There are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego. The city is one of the nicest cities in the United States. You must have heard some major tourist destination like Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Mission Beach, and La Jolla Cove. With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, beautiful weather, countless parks and gardens, major league sports, world-class museums, and an array of cool activities, San Diego it a must visit resort for people. Here, get your guide to things to do in San Diego.
Things to Do in San Diego
🐳1.San Diego Whale Watching
Whale-watching is definitely a recommended things to do in San Diego for all ages. San Diego is an ideal destination to see the Pacific Ocean's gentle giants every year from mid-December to April. Over 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000-mile round-trip journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California, where the females give birth to their calves. After spending time in warm Baja California waters so their young can grow strong, they journey north again in spring. A whale-watching trip is also a fun oceanic adventure and affords excellent views of San Diego's beautiful skyline from a different point of view.
- Departure time: By appointment
- Location: Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Cabrillo National Monument and Torrey Pines State Reserve
- Duration of tour: Three hours
- Fee: From $62.86
🐼2.San Diego Zoo
If you want to keep the whole family entertained, one of the best things to do in San Diego, California, is to visit San Diego Zoo. When you visit the San Diego Zoo, you help fund conservation efforts around the globe. Come face-to-face with polar bears, hang out with a two-toed sloth, and discover your real superpower as you explore the 100-acre wildlife park home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals, including more than 650 species and subspecies. Immerse yourself in exciting educational experiences and learn more about how your visit helps conservation efforts worldwide. Experience a fantastic day at the San Diego Zoo.
- Open: From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m
- Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Duration of tour: Full Day
- Fee: From $74
🚢3.USS Midway Museum
If you are looking for unique and cool things to do in San Diego, visit the USS Midway Museum, located in downtown San Diego and was America's longest-serving aircraft carrier during the 20th century. On top of all, you get to meet some of the many veterans who donate their time to tell you of its history and details. Visitors can visit a floating city at sea, an incredible flying deck with 29 restored aircraft and flight simulators, and be inspired by the Battle of Midway Theater, which is included with admission. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour led by Midway sailors in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French, and German. Visiting Midway is an unforgettable experience in San Diego.
- Open: 24/7 daily
- Location: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Duration of tour: 3 hours+
- Fee: From $32.00
🏊🏻4.La Jolla Cove
There are lots of things to do in San Diego, CA and visiting La Jolla Cove is highly recommend. Popular activities in La Jolla Cove include diving and snorkeling, walking along scenic cliffs, and observing the ecological reserve. You will be tempted to capture the marine as it’s full of sea lions, sea turtles & birds. The beautiful natural spot is excellent for dates, tourists, families & adventures. Catch a glimpse of migrating leopard sharks, dolphins & whales on La Jolla Cove.
- Open: 24/7 daily
- Location: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-3600
- Duration: 3 hours+
- Fee: From $32.00
🌲5.Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Hiking is one of the best things to do in San Diego. Torrey Pines is a terrific place to enjoy nature and a nice, easy walk. There are several route trails to choose from. For locals and visitors who are visiting out of town, this reserve is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking tranquility and adventure in equal measure, hiking in Torrey Pines, and enjoying sunset views. The views are unreal, especially on a sunny day. The towering Torrey pine trees and coastal vistas create a serene atmosphere perfect for reconnecting with nature. The staff is friendly and informative, providing helpful insights about the flora and fauna.
- Open: 9:00AM-5:00PM
- Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Duration of tour: Half Day
- Fee: $12.00
- Parking: $15 from Monday to Thursday, $20 from Friday to Sunday
⚾6.Petco Park
San Diego is a beautiful, vibrant city with many fun things to do all year round, and visiting Petco Park during baseball season is one of the best things to do in San Diego, CA. Petco Park is one of the top ballparks in the nation. Lower-level seats along the first or third baseline often top the list, providing a close-up perspective of the players. Besides, the Petco Park stadium is close to the sea so that you might feel the wind from the sea. There are tons of fantastic food selections and great drinks, including beer, margaritas, wine, and more. This ballpark seriously gives you the best experience.
