Affiliate Ad Disclosure: We’re reader-supported. When you buy via our links, we earn commissions. Learn more.
The 48 Best Things to Do in San Diego (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in San Diego | Sites & Attractions | Beaches & Areas | Free Stuff | Fun & Unique
I’m a local here to guide you through what to do in San Diego. This mega list includes the best activities, popular attractions, free & cheap experiences, and hidden gems that locals love.
And, of course, I’ve also included the incredible beaches the city is so well-known for. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident craving new experiences, America’s Finest City is sure to capture your heart. Use this and my guide on where to stay in San Diego to plan your ideal trip.
Best Things to Do in San Diego
San Diego Zoo
Visit one of the largest, top-rated zoos in the world.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 231-1515 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: $78 adult, $68 child (ages 3-11) | 👉 Buy San Diego Zoo Tickets
The world-famous San Diego Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the world. Once you step inside, you’ll understand why it’s the city’s #1 attraction.
The San Diego Zoo is located in the heart of the city at Balboa Park. But coming here will make you feel like you’re strolling through the African desert with elephants or hanging out with the koalas down under. You can get a bird’s eye view of it all from the Skyfari Aerial Tram, a lift that transports you from one side of the park to another.
In addition to purchasing tickets for the San Diego Zoo, be sure to also get Safari Park tickets. It is inland from the city and an offshoot of the main zoo. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is really special because you can actually take open-air truck safaris through the animals’ spacious enclosures.
Sunset Sail Tour
Float serenely on the water while watching the sunset and admiring the city skyline.
My friend and I on a sunset cruise with expansive views of the city skyline
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: $109 per person | 👉 Book a Sunset Sailing Experience on San Diego Bay
This sunset sailing tour is one of the best tours I’ve been on! On it, you’ll float serenely on the water, which is an unbeatable spot to watch one of San Diego’s famous sunsets. You’ll also have a unique perspective of the city skyline and one of its most recognizable landmarks, the Coronado Bridge.
On my tour, we saw tons of basking seals and sea lions, as well as a surprise pod of dolphins in the bay! Because there are only a few people on the boat, the experience feels intimate and is an unforgettable adventure that showcases the best of San Diego.
La Jolla Cove
Explore hidden sea caves and search for elusive marine life.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse La Jolla Adventure Tours on Viator
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most scenic coastal areas. Come here to explore La Jolla Cove, a protected marine habitat for tons of wildlife including playful sea lions, seabirds, fish, and even sea turtles.
I highly recommend booking either a kayak tour or this snorkeling tour to discover why this is one of the best things to do in La Jolla. Explore the hidden sea caves and search for elusive marine life in otherworldly kelp forests. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a friendly leopard shark or two!
👉 Fun Fact: The orange fish found in the cove, called Garibaldi, is the state fish of California. It also inspired the fish in La Jolla resident Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat. See if you can spot anything else in La Jolla that appears in his stories!
Whale Watching
Go on a cruise to spot grey whales in winter and spring or blue whales in summer and fall.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Whale Watching Tours on Viator
San Diego is a prime place to go whale watching as it’s right on the path of grey and blue whales migrating to and from Mexico.
We’re lucky enough to have whales off of San Diego almost year-round with the grey whale migration in winter and spring and blue whales in summer and fall. If you pay close attention, you can even see their water spouting while standing on the shore!
I recommend getting a closer view of the giant animals, and the best way to do that is by taking a whale-watching tour. This highly-rated tour guarantees whale sightings, and you’re likely to spot sea lions and dolphins on it, too.
Balboa Park
Explore a 1,200-acre park full of museums, galleries, and gardens.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 239-0512 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours daily | 👉 Book a Balboa Park Highlights Tour
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre park that contains a whole Spanish-style village of museums, galleries, and gardens. Many of its iconic architectural landmarks sprung up for the Panama-California Exposition in celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal.
You could easily spend days exploring here, but this local-led Balboa Park highlights tour will help you get your bearings and learn about the park’s history.
My favorite spots in the park are the serene Spanish-inspired Alcazar garden, the lily pond in front of the domed botanical garden building, and the colorful Spanish Village Art Center. The building is as much a piece of art as the collection of art galleries within.
Point Loma
Visit the best place to watch the sunset in the city.
