one of the biggest points of interest in San Diego for both the devout and the secular.

Address:  10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States

45. Mount Woodson Trail

Boycez / Shutterstock

The Mount Woodson Trail isn’t for beginners.

Let’s make that clear right away.

It’s a six-mile hike through dense and difficult landscapes, so if you’re headed to California to relax, a sweaty climb through the mountains probably won’t be your idea of a good time.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, however, and you live for the burn of your muscles as you ascend to new heights, the Mount Woodson Trail might be right up your alley.

Not only will you challenge yourself with your rise to the top, but you’ll also see amazing rock formations along the way.

The most popular is a jutting platform over thin air that you can actually stand on, but there are others as well, and they all make amazing photo ops.

Not everyone finds it fun to test themselves with new challenges.

If you aren’t afraid of a little sweat, however, the Mount Woodson Trail might be the best spot for you to get your heart pumping.

Have more time to explore California? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Solvang  & the top things to do in Fresno ?

46. Fleet Science Center

The Fleet Science Center isn’t your usual science center.

Founded in 1973, it was the first museum to build a planetarium and IMAX dome on site, offering its guests a wide range of entertainment options even as it educated them on scientific subjects.

Other museums quickly went “hey, that’s a good idea” and copied the design, and now, you can’t throw a rock without hitting a museum dome.

The good news is that the Fleet Science Center is still just as fun as it was in the ’70s.

Offering all kinds of interactive exhibits and learning stations, it’s a place where visitors can get hands-on with science.

Kids and adults will both love it!

If you’ll be near the Fleet Science Center while you’re in San Diego, it’s worth a pit stop.

Its displays, games, events and classes are sure to keep you busy, especially if you’re already a fan of STEM learning.

Address:  1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

47. SeaWorld San Diego

Tinseltown / Shutterstock

SeaWorld San Diego is one of the top places to see in the city.

Part aquarium and part amusement park, it combines games and activities with fun learning experiences for the whole family.

Visitors of all ages will have a blast at SeaWorld!

You’re probably familiar with its popular events like orca and dolphin shows.

But did you know that it also has movies, rides, slides, gondolas and play centers?

There are even roller coasters that will send you careening all through the park!

Kids will love the interactive exhibits and animal habitats.

Adults will enjoy the more sophisticated offerings like the aquatic-based Cirque du Soleil performances.

It’s held at night, so it’ll be perfect for romantic dates with a special someone.

SeaWorld San Diego is a top 10 stop in the city.

It might be a bit cliche in terms of tourist attractions, but there’s a reason why thousands of visitors flock here every year.

It’s fun!

Address:  500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

48. Waterhorse Charters

Waterhorse Charters

There are few things as fun as diving to the sunken ruins of a wrecked ship.

However, it can be a difficult hobby for beginners to get into, so it’s a bucket list item that usually goes unfulfilled.

Waterhorse Charters can change that.

Offering supervised dives for visitors of all skill levels, they’ll take you on ghostly underwater journeys to ships, canyons, coral reefs and kelp forests.

They’ll provide transportation to and from, and they’ll offer refreshments while you wait.

You’ll basically enjoy a mini-vacation on board while they take you to cool dive spots.

Again, it doesn’t matter if you’re a complete novice.

They’ll guide you.

They make diving a fun and accessible activity for anyone with the guts to try it.

Are you ready to swim with the fishes through the remains of the HMCS Yukon or P38 Aircraft?

It’ll be lots of fun, especially if you’re clamoring for unusual things to do while you’re in San Diego.

Contact Waterhorse Charters today and ask about their dives!

Address:  1617 Quivira Rd suite b, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

49. Oxford Social Club

Oxford Social Club

California might be known for its sun and sand, but there are plenty of establishments where you can enjoy a classier atmosphere, and the Oxford Social Club is one of them.

Like its name suggests, the Oxford Social Club isn’t the “sloppy drinks and neon lights” kind of club.

It’s an upscale place where you can socialize with others while enjoying a drink or a dance.

If you want to cut a rug, there’s an entire floor for tangos and lambadas; if you’d prefer to unwind in the lounge area, that’s an option as well.

Bottle service is available for well-to-do patrons.

Plush couches and hanging chandeliers will complement trays and trays of cocktails.

If you’re wondering what to do while vacationing in San Diego when you have a more refined palate than most, consider a trip to the Oxford Social Club.

You’ll feel like royalty as you enjoy a sophisticated club experience in one of California’s trendiest cities.

Address:  435 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

50. The Cat Cafe

The Cat Cafe

You might be familiar with the cat cafes of Asia, but they’re much rarer in the United States.

San Diego is one of the few cities to have one.

If you’ve never been to a cat cafe, they’re exactly what they sound like: places where you can chill out, enjoy a cup of coffee and cuddle with a friendly feline.

In San Diego, the Cat Cafe even works with a local animal rescue in hopes that its “employees” will be adopted.

Drink some tea. Eat a scone.

Swish a feather on the table until a calico pounces on it like a ferocious lion.

This is an average day at the cat cafe, so if you love kitties, make sure to stop by one of the most fun and creative establishments in California!

Address:  472 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Looking for more adventures around California? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Temecula ?

51. Spreckels Organ Pavilion

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If you’ve never heard a gigantic pipe organ played in an open-air pavilion, have you really lived?

Fortunately for your bucket list, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion offers weekly performances of its outdoor organ.

You can bring a picnic blanket or enjoy the shade of its umbrella-covered tables as you listen to a variety of tunes played on 5,000 different pipes.

You see, the organ isn’t limited to just “organ” sounds.

It can mimic everything from pianos to classical horns, so you’ll get to hear a lively performance from what sounds like a full-time band but is actually a single, city-employed organist.

San Diego is one of the only cities in the world to have a designated organist.

You’ll regret it if you pass up the opportunity to hear them play, so visit the Spreckels Organ Pavilion this weekend for a rare treat!

Address:  2125 Pan American Rd E, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

52. Bernardo Winery

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The Bernardo Winery is one of the oldest in southern California.

It’s family-owned and operated, and it specializes in old-world hospitality as well as dazzling vintages that you can’t get anywhere else in San Diego.

Tastings are available by the glass and by the bottle.

Tours can teach you all about the process of winemaking, and you’ll get to explore both the winery and the outside grounds.

They’re dotted with gardens, vineyards and village shops, so there are lots of cool things to admire.

If you come out of the experience with a new favorite brand, they sell plenty of products on location, and they also have an online store that you can peruse when you get home.

Put the Bernardo Winery on your list of San Diego attractions that you won’t want to miss.

Even if you aren’t a big wine drinker, it’ll offer a relaxing afternoon among the grapes.

Address:  13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128, United States

53. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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You’ve been to the zoo. You’ve been to the aquarium.

What if you still haven’t had your fix of nature’s coolest creatures?

Take a trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park .

Covering almost 2,000 acres, it’s one of the largest wildlife preserves in all of California, and it’s teeming with lions, rhinos, antelopes, giraffes and everything else that you’d expect to see on a real safari.

The Lion Camp is probably the biggest draw of the park, but there’s also a Tiger Trail and a Gorilla Forest.

Additional enclosures house everything from birds to lizards.

If you love animals, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the best place to visit for wildlife observation in San Diego.

It might even be better than the zoo and the aquarium since it’s so much larger!

You’ll have tons of fun here, and if you pay attention to the informational exhibits, you might just learn something as well.

Address:  15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, United States

54. Old Town

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Take a step back in time with Old Town .

Like its name implies, it’s a historic part of San Diego where everything from the architecture to the commerce has a vintage-style charm.

It’s the oldest settlement in the city, too, and it might just be one of the oldest in the entire state of California.

The houses and hotels have adobe walls.

The old-fashioned courthouse sits next to telegraph offices and newspaper shops.

There are historical demonstrations every day from blacksmiths, farmers, jewelers and general re-enactors.

Travel in May and you’ll get to participate in the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Travel in December and you can have wonderful experiences during Fiesta Navidad.

If you’re a history buff, Old Town is one of the top travel destinations in San Diego.

It’s a must do in terms of art, history and cultural significance, so you should definitely put it on your wish list.

No matter when you want to go, you’ll find something nifty to enjoy.

Address: 34002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States

55. Del Mar City Beach

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Beaches are a dime a dozen in San Diego, so they need something special to stand out.

At Del Mar City Beach, it’s the grunions.

If you’ve never heard of a grunion, it’s basically a small, silvery fish that looks like a sardine.

Every year, they congregate in the thousands to swim and spawn on California shores, and people come to watch during much-celebrated “Grunion Runs.”

Del Mar City Beach isn’t the only place to enjoy a Grunion Run, but it’s one of the best.

It gets so many fish that the water seems to turn silver, and when you’ve filled up your camera roll with all of the pictures that you can possibly take, there are other local amenities to keep you occupied.

If you’re looking for fun and unique experiences in San Diego, try a Grunion Run at Del Mar City Beach.

It’s the kind of thing that you can brag about for years to come whenever people ask about the coolest stuff that you’ve seen or done.

Address: 1700 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States

56. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

Stretching for almost 400 feet across open air, the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is the best way to give yourself a gut check in San Diego.

Do you have what it takes to walk the entire length?

Can you handle the swaying motions and the howl of the wind as you travel so far above the ground?

It isn’t a famous attraction.

In fact, it’s considered something of a hidden gem of San Diego since it’s hidden among cliffs and canyons.

There are local residents who don’t know about it!

If you’re looking for fun times in California, however, the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge will give you a vacation story that’s worth sharing.

If you dare, you can even stop halfway across and take a selfie or two.

Address:  W Spruce St, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

57. Hotel del Coronado

You might not think of a hotel when making a list of San Diego’s finest attractions, but the Hotel del Coronado is an exception.

Not only does it offer lush, comfortable rooms, but its activity roster is brimming with possibilities.

Get pampered at the spa. Ride a gnarly wave during a surf lesson. Roast smores at a private beach bonfire.

You can enjoy all of these activities and more at the Hotel del Coronado.

Additionally, there are seasonal events that you won’t want to miss if you’re traveling to San Diego at particular times; from fireworks to holiday shows, there’s always something fun going on.

Ask them about their wintertime “Skating by the Sea” event where they set up an ice skating rink right there on the beach!

The best things to do on vacation aren’t always amusement parks and other screaming delights.

Sometimes, they’re relaxing mornings spent on a fold-out lounge chair as you sip cocktails and enjoy the sunshine.

Book a suite at the Hotel del Coronado for luxury California living.

Address:  1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States

Keen to explore other areas of California? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Big Bear  & some of the best things to do in Pismo Beach ?

Start Planning Your Trip To San Diego

Whether you’re interested in sun, surf or turf, these are just a few of the best things to do in San Diego, California.

They’ll definitely cross some activities off your bucket list, so get to packing!

Southern California is waiting for you!

Happy travels.

Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California)

50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California)

California’s birthplace and the first spot in the Western United States where Europeans stepped ashore, San Diego is a city with universal appeal.

To go with the comfortable climate and laid-back style, San Diego Bay and its natural harbour have a rich military heritage.

The colossal aircraft carrier USS Midway speaks to this, and stands as the mother of all museum ships.

San Diego’s easy-going culture and miles of beach breaks may awaken the surfer dude in you, while Coronado and La Jolla have two of the best family beaches in the whole country.