- Open: 10:00AM-5:00PM
- Location: 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
- Duration: About an hour and a half
- Ticket: From $22.00 to $170.00
🦭7.SeaWorld San Diego
Looking for unmissable things to do in San Diego with kids? Come to SeaWorld and create an incredible experience! Advanced animal encounter reservations are highly recommended. Because Animal encounters and interactions such as Dolphin, Killer Whale, Sloth, Flamingo, Walrus, Beluga, and Penguin up-close encounter are very popular. Only at SeaWorld can you get close to those animals. You can also dive under the sea at Explorer's Reef and touch a crab, shark, or playful cleaner fish. Experience exhilarating rides, roller coasters and water rides. SeaWorld is a top-rated, all-age attraction and a must-see for any visit to San Diego.
- Open: Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00AM-6:00PM, Friday to Monday: 10:00AM-8:00PM
- Location: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
- Duration: Half day to full day
- Ticket: About $69.99
🐬8.Birch Aquarium
If you're planning things to do in San Diego this weekend, take a tour of Birch Aquarium. This small aquarium in La Jolla is more affordable than SeaWorld San Diego. Located at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, the Birch Aquarium overlooks the Pacific Ocean, from Leopard Sharks to Little Blue Penguins, come face to face with incredible animals from around the world, and here in Southern California. Explore the marine life you'll encounter during a visit to Birch Aquarium.
- Open: 9:00AM-5:00PM
- Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Fee: $29.95
🚆9. San Diego Model Railroad Museum
If you’re looking for things to do in San Diego, look no further than SDMRM! The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is one of the best gems of San Diego, with 27,000 square feet of trains, tracks, and trestles in the heart of Balboa Park. Visiting model trains in this museum is one of the best things to do in SD, and they will give you the history of the railroads in Southern California while using the models as functional displays of that history. It is also an equal attraction for three generations of families visiting the museum together!
- Open: 10:00AM-4:00PM
- Location: 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Fee: From $20.00
🍸10.Coronado Island
Coronado Island is worth visiting if you’re finding things to do in San Diego. Take a 15-minute ferry from the Broadway pier or convention center. Staying for sunset makes for a pleasant day trip from San Diego. You can walk along Orange Avenue to browse the boutiques and try great food, or head off to the waterfront to explore the dunes and lounge on the soft sand of the island’s several beaches.
- Open: 6 a.m.-Sunset
- Location: 920 Ocean Blvd.
- Duration: 2 hours to half day
- Fee: free
⛴️11.Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is named one of the top three worldwide Maritime Museums, and visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in San Diego. Many people put it on bucket lists! The Maritime Museum of San Diego is renowned worldwide for its excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship, Star of India.
- Open: 10:00AM-5:00PM
- Location: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Fee: $26.02
🌳12.Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Close to the Pacific Ocean made visiting Sunset Cliffs Natural Park one of the best things to do in San Diego, CA.Dedicated in 1983, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre resource-based park stretching along the Pacific Ocean, bordering the western edge of Point Loma. The park's topography includes intricately carved coastal bluffs, arches, and sea caves. Connect yourself with nature, Sunset Cliffs affords inspiring panoramic ocean views.
- Open: 24/7 daily
- Location: Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107
- Duration: Half day
- Ticket: Free
🎉13.Little Italy San Diego
Curious about what Little Italy offers? Exploring the food and drink of Little Italy is one of the best things to do in San Diego. Once home to San Diego's flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood with cozy patio cafés, international restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, etc. A slew of luminary chefs have gravitated to Kettner Boulevard, giving it the moniker of "Top Chef Alley" with distinctive eateries including Juniper & Ivy, Cloak & Petal, Born and Raised, The Crack Shack, Herb & Wood, and Kettner Exchange. India Street has restaurants featuring Southern and Northern Italy cuisines, including the classic Filippi's Pizza Grotto, featuring an old-fashioned Italian dining experience.