The Point Loma peninsula juts out into the Pacific Ocean, separating Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Although it’s small, there are tons of things to see in the neighborhood, including the rugged Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. This is widely considered the best place to watch the sunset in the city.
Point Loma also boasts the Cabrillo National Monument, which pays tribute to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot in California.
The Cabrillo National Monument also offers spectacular views of the bay and the San Diego skyline. Just past the monument lies the picturesque Point Loma Lighthouse and tide pools, where you can hunt for hidden sea life.
Old Town San Diego
Wander around San Diego’s oldest town and the first European settlement in California.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 228-9340 | Website | 👉 Browse Old Town San Diego Tours on Viator
As you might have guessed from the name, Old Town San Diego is indeed San Diego’s oldest town. It was also the first European settlement in California.
Located in the center of San Diego, the quaint streets and Spanish-style architecture will transport you to 1769, where you can take in some Hispanic culture, art, and food.
For the best experience, book this Old Town food & drink walking tour, where you’ll eat tacos and drink tequila while learning about the area’s haunts and history. Love the paranormal? Be sure to keep your eye out for Old Town’s famous ghosts, especially near the infamously haunted Whaley House.
And if you’d like another unique way to explore Old Town San Diego, check out my entry on San Diego GoCars below!
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A preserved piece of San Diego’s natural beauty that contains some of the last remaining undeveloped California coastline in the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 755-2063 | Website | Hours: Gates open 7:15 am – Sunset daily | Entrance: Parking costs $15 weekdays, $25 weekends & holidays
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve lies just north of La Jolla and showcases San Diego’s natural beauty. It contains some of the last remaining undeveloped coastline in the city.
The reserve is full of incredible clifftop views of the Pacific and hiking trails that give you a sense of what the San Diego chaparral must have looked like before it was settled.
If hiking isn’t accessible to you or you want to experience the views without hiking, you can also drive into the reserve and take in the views just off the central parking lot.
Embarcadero Museums
Learn about the city’s maritime history at two phenomenal museums.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 544-9600 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance (Midway Museum): $39-$41, adults, $29-$31 youth (ages 4-12)
The Embarcadero is a walkway that runs along the San Diego harbor near downtown. It showcases the naval and maritime history of San Diego at two awesome museums.
The USS Midway Museum consists of 10 acres worth of exhibits and 30 restored aircraft all housed on a retired aircraft carrier ship harbored at the Navy Pier. The Maritime Museum of San Diego docks and displays its collection of restored historic ships, the most famous of which is the Star of India, the world’s oldest operating ship.
While wandering the harborfront, you’ll also find Seaport Village, a colorful assortment of shops and seafood restaurants looking out over the harbor.
Sites & Attractions in San Diego
Balboa Park Museums
Visit Balboa Park’s 17 museums and cultural centers, which satisfy everyone from gem aficionados to miniature train enthusiasts.
📍 Google Maps (San Diego Natural History Museum) | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
Besides beautiful scenery and architecture, Balboa Park also contains 17 museums and cultural centers. My personal favorite is the Fleet Science Center, which sparked my love of science as a kid.
The San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the Japanese Friendship Garden are also great stops.
👉 Pro Tip: Want to hit multiple museums in San Diego? Consider purchasing a Balboa Park Explorer Pass for discounts.
Belmont Park
Have a fun day out at a historic amusement park in Mission Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 488-1549 | Website | Hours (change seasonally, check website): Generally 11 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $16-60 ticket bundles, $49.95 ride & play pass
Belmont Park is a historic amusement park in the Mission Beach neighborhood that was built by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels back in 1925.
Belmont Park has tons of character, especially with its iconic old wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper. At the top of the roller coaster, you can take in the views of Mission Beach and Mission Bay. The amusement park also has a boardwalk with restaurants, rides, an arcade, and shops, so you can easily spend the day here.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Check out 37-acres of rare, native, and foreign plant species.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 436-3036 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Wed-Mon; closed Tues | Entrance: $20 adults, $12 youth (3-17), free kids under 3
The San Diego Botanic Garden is located in Encinitas, about 40 minutes north of San Diego proper. But it’s well worth the drive! This garden boasts 37 acres worth of rare, native, and foreign plant species.
Walking through the gardens will transport you from a desert to a lush tropical forest in minutes.You will leave feeling refreshed after spending time amid so much greenery and vibrant colors. It’s definitely one of the best Encinitas activities.