Set just north of the border, the city has a Mexican influence that spreads to its delectable cuisine, and there’s a deluge of culture at the museums, monuments and theatres of Balboa Park.

Let’s explore the best things to do in San Diego :

1. Balboa Park

You’ll keep returning to this 1,200-acre urban park for its world-class zoo, restful cultivated areas, museums in refined Spanish Revival buildings and live shows.

There’s a tapestry of gardens around the park, planted with more than 350 plant species hand-selected at the turn of the 20th century by the botanist Kate Sessions, the “Mother of Balboa Park”. An emblem for the park and San Diego is the Botanical Building, one of many splendid holdovers from the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition.

Among the largest lath buildings in the world, the Botanical House contains 2,100 individual plants and is fronted by a pond with annual displays of lilies and lotuses.

Suggested tour : San Diego Walking Tour: Balboa Park with a Local Guide

2. Embarcadero

San Diego’s walkable harbour-front is brimming with shops, interesting sights and eateries, and looks across the bay to Coronado Island.

A lot of the Embarcadero’s interest is literally floating on the water, at the USS Midway and the heritage ships belonging to the San Diego Maritime Museum.

This is also the place to board tour boats around the harbour and out in the ocean to spot whales.

When the mercury rises kids can go wild at the interactive fountains in the Waterfront Park and adventure through the creatively designed playgrounds.

In November the Embarcadero stages the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, while the San Diego Symphony Orchestra plays the Bayside Summer Nights from late-June to the start of September.

3. USS Midway Museum

The longest-serving aircraft carrier in the world has been permanently moored at San Diego’s Embarcadero since 2004. Commissioned in 1945, the USS Midway served in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, before becoming the largest museum dedicated to aircraft carriers and naval aviation anywhere.

GetYourGuide.com offers a self-guided audio tour of this humungous vessel, during which you’ll see over 30 restored aircraft, including 8 propeller planes, 14 jet aircraft and 8 helicopters.

You’ll be led through the galley, brig, crew’s sleeping quarters, pilots’ ready rooms and engine room, and hear exciting snippets from people who served aboard the Midway.

You’ll have lots of chances to get involved, testing simulators, climbing into cockpits and watching films documenting the dramatic events that took place where you stand.

4. Point Loma

The west side of San Diego Bay is embraced by a long rocky peninsula that merits a visit for jagged topography, thrilling history and views you won’t soon forget.

We’ll touch on a few of the sights on Point Loma later, but in 1542, this was the landing point for the first European expedition to what is now the West Coast of America.

Given the peninsula’s setting, protecting the west flank of the harbour, Point Loma has a military presence going back to the 19th century.

The 77.5-acre Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (1882) is on the grounds of a former coastal artillery station.

There are more than 100,000 graves here, and solemn memorials like the USS Bennington Monument, recording an accident in San Diego Bay that claimed 66 lives in 1905. Head to the marina for whale watching expeditions, and to Osprey Point were climbers scale the rocks and fishers camp over the water.

Available tour : GPS Talking Tour Cars: Point Loma & Beaches Loop

5. La Jolla

The upscale oceanfront community of La Jolla is on a rocky headland poking out into the Pacific and surrounded by water on three sides.

La Jolla means fine dining, cliffs with sea caves and little coves where seals and sea lions rest on the sand.

We’ll stop by La Jolla many times on this list, visiting the famous Torrey Pines and its State Reserve, beaches and golf course.

La Jolla proper has a cosmopolitan, European feel in its cafes, boutiques, low-rise houses and steep stairways.

At Ellen Browning Scripps Park by La Jolla Point you can contemplate the majesty of the Southern Californian coast, catch open-air concerts on summer evenings and see the fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Make a detour to the Legends Gallery on Prospect Street, which has original art by former La Jolla resident Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr Seuss).

Available tour : Segway Tour in La Jolla

6. Food and Drink

San Diego’s Spanish past and proximity to Mexico makes for amazing food.

We’re talking about some of the best fish tacos, carne asada, enchiladas around.

These dishes are underpinned by ultra-fresh ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, eggplant and fruit, all grown locally.

San Diego is the birthplace of the comforting California Burrito, which has French fries and carne asada.

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood makes a mean fish taco and great ceviche, and has four locations around the city.

The craft beer scene in San Diego is something to be reckoned with, and the Toronado craft pub (56 rotating draughts), and the multi-award-winning Societe and Ballast Point production breweries need to be in the plans of any beer aficionado.

Surf culture is woven into San Diego’s identity and the county’s 70 miles of open ocean coastline has more surf spots than we could list here.

Much of the shore has southwest facing beach breaks, while there are rockier sections with reef breaks at La Jolla and Point Loma.

Avid surfers are always ready to travel for the perfect wave, and this might mean a trip up to the highly popular Swami’s, which was mentioned in the Beach Boys’ Surfin USA. The river mouth point break at Trestles is world renowned and hosts WSL competitions from May to September.

Honourable mentions go to the beach breaks at Oceanside and the spacious Del Mar, where you won’t have to jostle for a wave.

There are shops for gear rental near every major spot.

And if you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, you can watch some great surfing action from the rocks at Windansea in La Jolla.

8. Cabrillo National Monument

At the southern tip of Point Loma you’ll stand where a European person first set foot on the West Coast.

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s expedition arrived here on 28 September 1542, and he named the bay San Miguel (this would change to San Diego in 1602). The original heroic statue of Cabrillo was donated by the Portuguese government in 1939, while the current replica has stood since 1988. The national monument’s visitor centre has a movie and exhibits to retrace Cabrillo’s voyage along the Californian coast.

Outside you can still see the old coastal batteries that protected the harbour and check out the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been converted into a museum.

But maybe best of all is the widescreen view of San Diego’s skyline, the harbour, across to Coronado and down to Tijuana.

9. San Diego Old Town

The site of the first European settlement in present-day California, the San Diego Old Town is a visitor-friendly neighbourhood with historic adobe buildings from the city’s early days between 1820 and 1870. There’s wonderful set of preserved streets in the State Historical Park, which we’ll talk about next.

In the 40-acre Presidio Park you’ll be at the site where the San Diego Mission and the San Diego Presidio, the first settlements in modern day San Diego, were founded in 1769. The Old town is a great place to go for real Mexican food and brims with specialty shops and art galleries.

There’s lots of colour during annual festivities like Fiesta Navidad, Cinco de Mayo and Día de Muertos in November.

Suggested tour : Old Town San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Tour

10. Old Town San Diego State Historical Park

A time warp back to the mid-19th century, the State Historical Park in the Old Town is scattered with restored historic buildings, including five original adobes, as well as detailed replicas.

The finest of the adobes is the Casa de Estudillo from 1827, one of the oldest remaining pieces of Spanish architecture in California.

The park is free to enter and gives a sense of the intersecting cultures, as a Mexican pueblo became an American settlement.

There’s constant activity, with burros to pet, shopkeepers happy to share their stories, and artisans showing off their knowhow: At the Black Hawk Smithy & Stable you can see a blacksmith working the forge.

There are shops, little museum and restaurants, while the Historic Plaza has a full schedule of cultural celebrations and events.

11. San Diego Zoo

Founded by the physician Harry M. Wegeforth after he was inspired by the roar of a lion at the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, the San Diego Zoo is rated among the best in the world and houses more than 650 species.

This was one of the first zoos to build cageless exhibits, and opened the first ever moated lion enclosure in 1922. You can beat the heat and get around on a guided tour bus that covers three quarters of the park, or the Skyfari tramway from 1969. As with the best zoos, the enclosures tally with natural habitats, so there’s African rainforest inhabited by gorillas, some of the world’s largest free-flight aviaries, as well as Arctic woodland and tundra for polar bears.

The San Diego Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States to have Giant Pandas, and these are in the Panda Trek, while the Giant Panda Discovery Center has clever multisensory exhibits revealing how these creatures sound and smell.

Book online : San Diego Zoo Ticket: 1-Day Pass

12. San Diego Harbor Cruise

At the Embarcadero in the shadow of the USS Midway you can set sail on a 1-hour cruise around San Diego Bay with GetYourGuide.com.

A great way to get to know San Diego quickly, the cruise will give you a fresh angle on more than 50 landmarks and ships immortalised by movies and popular culture.

You’ll get a rare chance to see the San Diego-Coronado Bridge from the water, and spot wildlife like pelicans, herons and sea lions.

All the time there will be in-depth and entertaining commentary by an experienced guide, passing on anecdotes about the navy in San Diego and the work being done to improve the bay as a marine habitat.

13. Whale Watching

Between December and April the California Gray Whale migrates from Northern Alaska to Baja California to give birth in warmer climes, passing by San Diego.

In this season you can head to the Embarcadero for a whale watching cruise, up to four hours long.

On this comfortable voyage with indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll be joined by a qualified naturalist from the San Diego Natural History Museum, giving riveting insights about these cetacean visitors.

The likelihood of seeing a dolphin or whale is high, to the point where you’ll get a free pass for another tour if you don’t see anything.

But you are guaranteed to spot plenty of sea lions and harbour seals, and can soak up San Diego county’s extraordinary Pacific coastline from the ocean.

Recommended tour : San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruises

14. Little Italy

Right in downtown San Diego, Little Italy is a neighbourhood that has its roots in the city’s once lucrative tuna industry.

The last of the canneries closed in the 1980s, but those facilities and the boat fleets were manned by immigrants from mainland Italy and Sicily.

From the 19th century they settled close to the Embarcadero in what is now a congenial area of galleries, one-of-a-kind design shops, pizza spots, restaurants, bodegas, breweries and cafes that spill out onto patios.

The Saturday “Mercato” street market shuts down several blocks and has become a San Diego institution.

Get a snap of the “Little Italy” sign and take a piece of paper and pencil to the tables at Amici Park, which have bronze tablets with recipes for dishes like stuffed artichokes, fava bean spread and fish tacos.

15. Petco Park

Right in downtown San Diego, the state-of-the-art Petco Park is lauded as one of Major League Baseball’s best stadiums.

In the stands you’ll get incredible vistas of the Sand Diego skyline and San Diego Bay at one of 81 regular season games (more if the Padres have a successful season). Petco Park opened in 2004, before which the San Diego Padres had to share the Jack Murphy Stadium with NFL’s Chargers.

There’s a real feeling of ceremony as you approach the steel and sandstone facade of this venue, passing through a palm court and water walls.

Petco Park has an entertainment zone to keep kids engaged, and you get to know the Padres’ history and great players at the new Hall of Fame.

Food is an essential part of the baseball experience, and you can get anything from sashimi to fish tacos, Roman-style pizza, BBQ, oysters and gourmet hotdogs at Petco Park.

16. La Jolla Cove

This compact north-facing cove in La Jolla is one of the most photographed pieces of the California coast.

And with good reason as the scenery is breathtaking: The beach, within a 6,000-acre ecological reserve, is hemmed by rocks hollowed with caves by the relentless ocean.

Being a natural park there’s lots of wildlife from the seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the beach and rocks, to the barracuda, batfish and giant sea bass in the waters.

The surf can be powerful, so La Jolla Cove isn’t ideal for swimming.

But if you’re in the mood for adventure you can go diving to discover the ecological park’s underwater life, while kayak and bike tours are also on the agenda.

End the day at an oceanfront restaurant watching the sun go down.

17. Coronado Beach

Pack a picnic in a cooler, and cross the monumental San Diego-Coronado Bridge for a day at one of the best beaches in America.