- Open: 24/7 daily
- Location: Little Italy neighborhood
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Fee: free
🏄🏻♂️14.Mission Beach
Mission Beach is one of the top San Diego beaches. Most of the action in Mission Beach centers around Belmont Park at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and West Mission Bay Drive, where you can ride the roller coaster and other amusement rides, rent a bike, play games, or grab a bite. Popular activities in Mission Beach include swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, kiteboarding, and fishing off the Mission Bay jetty. Come here and explore the best San Diego, California offers. Embrace the sunny weather with these outdoor activities in San Diego, California.
- Open: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
- Location: 2210 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Fee: free
🍰15.Old Town San Diego
Discover the vibrant array of things to do in Old Town San Diego. Old Town in San Diego offers an immersive experience that combines history, culture, and gastronomy. Whether you're interested in learning about the city's origins or simply looking for a delightful shopping and dining experience, Old Town has it all. The vibrant atmosphere and the genuine hospitality of the locals make it a must-visit destination.
- Open: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Old Town neighborhood
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Fee: free
🌊16.Potato Chip Rock
What things to do in San Diego attracts visitors, hike to Potato Chip Rock is one of them. It's an 8-mile, upper intermediate hike for the grade up and down. It is a well-maintained and heavily used route. Don't forget your water bottle, and hydration is a must year-round. Parking near the lake costs $10. The trail is also dog-friendly. Potato Chip Rock is a perfect photo spot at the summit. The trail is challenging, but you will find it's worth it with the fantastic view.
- Open: 6:00AM-5:00PM
- Location: Ramona, CA 92065
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Fee: free
🌃17. Pacific Beach
Enjoying nightlife in P.B. is one of the top things to do in San Diego for adults. Pacific Beach is one of the beaches in San Diego's Mission Bay. P.B. (as the locals call it) is a favorite spot for college students and young adults enjoying the party atmosphere, frequenting the area's restaurants and bars, and some just steps from the sand. P.B. comes alive at night, too, with the glow of bonfires and the electricity of the region's many clubs.
- Open: 24/7 daily
- Location: 2210 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Fee: free
🌅18.Balboa Park
If you are looking for some cool things to do in San Diego that are low-cost or free, explore what makes Balboa Park one of the best destinations. Balboa Park is home to world-class museums, manicured gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and it tops the list of San Diego city sights. Its 1,200 lush acres comprise the largest urban park in the United States. Besides its many attractions, Balboa Park also features lengthy walking and hiking trails, distinctive landscaping, Golden Age Spanish buildings, and one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs. The Botanical Building is an excellent starting place in the park.
- Open: 24/7 daily
- Location: 1549 El Prado Ste 4, San Diego, CA 92101
- Duration of tour: Half Day to Full Day
- Fee: Free
List of Free Things to do in San Diego
1.Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
2.Little Italy San Diego
3.Mission Beach
4.Old Town San Diego
5.Potato Chip Rock
6.Pacific Beach
7.Balboa Park
Getting around San Diego
Traveling around San Diego may be relaxing and entertaining on its own. If you want to see more of the local attractions, renting an automobile might be the best option. However, if you choose to stay in the San Diego city center or just chill along the beaches, public transportation may be the most suitable choice. Here are a few things to consider.
- Car Rental
Exploring San Diego by vehicle is a nice mode of transportation during your visit. Rent a convertible and travel to the coast, take a passenger van with all of your friends and family, or relax in a nice town car or limousine while someone else does the driving. You can rent a car at the San Diego International Airport (SAN). Besides, many car rental companies offer simple pick-up services at many San Diego hotels. Just remember to make reservations and arrangements ahead of time. Many hotel concierges also provide these services.
- San Diego Trolley
There are three trolley lines (Blue, Orange, and Green) that serve the downtown San Diego communities and beyond, covering 65 miles of double-track railway and 62 stations altogether. Adult fares on trolleys and buses are low, while children under the age of five ride free. The trolley provides easy service from key downtown destinations such as UCSD/La Jolla and the Westfield UTC shopping mall. An Old Town Trolley Tour is another enjoyable way to explore San Diego’s top attractions. The Trolley stops at eleven locations, including Old Town, Coronado Little Italy, and Balboa Park.