Looking for things to do on a weekend visit? Check out San Diego Botanic Garden’s program calendar to take classes like open air yoga, or try a folk herbal medicine workshop.
Birch Aquarium
Visit the aquarium that celebrates San Diego’s unique marine life and its habitat.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 534-3474 | Website | Hours (change seasonally, check website): 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat; 9 am – 7 pm Sun | Entrance: $34.95 adult, $29.95 youth (3-12) when booked online
Mix fun and science with a visit to the Birch Aquarium, which is the education and outreach center for the world-renowned research institution, Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
The aquarium celebrates and educates visitors on San Diego’s unique marine life and habitat. You’ll find exhibits such as a two-story kelp forest, a tank with leopard sharks, and outdoor interactive pools.
The aquarium is perched atop a tall cliff in La Jolla that looks out over the Pacific Ocean. This makes it hard to decide if the highlight of the aquarium is the inside or outside!
Legoland
Embrace your inner child at a park constructed almost entirely of legos.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 690-5346 | Website | Hours (change seasonally): 10 am – 7 pm Wed-Sat; 10 am – 6 pm Sun-Tue | Entrance: $69+ Legoland Park, $109+ 2-Day Resort Hopper | 👉 Buy Legoland Admission Tickets
Legoland is awesome for anyone with kids or those who just want to unleash their inner child for the day! The park is constructed almost entirely of Legos, which makes wandering around feel like a fun adventure.
Legoland contains a variety of rides, interactive activities (including building with Legos, of course), and a water park. You can usually get a discount for buying your Legoland tickets online.
💰 Money-Saving Tip: Planning to visit Legoland and other big attractions? I highly recommend purchasing a CityPASS so you can save money on all of the entrance costs. The pass includes admission to Legoland, as well as other attractions of your choosing like the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Old Trolley Tours and more!
The Old Globe Theatre
Catch a show at this venue known for its award-winning performances.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 234-5623 | Website
The Old Globe Theatre is located in Balboa Park and is modeled after Shakespeare’s Old Globe in London. The beautiful theater is an attraction on its own, but the highlight is what happens inside.
The venue is known for hosting award-winning performances. Many have even gone on to Broadway and received Tony awards. Seeing Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas at The Old Globe Theatre as a kid is one of my favorite memories to this day.
Mount Soledad Memorial Park
Watch the sunset from this memorial honoring all veterans.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 459-2314 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Veterans Memorial at Mount Soledad Memorial Park is one of the most unique in the country. It honors all veterans, both living and deceased, starting from the Revolutionary War up until the present. It’s emotionally moving to see all of the names and portraits carved into a wall.
The monument sits atop a hill in La Jolla. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the city, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla Shores, making this a wonderful place for sunset watching.
Carlsbad Flower Fields
Visit a 50-acre flower garden that transforms an entire hillside into a vibrant explosion of color.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 431-0352 | Website | Hours: Open March-May | Entrance: $17 adult, $17 seniors and military, $7 child (ages 3-10), free for children under 3
The Carlsbad Flower Fields are a perfect place to visit if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wander through a physical rainbow!
For the last 60 years, the 50-acre flower garden has transformed an entire hillside into a vibrant explosion of color created by Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. I think it is really a breathtaking sight and the perfect place to celebrate springtime in San Diego.
The fields are only open in spring from March to May, so make sure to check the website for updates before you go.
👉 Read Next: 43 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad (By a Local)
Barona Cultural Center and Museum
Visit this museum that interprets and shares the rich culture and history of the Kumeyaay and their land.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 443-7003 ext. 219 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Wed-Fri; 10 am – 4 pm Sat; Closed Sun-Tue | Entrance: Free
Long before the Spanish began colonizing what is now San Diego, the region was inhabited by the Kumeyaay people, called Diegueños by the Spaniards.
Located in East County, Barona Cultural Center interprets and shares the rich culture and history of the Kumeyaay and their land. It’s the first museum on a San Diego reservation and it’s well worth the visit.
This is an awesome way to learn about this important history, as well as support the Center’s efforts to preserve and share the Kumeyaay culture and way of life.
Presidio Park
Check out the first European settlement and mission in what is now the Western United States.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 232-6203 | Website
Presidio Park, officially El Presidio Real de San Diego, was established in 1769. It was the first European settlement and mission in what is now the Western United States. The fort served as the base for the Spanish conquest of California until Presidio Hill was eventually abandoned.