With the sophisticated architecture of the Hotel del Coronado and a parade of beachfront mansions in the background, Coronado Beach is long, flat and soft.

These sands even seem to glisten, an effect caused by their high mica content.

Point Loma in the west helps defend Coronado from the strongest Pacific swells, so the beach is safe for swimming and has a team of lifeguards on duty.

You can rent a bike or pedal cart and drift along Ocean Boulevard, while there are fire rings on the north end for smores as the sun sets.

Available tour : San Diego: Coronado Bay & the Beach Small Group Walking Tour

18. Mission Beach

San Diego’s easy-going beach town is adored by 20-somethings for its party atmosphere and two miles of Pacific beach.

This is lined with a boardwalk, enlivened by Belmont Park’s vintage rollercoasters and amusements.

If you’d prefer peace and relaxation, the South Mission Beach area is a little more tranquil.

There’s prime beach weather in San Diego from June to September but the season extends to the spring and autumn months, and you’ll even see people lazing on the beach in December if the sun is out.

You can rent a bike and see the sights on the boardwalk, sign up for whale-spotting cruises, while there’s adventure golf, a string of playgrounds, surf shops and lush gardens with lofty palms.

19. San Diego Museum of Art

An almost overwhelming medley of Spanish Renaissance and Baroque painting awaits at this museum in Balboa Park.

El Greco, Murillo, Goya and Zurbarán are all here, together with Italian and Dutch Masters like Veronese, Canaletto, van Dyck, Rubens and Frans Hals.

In the last few years, the museum was donated a raft of paintings from the Symbolist, Expressionist and New Objectivity movements, by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Robert Delaunay, Otto Dix and Alexej von Jawlensky.

The venue is striking too, with an appropriate Plateresque (Spanish Renaissance) facade, taking cues from the Cathedral of Valladolid.

This was built in 1926 to harmonise with Balboa Park’s buildings from the 1915-16 Exposition.

The museum has a busy programme of cocktail evenings, film screenings and after hours viewings, as well as fun activities for kids on school holidays.

20. Belmont Park

A Mission Beach linchpin, Belmont Park was opened by the sugar magnate John D. Spreckels back in 1925. This amusement park has 12 rides, three oceanfront eateries, an 18-hole Tiki-themed mini golf course and a host of smaller attractions.

But the king of Belmont Park has to be the time-honoured Giant Dipper.

This wooden rollercoaster arrived with the park and is a National Historic Landmark of its own.

Riding the giant dipper is a rite of passage for kids growing up in San Diego, but there are also high-octane rides like Control Freak, Octotron and Beach Blaster to keep the adrenaline pumping.

At the Sweet Shoppe, see if you can handle a Monster Waffle Cone ice cream.

21. San Diego Natural History Museum

One of the first ports of call at Balboa Park is the San Diego Natural History Museum, the oldest scientific institution in Southern California.

The museum was established in 1874, and its current Spanish Revival home (1933) was given a Postmodern facelift at the start of the new millennium.

The exhibitions are compelling for people of all ages.

Take Fossil Mysteries, examining California and Baja California’s rich prehistory, and packed with spectacular fossils, models, dioramas, interactive stations and murals.

You can venture through Southern California’s varied ecosystems at Coast to Cactus, and study the state’s complicate relationship with H2O at Water: A California Story.

One medium-term show open until 2020 preserves the 130,000-year-old mastodon bones and tusks unearthed at a site in San Diego.

You can also watch eye-popping 2D and 3D presentations at the giant theatre, showing the wonders of the ocean and taking you back to the Ice Age.

Online tickets : San Diego Natural History Museum

22. Mission San Diego de Alcalá

Set up in 1769, this was the first Franciscan mission in the Californias, and was the location for the region’s first execution and its first Christian burial.

Beneath the chancel also lies the body of California’s first Christian martyr, Father Luis Jayme, killed by Native American Kumeyaay warriors in 1775. The current church is from the early 19th century and was restored in 1931 following a long abandonment.

The largest bell in the campanile is original, dating to 1805 and cast with a crown representing the King of Spain.

There are daily tours of the compounds, where you’ll the remnants of the “convento”, which housed the friars in the early 19th century.

In the church, see the 15th-century choir stalls, carved with vegetal patterns and strange beasts.

The Mission Museum has archaeological finds like tools, pottery and weapons, as well as examples of Kumeyaay handicrafts and photographs of their elders.

23. San Diego Air & Space Museum

In Balboa Park’s fabulous Streamline Moderne Ford Building (1936) the San Diego Air & Space museum chronicles the evolution of human flight with models and genuine artefacts.

At this Smithsonian affiliate you can get in touch with the interwar Golden Age of Flight, represented by aircraft like an Aeronca C-3 Collegian, a Consolidated PT-1 Trusty and a Ryan STA. There are gleaming engines from this period and artefacts for the likes of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.

You can go back further to see faithful reproductions of the Wright Brothers’ gliders, and zoom forward to the Jet Age, represented by a Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, a Boeing GPS-12 Satellite and a the canopy of the game-changing North American X-15 rocket plane.

There are also flight simulators, an “Action Hangar” play area for little ones and a 3D/4D theatre for pulsating shows.

24. Gaslamp Quarter

There are 94 historic buildings in this 16 block heritage area in downtown San Diego, bordering Petco Park and the Convention Center.

The Gaslamp Quarter, heralded by a gateway arch on Fifth Avenue, dates from 1867 when the real estate developer Alonzo Horton envisaged a new city centre nearer the San Diego Bay.

If you’re in San Diego to sample the food scene and nightlife you’re sure to find yourself in the Gaslamp Quarter at some point, in a neighbourhood of more than 100 sidewalk restaurants, craft breweries, concept cocktail bars and rooftop lounges.

There’s lots going on here during Comic-Con in July, as well as big street parties for Mardi Gras and St Patrick’s Day.

Recommended tour : Gaslamp and Downtown San Diego Segway Tour

25. Birch Aquarium

Roosted on a bluff over the campus of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this noted aquarium reveals the spectrum of marine life of the Pacific Ocean.

You can get there in 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, and start with the Hall of Fishes.

This has an array of habitats, from the brisk waters of the North West to the tropical climes of the Indo-Pacific.

There’s a 260,000-litre kelp forest tank, coral reefs and a much-loved loggerhead turtle that was rescued.

At the Tide-Pool Plaza, youngsters can get to know the creatures inhabiting Southern California’s tide pools like starfish, hermit crabs, lobsters and sea cucumbers.

There’s Something About Seahorses is a showcase for this peculiar creature, while Feeling the Heat is a jolting look at the effects of climate change.

26. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Conserving some 2,000 acres of rugged Pacific coastline north of La Jolla, this National Natural Landmark is on a plateau skirted by high cliffs for a awesome views of the ocean.

There are eight miles of trails, and you can use the Beach Trail to get down to natural un-touristy beaches with almost no signs of civilisation.

The park is a vital habitat for the endangered Torrey Pine, which only grows in this location and off the coast of Santa Barbara on Santa Rosa Island.

During the migration season you may get to see gray and blue whales from the cliffs.

Stop by the charming pueblo-style visitor centre, which is the departure point for guided on walks on weekends and holidays at 10:00 and 14:00.

27. Torrey Pines Gliderport

On the cusp of the State Reserve is a public platform for hang gliding and paragliding posted on cliffs above the Pacific.

If you’re intent on taking to the skies but have no experience you can take part in a tandem hang gliding or paragliding flight, starting at a couple of hundred dollars.

But most of the visitors to the Gilderport are here just to bask in the scenery and feel the ocean breeze.

There are benches to linger over the views of the Pacific and the coastline down to La Jolla, and you can watch the gliders take off, tuck into an outsized sandwich at the Cliffhanger Cafe and enjoy some live music on Saturday afternoons.

28. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools.

There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset.

And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April.

By road the scenery is sensational on the Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between Adair Street and Ladera Street.

29. San Diego Museum of Man

Set in four imposing Spanish Revival buildings from the Panama-California Exposition, the Museum of Man has just celebrated its centenary.

Here you can study pre-Columbian history, getting to know local Native American cultures, as well as Mesoamerican civilisations like the Mayans.

The exhibitions approach these topics in fun, enlightening ways.

Take, BEERology, looking into the 10,000-year history of beer brewing and featuring a solid gold beer cup belonging to an Incan king some 600 years ago.

Monsters! is a family-oriented exhibition about mythical beasts like the Kraken, unicorns, dragons and the Yeti.

You can also delve into the origins of race on the second floor, and delight in one of the United States’ greatest collections of Egyptology, with masks, pottery, sarcophagi and two authentic mummies.

30. Hotel del Coronado

The pride of Coronado is a magnificent Victorian beachfront hotel and National Historic Landmark, now owned by the Hilton brand.

When the Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888 it was the world’s largest resort hotel.

Counted among its distinguished list of guests are Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, Clark Gable, Babe Ruth and Edward VIII (then Prince of Wales). No fewer than 16 presidents have stayed at the Hotel de Coronado, in an unbroken line going back to President Eisenhower.

The building, easily identified by the conical roofs on its towers, has appeared in 12 films, most famously Some Like it Hot (1959). You don’t have to book a room to get the inside track, as there are daily 75-minute tours through the building and its ornamental gardens.

31. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Out in the semi-arid environment of the San Pasqual Valley you may wonder if you’ve stumbled into the real savanna at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park.

In 1,800 acres, you’ll take road train and truck caravan rides through vast landscapes of the African Plains and Asian Savanna to view wildebeest, springboks, gazelles, giraffes, antelopes, rhinos and many more.

The recent Tiger Trail is a walking exhibit where you’ll come within inches of Sumatran tigers, while the Nairobi Village and Gorilla Forest have an aviary and habitats for meerkats, lemurs and the formidable Western Lowland gorilla.

The Lion Camp is home to a family of 13 lions, and you’ll see just how fast a cheetah can move at the Cheetah Run at the African Outpost.

For something unforgettable, take the Flightline Safari, a zip-line more than 40 metres over the giraffes and rhinos in the park’s African Plains.

Book online (skip the line) : San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Pass

32. Mormon Battalion Historic Site

The Mormon Battalion was the only unit formed along religious lines in the history of the United States military.

It comprised between 534 and 559 followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This infantry unit was commanded by Mormon company officers who answered to regular U.S. Army command.

The Mormon Battalion served for a year during the Mexican-American War of 1846-48 and is remembered for an almost inconceivable 1,900-mile march from Iowa to San Diego, together with 80 women and children.

The newly revamped visitor centre at the site of the battalion’s arrival point in the Old Town gives free daily tours and has interactive multimedia displays and artefacts shining a light on the unit.

You can also learn more about the livelihoods of the day, like panning for gold and brick-making, and get to know the inner-workings of muskets and cannons.

33. La Jolla Shores Park

Pushing on for a mile in northern La Jolla, this beach may be the best in the San Diego area for families.

While many of the beaches around La Jolla are sequestered little coves, La Jolla shores has an accommodating crescent of pale sand.

The beach is trimmed with grass and a line of towering palms, and blessed with majestic views north to the 30-metre cliffs of Torrey Pines.

What makes La Jolla Shores such a hit with families is the low surf and very shallow gradient.

In summer the waves are the gentlest of any San Diego beach, and this is down to La Jolla’s rocky headland screening the southwest side of the beach.

