Southern California is beautiful, and one of the best cities to visit is San Diego. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or as a family, there are plenty of things to do in San Diego to keep you busy while having a great vacation. The weather in San Diego is great all year long, so you can spend time at the beach, the city’s famous zoo or some historical locations.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in San Diego so you know which attractions to prioritize during your stay.
1. San Diego Zoo
We’re starting the list with one of the most popular attractions in San Diego: the San Diego Zoo. Opened in 1916, this zoo is over 100 years old, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It’s best known for its conservation efforts and educational programs, successfully rearing and releasing many endangered species back into the wild.
The zoo not only has a rich history but it’s one of the most fun things to do in San Diego for people of all ages. The zoo is home to over 3,700 animals and 650 different species and subspecies. You can visit Panda Canyon, Koalifornia and various cageless exhibits. It also has events throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar before booking your trip.
2. Balboa Park
The San Diego Zoo is located inside Balboa Park, a must-visit destination in San Diego. This area of the city covers 1,200 acres and has beautiful gardens, world-class museums and parks. There are also walking and hiking trails in the park if you want to spend a day fully outdoors. You can also see some of the historic architecture, like the Spanish-Colonial buildings, as well as the world’s largest pipe organ.
3. San Diego Harbor
While you’re in San Diego, you can spend the day at the San Diego Harbor. The harbor is home to many different attractions, like the USS Midway Museum, one of the Navy’s oldest aircraft carriers. Or you can visit the Maritime Museum to see some of the nautical exhibits. The San Diego Harbor also houses Seaport Village, a waterfront area with live music, boutique shops and restaurants. If you’re traveling with children, they can play in the fountains at Waterfront Park.
4. Little Italy
If you’re in the mood for some authentic Italian cuisine while you’re in town, there’s no better place to visit than Little Italy. This vivacious area is packed with restaurants and patio cafés. For adults, there are also breweries, pubs and urban wineries. As you walk through the area, you’ll find small plazas with fountains and stunning views of the bay. You don’t have to choose just one place to eat, either, because you can go on a Little Italy food tour to satisfy your cravings.
5. Pacific Beach
Whether you want some fun in the water or a relaxing day at the beach, Pacific Beach in San Diego is the place to go. You can find Pacific Beach between La Jolla and Mission Beach, and it’s a popular spot to surf and hang out. You can relax in the sand or walk around the area visiting the various shops, restaurants and bars. PB also has a thriving nightlife scene if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings.
6. Old Town San Diego
For those looking to experience the history of the city, Old Town San Diego is a prime free attraction for visitors. This part of the city dates back to the 1700s and was California’s first European settlement. One of the most visited parts of this area is the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, featuring historic buildings made of adobe as well as live demonstrations of blacksmithing and other activities. You can even get to this San Diego attraction by taking one of the trolleys along Taylor Street.
7. Legoland California
Legoland California is not only a must-do in San Diego if you’re traveling with kids, but it’s a great place for adults, too. The theme park has over 60 attractions, rides and shows covering 128 acres of land. Children will have a blast embracing play at the different attractions, and adults will get a taste of nostalgia from some of their favorite childhood toys. There are different areas dedicated to different types of Lego sets, like LEGO Ninjago World and Pirate Shores, and a separate water park if you want to cool off in the summer.
8. Petco Park
Sports fans looking for stuff to do in San Diego can take a trip over to Petco Park, the San Diego Padres stadium. The park is located in the heart of downtown near the water, so you can feel the ocean breeze if you’re there during baseball season to catch a game. Or if you visit when there isn’t a Padres game, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the team and the stadium.
9. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Those looking to see some aquatic life while visiting San Diego should visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The aquarium is two stories tall and has a 70,000-gallon giant kelp forest. You can see 60 different habitats that are home to 5,000 species of fish, plus penguins, leopard sharks, turtles, seahorses and more. The aquarium hosts daily feeding demos as well as hands-on experiences. There are also art installations and underwater photography exhibits.
10. Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter in downtown is a San Diego staple, and it’s a must-visit while you’re in town. It’s a great area for adults and couples, as it has a vibrant nightlife and party scene. The Gaslamp has clubs, bars, cocktail lounges, live music, comedy clubs and more. During the day, it’s a family-friendly area with eateries, museums, shops and art galleries.
11. Liberty Station
Located near downtown San Diego, pop over to Liberty Station. Located in a historic former naval base, Liberty Station is now known for dining, shopping and more. Built in the 1920s, the area is has a lot of historic architecture spread across 28 acres of land. You’ll find hotels and a gourmet market, and you can also visit the Whaley House Museum, one of the most popular haunted houses in America. During the summer, there are outdoor movie nights and other seasonal activities.
12. Belmont Park
Belmont Park is a fun-filled attraction in San Diego that’s great for families and couples, especially if you’re planning a 3-day trip to San Diego. This park has been a popular attraction since the 1920s and has various boardwalk-style rides and activities like arcade games and mini golf. You can take a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster, play laser tag, go rock climbing and even go for a zipline ride. Belmont Park has several eateries where you can grab a bite to eat or a sweet treat.