The historic park was restored by a private owner in 1925, who also founded the Junipero Serra Museum and constructed new buildings in the Spanish Revival style. Nowadays, the park is a gorgeous setting to stroll through and enjoy a beautiful San Diego day.
Old Poway Park
Relax and ride a train in this picturesque outdoor area.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 668-4576 | Website | Hours: Sunrise – Sunset daily | Entrance (Train Ride): $4-$5, adults, $2, youth, Free for kids 3 and under
The Old Poway Park is a picturesque outdoor area with grassy fields, shaded trees, meandering pathways, and historic buildings. I had my family photos and high school graduation photos taken here because it’s so lovely!
On weekends, Old Poway Park will transport you to 20th-century Poway with a ride on the historic Poway Midland Railroad.
Liberty Station
Check out the galleries, shops, events, and small museums in this trendy commercial center.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 302-0888 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily
Liberty Station was once a naval training and housing center, but it’s been converted into a trendy commercial center with galleries, shops, events, and even small museums.
One of the main attractions in Liberty Station is the Liberty Public Market. This large space contains a collection of food, cocktails, breweries, art, and shops.
Best Beaches & Areas
La Jolla Coast and Beaches
Spend your days on a long, sandy beach perfect for lounging in the sun or surfing.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book an Electric Bike Tour of La Jolla and Pacific Beach on Viator
Several of San Diego’s top beaches are located right in La Jolla, so this is an area that should be on every beach lover’s itinerary. Even if you don’t want to get wet snorkeling or kayaking in La Jolla Cove, there’s still plenty to see and do here.
La Jolla Shores is a long, sandy beach perfect for a day of lounging in the sun or surfing. If you decide to book a hotel in La Jolla, this is the area you’ll most likely want to be. Head south towards the cove, where the coast becomes more rugged, cliffy, and full of wildlife.
Have a picnic overlooking the cliffs at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Keep going south a few blocks to check out the La Jolla Children’s Pool Beach, where a concrete wall creates a protected swimming area and a favorite sea lion hangout.
If you have limited time, consider booking this electric bike tour to see the most picturesque parts of La Jolla along with its neighbor to the south, Pacific Beach.
Pacific Beach
A beachy neighborhood with surf shops, laid-back eateries, and an assortment of quirky bars.
Pacific Beach, locally known as “PB,” is one of the most popular San Diego beach towns. It embodies all things San Diego with numerous surf shops, laid-back eateries, and an assortment of quirky bars, most of which are beach or surf-themed.
The beachy neighborhood is mostly claimed by local college students and recent graduates — many of whom head to the beach during the day and then (maybe) put on a shirt and some shoes and hit the bars in the evening.
If you’re looking for some rowdy San Diego nightlife where flip-flops are encouraged, PB is the place for you. Hungry? Head to Oscar’s Mexican Seafood to sample some mouthwatering tacos.
The Gaslamp Quarter
This popular downtown area has a unique mix of skyscrapers and historical Victorian-style buildings with trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Gaslamp Quarter Tours on Viator
The historic Gaslamp Quarter was the second of San Diego’s neighborhoods to be developed after Old Town San Diego. It was named for its ahead-of-the-times 50 gas lamps that lit the streets.
Now the downtown area is a unique mixture of skyscrapers and historic Victorian-style buildings. Here, you’ll find trendy restaurants, clubs, and bars that explode to life in the evenings.
It’s the best place for people who want to explore the city’s nightlife scene. Personally, I think the perfect way to get introduced to it is on this food and drink tour, where you’ll sample bites at the area’s top bars and restaurants while learning about some of the neighborhood’s seedy history.
Little Italy
Eat your way through this walkable area full of restaurants, bars, music venues, and boutiques.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a Little Italy Food Tour on Viator
Travel to Italy without leaving San Diego County. Little Italy is part of downtown San Diego and is a vibrant, walkable area full of trendy restaurants, bars, music venues, and boutiques.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market takes over the streets. Expect a wide variety of fresh produce and local vendors if you visit during these days.
One of the best things to do in Little Italy is – you guessed it – eat! That’s why I think foodies will get a lot out of this highly-rated taste of Little Italy food tour. Your guide will bring you only to the best local spots, so you’re guaranteed to avoid tourist traps and taste only the good stuff.