The light surf is just right for sea kayaking and diving, and passing by at night you’ll see the shore glinting with beach fires.

34. Fleet Science Center

A planetarium and interactive science museum, the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park was a trailblazer when it opened in 1973. Younger children will get the most out of the self-guided permanent exhibitions where they can explore outer space, learn the ins and outs of San Diego’s water system and discover the unseen world of nanotechnology.

For toddlers the Little Learners’ Lab is a play zone with varying shapes and textures, while the Ball Wall has a little world of shoots, tracks and moving objects.

The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater has three IMAX shows screening several times a day.

In summer 2018 these were “Aircraft Carrier”, “Great Barrier Reef” and “Pandas”.

35. Pacific Beach

Next door to Mission Beach and on the way to La Jolla, Pacific Beach is another belt of dreamy Pacific coastline, edged by Ocean Boulevard and its many amenities.

The beach seems never to end, continuing past the Crystal Pier where it becomes North Pacific Beach, preferred by families for its lifeguard supervision.

The area, Pacific Beach, has been gentrified since the 1990s and partying college students have moved down to Mission Beach to be replaced by plush condos, upmarket restaurants and a slightly older crowd.

Go for a stroll along Crystal Pier, which is flanked on the landward end by quaint weatherboard holiday cottages.

If you can avoid the many fishing rods, you can watch the waves break from the end of the pier and look back to the city and up to La Jolla.

36. Maritime Museum of San Diego

On the Embarcadero’s Waterfront Park, a few steps from the USS Midway, is one of the nation’s largest collections of historic vessels, all ready to be boarded.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego has 11 heritage boats and submarines.

The most noteworthy is the Star of India (1863), believed to be the oldest ship in the world that still sails regularly.

Launched at the Isle of Man, this iron-hulled windjammer was built to carry cargo between Britain, India and New Zealand.

Fans of military hardware will waste no time boarding the Soviet B-38 and US Navy Dolphin submarines.

One ship you may have seen before is HM Surprise, a modern 18th-century British Navy frigate replica that appeared in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

The museum puts on a military-themed 45-minute harbour tour in a Vietnam War-era Swift boat.

37. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

One of San Diego’s oldest monuments, this lighthouse was raised in 1855 just five years after San Diego’s admission to the Union.

Its life as a beacon for ships navigating San Diego Bay was quite short and it was deactivated when the new lighthouse was built by the water, 120 metres down the cliffs in 1891. After the foundation of the Cabrillo Monument in the 1930s the complex was restored and is now a prominent landmark and museum.

You can see the keeper’s living quarters, log books, service equipment, turning mechanism and the original Fresnel lens that once had a range of 24 miles.

On certain days you may also be greeted by a re-enactor playing Captain Israel, a lighthouse keeper in the 19th century.

38. Point Loma Tide Pools

Something we haven’t mentioned about Point Loma is the richness of the nature residing in the tide pools at the foot of the cliffs on the western tip of the peninsula.

The rocky shoreline here is in the boundaries of the National Monument, which has kept it clear of development.

Check the tide charts and keep them in mind, because when the ocean withdraws you can scramble down the terraces of stratified rock to poke around the sea caves and look for ocean life in the rock pools.

You should spot sea anemones, starfish, lined shore crabs, hermit crabs, kelp crabs and maybe even an octopus.

39. Liberty Station

The humongous former Naval Training Center San Diego on Point Loma has been transformed into an exciting waterfront development.

That naval base was founded in 1923 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, with rows of interesting former mess halls and barracks.

The open space along the base’s old ship channel has become a waterfront park with play areas and jogging trails.

Liberty Station is divided into an array of districts: Office, Hotel, Educational, Retail and Residential.

For food, the Arts District, South Point and the Quarter are loaded with independent bars, eateries and cafes, well as nationwide chains like Five Guys, Tender Greens and Cold Stone Creamery.

The NTC Promenade at Liberty Station is a non-profit arts area, home to the San Diego Comic Art Gallery and Women’s Museum of California, as well as theatre companies, four dance groups and the LOT at Liberty Station theatre.

40. Whaley House Museum

San Diego’s first two-storey brick-built building, the Old Town’s Whaley House dates to 1857. What kindles fascination about the building is its spooky goings-on.

This National Historic Landmark was designated “haunted” by the U.S. Commerce Department in the 1960s.

It appears that the house’s owner and designer, Thomas Whaley chose San Diego’s former gallows as the plot for his home.

He claimed to hear one criminal, “Yankee” Jim Robinson (d.1852) stomping around on the top floor, and Whaley and his wife are believed to still be around, announcing themselves by the scent of cigar smoke and perfume.

In the same ensemble is the French mansard-roofed Verna House (1870s), moved to this spot to save it from demolition in 1965 and housing the gift-shop.

The interior, which also served as a courtroom for a period, has been frozen in time to the mid-1870s.

41. Children’s Pool Beach

The ocean in San Diego is always a thrilling sight, but the surf can be unsafe for children and less accomplished swimmers.

In La Jolla one solution was to construct a big concrete seawall to the west, shielding this beach from the waves and creating a scallop-shaped cove with calm waters.

The was gifted to the community by the philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1931, but what nobody anticipated was how attractive the beach would prove for seals and sea lions.

December to May they come to wallow in the gentle waters and give birth to pups on the beach.

Access to Children’s Pool Beach is discouraged in this season, but you can head along the seawall to get a good look at the winter residents with their babies.

42. Seaport Village

Call it a tourist trap, but this waterfront mall has a few things to recommend it.

For one, there’s a series of restaurants like the Pier Cafe and Edgewater Grill, each with a front-row view of the bay.

Seaport Village is on the south end the Embarcadero within walking distance of the downtown.

You can make your way around a circular network of lanes lined with buildings in varying architectural styles from replicas of haciendas and adobes to Victorian houses.

There are more than 50 shops for twee souvenirs like hand-painted tiles and mugs, and you can enjoy some live music on summer weekends.

Look out for the carousel, dating to 1895, with beautifully rendered animals and mythical beasts to ride on.

43. Pacific Surfliner

If this railway line has a romantic sounding name that’s because it clings to the Southern Californian coastline between San Diego and San Luis Obispo.

The most scenic stretch is through the San Diego and Orange Counties when the train has a near constant view of the Pacific.

These carriages are so accustomed to surfers that there are even special racks for surfboards.

You could use the train for a day in Los Angeles, making sure to sit on the right side of the train on the return to San Diego to catch the sunset.

There are multiple departures each day, and you can get to Disneyland in Anaheim in two hours and Los Angeles Union station in three.

44. San Diego-Coronado

An abiding feature of the San Diego cityscape, the San-Diego-Coronado Bridge swoops across the San Diego Bay, carrying the State Route 75 to and from the island for a spellbinding perspective of the city.

The design came from the Modernist architect Robert Mosher and the bridge opened in 1969, just two years after construction began.

The reason for bridge’s signature 80° curve is that the Navy required a clearance of at least 61 metres for its aircraft carriers, and the structure needed extra space to reach this height on a safe gradient.

If you need to see the bridge up close there are guided kayaking tours under the bridge from Coronado.

45. Mission Trails Regional Park

This whopping 5,800-acre natural preserve is inside San Diego’s city limits to the northeast, and is the sixth-largest municipal park in the United States.

Snaking off into this rugged wilderness of scrubby hills and canyons are 60 miles of marked hiking, cycling and horse riding trails.

One route will take you to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 486 metres and with a panorama of San Diego County that merits the climb.

You can also track down a riveting piece of San Diego’s early history at the Old Mission Dam, a National Historic Landmark.

The dam impounded the San Diego River to irrigate fields owned by the Mission San Diego de Alcalá.

This modest construction represents the first colonial irrigation project on the United States’ Pacific coast.

46. Old Globe Theatre

Established in Balboa Park during the California Pacific International Exposition of 1935-36, the Old Globe Theatre is a pillar of culture in San Diego.

Among the top regional theatres in the country, this Tony-award winning institution puts on 15 productions of classic, modern classic and new works each season, with Shakespeare at its soul.

The complex has three stages: The flagship Old Globe Theatre, the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, both seating around 600, and the smaller Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, a theatre in the round.

For a snapshot of what to expect, there are two performances a day during the week and three on weekends.

In July 2018 you could catch a family-friendly production of Dr.

Seuss’s The Lorax, or live the drama of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

47. Liberty Public Market

One of the former navy buildings at Liberty Station has been adapted for this enticing food destination.

Open seven days a week, 11:00 – 19:00, the Liberty Public Market is like an urban central market, showing off the best of the region’s wine, beer, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, pastries, prepared foods, sauces and arts and crafts.

It’s a place for people who are concerned about food provenance to do their food shop, but is also a must for on-the-spot dining, with a dash of pop-up eateries and stands.

Think lobster rolls, jambalaya, craft sausages, farm fresh salads, Thai-style streetfood and cold-pressed juice.

48. Torrey Pines Golf Course

The 36-hole municipal golf centre at Torrey Pines was established in 1957 and has real prestige.

This totally public facility played host to the 2008 U.S. Open, which as of July 2018 was the last major title claimed by Tiger Woods.

The U.S. Open is scheduled to come back to Torrey Pines in 2021. Plotted by the famed course architect William P. Bell and his son in 1957, Torrey Pines has two championship courses (North and South), and one of the largest golf shops in the Western United States.

The South course was remodelled by Rees Jones in 2001 and has since staged a host of big events.

You can be sure that this course is in demand, and to book a tee time non-residents have to sign up with San Diego’s parks and recreation department and book online up to three days in advance.

49. Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market

Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00 more than 200 tents take over Little Italy’s Date Street, between Kettner Boulevard and Front Street.

Local producers lay out regional meat, poultry, fruit, eggs herbs and vegetables, all seasonal and fresh from the farm, while there’s also fish, plants, spices, coffee beans, cheese, homemade sauces and relishes.

Bring an appetite because you can indulge in oysters shucked on the spot, and sea urchin caught hours earlier.

If that sounds too adventurous you might be tempted by paninis, crêpes, cheesecake in a cup, or go healthy with a green smoothie.

Amazingly, this is just one of 20 weekend farmers’ markets in San Diego.

50. Comic-Con

What started as the Golden State Comic Book Convention, attended by 200 comic book fans in 1970, has burgeoned into the world’s largest annual pop culture festival attended by some 150,000 people.

If you don’t already know all about Comic-Con you’re sure to have seen its legions of cosplayers online or on TV shows.

Held at the San Diego Convention Centre, Comic-Con (roughly speaking) is a four-day extravaganza of seminars, panel Q&As, table reads, workshops, gaming events, award ceremonies, as well as an independent shot film festival, collectibles market, studio/TV company trade exhibition and a cosplay contest.

And where the scope was limited to comics in the festival’s early years, Comic-Con encompasses almost all forms of entertainment, even if there’s still a slight accent on comics and anime.

