Looking for nice actions and points of interest in San Diego? Our information to one of the best issues to do in San Diego is all you should plan the proper journey!
Often known as America’s Most interesting Metropolis, San Diego highlights pristine seashores, world-class family-friendly points of interest, famend museums, and impactful historic monuments.
The optimum local weather appeals to vacationers and locals alike because it affords a possibility to bask within the number of points of interest and actions accessible within the metropolis. There are many issues to do on this respected California metropolis if you realize the place to look.
Are you trying to find what to do in San Diego? We’re right here to announce one of the best San Diego points of interest that may widen your eyes in awe, enchantment to your extra refined senses, and draw you in for an exhilarating journey that you simply’ll suppose again on usually.
Beginning on the in depth San Diego Zoo, which hosts over 4,500 uncommon and endangered species, and ending on the Torrey Pines Pure Reserve, designated as a Nationwide Pure Landmark in 1977, there are lots of cool issues to see while you discover San Diego.
And we’ll information you to expertise one of the best issues to do in San Diego throughout your go to for an optimum and unforgettable journey.
The Greatest Issues to Do in San Diego
Don’t stress about what to do in San Diego throughout your go to. San Diego is dwelling to an array of museums, parks, galleries, and extra, and we’ve simplified the record to the highest 21 issues to do throughout your go to!
For among the costlier actions in San Diego county, contemplate getting the CityPASS. This go will help you save 42% on the entry charges for a number of of San Diego’s high points of interest.
Verify costs for the San Diego CityPASS right here!
1) Traverse The Intensive San Diego Zoo
Skip the traces with this admission ticket to the famously in depth San Diego Zoo!
Dwelling to over 4,500 uncommon and endangered animals just like the Platypus and the Amur Leopard, the world-famous San Diego Zoo hosts a wide range of reveals that visitors can traverse as they study these endangered species.
Reveals just like the Polar Bear Plunge and the Elephant Odyssey are however a number of of the thrilling reveals the place many have realized of those spectacular species.
Discover nature’s museum on the San Diego Zoo whereas strolling by means of every animal’s pure untamed habitat. Enterprise into the wild on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for an up-close and private take a look at nature’s most interesting predators.
- Deal with: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego CA
- Hours: Open 9am – 9pm day by day
- Value: $65 (get monetary savings with the San Diego CityPASS!)
Learn Subsequent: Planning a protracted weekend in San Diego? Take a look at our put up on planning the proper 3 day San Diego itinerary!
2) Unwind At Sundown Cliffs Pure Park
Unwind at Sundown Cliffs Pure Park. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, these pure cliffs provide unmatched coastal views – don’t be involved if you happen to see the occasional insurgent cliff diver!
One in all many common issues to do in San Diego, this 68-acre resource-based park stretches alongside the Pacific Ocean to frame the western fringe of Level Loma. As well as, a 50-acre hillside part is designated as a species conservation space and hyperlinks to the 640-acre Level Loma Ecological Reserve.
Visiting Sundown Cliffs Pure Park prices no cash in any respect! So quiet down for the final word unwind with a shocking 1.4-mile clifftop path to journey. Simmer right down to bask within the sundown whereas gazing out throughout the ocean. Watch grey whales embark on their annual migration from December to April.
For the final word rewind, we extremely advocate sitting down and basking within the views at Sundown Cliffs Pure Park.
3) Go to The San Diego Pure Historical past Museum
A one-of-a-kind museum, the San Diego Pure Historical past Museum situated in Balboa Park was based in 1874. This spectacular museum is the second oldest scientific establishment west of the Mississippi and the oldest museum in California.
With this San Diego Pure Historical past Museum Ticket, visitors can observe the showcased regional pure historical past and distinctive biodiversity of Southern California and Baja California.
That includes 4 full flooring of exhibitions, together with a 3D theater, the San Diego Pure Historical past Museum boasts San Diego’s solely Foucault pendulum, displaying the rotation of the Earth.
Uncover hidden gems and observe scientists work on this flagship establishment of San Diego!