Tijuana Day Trip
Experience Mexican culture, food, and cheap beer on an easy day trip from San Diego.
📍 Google Maps | Website |👉 Book a Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego on Viator
Tijuana is one of my favorite day trips from San Diego and a compelling option to add to your itinerary! Venture across the border into the bustling and vibrant city to experience Mexican culture, and indulge in great food and cheap beer.
Not sure you’re up for doing this solo? Check out this highly-reviewed day tour to Tijuana for a fun, guided experience that relieves you of the planning and hassle.
On the tour, you’ll learn about the city’s history, see some cultural attractions, have a tequila tasting, and a traditional Mexican lunch. It’s a wonderful value!
Windansea Beach
Enjoy the sand and rocky cliffs at this unique beach just south of downtown La Jolla.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Windansea is a stretch of coast just south of downtown La Jolla. It’s known for its unique mix of sandy beach and rocky cliffs, both of which make for some beautiful scenery.
During low tide, sunbathe on the sandy beach. At high tide, the waves will dramatically slam into the rocks.
Don’t miss the iconic Windansea Surf Shack. It might just look like 4 pillars with a thatched roof perched on a rock, but it’s actually one of the oldest and most well-known landmarks in San Diego. The hut was constructed in 1946 and has been destroyed a couple of times by storms and fire, but it still stands proud today.
Coronado Island
A resort town just off the coast with sandy beaches, boutique shops, and restaurants.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Coronado Island is a resort town that lies just off the coast. Despite the name, it’s technically a peninsula, and the beautiful sandy beaches on the west side draw surfers and beach-goers. The town contains tons of boutique shops and restaurants.
Coronado is also the home of the famous Victorian Hotel Del Coronado, which was established in 1888 and is still a top attraction, both for dining and sleeping.
Del Mar
A charming San Diego village with a European feel and lots of small shops and restaurants.
Del Mar is a charming seaside village with beautiful beaches that call for a day spent lounging by the ocean. The town is quaint and filled with small shops and restaurants. It has a unique German-mountain-village-meets-beach-town vibe that only adds to its appeal.
I love grabbing a coffee or a smoothie and sitting on a bench in Powerhouse Park. It’s perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. It’s the perfect place to try spotting passing whales and dolphins in the distance.
Free & Cheap Stuff to Do in San Diego
In addition to these fun activities, you can bookmark my full guide on free things to do in San Diego for more budget-friendly ideas.
Hiking
Stretch your legs by tackling some of San Diego’s best routes.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Slot Canyon Hike on Viator
You’ll find a ton of great hikes in and around San Diego. Here are a few of my favorites that I always recommend:
- Annie’s Canyon: A trail in Solana Beach bordering a wetland that features an awesome slot canyon, the length of which depends on your starting point.
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: One of the many hikes in the reserve is the 3.3-mile-long Torrey Pines State Beach and Broken Hill Trail Loop, which showcases the beautiful La Jolla scenery.
- Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail: A 7.3-mile hike and one of San Diego’s most photographed hiking destinations because of the famous potato-chip-like rock that juts into the air.
These are just a few options, but they do require some planning. If you’d prefer to have someone do the planning for you, book this guided slot canyon hike. This semi-strenuous hike will bring you through a canyon and down a sandy beach with incredible views.
Ocean Beach Farmers Market
An evening farmers market that sells the usual market fare and has a ton of interactive events and performances.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 224-4906 Website | Hours: 4 pm – 8:30 pm Wed; Closed Thurs-Tues
The Ocean Beach (OB) farmers market is unlike any farmers market I’ve been to. It fully embraces the hippie vibes of the neighborhood and consists of a couple of blocks filled with stands selling food, produce, and arts and crafts.
What makes it unique is that it starts in the late afternoon/evening. Though it ends at 8:00 pm, the party often continues down at the boardwalk where performers dance, sing, fire toss, and make art. It’s a super fun place to grab dinner and catch some entertainment on Wednesdays!
Stand Up Paddle Board in Mission Bay
Test your balance on a paddleboard adventure in San Diego’s Mission Bay.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of my favorite activities in San Diego because you can get out on the water without getting wet (unless you struggle with balance like I do). This makes it a great year-round water activity.