50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California):

• Balboa Park
• Embarcadero
• USS Midway Museum
• Food and Drink
• Cabrillo National Monument
• San Diego Old Town
• Old Town San Diego State Historical Park
• San Diego Zoo
• San Diego Harbor Cruise
• Whale Watching
• Little Italy
• La Jolla Cove
• Coronado Beach
• Mission Beach
• San Diego Museum of Art
• Belmont Park
• San Diego Natural History Museum
• Mission San Diego de Alcalá
• San Diego Air & Space Museum
• Gaslamp Quarter
• Birch Aquarium
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
• Torrey Pines Gliderport
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
• San Diego Museum of Man
• Hotel del Coronado
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Mormon Battalion Historic Site
• La Jolla Shores Park
• Fleet Science Center
• Pacific Beach
• Maritime Museum of San Diego
• Old Point Loma Lighthouse
• Point Loma Tide Pools
• Liberty Station
• Whaley House Museum
• Children's Pool Beach
• Seaport Village
• Pacific Surfliner
• San Diego-Coronado
• Mission Trails Regional Park
• Old Globe Theatre
• Liberty Public Market
• Torrey Pines Golf Course
• Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Best Beaches

Where to Shop

Hiking in San Diego

Balboa Park Guide

Top Museums to Visit

Must-Try Food in San Diego

Best Restaurants

Nightlife in San Diego

Top Breweries

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

San Diego International Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

San Diego Trolley Guide

Driving in San Diego

48 Hours in San Diego

Day Trips From San Diego

The Best Places to Visit for the Day in and Near San Diego County

One of the great things about living in San Diego is the diverse offerings that the region has to offer -- San Diego county spans from the Pacific Ocean to the mountain and desert environments on the eastern edge of the county. Within we have lots of places to visit and explore for an enjoyable day trip. Here are a few places that are well worth spending a day exploring in and around San Diego County. 

Mountains. Apples. Snow. Clean air. It's what the mountain town of Julian is all about. Located 60 miles northeast of San Diego, Julian is a quaint mountain town that offers Southern Californians a taste of the rural, mountain lifestyle that city dwellers aren't usually exposed to. It provides a chance to experience oak and pine forests and fresh mountain air. When the occasional measurable snowfall hits the county, Julian is where all the San Diego locals head to play in the white stuff. Once a mining town, Julian is now a nice place to visit where you can roam the small village center and shop or take in the surrounding scenery by hiking or horseback. And don't forget to pick up some famous Julian apple pie.

Borrego Springs

When you think of the San Diego desert, does Borrego Springs come to mind. If not, it's time for a visit. Here's what you'll find on a day trip there: spectacular desert vistas on the drive to the town, desert wildflowers, and wildlife, and some nice desert resorts and golf courses. It's no Palm Springs, but maybe that's good. A visit to Borrego Springs means a slow, relaxing visit to a town with no stop light and surrounded by the 600,000 acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park . Also make time to visit the Galleta Meadows Sculpture Garden.

If you head north on I-15 just an hour away from San Diego, you'll find yourself in Southern California's very own wine country: Temecula. Located just over the county line border in Riverside County, Temecula is an easy jaunt for San Diegans and once there you'll find over 30 wineries that are easily accessible off Rancho California Road. Sampling the wines of Temecula makes for a fun day trip, but wine isn't all that's available in Temecula. There are fine golf courses, outdoor activities, plus Old Town Temecula, where you'll find the historic center of town with a plethora of antique dealers, restaurants, and shopping. Old Town is a nice little surprise for visitors, and worth spending some time in during your day in Temecula.

Palomar Mountain

At 6,142 feet, Palomar Mountain is one of the highest places in San Diego County. Located in the northern part of the county, it is best known as the home of the famous Palomar Observatory and its giant 200-inch Hale telescope. A scenic, 70-mile two-hour drive from downtown San Diego will get you to the summit, where you'll find forests, meadows, hiking trails and picnic areas to spend the day. And as mentioned, there is the Observatory, where you can take a tour of the magnificent dome and learn how the giant telescope was built in this remote area. There are also campgrounds and small lodges for those of you who decide that a day trip just isn't enough time to see everything.

Unless you live there, Fallbrook is a place only familar to many San Diego locals because it's pointed out by the local TV weather persons in the nightly broadcast. But you'll also notice that Fallbrook is located in the northern reaches of San Diego County, just before Riverside, a few miles off the bustle of Interstate 15. So, if you want to visit this town of 30,000, you have to make an effort to get there. It's worth it though since what you'll find are some of the most picturesque scenery in the county: steep hillsides with avocado and citrus groves, shady oak trees and winding, scenic roads. Known as the Avocado Capital of the World, Fallbrook also has a quaint village where you can spend the time dining or shopping, making it well worth the day trip.

Mount Laguna

On those few days during the winter that the snow really falls in southern California, it is often Mount Laguna where the masses head to take in some winter fun. It might only be a little over an hour to the sunny beaches of the Pacific Ocean, but it feels a world away. At the peak, the elevation reaches 6,273 feet above sea level and the terrain ranges from grassy meadows with small lakes and lush forest areas to desert peaks on the east rim. The snowfall is never enough for skiing, but that's OK. During the rest of the year, the mountain is a good place for hiking and biking and just taking in the spectacular views, especially of the desert to the east.

San Clemente

It might seem a bit strange to suggest a day trip to San Clemente, which is just an hour north along I-5, since we have our own local beach communities. But a trip to this city of 65,000 just over the San Diego County border in Orange County is just far enough to feel like you're visiting someplace new. And you probably are, because the closest many of us come to San Clemente is zipping by at 70 miles an hour as we're heading to or from Los Angeles or elsewhere. But this seaside town is neither LA nor San Diego. It's a nice, laid-back surfing town without the bustle of Newport and Huntington Beach to the north. 

Located some 45 miles from San Diego, off of SR94 between Jamul and Campo, is another Mexican border town, Tecate, that is a lot more laid back than Tijuana. In comparison, Tecate is downright sleepy compared to Tijuana. This may be a good thing if you want to take a day trip to experience Mexico without the hustle, something more akin to small-town Mexico. Cross the much quieter border crossing and you'll enter the town that the famous beer is named for. You'll find delicious restaurants and a relaxing ambiance, plus the famous Rancho La Puerta Spa and Resort.

So, why would you want to spend your day driving out to the middle of nowhere to a town that sports a population of 500 people? Well, maybe because Jacumba is the last community in San Diego County before you head into the flat desert agricultural land of Imperial County. Not enough reason? Here's another one -- it's also the home of one of the only natural mineral hot springs near San Diego at the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa. Need more? There's Desert View Tower, a stone lookout built in the 1920s that gives you a spectacular desert view. If that's not enough reason, there's De Anza Springs Resort, a family campground resort -- and it's clothing optional. Yeah, a nudist resort. Yep, all this in Jacumba.

Border Field State Park

Border Field State Park is on the very southwestern corner of the United States and 15 miles south of San Diego. Border Field is located within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, an important wildlife habitat. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was concluded on February 2, 1848, officially ending the Mexican-American War. The border monument, number 258, can be viewed on top of Monument Mesa. The park provides restrooms, picnic areas, barbecues, horse corrals and interpretive displays. Visitors enjoy surf fishing, ​beachcombing, hiking, horseback riding and bird watching. You can actually follow the U.S.-Mexico border fence as it passes through into the Pacific Ocean.

Updated by Gina Tarnacki on July 20, 2016.

Scenic California Drives: 7 Routes That Will Make You Swoon

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: The Complete Guide

The 10 Best Day Trips From Palm Springs

Tijuana, Mexico Visitor's Guide

How to Cross the Border From San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico

The Best Time To Visit San Diego

Your Trip to San Diego: The Complete Guide

Where to Go for Spring Break in Mexico

Best of the West: Top Tourist Destinations

15 Los Angeles-Area Road Trips and Getaways

Summer in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Cleveland National Forest: The Complete Guide

The Top 20 Things to Do in San Diego, California

The 15 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles

Day Trips and Vacation Side Trips from San Francisco

Weather in San Diego: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in San Diego

Things to do in san diego.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Pacific Beach
• Balboa Park
• Mission Bay Park
• Ocean Beach
• East Village
• Little Italy
• Mission Beach
• Mission Valley / Hotel Circle
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. USS Midway Museum

2. San Diego Zoo

3. La Jolla Cove

4. Balboa Park

5. Petco Park

6. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

7. Cabrillo National Monument

8. K1 Speed

9. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

10. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

11. Coronado Bridge

12. Point Loma

13. Torrey Pines Gliderport

14. La Jolla Shores Park

15. Seaport Village

16. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

17. San Diego Bay Walk

18. SeaWorld

19. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

20. Little Italy

21. Mission Beach

22. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

23. Old Town San Diego

24. Birch Aquarium at Scripps

25. Windansea Beach

26. Mormon Battalion Historic Site

27. Old Globe Theatre

28. Pacific Beach

29. Mission Bay Park

30. Botanical Building and Lily Pond

What travellers are saying.

15 Charming Small Towns Near San Diego – That We Know You’ll LOVE!

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• Updated: September 20, 2023
• 8 minute read

Are you searching for the best small towns near San Diego? Read ahead for our top picks!

If you’ve been on the hunt for small towns near San Diego to visit this year, then you’ve come to the right place!

This carefully curated list of small towns near San Diego covers spots that are ideal for nature lovers, artistic travelers, and foodies!

So, whether you’re looking to take a day trip or want to spend a few days exploring, you’re bound to find somewhere on this list of small towns near San Diego to check out.

Now let’s dive in!

The Best Small Towns Near San Diego…

To kick off our list of small towns near San Diego, we have Carlsbad!

This charming sea town is approximately 35 miles from San Diego and is home to stunning beaches, flower fields, and a world-famous aquarium that’s home to over 6,000 marine creatures!

The fact that it’s one of the small towns near San Diego that’s right on the Pacific Ocean means you’ll get breathtaking vistas over the waterfront from several restaurants nearby.

If the gorgeous views weren’t enough to convince you to visit, Carlsbad is among the small towns near San Diego that are great for kiddos.

Not only is it home to LEGOLAND California (which has its own waterpark!), but there are so many outdoor activities that’ll let children blow off steam.

So, whether you’re on the hunt for hiking trails or the Batiquitos Lagoon salt marsh, this place has got you covered.

Seriously, it’s an amazing pick for charming small towns near San Diego!

Chula Vista

Next on our list of small towns near San Diego, we have Chula Vista.

This spot is called “The Lemon Capital” by locals as it’s home to so many citrus trees and is incredibly scenic.

Once you’ve spotted a few lemon trees, you’ll want to hop on the Bayshore Bike Path to explore over 24 miles of stunning scenery.

Although you should spend most of your time enjoying the parks and beaches, it’s the food that makes this one of our all-time favorite small towns near San Diego.

The Mexican fare here is ridiculously authentic, with Tacos El Gordo and El Huevo Estrellado being two popular restaurants to check out.

Throw in a visit to Eucalyptus Skateboard Park and the Galley at the Marina , and you’ll have the perfect day on your hands!

Read more about San Diego: 38 fun things to do in San Diego at night!

Next on our list of small towns near San Diego, it’s the Eastlake area.

Comprising of several neighborhoods (Eastlake vistas, Eastlake Trails, Eastlake Greens, etc) this little cluster of neighborhoods makes up a gorgeous option for small towns near San Diego.

With Lower Otay Lake right next door, there are so many beautiful reasons to visit this place, and live there too. If you spend your weekends in the great outdoors, this is a pretty gorgeous location to be based.

OK, so this is more of a beautiful suburb of San Diego, but it has some gorgeous nature right nearby, and remains close to the city – so it’s absolutely worth mentioning.

Read more about San Diego: 26 things to do alone in San Diego

Next on our list of beautiful small towns near San Diego, it’s the beachy Leucadia.