- Deal with: 1788 El Prado, San Diego CA
- Hours: 10am – 5pm day by day (closes at 10pm on Fridays)
- Value: $22
For extra concepts on the USA’s West Coast, try this record of the greatest issues to do in Portland, Oregon.
4) Take The Youngsters To Waterfront Park
A 3-minute stroll from the Maritime Museum of San Diego, Waterfront Park is a superb place to take the youngsters.
That includes spray fountains, grassy spreads, and loads of play tools for youngsters, this park is a superb alternative for considered one of many family-friendly San Diego actions.
The park can be free to enter, and is a smoke-free and alcohol-free park that includes waterfront views.
Many private and non-private occasions are held at this common San Diego location. Occasions like farmer’s markets, festivals, and household leisure actions are all held at Waterfront Park because of its magnetic waterfront views and prime downtown location.
Discover this family-friendly choice whereas visiting San Diego – with or with out the youngsters!
- Deal with: 1600 Pacific Freeway
- Hours: 6am – 10pm day by day
5) Discover the Gaslamp Quarter By Scooter
In your San Diego journey we extremely advocate visiting the cultural hub of town. Downtown San Diego encompasses the historic Gaslamp Quarter, a full of life neighborhood identified for its nightlife, and performing arts venues just like the grand Civic Theater.
Discover the world by scooter on this Downtown and Gaslamp Loop Scooter Tour! Because of the scooter’s speaking GPS, there’s no want to fret about navigation.
As a substitute, comply with the GPS’s steering because it guides you on a multicultural journey by means of Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter, teeming with eating choices, distinctive retailers, and a refreshing environment.
Get able to discover the center of San Diego California!
6) Kayak La Jolla Cove
One in all many common points of interest in San Diego, discover the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and Seven Sea Caves on this guided kayak tour!
A part of a defending marine reserve, La Jolla Cove is a small cove with an hooked up seashore surrounded by tide swimming pools and spectacular cliffs. This picturesque location makes it a preferred spot for scuba divers, snorkelers, swimmers, and kayakers.
In the course of the kayak tour, observe sea lions sunbathing on heat rocks as dolphins, whales, and turtles swim lazily by means of the pleasing blue waters.
If you happen to time your go to to reach in La Jolla in the summertime or fall months, you possibly can have the chance to see innocent leopard sharks swim previous.
The La Jolla shores are actually a gem of the San Diego shoreline.
7) Remedy Clues In An Interactive Scavenger Hunt Of Balboa Park
Remedy clues and full challenges in an interactive scavenger hunt of Balboa Park – a 1,200-acre historic city cultural park renamed after Spanish explorer Núñez de Balboa.
Declared a Nationwide Historic Landmark and a Nationwide Historic Landmark District in 1977, Balboa Park is listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and is likely one of the Nice Locations in America.
Throughout this interactive scavenger hunt, gamers will have the ability to flip Balboa Park into a large recreation board!
Guided by your smartphone, the scavenger hunt will lead gamers by means of missed gems of town and study native California historical past whereas fixing clues and challenges alongside the best way.
Gamers will begin the scavenger hunt on the Veterans Museum, the place they may have the ability to soak up the spectacular artwork and awe-inspiring structure earlier than beginning this interactive expertise that may take gamers by means of the hidden gems of Balboa Park.
Heading north subsequent? Take a look at our information to the Greatest Issues To Do In San Francisco!
8) Hit the Seashore
The San Diego area is thought for its beautiful seashores. Positively among the finest San Diego issues to do is spend loads of time soaking within the sunshine and taking a dip within the ocean.
La Jolla is likely one of the extra rugged and exquisite seashores. We’ve already talked about that one, however positively take the time to go to the unimaginable La Jolla shores if you happen to haven’t already.
Pacific Seashore is simply south of La Jolla and is one other common seashore. Pacific Seashore is a laid-back neighborhood with a full of life boardwalk and many native surfers out paddling within the waves.