- Buses
A cost-effective method to get around San Diego is by bus. There are plenty of routes that offer service throughout the county. Be sure to check schedules and plan your routes in advance.
- Taxi
There are numerous taxi services operate in the San Diego region. Nonetheless, rates rely on mileage, indicating that a journey from the central city to distant areas like La Jolla can accumulate quite rapidly. If you intend to explore much of the city, renting a car is a better option. Services for ride-sharing such as Uber and Lyft are also available in San Diego.
Where to Stay in San Diego?
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Things to do in San Diego: 3-Day Itineraries
Day 1 – Morning at Balboa Park, spend the afternoon shopping the boutiques in the village or sunbathing at La Jolla Cove beach. Then eat dinner at Little Italy.
Day 2 – Morning at Liberty Station and Point Loma, head to Old Town Historic Park or Pacific Beach in the afternoon, and spend your evening in South Park.
Day 3 – Morning at the San Diego Zoo, visit Coronado at afternoon.
Things to do in San Diego: 7-Day Itineraries
Day 1 – arriving in San Diego airport, walk around San Diego’s Embarcadero and dinner around Little Italy area.
Day 2 – San Diego zoo All day via public transport
Day 3 – Sea World all day via Lyft or Uber
Day 4 – Old town trolley tour, get off at USS Midway museum for 2 -3 hrs, visit Museum of US and Fleet Science centre, via trolley tour.
Day 5 – La Jolla Cove via uber visit for 2-3 hrs , cab to Pacific Beach, spend couple of hours in the water, rent bikes and ride along broad walk from Pacific beach to Mission Beach
Day 6 – San Diego is well known for its close proximity to Tijuana, Mexico. Head to Tijuana is a perfect day trip for duty-free shopping, authentic Mexican cuisine, dog racing, arts and culture, nightlife and more.
Day 7 – Coronado Beach via uber , rent beach charis and umbrella from Coronado Del hotel spend the day, may be rent bikes and ride around the island.
Final Thoughts on Things to do in San Diego
As a first-time tourist looking for must-see attractions and activities, the 18 things to do in San Diego listed above will help you plan your trip successfully. If you’re planning a weekend visit to San Diego, I recommend staying in downtown. The great location will make it easier to conduct additional activities in San Diego. The majority of things to do in San Diego are within walking distance of downtown. Furthermore, San Diego has beautiful weather all year, so there isn’t truly an offseason. If you want to avoid heavy crowds, I recommend traveling in early March or late September to November. Additionally, you can save time and money with the multi-attraction Go San Diego card.
FAQ of Things to Do in San Diego
1.What is the number one tourist attraction in San Diego?
Balboa Park is the number one tourist attractions in San Diego, known as the “Smithsonian of the West,” this urban park is literally a world unto itself. If you could only choose one thing to do in San Diego, it should be a visit to Balboa Park.
2. What is the most visited museum in San Diego?
The San Diego Museum of Art is the most visited museum in the city, it is also the region’s oldest, largest, and most visited art museum, provides a rich and diverse cultural experience for almost 250,000 visitors annually. Ticket starts from $31.21.
3.What is the most walkable part of San Diego?
With a Walk Score of 98, the Little Italy San Diego is the most walkable area of the city. You can run most errands on foot, and there are quite a few restaurants within walking distance from most places in the community.
4.Why do tourists go to San Diego?
San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. There are 70 miles of shoreline and tons of tourist attractions and activties to explore. If you like surfing, you’ll be in heaven, if you prefer getting lost in your thoughts on a secluded sandy stretch, you’ll also be in heaven.
5.When to visit San Diego?
There are things to do in San Diego all year-round. The best time to visit San Diego is December–March, because summer and school winter holidays bring more tourists, especially at the beaches. One thing you need to know is that San Diego’s ideal climate and limitless sunshine make every day feel like a holiday. San Diego entices visitors all year with its pleasant weather, abundant natural beauty, and variety of sights and events.