Leucadia is a great pick for anyone wanting that small town, beach vibe.

In Leucadia, you’ll find some lovely restaurants and cafes, as well as a good stretch of coastline too. The San Diego Botanic Gardens are also located here!

As you’d expect from a beachside town north of San Diego, you’ll find a really beach-centered lifestyle here, and most things here revolve around the coastline.

Including housing! Some of the most gorgeous homes in Leucadia are located right on the very scenic seafront.

Read more about San Diego: 11 beautiful beach resorts in San Diego

Spring Valley

If you’re looking for small towns near San Diego, then you should head to Spring Valley.

This quaint spot is just 12 miles from San Diego, making it perfect for a day trip from Downtown if you’re a fan of spectacular views and natural beauty.

Although this is a popular area to visit for an authentic spa experience, you’ll also want to spend time exploring Eucalyptus County Park (for a picnic!) and Bancroft Ranch House .

The Ranch House is a historic house museum that’s tucked away on Memory Lane and dates back to 1856.

It’s one of the many California Historical Landmarks, so it’s well worth a visit if you add this to your list of small towns near San Diego to check out.

Oh, and don’t forget to grab a coffee from Gladly Coffee and ice cream from Café Amor before leaving!

Next up on our list of small towns near San Diego, it’s Oceanside!

Not only is it just 38 miles from San Diego, but it’s a beautiful coastal town that’s perfect for beach days without the typical Downtown crowds.

You should spend time exploring Mission San Luis Rey , but it’s Oceanside Pier that takes the cake.

This incredible landmark runs for 1/3 rd of a mile and is the longest wooden pier on California’s coast!

Whether you just want to look over the water or try your hand at fishing, the pier makes this one of the small towns near San Diego that’s worth visiting.

If you’re still looking for things to do, you can swing by the Oceanside Farmer’s Market for fresh produce or check out the funky California Surf Museum !

Anything goes if you add this to your list of small towns near San Diego to check out this year.

Read more about San Diego: 12 best places for paddle boarding in San Diego

The next spot on our list of small towns near San Diego belongs to Julian.

You’ll need to travel around 60 miles from San Diego to reach this spot, but the beautiful beaches, galleries, and restaurants are worth the trek.

It’s one of the cutest small towns near San Diego and is best known for its apple pie (thanks to the many apple orchards nearby!).

You can check out the Julian Pie Company for a buttery slice or head to one of the many breweries and cider-tasting rooms for a boozy pour.

Although it’s one of the small towns near San Diego that gets busy during the apple-picking season (obviously!), it’s pretty laid-back for the rest of the year.

When you’re not enjoying Julian’s apples, you can head to the Eagle & High Peak Mines or hike around William Heise County Park !

Read more San Diego inspiration: 45 Unusual and unique things to do in San Diego!

Next on our list of adorable small towns near San Diego, we have Lakeside.

It’s approximately 21 miles from San Diego and is popular with hikers, bikers, and anglers all over the country.

It’s not one of the small towns near San Diego that we’d recommend for city lovers as it’s laid-back and most activities are centered around the lake.

But if you’ve been meaning to get into camping and enjoy the stunning views around Lake Jennings, then you’re bound to appreciate Lakeside!

If you get hungry during your trip, Lakeside Café & Bakery is the perfect place to visit for breakfast and lunch.

The cinnamon rolls are unbelievable and the fresh coffee is guaranteed to perk you up in seconds.

Talk about small towns near San Diego with tons of charm!

Encinitas is next on our list of scenic small towns near San Diego.

Encinitas is another beachside town, and this particular neighborhood has a really trendy vibe, with lots of young couples and families residing there.

You’ll find this little gem located about 25 miles north of San Diego, so it’s within fantastic distance for a day trip from the city, or a little weekend break away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Moonlight Beach is probably the most famous spot here, and can get busy during tourist seasons, but generally, Encinitas is a bit of a hidden gem! And a wonderful choice for gorgeous small towns near San Diego.

Read more about San Diego: 12 best places for snorkeling in San Diego

If you’re on the hunt for small towns near San Diego that are ideal for nature lovers, look no further than Alpine.

It’s technically a 720-square-mile park that’s popular with birdwatchers and hikers, but there’s more to this spot than first meets the eye.

As Alpine is one of the small towns near San Diego that’s tucked away in the Cuyamaca Mountains, you can expect sensational views of the Cleveland National Forest.

So, camping around here is seriously aesthetic.

Overall, Alpine is a great pick for small towns near San Diego if you’re looking for a mix of activities.

Read more about San Diego: Top 20 best restaurants in San Diego with a view!

Cardiff-By-The-Sea

Cardiff-By-The-Sea is our next suggestion for cute small towns near San Diego.

Cardiff-By-The-Sea (named after a beach town in Wales, Great Britain!) is located North of San Diego and is a fantastic spot for nature and beach lovers.

Cardiff-By-The-Sea is known for it’s fantastic surfing too – so you’ll find a really strong surfing community here!

There’s plenty of choices for food here too – but we recommend checking out Pacific Coast Grill!

You also have the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center here, which is well worth a visit. Over all, this is a great choice for small towns near San Diego.

Read more about San Diego: Top 15 bed and breakfasts in San Diego

Fallbrook is one of the most popular small towns near San Diego as it’s home to sprawling golf courses, art galleries, and beautiful nature walks.

If you’re an art fanatic, you should start your trip at the Fallbrook Art Center . 

It’s the place in town for showcasing local artwork and even has a gorgeous restaurant called Café des Artistes if you need a break.

Then, you can head to Kenny’s Strawberry Farm for a spot of fruit picking or the Emerald Forest Bird Gardens if you’re fascinated by exotic birds.

Whatever you choose to do, this is one of the small towns near San Diego that’s packed with exciting things to do!

It’s among the small towns near San Diego that’s best visited during the summer, but you can also explore the Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens if things get chilly.

Read more about San Diego: 35 fun things to in La Jolla, for every budget!

Next on our list of small towns near San Diego, we have Idyllwild!

It’s around 100 miles from San Diego, so it’s slightly out of the way. But the wealth of outdoor activities and beautiful beaches make this one of the small towns near San Diego worth visiting.

And hey, it’s only 2 hours from Downtown each way!

In the minuscule town center, you’ll find a few quaint restaurants to fuel up at ( The Town Baker is particularly good!).

But the hiking trails are the main reason to add this to your list of must-visit small towns near San Diego.

As you’re right in the middle of Mount San Jacinto State Park , you can explore upwards of 30 trails during your visit.

Along the way, you’ll spot local flora and fauna that set this place apart from other small towns near San Diego.

Torrey Pines

Next on our list of the best small towns near San Diego, it’s the rustic and charming Torrey Pines.

Torrey Pines is one of the smallest locations on this list of small towns near San Diego, but it’s still worth investigating and looking into!

In fact, if you’re into golf, we can promise you’ll be impressed with Torrey Pines Golf Course , which is one of the best in the area and has some insanely mesmerizing views.

Our final suggestion for small towns near San Diego is Coronado!

This is probably one of the closest small towns near San Diego as it’s just 6.7 miles from Downtown.

It’s an extremely popular spot for surfers as there are always excellent swells and surfing academies for beginners.

But if you’re looking for a relaxing trip, you can easily lounge around on Coronado Beach for your entire trip.

To dial things up a notch, why not pad your beach vacay with a trip to the USS Midway Museum or a visit to Moo Time Creamery for a delicious sundae?

Oh, and don’t forget to grab a cocktail at the famous Hotel del Coronado before heading back to San Diego!

Read more about San Diego: 24 things to do in Old Town, San Diego

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

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• 25 Fun & Free Things to Do in San Diego

25 Fun & Free Things to Do

On a budget no problem.

Having fun in San Diego doesn’t mean spending a lot of money. In fact, lots of things to see and do here are absolutely free! With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, near-perfect weather year-round and a variety of magnificent settings countywide, San Diego is a bargain getaway that promises fun for kids and adults any time of year. 

Browse through this list to help you plan the perfect San Diego itinerary.