Ocean Seashore is one other lengthy stretch of golden sand with loads of points of interest close by, as is Solana Seashore. These two spots have numerous eating and nightlife alternatives close by.
Kids’s Pool Seashore is one other distinctive spot, although the identify may be deceptive. Kids’s Pool Seashore is protected by a seawall and which was initially constructed to create a child-friendly swimming atmosphere.
However the seashore has turn into common amongst harbor seals, so it’s not truly the most secure place for youths to splash round. Nonetheless, it’s lovely and price testing!
9) Sightsee San Diego Harbor On Cruise
Sail the San Diego Harbor in fashion on this Harbor Sightseeing Cruise!
A pure harbor and deepwater port, the San Diego Harbor is situated close to america and Mexico border.
With the choice of a one-hour or two-hour cruise, visitors will get to see the San Diego skyline from a yacht whereas soaking within the sights of the usS. Halfway Plane Provider, the U.S. Navy Floor Fleet, the San Diego Coronado Bridge, and the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.
Different inclusive sights embody historic ships within the Maritime Museum and North Island Naval Air Station, and naturally San Diego’s skyline.
Preserve your ears perked! The skilled crew enriches the cruise with informative commentary regarding the native and army historical past and different factors of curiosity throughout the voyage of San Diego Bay.
10) Spike Your Adrenaline At Belmont Park
With this Belmont Park Trip & Play Cross, visitors will have the ability to expertise a rejuvenating thrill at a historic amusement park developed by tremendous magnate John D. Spreckels. Positioned at Surfrider Sq. within the Mission Bay space, Belmont Park first opened on July 4, 1925, initially termed the Mission Seashore Amusement Heart.
A well-liked San Diego attraction, obtain limitless entry to thrilling rides settled according to the seashore, making for salty scenic views as you twist, flip, flip, and pace on Belmont Park’s thrilling rides.
A well-known journey at Belmont Park known as The Big Dipper is a traditional picket curler coaster that dates again to 1925 – each creak or groan as you journey the picket coaster solely manages to invigorate the adrenaline rush!
Presidio Park is a historic metropolis park in Outdated City San Diego. Right here, important figures Gaspar de Portola and Junipero Serra designed and constructed a historic fort and church in 1769- the San Diego Presidio and the Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Designated a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1960, Presidio Park options historic reveals such because the Junipero Serra Museum.
At this Spanish Revival-designed museum, guests can study the historical past of early settlers, explorers, and the Kumeyaay individuals by means of collections of displayed artwork, clothes, furnishings, and extra.
The park is a spotlight of Outdated City San Diego, which is wealthy in historical past and distinctive points of interest.
- Deal with: 2811 Jackson St, San Diego CA
- Hours: 6am – 10pm
- Value: Free
12) Take up Creativity At The San Diego Museum Of Artwork
San Diego has a extensively fascinating artistic artwork scene with a number of respected artwork galleries. One of many extra famend ones is the San Diego Museum Of Artwork.
At this wonderful arts museum, a broad assortment of Spanish and Italian artwork options the native historical past and affect artwork has had in San Diego. The area’s oldest and largest artwork museum, the San Diego Museum Of Artwork, has almost half 1,000,000 guests yearly.
Soak within the collections from 5000 BC to 2012 AD with the San Diego Museum Of Artwork’s spectacular artwork assortment as you stroll the museum with inside motifs influenced by the Santa Cruz Hospital of Toledo, Spain.
The nationally famend artwork assortment is assured to impress! Verify the web site for any particular exhibitions while you’re on the town.
- Deal with: 1450 El Prado
- Hours: 10am – 5pm, 12pm – 5pm on Sundays, closed Wednesdays
- Value: $20
13) Surf, Sunbathe, And Play Volleyball At Mission Seashore
A laid-back neighborhood, Mission Seashore achieved its namesake and recognition by attracting crowds of sunbathers, volleyball gamers, and surfers.
One of many respected San Diego seashores, Mission Seashore includes a two-mile oceanfront paved boardwalk round Mission Bay are sometimes sprinkled with rollerbladers, bikers, or walkers. Additionally it is a preferred spot for water sports activities, scuba diving, sport fishing, whale watching, and boogie boarding.