There are tons of places to paddle, but one of my favorites is Mission Bay. Here, you can peruse the sailboats and yachts and check out the seals lounging on the docks. Plus, there are quite a few sandy beaches around the bay that you can stop at and hang out on.
Mission Bay has plenty of places where you can launch, but a few of my favorites are Ventura Cove, Santa Clara Point, and Crown Point Shores. Need a paddle board? No worries; you can rent one from SUP California.
Sunset Trivia
Compete in a fierce game of trivia at one of the events around the city.
🌐 Website
Grab a group of friends or family members and embrace your competitive spirit at a local trivia night! Sunset Trivia hosts the free game night at various bars around San Diego almost every evening of the week.
Winners even get a gift card prize to whatever establishment they’re at. If your team is extra brilliant, you may even get a chance to compete in the winner’s tournament. Check Sunset Trivia’s website to find times and locations.
Outdoor Yoga Class
Experience the great outdoors by taking a yoga class.
🌐 Website
What better way to celebrate San Diego’s many incredible outdoor locations than a serene yoga session? Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a beginner, you’ll be welcome in one of these drop-in classes.
Classes happen all over the city, some on the beach or in a park. Check out this meetup page to find a location that works for you.
Volunteer for a Beach or Community Cleanup
Give back to the community by participating in an organized cleanup.
🌐 Website
If you love San Diego as much as I do, you might be interested in giving back by keeping it clean. Volunteering is also a great way to connect with the community and feel good about taking care of this city and its beautiful beaches.
Check out this awesome organization where you can find local cleanups or plan your own!
Fun & Unique San Diego Activities
San Diego Padres at Petco Park
Cheer on the Padres baseball team at this energetic stadium.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 795-5555 | Website | 👉 Book a Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park Tour on Viator
Checking out a Padres game at Petco Park is great, whether you’re a baseball fan or just want to experience the high energy and quality stadium food.
I like to describe Petco Park as a baseball stadium for people who don’t like baseball. There are so many restaurants, beverage stations, and activities to do inside, including a nightclub! Check the game schedule here to plan ahead.
Want to get behind the scenes? Book a Petco Park tour to see the park from angles only players and staff see.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Hop on a trolley and see all of San Diego’s top attractions in one day.
📍 Google Maps| Phone: (619) 298-8687 | Website | 👉 Book Your Trolley Tour on Viator
San Diego’s vintage trolley is a fun and unique way to get around the downtown and Old Town San Diego areas. If you book a one or two-day tour, you can hit many of the San Diego attractions mentioned in this post.
During the tour, a guide will tell you about the history and interesting facts about each destination. This is a great way to start your visit!
Boating in San Diego Bay
Take a tour or rent a boat to get out on the San Diego Bay for an afternoon.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a San Diego Harbor Cruise on Viator
The San Diego Bay is a well-known destination for boating. When the conditions are right, it fills with boaters living their best Southern California lives. There are a few options for getting out on the bay, but I recommend taking a tour with a local company.
Flagship’s highly-rated San Diego Harbor Cruise has multiple daily sailings to choose from. You’ll get to see lots of San Diego landmarks along the way, including sweeping vistas of the San Diego skyline, the iconic Coronado Bridge, and the harbor where the restored historic naval ships are docked.
For a unique experience, try this Nighttime Pedal Boat Rental, which is ideal for both families and couples wanting to see twinkling city lights from the water at night.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Fly above the San Diego cliffs and beach by tandem paragliding with a pro.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 452-9858 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily
If you’re a thrill-seeker, check out paragliding at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, where you can take classes or go on a tandem glide with a pro. The Gliderport sits atop the Torrey Pines cliffs, and once you take to the air, you’ll get a breathtaking view above the cliffs and over the beach.
If you’re more risk-averse, it’s still a pretty incredible sight to see all the high-fliers swooping around above the cliffs, especially near sunset.
Humphrey’s Concerts By the Bay
Watch a musical performance at this open-air San Diego venue.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 745-3000 | Website
Humphrey’s By the Bay is a beloved open-air venue on Shelter Island in the heart of San Diego Bay. The stage lies right next to the marina, making for spectacular sunset shows. The theater hosts a wide variety of musicians and comedy shows from April through October.
👉 Local secret: If your favorite artist is sold out, grab a kayak or a paddleboard and float up to the edge of the theater where you can still get great views of the stage.