• Head to San Diego's many beaches, which are consistently ranked among the top in the nation. The beaches are all free to the public, to swim, body surf or hang ten. Build a sand castle, relax with a good book or just bask in the sun – you won't be disappointed.
• Visit La Jolla Cove and witness magnificent sunsets over the ocean. The Cove, a spectacular pocket beach nestled into La Jolla's rocky bluffs, was ranked No. 10 in Tripadvisor's Best Beaches Awards for 2023. Or stretch out on the expansive golden sands of Coronado Beach, flanked by the elegant Hotel Del Coronado and the glittering Pacific. The gorgeous setting earned Coronado a No. 8 ranking on Tripadvisor's 2023 Best Beaches list.
• Stroll along San Diego's Embarcadero for hours of free entertainment, shopping and more. Enjoy a laid-back day of hanging out in the grass and watching the many passing yachts and ships on picturesque San Diego Bay , or take in the sights from one of the many bay-view benches and walkways. And don't miss the numerous public artworks — including the towering and playful "Embracing Peace," which sits just south of the massive USS Midway Museum . It's all part of The Wonderfront, San Diego's "largest attraction," with 27 miles of bayside parks, marinas, shops, restaurants, promenades and bikeways.
• Explore the sprawling Gaslamp Quarter , a nationally recognized historic district and the lively epicenter of San Diego's Downtown. Check out such landmarks as the Davis-Horton House, the area's oldest surviving structure, which was brought around Cape Horn from Maine in 1850 and reassembled here. Take time to admire what the Gaslamp Quarter Foundation calls the largest collection of restored Victorian office buildings this side of the Mississippi, and walk what was once the home turf of such memorable figures as the Old West lawman Wyatt Earp. And discover such modern wonders as the “Flame Flower” sculpture in front of the Westin Gaslamp Quarter hotel — and of course the impressive edifice that is Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres and named by USA Today as the No. 1 ballpark in America.
• Take in the sights and sounds of San Diego's vibrant arts and culture scene. The San Diego Symphony regularly offers rehearsals that are free and open to the public at the stunning new Rady Shell at Jacobs Park , set along the waterfront west of the San Diego Convention Center. And in La Jolla , the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego  — now open again after a dazzling rebuild — is free on the second Sunday and third Thursday of each month.
• Spend a day relaxing and playing in the recreational and aquatic wonderland that is Mission Bay Park , whose 4,600 acres take in sandy beaches, playgrounds, grassy lawns for picnicking and sports, a 12-mile path for biking and hiking, and much more. Tecolote Shores along the park's eastern edge is the place to go for kite-flying, while families and their animals will love Fiesta Island, whose entire expanse is dog- and horse-friendly. Mission Bay's western beaches are also just a few blocks from the Pacific.
• Enjoy free organ concerts at 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The Organ Pavilion features one of world's largest outdoor pipe organs, a San Diego landmark since 1914, where organists play traditional favorites, waltzes and show tunes on enormous 32-foot pipes.
• Visit Old Town and witness the living legacy of San Diego history. Guests are invited to wander free through Old Town's historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, Estudillo House and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego. Be sure to visit the recently opened Iipay ~ Tipay Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok (Land of the First People) outdoor area, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the area's earliest residents, the Kumeyaay.
• Stroll, rollerblade, skateboard or bicycle along the Mission Beach Boardwalk , a scenic 3-mile walkway along picturesque Mission and Pacific Beaches. Or incorporate that stretch of pavement into a scenic run; the pathway is just part of what makes San Diego a runner's paradise, with numerous beautiful waterfront routes around the region. For a more relaxed pastime, you also can just sit along the boardwalk's beach wall and people-watch, as an ever-fascinating procession of humanity passes by.
• Visit the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (formerly the U.S. Olympic Training Center) in San Diego's South Bay for a free tour of the 150-acre facility, including training fields and tracks, athlete dorms and the Otay Lake Reservoir. Self-guided tours are available daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• San Diego boasts a collection of great mountain hikes that will take you up towering peaks, through verdant forests and past sparkling high-country lakes. Stonewall Peak is a longtime favorite among those who relish a pulse-boosting climb, while such hikes as the Lake Cuyamaca loop and the Sunset Trail near Mount Laguna offer more relaxed strolls past backcountry wonders. On the eastern side of the mountains, visit the trails of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , one of the largest state parks in the country. After the winter rains each spring, the park explodes into a rainbow of colorful wildflower blossoms.
• Step back in time with a stop in Julian , a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Pick up a free map at the Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided walking tour of the area's historic sites, and later enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie — a Julian specialty!
• Grab your picnic basket and head to any one of San Diego's inviting spots for a casual outdoor repast — from Downtown's Waterfront Park, with its wide patches of grass and interactive fountain, to the beachside charm of Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla, to the sweeping city vistas from Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach.
• San Diego is famous for its 59-Mile Scenic Drive , which winds along the beautiful coastline and through some of the city's most charming neighborhoods. And that's just one of many fun road trips around the region, from the ocean-to-desert adventure of Historic Highway 80 to the backcountry beauty along Highway 79.
• Visit Mission Trails Regional Park to explore its cultural, historical and recreational treasures. Stop at the visitor's center and learn about the local habitat and wildlife and the people who once lived here. Then, roam through the park's 40 miles of natural and developed hiking and biking trails.
• Go snorkeling off San Diego's shores and see spectacular creatures of the sea. La Jolla Cove offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast, as well as miles of protected underwater reserves, where you might glide above schools of stunning (but harmless) leopard sharks or spot the bright-orange glint of the garibaldi, California's state marine fish.
• Go bird watching at one of the region's many wetland reserves, including Tijuana Estuary, Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and the Famosa Slough in Point Loma. San Diego has more than 500 species of birds that either stop along the migration path in fall and spring or call San Diego home year-round. That's more than any other place in the continental United States.
• Explore the natural wonders and dramatic landscapes of Torrey Pines State Reserve , perched high above Torrey Pines State Beach. (There is limited free parking along the highway north of the reserve.) Or discover San Diego's numerous other great coastal hikes , from Border Field State Park in the south to San Onofre State Beach in the north.
• Stroll through Balboa Park and marvel at its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. While there, take advantage of the park's variety of offerings, including 17 museums (select museums free on Tuesdays for San Diego residents), free daily park tours, and spectacular gardens (seven are free daily). The just-reopened Timken Museum of Art is always free, and the recently renovated Mingei Museum also offers free areas. And for night owls and astronomy buffs, there's stargazing outside the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park on the first Wednesday of every month: The San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes to offer guests a great view of the night sky.
• If you've got a bike — either manual or electric — San Diego has a perfect path for you, from the natural beauty of Penasquitos Canyon to the urban-neighborhood explorations of Adams Avenue. And going electric will help you conquer the heights of such marquee sites as Mount Soledad in hilly La Jolla.
• Gather family, friends and firewood for a cozy beach bonfire  at one of the scenic beaches in San Diego County, including Coronado Beach , La Jolla Shores , Ocean Beach and Mission Beach . Check out the full rundown of places to work up that warm glow by the ocean, from Moonlight State Beach in the North County community of Encinitas to the southerly Silver Strand State Beach between Imperial Beach and Coronado.
• Check out the 80+ murals of Chicano Park , a National Landmark and home to the largest collection of outdoor Chicano murals.
• Drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla for breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Diego, including the gently curving La Jolla coastline and Mission Bay. Spectacular views of San Diego's East County communities also await guests at the top of Mt. Helix.
• You can get out on the water here (or at least over it) without even getting your feet wet, courtesy of San Diego's great pier walks . Check out the surf action from Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach, or the Ocean Beach Pier just a few miles to the south. Or watch passing parade of boat traffic against the stunning backdrop of San Diego's skyline at the Coronado Ferry Landing Pier.
• And no list of San Diego's fantastic freebies is complete without an ode to our gorgeous sunsets . There are loads of great places around the region to witness the sun sink behind the ocean waves, whether it's the famed Windansea Beach in La Jolla or the aptly named Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. Or you can watch those twilight hues settle over the city from the elegant perch of Mister A's restaurant, a San Diego classic near downtown. Whatever spot you pick, the views are guaranteed to leave you with that golden glow.

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Things to do this weekend in San Diego: Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, Gator by The Bay and more

There’s always something fun to do in america’s finest city. our weekend events guide is here to help, by brenda gregorio-nieto • published may 9, 2024 • updated on may 9, 2024 at 11:46 am.

There’s always something fun to do in America’s Finest City. Our Weekend events guide is here to help. Get up. Get out. Play!

What to Know

• Our Weekend Events guide is published every Thursday in our In Your Neighborhood section of NBC7.com
• Like our mission always, our guide will do its best to span the county -- north, south, east, and west — to bring you fun, fresh and affordable things to do in San Diego
• Have any events to share? Please send them to [email protected]

24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are

Friday, May 10

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival 3-day festival at the Waterfront Park| $135+ 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. 

Get San Diego local news, weather forecasts, sports and lifestyle stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters.

Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival 3-day festival at the Spanish Landing Park | single-day tickets $75 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.

Us, An Evening of Magic & Illusions 7 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido| $49 Us is a theatrical magic experience based on real-life, secret pop-up art exhibits orchestrated by the star of the show, Michael Lamb.

The 1st Annual Dia de las Madres 5 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido | Free A free family event that will include a “danzones” class, dancing, live music, special performances and community recognitions, special guests, food, gifts, and much more.

The 6th Annual WilWin Games 3 p.m. at Castle Park Middle School|Free Six middle schools from the Sweetwater Union High School District will face off in athletic events, critical thinking challenges and team-driven activities! The event is open to the public. Enjoy local food vendors, Kona Ice treats, professional Photo Booth and much more

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Saturday, may 11.

Bernardo Winery 47th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts 10 a.m. at Bernardo Winery | Free Outside wine bars, a food court and over 150 Hand-picked vendors from across Southern California, with everything from handmade jewelry, soaps, paintings and sculpture, local honey, clothing, pottery, items for the home and garden and much more.

Annual Fiesta de los Peñasquitos Noon at Rancho Peñasquitos| Free The street fair opens at noon on Black Mountain Road, between Carmel Mountain and Twin Trails. Featuring over 150 booths, two food courts, food trucks, and carnival rides, there is something for everyone.

Epic Day Festival 4 to 9 p.m. at Quartyard, 1301 Market St. | $35 This 21+ event features house and techno artists from around the world, including headliner Pretty Pink. The festival also has a full bar and food vendors.

Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour 7 p.m. at Pechanga Arena| $25-$175 The impressive lineup of eight artists will include Brenton Wood, Barbara Mason, Aaron Frazer and many more of the biggest names in Old School R&B.

Sunday, May 12

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, The Musical 7 p.m. at Casa del Prado Theatre | May 3 is pajama night!  | $22 Based on the beloved book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid comes to life in this new musical filled with laughter, adventure and a relatable tale of growing up.

MCASD Free Second Sunday 10 a.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego | Free On the second Sunday of every month, the museum offers free admission to all visitors. No reservations are required for Second Sunday admission.

3rd Annual Coronado Art & Wine Festival 12 p.m. in Coronado| Admission is free; wine tasting $50+ A joyful celebration & showcase of art, wine, food, music & STEM.

36th Annual Balboa Park Pow Wow 10 a.m. at Balboa Park| Free This year’s Pow Wow will honor the San Diego American Indian Health Center celebrating its 45 years of dedicated service with arts, crafts and food vendors.

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News | Photos: See rare sight as solar storm brings…

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News | Photos: See rare sight as solar storm brings northern lights to Southern California

Some lucky people who were up in early-morning hours throughout Southern California got to witness the rare visual of  Aurora Borealis turning the sky a bright pink for just a few hours, a green glow dancing just above the skyline’s horizon.

“This is absolutely unprecedented to see this in Southern California,” wrote Orange County Outdoors photographer Mark Girardeau on a post shared around 1 a.m. Saturday from near Mountain High from a spot that looks over the Southern California region, lights twinkling under the sky. “It’s viewable as far south as San Diego and Mexico. It would be visible from Orange County if it weren’t for the clouds.”

Working on a hunch the northern lights would show in Southern California, Girardeau was joined by a handful of other dedicated photographers including Huntington Beach lensman Royce Hutain and Torrance photog Patrick Coyne, who stayed up until early-morning hours and ventured to Wrightwood’s high altitude with their camera gear ready to get the capture of a lifetime.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patrick Coyne (@patrickc_la)

Social media on Saturday was also filled with images and videos of colorful skies viewed from such sites at Mt. Wilson and Castaic.

The Space Weather Prediction Center, based in Boulder, Colorado, put out a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for May 11 throughout the United States and beyond, and by early morning, reports on social media were shared from across the country.

The coronal mass ejection is an eruption of solar material, according to the prediction center.

“When they arrive at Earth, a geomagnetic storm can result,” it reads. “Watches at this level are very rare.”

The CMEs were anticipated to merge and arrive at Earth by late on May 10 or early on May 11, the center predicted, noting the aurora may become visible over much of the northern half of the country, and maybe as far south as Alabama to northern California.

Huntington Beach photographer Royce Hutain captured this image from Mountain High in Wrightwood as northern lights appeared in the sky over Southern California. (Photo courtesy of Hutain)

Northern lights visible from Mountain High in Wrightwood, California, turning the sky pink over the skyline during the rare phenomenon.(Photo courtesy of Patrick Coyne)

Northern lights visible from Mountain High in Wrightwood, California, turning the sky pink over the skyline during the rare phenomenon. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Coyne)

The northern lights visible from Mountain High in Wrightwood lighting up the sky across Southern California. (Photo courtesy Mark Girardeau/Orange County Outdoors)

A strong solar storm last year lit up the sky in Northern California, with reports from Mammoth Mountain and Shasta Lake and beyond. But it’s unknown if the lights have ever been visible in Southern California before now.

Hutain selected the location to try and document the rare sight, the photographers knowing they would need to be away from light pollution. But they said they couldn’t believe what they saw in the sky.

“I was expecting to maybe faintly see something on the horizon at best and when I saw light up half the sky, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Hutain said. “Never did I think I’d see it that bright in Southern California.”

According to news reports, the University of Alaska detailed an extreme aurora event in 1958 that showed northern lights visible as far as Mexico City. The latest event is the first time a storm watch has been issued by NOAA for a G4 since January 2005, according to reports.

The photographers are no strangers to pulling all-nighters to document rare phenomena, putting in hundreds of hours seeking out bioluminence that make the ocean glow the past few years and other phenomena like the “fire falls” in Yosemite.

It had been all over the news that there was going to be a big storm that could potentially show the northern lights locally, “but I don’t think any of us realized how much we would see in Southern California,” Coyne said.