13. San Diego Museum of Art
If you’re an art lover, the San Diego Museum of Art is a must-see attraction. The museum is located in Balboa Park and has an art collection that spans 7,000 years of history. You’ll find famous works of art from artists like Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dalí and many more. If you get hungry while walking around the museum, stop for a meal and an exhibit-themed cocktail and enjoy some live music at Panama 66, a restaurant located in the museum’s sculpture court.. There are also live workshops as well as special events throughout the year.
14. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Do some sightseeing in San Diego at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — the perfect location for a day of tranquil outdoor experiences. The park has a network of nature trails along the cliffs that give you breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. As the name suggests, Sunset Cliffs is the ideal spot for taking in the sunset after a day of exploring.
15. Cabrillo National Monument
Get a taste of history by visiting the Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego. This monument was built in honor of Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who led an expedition to the U.S. West Coast in 1542. The monument’s visitor center allows you to learn more about Cabrillo as well as the people native to the area when Cabrillo and his crew arrived. You’ll have incredible views of the San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean, and can also explore the Point Loma Lighthouse just a few steps away.
16. Torrey Pines State Park
Torrey Pines State Park is a wonderful attraction in San Diego to visit during your stay if you’re looking for somewhere to take in some scenery. The park covers 1,500 acres of land, and there’s plenty to do if you enjoy the outdoors — namely hiking trails along oceanfront bluffs that allow you to view some of the rarest pine trees in America, the incredible Torrey pine.
17. Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is about 30 miles north of the zoo in the San Pasqual Valley. The park is 1,800 acres and home to 430 species of animals. You’ll feel like you’re on a real safari as you see herds of rhinos, giraffes, zebras and more. Many of the safaris are for ages 3 and up, so it makes for an adventurous day for families with kids of all ages. There are a variety of safaris like the Sun Up Cheetah Safari, Behind-the-Scenes Safari, and even a Flightline Safari, where you can zipline as high as 130 feet above the ground.
18. Japanese Friendship Garden
One of the most beautiful areas to visit while at Balboa Park is the Japanese Friendship Garden. The garden covers 12 acres and was built to represent the friendship between the Japanese city of Yokohama and San Diego. The garden is home to more than 200 cherry trees and several small ponds that are great places to sit, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the area. There are also weekend classes for meditation and calligraphy, and if you visit in March, you can attend the Cherry Blossom Festival.
19. La Jolla Cove and Cave Snorkel Tour
If you enjoy adventure and experiences that you’ll remember for a lifetime, consider booking a La Jolla Cove and Cave Snorkel Tour. La Jolla Water Sports hosts this guided tour, and it’s great for anyone 13 or older. The tour is two to three hours, with roughly one hour of snorkeling in the water. You’ll see sea creatures, underwater rock formations and stunning caves.
20. GoCar Tour
San Diego is known for its incredible weather, which makes it the perfect city to take a two-hour GoCar tour through downtown and Old Town. GoCars are convertible two-seaters that allow you to have the Pacific Ocean breeze in your hair while you visit some of the city’s most popular points of interest. The tour will take you by the ships in the bay to Gaslamp Quarter and beautiful Mission Hills. You’ll also visit historic Fort Stockton and learn more about the city’s history in Old Town San Diego.
21. Gaslamp Quarter True Crime Tour
True Crime fans will have a great time doing the true crime tour in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. The tour takes you through a variety of areas in the Gaslamp so you can learn about the darker parts of its history. The tour offers a time-traveling experience as you learn about crimes from the 1920s and the following decade. The tour also makes a stop at a haunted hotel along the way. Due to the graphic nature of the tour’s stories, you must be 13 or older to attend.
22. Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise
If you’re visiting San Diego, you can spend an evening out on the water with this dolphin and whale-watching cruise that takes place around sunset. This is a gorgeous setting to see the ocean wildlife playing in the water while learning more about the aquatic life in the area. A friendly and experienced crew provides travelers with an unforgettable time out at sea while you enjoy an incredible San Diego sunset in the backdrop. This cruise is the perfect experience for couples as well as families.
23. San Diego Air and Space Museum
The San Diego Air and Space Museum has been around since the early 1960s and is one of the best aerospace museums in the United States. Located in Balboa Park, the museum is home to an extensive collection of historic aircraft, like the Ford Trimotor and the Apollo 9 command module, and educational activities for all ages. You’ll learn about different aspects of space exploration and aviation while seeing some unique artifacts you won’t find anywhere else.
Get Big Savings on Your San Diego Trip
If you’re planning on booking a trip to San Diego, you can save some money and get additional perks by signing up for a AAA membership. AAA has provided members with peace of mind and great traveling experiences for over 100 years. Not only do you receive roadside services as part of your membership, but you can get discounts on hotels, shopping, dining and much more.