The Rady Shell
San Diego’s newest concert venue hosts large-scale acts right on the water.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 235-0804 | Website
The Shell is not only a concert venue — it’s San Diego’s newest waterfront community space. Opened in 2021, this venue hosts everything from famous musical acts to outdoor group yoga. It’s also the new home of the San Diego Symphony, who perform here throughout the summer.
Terraced seating ensures that all visitors have an unobstructed view. This is one of the best concert venues in the city, and it’s perfect for waterfront shows.
Microbrewery Tour
With over 150 microbreweries in San Diego, you’ll have more than enough options for sampling the best brews in the city.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a San Diego Brewery Tour on Get Your Guide
San Diego is the self-proclaimed craft beer capital of the United States, and it’s tough to dispute that title. You’ll find over 150 microbreweries in San Diego. The city is the birthplace of the hoppy West Coast IPA.
You can spend countless weekends trying to hit all of San Diego’s awesome beer halls. For a condensed sample, check out my guide to the best breweries in San Diego and try a few that interest you! Or leave the planning to a local guide, and try out this San Diego brewery tour.
Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride
Get a unique vantage point of San Diego by going up in a hot air balloon.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 704-7407 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Rides start at $325/person
Floating high above Del Mar in a hot air balloon is undeniably the best way you can take in the views of America’s Finest City. Compass Balloons helps you do just this. Go in the evening to watch one of San Diego’s world-renowned sunsets.
As a little kid, I used to watch excitedly for all of the balloons taking to the sky in late afternoons. So, in my opinion, this is one of the most iconic and romantic San Diego activities.
GoCar Tour of Downtown San Diego
See San Diego your way with one of these fun GoCar tours.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a GoCar Tour on FareHarbor
Tour San Diego in style… in your very own GoCar! These tiny cars act as both vehicles and tour guides. They will lead you on a 2-hour sightseeing route that covers both downtown San Diego and Old Town San Diego, with speakers that tell you stories and facts about each place you visit.
South Bay Drive-In Theater
Watch a movie under the stars at San Diego’s drive-in movie theater.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 423-2727 | Website | Entrance: $10 adult, $1 child (ages 5-9), free under 5
Put a fun spin on a typical dinner-and-a-movie night at the South Bay Drive-In! This works perfectly well in a normal car, but people get pretty creative with their setups, like putting a blow-up mattress in a truck bed, for example. Movies are shown every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Belly Up Tavern
Go to a concert at this staple 600-capacity San Diego music venue.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 481-8140 | Website
The Belly Up Tavern has been a staple San Diego music venue since the ‘70s and is still popular for its intimate and casual atmosphere. Located in Solana Beach, the venue holds about 600 people. It has a mixture of seating and standing room, and serves beer and some bar food.
Belly Up Tavern has live music almost every night and features a wide variety of artists and genres that you can check out here.
Kobey’s Swap Meet
Search for treasures at this massive San Diego flea market.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 226-0650 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 3 pm Fri-Sun | Entrance: $1 Fri, $3 Sat & Sun, Free 11 years and under
If you love thrifting, rummaging at garage sales, or just hunting for a good deal, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Kobey Swap Meet.
The flea market takes up the entire San Diego Sports arena, so be prepared to get happily lost in a maze of vintage furniture, unique art, second-hand clothes, and jewelry stands.
Unlike many flea markets that are only open for a day, the Kobey Swap Meet happens every Friday through Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm. People can get pretty excited and competitive, so get there early before the best items get picked off, and make sure to bring cash as some vendors don’t accept credit cards.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Harvest your own buckets of some of the sweetest strawberries you’ll ever taste.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 603-9608 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (strawberry season in summer; check website for dates)
Summer is one of the best times to visit San Diego for the beaches… but also for strawberry picking! The Carlsbad Strawberry Company, a family-owned business and staple of Carlsbad, allows visitors to come and harvest their own buckets of some of the sweetest strawberries you’ll ever taste.
The strawberry season ends in late summer. However, there are other events and attractions year-round, including a pumpkin patch, an open-air market, and festivities. Check the events calendar to see what’s coming up!
***
I hope I helped you figure out some of the best things to do in San Diego! What are you most excited to check out? Leave me a comment if you have a question or to share your favorite experience or attraction.
Have limited time in the city? Up next, check out my itinerary for one day in San Diego to learn how to maximize your time.