Hutain was also able to use the solar filter he bought for the recent eclipse to view and capture the burst on the sun’s surface.

“The experience was absolutely spectacular,” Coyne said. “I’ve always wanted to see the northern lights and would love to someday plan a trip around it — but I never dreamt of seeing the aurora in Southern California. It’s been something on my bucket list for a long period of time and last night felt like a dream come true. I got to spend time with great friends and see Mother Nature at its finest. We all liked to joke around and called it bioluminescence in the sky.”

Trying to view the Northern Lights once more tonight? Inland areas are looking good for Round 2 😎💯 Coastal area viewers will have to trek north or east as low clouds will reform again this evening 😶‍🌫️More info can be found at: https://t.co/SsCy31x3YJ #CAwx pic.twitter.com/7xVniDpEwA — NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) May 11, 2024

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See northern lights photos from Joshua Tree, San Diego and other Southern California cities

Some lucky Southern California stargazers were treated to a virtually unprecedented sight this weekend when the sky turned green, pink and red as the northern lights made a rare appearance here — and there could be an encore tonight.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had announced that aurora borealis would be visible in the contiguous United States late Friday and early Saturday, as far south as Alabama to northern California.

Related: Northern lights visible in High Desert

That was enough to send some Southland residents scurrying to local mountain tops in hopes of seeing even a reduced glimpse of the famous phenomenon, which is typically seen in areas of Europe, the northern Atlantic Ocean, Canada and Alaska.

"This is absolutely unprecedented to see this in Southern California,'' photographer Mark Girardeau of Orange County Outdoors wrote on Instagram at about 1 a.m. Saturday, accompanied by a photograph taken near Mountain High in Wrightwood, high up in the San Gabriel Mountains.

"It's viewable as far south as San Diego and Mexico," Girardeau added. "It would be visible from Orange County if it weren't for the clouds."

Girardeau was joined by other local photographers including Patrick Coyne of Torrance.

"Last night absolutely felt like a dream. We had the privilege of seeing the northern lights here in Southern California!" Coyne posted, along with a video showing the dazzling display. "The geomagnetic storm had a KP index of 8, which is why we got to see it all the way down here at Mountain High. The entire sky showed this gorgeous red/pink color and you could absolutely see it with your eyes."

Riverside County residents were also able to enjoy the show and shared their images online. One person reported seeing them from Hemet and others shared pictures of the lights from Indio.

The lights were caused by an unusually strong geomagnetic storm that erupted from a sunspot cluster on the sun.

The NOAA said Saturday that "storming of extreme intensity would continue through at least Sunday," and "several CMEs (coronal mass ejections) are anticipated to merge and arrive at Earth on May 12th."

The best viewing spots to take in the phenomenon are the mountains and deserts, away from the artificial lights of densely populated areas.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told USA TODAY that peak visibility time Saturday night will be between 9 p.m. and midnight, with some chance until 2 a.m. The best views will be in dark areas away from the light pollution of cities, he said, though some reported seeing the auroras Friday night from major (bright) metro areas like Milwaukee and Detroit.

This story includes reporting by the USA TODAY NETWORK.

Walmart is shuttering 9 US locations in 2024. See the list.

• Walmart has announced closures for nine locations across five states in 2024 so far.
• The company cited financial underperformance as the reason for the decisions.
• The company plans to open or begin construction on 14 new locations this year.

Walmart will close Neighborhood Markets in Aurora, Colorado, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as a Bay Area store, bringing the number of confirmed closures so far this year to nine.

Layoff notices filed with the states of Colorado, Wisconsin, and California follow the closures earlier this year of four stores in California, one in Maryland, and one in Ohio. In those cases, the company said the stores were not meeting financial performance expectations.

"We are grateful to the customers who have given us the privilege of serving them at our San Diego and El Cajon stores," Walmart spokesperson Brian Little said in a statement to Business Insider in January. "We look forward to continuing to serve them at any of our many locations across the area, on Walmart.com, and through delivery to their home or business ."

In each case, the company said workers are eligible for transfer to another location, and Walmart will continue to operate over a dozen stores and warehouse clubs in each local market.

Walmart had over 4,600 retail locations in the US as of February, a figure that includes 3,560 supercenters, 360 discount stores, and 675 neighborhood markets. It also owns nearly 600 Sam's Club warehouses .

The company said in January it will build or up-size over 150 stores in the next five years, starting with 14 new locations this year. Four of the new locations will be in Texas, with three in the Dallas area and one near Houston, the Dallas Morning News reported.

In addition, some 650 locations will be renovated to the brand's "Store of the Future" concept.

Related stories

Last year, Business Insider tracked the closures of at least 22 Walmart locations across the US, including  four in Chicago . Financial performance was cited in those cases as well.

Here are the latest Walmart closings:

California:.

• 2121 Imperial Ave. in San Diego
• 605 Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon
• 2753 E. Eastland Center Dr. in West Covina
• 4080 Douglas Blvd in Granite Bay (Neighborhood Market)
• 40580 Albrae St. in Fremont
• 10400 E Colfax Ave. in Aurora
• 1238 Putty Hill Ave in Towson
• 3579 S. High St. in Columbus
• 7025 W Main St. in Milwaukee (Neighborhood Market)

Here are the confirmed new locations:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Atlanta (Neighborhood Market)
• U.S. Highway 98 East in Santa Rosa Beach (Neighborhood Market)
• Preston Road in Celina (Dallas area)
• 16600 FM 423 in Frisco (Dallas area)
• McKinney Street in Melissa (Dallas area)
• 8927 Fry Road in Cypress (Houston area)

8 additional locations are planned to be announced this year .

Do you work or shop at one of the Walmart stores above and want to share your thoughts? Contact reporter Dominick Reuter from a non-work email at [email protected] or call/text/Signal at 646.768.4750.

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The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

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What's your chance of seeing the northern lights tonight? A look at Saturday's forecast

Illuminating the night sky with pink, green and gray colors, the northern lights made its appearance in the United Kingdom and the northern half of the United States on Friday. The magical phenomena could happen again tonight.

The show fascinated many onlookers as they took out their phones to capture the beauty of the night sky. On Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued extreme (G5) conditions across the United States. A storm of this intensity has not been seen since October 2003. The storm gained the name "Halloween Storm" and caused many power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa, according to Earth.com .

Meteorologists have predicted that the northern lights can be visible on Saturday as well as Sunday. If you are going outside to see the northern lights, forecasters want to remind the public that their solar eclipse glasses can be used for viewing the phenomenon.

Here's what you need to know to prepare for the next viewing of the northern lights.

The northern lights: Danced across the US last night. It could happen again Saturday.

What is the cloud forecast Saturday night? Will clouds block the northern lights?

If you missed the aurora borealis Friday night, you might still catch a glimpse on Saturday or Sunday, depending on where you live. But not if clouds get in the way.

The cloud forecast for Saturday night is generally good for most of America, but some of the people who missed their chance last night due to clouds may have a similar problem Saturday, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines. Areas that are likely to be cloudy include New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as parts of the Southern Plains, including Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.

“Even just a few breaks in the clouds will allow the aurora to be visible,” Kines said. “There’s always hope.”

Peak visibility time Saturday night will be between 9 p.m. and midnight, with some chance until 2 a.m., Kines said. The best views will be in dark areas away from the light pollution of cities, he said, though some reported seeing the auroras Friday night from metro areas like Milwaukee and Detroit.

Sunday night, if there is any aurora to see, those in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic can rejoice, because Kines said the skies should be clearer.

Where can you see the northern lights tonight?

The Space and Weather Prediction Center  offers an experimental forecast map  that shows the aurora may be visible in a wide swath of the U.S. including Oregon, Nebraska, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Other states like California, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida could also see the sky light up again for an encore performance. But visibility will depend on shifting factors that include weather, pollution and cloud cover.

Below are forecast predictions for seeing the northern lights in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana on Saturday.

Rain and clouds are expected to damper expectations to see the aurora borealis around the Rochester, N.Y. area . Elsewhere in NY, the  Lower Hudson Valley could see the lights again, if weather permits. 

NWS maps predicting the intensity and location of the northern lights Saturday and Sunday show the aurora will be visible in mid to northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Saturday and Sunday are predicted to be mostly cloudy with some rain showers and isolated thunderstorms. The NWS predicted 48% to 58% sky cover in metro Detroit from 8 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. The western portion of both peninsulas are expected to have a lower cloud cover.

In the Milwaukee area , the evening is expected to bring mostly clear skies and overnight will have scattered clouds, said Tim Halbach, local meteorologist with the National Weather Service. 

Those living around the Cincinnati region could be treated to the northern lights Saturday night with the NWS' Wilmington, Ohio , office forecasting dry, partly cloudy conditions. Clouds shouldn't be an issue as many Ohioans reported seeing the lights Friday despite some cloud cover.

 In a telephone interview, Mike Bettwy, operations chief of the NOAA's  Space Weather Prediction Center  in Boulder, Co, said Indianapolis and surrounding areas might have a better chance of seeing the aurora today and Sunday.

They can expect clear skies tonight, Bettwy said.

"The aurora itself might be actually a little bit less active than it was last night," he told IndyStar. "I think the ability for you to see it will be better because the skies will be clearing out — at least in the Indianapolis area and that immediate vicinity."

Northern lights forecast path

If you want to get a better idea of if you will be able to see the northern lights from your state, check NOAA's aurora forecast tool , which has a 30-minute forecast window. 

The auroras are a natural light display in Earth's sky that are famously best seen in high-latitude regions.

Scientist left amazed by the aurora

The aurora seen on May 10 amazed Antonella Fruscione, an astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. She sent photos of the lights and the April eclipse to her friends in Italy. The northern lights weren't as prominent in Italy as it was in other places.

"And I sent them the picture that I took at the solar eclipse and I said, 'Can you imagine how fortunate I was this year, one month apart, I see these two incredible spectacles of the universe,'" she recalled telling them.

The phenomena seen Friday and possibly Saturday night isn't usual, she said.

"It's a very rare occurrence, especially because last night it was really visible," Fruscione said.

That's because the Earth's magnetic activity was at a nine, the highest the index goes, coupled with the Sun being at an active peak, causing eruptions. She added the colors cannot be predicted either as it depends on how the solar energetic particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Oxygen appears green, while nitrogen appears purple, blue or pink, she said.

"It just depends on which atoms in the atmosphere this particle interact with," Fruscione said.

She declined to predict how strong Saturday's aurora could be as it's not in her expertise, but said people make predictions all the time about space weather not just for the northern lights, but to ensure communications, space stations, astronauts and other matter in space doesn't get majorly disrupted.

Down on Earth, however, the activity is harmless to humans.

"It's completely harmless because the particles do not don't do not reach us," Fruscione said. "The reason why we see the colors is that the particle interacts with the atoms and they make these beautiful colors and that's it."

For Saturday, and any other day where chatter about the aurora borealis is high, Fruscione encouraged people to download an aurora forecasting app to their phones so they can see the colorful skies.

What are the northern lights?

The northern lights materialize when energized particles from the sun reach Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph,  according to Space.com . Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles through a process that produces a stunning display of rays, spirals and flickers that has fascinated humans for millennia.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta and Dinah Voyles Pulver , USA TODAY ; Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press ; Alex Groth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ; Contributing: Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer ; Contributing: Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle; Rockland/Westchester Journal News ; Alexandria Burris, Indianapolis Star

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X (Twitter)