Top Things to Do in San Diego California
FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in San Diego California will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in San Diego California.
READ 100 Things to Do in Los Angeles California, a Bucket List City
100 Unforgettable Things to Do in San Diego California
Must Do Attractions and Activities in San Diego California
- Take the early morning panda tour at the San Diego Zoo
- Take the Caravan Safari at San Diego Wild Animal Park
- Enjoy the rides and water park at LEGOLAND California Resort
- Ride the Big Dipper wooden roller coaster in Belmont Park
- Catch a Padres game at Petco Park
- Check out the interactive exhibits at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- See the city lights on a night trolley tour
- Explore the Birth of California at Old Town
- Walkthrough the haunted Whaley House
- Check out the Star of India at the Maritime Museum
- Photograph the Unconditional Surrender Statue
- Tour the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
- Take an Old Town Ghost Tour
- Check out the 25th Street Musical Bridge
- Watch a performance at the Old Globe Theater
- Feed a lion at Lions, Tigers, and Bears
- Watch a horse race at the famous Del Mar Race Track
- Check out a polo match at Del Mar’s San Diego Polo Club
- Take a hot air balloon ride over Del Mar
- Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden
- Go stargazing at Palomar Mountain Observatory
- Visit the California Wolf Center
Best Museums in San Diego California
- Explore Barrio Logan’s Chocano murals and Chicano Park
- Browse the Liberty Station Arts District outdoor art and galleries
- Check out the Spanish art exhibit at the San Diego Museum of Art
- Explore the hands-on exhibits and IMAX theater at the Fleet Science Center
- See the dinosaur skeletons at the San Diego Natural History Museum
- Learn about different photography styles at the Museum of Photographic Arts
- Play around with the hands-on exhibits at The New Children’s Museum
- Check out the vintage aircraft and space artifacts at the San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Explore folk art and crafts from around the world at the Mingei International Museum
- Browse European and American art at the Timken Museum of Art
- Learn more about military history at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
Outdoor Activities in San Diego California
- Attend surf school
- Ride a horse on the beach at Surfside Ranch
- Bike the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway around San Diego Bay
- Take a walk along the Embarcadero
- Play in the waterfront fountains
- Jet ski around San Diego Bay
- Explore Balboa Park and listen to the Spreckles Organ
- Take a cruise around San Diego Bay
- Hop the ferry to Coronado and ride the merry-go-round on the landing
- Take a gondola ride through the Coronado Cays, BYOW
- Rent a Cabanette on Hotel Del Coronado Beach and watch the ‘Sand Castle Man’ at work
- Hang out at Black’s Nude Beach
- Hike Cabrillo Point’s Bayside Trail for views of San Diego’s coastline
- Watch the whales migrate from the overlook station near the old Point Loma Lighthouse
- Explore the tide pools at Point Loma
- Watch the sunset from Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma
- Ride a bike or rollerblade along the Mission Bay Boardwalk
- Take a dolphin-watching cruise
- Paddleboard, kayak, jet ski or fly a kite at Mission Bay
- Take a yoga class on the beach
- Hike to the waterfall in Los Penasquitos Canyon, Cedar Creek Falls, Three Sister’s Falls, or Potato Chip Rock
- Take a walk along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk
- Go fishing on Pacific Beach Pier
- Watch the sunset from Mount Soledad
- Kayak around sea caves at La Jolla Cove
- Paraglide off the cliffs at Torrey Pines Gliderport
- Watch the seals at the La Jolla Children’s Beach
- Get some sun at La Jolla Shores Beach
- Snorkel with the leopard sharks at La Jolla Cove
- Hike the trails in Torrey Pines State Park
- Play a round of golf at Torrey Pines
- Mountain bike or rock climb at Mission Trails Park
- Rent a convertible and cruise the Pacific Coast Hwy
- Swim with otters at Nurtured by Nature
- Visit the koi ponds at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park
- Take a desert hike and check out the sky art at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Go paddleboarding at Mission Bay Park
- Take a morning hike through Palm Canyon in Balboa Park
Where to Eat in San Diego California
- Eat a California Burrito and fish tacos
- Eat at Kansas City BBQ, where Top Gun was filmed
- Have a churro at La Panaderia or 3Ten ChurroBar
- Have dinner on the patio at Casa Guadalajara
- Plan a DIY foodie tour through North Park
- Eat a Monte Cristo Donut at the Donut Bar
- Eat a shrimp taco and drink a vodka Red Bull slushie at PB Shore Club
- Watch the waves crash against the windows during High Tide Breakfast at the Marine Room
- Splurge on dinner with a view at Mister A’s
San Diego California Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Have a beer on the roof of the Pacific Beach Ale House and watch the sunset
- Go to morning (6-10 am) happy hour at the Silver Fox in Pacific Beach
- Have a rooftop cocktail at the Nolen, Altitude Sky Lounge, Top of the Hyatt or Kettner Exchange
- Bar hop in the Gaslamp Quarter
- Take a craft brewery tour on the Hops Highway
- Relax in the garden of Stone Brewing
- Winery hop on Historic Highway 94
- Spend a fun evening at The Shout! House dueling piano bar in the Gaslamp
- Drink a Mai Tai and enjoy views of the bay at Bali Hai
- Listen to music at the Belly Up Tavern
- Enjoy craft cocktails at Prohibition, Polite Provisions, or Noble Experiment
- Dance the night away at Omnia Nightclub, Fluxx, Parq, or Nunu’s
Shopping in San Diego California
- Shop for souvenirs at Seaport Village
- Browse the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Little Italy
- Wander the boutiques and galleries of La Jolla Village
- Check out the Gaslamp Quarter Boutiques