Need to elaborate more on place, routes,and adventures on biking(bicycles). Preferably not busy street. Yes, there is the boardwalk, Mission bay, the Strand, Coronado, and some of the Riverwalk. Would like to see challenging, but also casual, fun and somewhat scenic. San Diego has perfect weather for it. Maybe some hidden secret routes. Ty
Thank you so much for all the information. I’ve been coming to SD for years and have only accomplished half of your list. Now that I’m a traveling wife(husband is work down here), I’ll get to enjoy the rest of your list. Stay blessed.
Friend and I are looking for things to do in the days after doing Comic Con and this list is great and varied! Do any of the beaches around the area have sea-glass washing up there? It seems to be something that doesn’t really wash up here in the UK, we get fossils instead. 🙂
I was fortunate to live near San Diego for a short time and I absolutely loved everything about it. It was the first time I had seen the ocean (I’m from Nebraska). I miss it all the time, the Carlsbad strawberries have ruined any other strawberries, there is nothing like those. The La Jolla tide pools was a favorite spot as well. So many wonderful things to do and see.
good article
Thanks!
A lot of information here. We are visiting in April 2023 and I made some notes on where to go.
🙏 thank you
Well done Ashleigh! All great suggestions on what to do in San Diego for a day! There’s still so much to do as always but these are definitely the highlights.
This is a fantastic list, great job!
Thanks for some insight from a local. You posted lots of hidden gems I wouldn’t have even known about if not for this site.
Amazing list! Absolutely nailed it. I just thought of 2 more. “Cruising Grand” is Econdido’s car show that goes on all summer long and also any of our festivals from taco and beer fest to gator by the bay there is almost always one going on.
Love and appreciate this list! It’s unfortunate people can’t be happy for suggestions instead of arguing YOUR opinion and recommendations!
Agreed!!!!! Great list, thanks for the recommendations and the effort that went into this!!!
Great job on this article! Love it
Thanks for sharing Ashleigh! The possibilities. I love it.
Sunset cliffs should be on this list as well.
Sunset Cliffs is mentioned where it talks about watching the sunset at Point Loma if you read all of it.
What about Scripps “Bowing Turd” sculpture?
Just kidding but the history is hysterical.
Sorry, I somehow missed your entry about Cabrillo. Thank you for having included that, I apologize for accusing you of leaving that out. But I still feel you glossed over the Maritime Museum by specifying Midway, giving hours and ticket info for that museum, and then just lumping the MMSD in as “Embarcadero,” as though it’s just something to pass by on your way to the Midway.
Hi Brienne! I appreciate your passion for both Cabrillo National Monument (one of my favorite places in SD as well) and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Sorry that you feel I didn’t give enough attention to the MMSD, I agree that it’s an awesome museum and I’m glad you highlight it so well here in the comments!
You specify the Midway but not the Maritime Museum of San Diego? There’s so much more to see and do at the Maritime Museum! It’s one of the best museums in SD. The Star of India is iconic and the backdrop for so much the city uses, even daily news. The Star is the world’s oldest active sailing ship, plus 7 other ships-both sailing and military from all different eras-(some you can sail/take trips on) AND 1.5 submarines! (One is leaving soon, so… half). There are consistently excellent exhibits! And they change, unlike some museums in SD. ALSO, you failed to mention Cabrillo Nat’l monument, which is a national park that is ~easily~ the most beautiful location in SD, with the best views, tide pools and light nature walks, a super cute historic building, as well as WWII stuff.
Both of these places are among the most affordable attractions, as well, particularly Cabrillo.
I’m not a native San Diegan and I really appreciate your extensive list of places to visit and things to do. I definitely want to go picking strawberries and walk through the Carlsbad flower fields as well as go to the Botanical Gardens. Legoland I will take a pass because I’m not willing to shell out $95. Hot air to ballooning not my thing due to fear of falling! But watching them I love. There is a Hot Air Balloon festival somewhere in San Diego County. Hillcrest Farmer’s Market and other annual festivities such as Little Italy’s sidewalk Art Show deserve a mention.
Sea World? Why is Sea World not on the list?
Hi Lee, thanks for your comment! As a conservationist, I have some reservations about Sea World so I opted to focus on San Diego’s other activities and attractions instead!
Why would it be? All Sea Worlds need shutting down for good.
Wholeheartedly agree with you!
Dude, thanks bruh for the awesome list.