- Browse the artsy shops, galleries, and cafes at Cedros Avenue Design District in Solana Beach
- Shop at high-end brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Nordstrom at Fashion Valley Mall
San Diego California Lookouts and ViewPoints
- Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, a 360-degree view of the city and the ocean
- Cabrillo National Monument, views of San Diego Bay and the ocean
- Harbor Island Park, views of the San Diego skyline and the bay
- Cowles Mountain, panoramic views over San Diego
- Kate Sessions Park, views of the city and ocean
Great Selfie Spots in San Diego California
- “Greetings from San Diego” Mural in North Park
- The Secret Swings in La Jolla, swings with coastal views
- Balboa Park’s Alcazar Garden
- Pacific Beach Pier, ocean backdrop with surfers and waves
- Bird Rock cliffs and waves crashing below
- Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
- Windansea Beach Shack, a palm-covered hut on the beach
Day Trips From San Diego California
- Head to the mountain town of Julian for apple pie
- Check out the Sky Art in the Anza-Borrego Desert
- Have lunch and wander the Laguna Beach art galleries
- Spend a day on Temecula’s De Portola Wine Trail
- Take a day trip to Los Angeles
- Cross the border to Tijuana, Mexico
- Spend a day in the desert in Palm Springs
- Visit the tasting rooms of Ramona’s Wine Country
Check the San Diego California Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in San Diego California
Couples may enjoy a San Diego Bay dinner cruise, sunset picnic at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, wine tasting in Temecula, kayaking the La Jolla sea caves, a hot air balloon ride over Del Mar, or a romantic dinner at George’s at the Cove.
Things to Do in San Diego California with Young Children
San Diego is a great family destination. San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, Seaworld, Legoland, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Birch Aquarium, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, sea lions and tidepools at La Jolla Cove, play in the interactive fountains at Waterfront Park are a few options young children will enjoy.
Things to do in San Diego California with Teenagers
Teens may enjoy a surfing lesson, riding the wooden roller coast at Belmont Park, rollerblading on Mission Beach Boardwalk, shopping in the Gas Lamp Quarter, or attending a Padres Game.
Visiting More California Cities?
Check out our California tag with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!
Bookmark and Pin 100 Things to Do in San Diego California, a Bucket List City
Plan Your Trip to San Diego California
Why Visit San Diego California
San Diego California had over 30 million visitors last year. People are drawn to San Diego California for the great weather, 260+ days of sunshine, 70 miles of coastline with 33 beaches, spectacular hikes, relaxed atmosphere, and 130+ craft breweries. You will also find a huge city park, a world-famous zoo, a beachfront roller coaster, boardwalks, piers, seals, whales, surfing, craft beer, and California burritos.
How Many Days in San Diego California is Enough
3 days in San Diego California is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.
Is San Diego California Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in San Diego California is low with all major crime categories below the national average. Check their website for more information.
Best Time to Visit San Diego California
San Diego has mild temperatures year-round. Spring brings overcast days in May (May Gray) and June (June Gloom). Summer is the high season, expect crowds, traffic, and high prices. The San Diego Fair is held in June and Comic Con is in July. September is the best month to visit San Diego. The crowds thin and prices drop after Labor Day. Fall is considered the second summer and water temperatures are still warm enough to get in the ocean during September. Kids Free San Diego is held in October and families save big at attractions like San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and SeaWorld. Winter is whale watching season. Winter is also the rainy season, temperatures average between 49° and 65° and the ocean is too cold to swim.
How to Get to San Diego California
Several airlines fly nonstop to the San Diego International Airport (SAN). A nonstop flight from Miami to SAN is almost 6 hours; nonstop JKF to SAN is 6.5 hours. Prepare for your flight!
How to Get Around San Diego California
The airport is in the heart of the city and many hotels offer shuttle service. Bus, taxi, and Uber are also available. The best way to get around San Diego is by car. Downtown San Diego is walkable and there is a waterfront shuttle in San Diego Bay and a 15-minute ferry ride over to Coronado Island. Otherwise, you will find attractions are spread out across the city and public transportation is available but not convenient.
Where to Stay in San Diego California
Sand Diego can be confusing. There is the city and then there is the county. The county is so large it is even divided. For example, Legoland is in ‘San Diego’, but it is actually located in North County of San Diego. Map out the top things you want to do while visiting in a Google Map and choose a hotel near the main attractions.
What Should I Budget for San Diego California
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $235 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for San Diego California
Overall, San Diego is a casual city. Bring beach wear in the summer and fall clothing for the winter. Expect the unexpected; bring an umbrella, at least 1 pair of shorts when visiting in the winter, and 1 pair of pants when visiting in the summer.
Booking Resources for San Diego California
Southern California Travel Guide
Pick up a Southern California Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in San Diego California Now
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San Diego Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
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Have a great vacation!