This common lively spot can be dwelling to an alluring nightlife scene, with loads of bars and eating places with interesting beachfront views.
14) See The Dwelling Of The Padres At Petco Park
In downtown San Diego, Petco Park is a baseball stadium and residential ballpark of Main League Baseball’s San Diego Padres. Catch a recreation, or ebook a guided tour of Petco Park
On a behind-the-scenes tour, you may try the press field, generally known as author’s row.
Then, study in regards to the historical past of Petco Park by strolling by means of the Padres Corridor of Fame introduced by Motorola and the Breitbard Corridor of Fame, which honors athletes in San Diego and all native San Diegans who’ve achieved athletic fame.
Tour America’s #1 ballpark with this guided tour of Petco Park, Dwelling of the Padres!
15) Go to Level Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo Nationwide Monument
This iconic spot commemorates the historical past of exploration in San Diego California. Cabrillo Nationwide Monument commemorates the touchdown of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay.
Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo climbed onto shore in 1542, the official first European to step foot on the West Coast of america.
You possibly can journey to Level Loma Lighthouse on a novel Electrical GoCar Esport Rental Tour. This open-air journey lacks the loudness of a motor, due to a soundless electrical motor automobile. Journey San Diego the inexperienced and exhilarating means at a high pace of 75 miles an hour!
Start the tour at Little Italy, then journey to San Diego’s Outdated City. Expertise a wild mixture of western and Mexican tradition earlier than driving to Level Loma close to Liberty Station and Shelter Island.
Then cease at Cabrillo Nationwide Monument and the lighthouse at Level Loma ecological protect.
Finish the tour on the romantically scenic Sundown Cliffs, the place you may finish the tour on the Ocean Seashore group surrounded by privately-owned retailers and little to no chain firms.
Learn subsequent: The Final 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary.
16) USS Halfway Museum
One other among the finest issues to do in San Diego is go to a historic naval plane provider museum on the Naval Pier in downtown San Diego at the usMidway Museum.
The united statesMidway Museum homes near 10 acres of reveals, over 30 restored plane, and shows that inform historical past.
Throughout your tour of this museum, climb aboard actual cockpits, peer by means of restored WWII-era plane, and witness a strong historic manufacturing within the Battle of Halfway Theater.
There are family-oriented actions accessible all through the museum. You’ll find extra element in regards to the actions and occasions on the official web site.
- Deal with: 910 North Harbor Drive
- Hours: 10am – 4pm day by day
- Value: $26
17) Style Little Italy’s Well-known Treats On A Meals Strolling Tour
Foodies will love San Diego and its multicultural delicacies. Get a style of Little Italy’s famend treats on this meals strolling tour!
One in all San Diego’s high points of interest, Little Italy was a hub spot for Italian fishermen and their households within the Nineteen Twenties. Initially often known as the “tuna capital” as a result of metropolis’s major tuna business, it inspired over 6,000 immigrant households to maneuver to San Diego to partake.
Little Italy is thought worldwide for its pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that boasts brewpubs, eating places, indie music venues, and weekly Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market.
This guided meals strolling tour takes visitors by means of the bustling neighborhood of Little Italy, with the primary cease resting at Sorrento Ristorante & Pizzeria – a full of life family-owned Italian restaurant that brags conventional do-it-yourself dishes like Pappardelle Bolognese and calamari.
The strolling meals tour makes its final cease at Pappalecco, a conventional Italian bistro the place visitors can get pleasure from house-made gelato in an array of accessible flavors.
18) Put Your Considering Cap On. It’s Time To Go to The Fleet Science Heart
Positioned in Balboa Park, the Fleet Science Heart is a science museum and planetarium with a mission to attach individuals to the ability of science!
With over 100 interactive reveals to activate one’s curiosity, the Fleet Science Heart hosts faculty area journeys, academic camps, and science workshops for all of the younger brainiacs impressed to study.
Participate within the IMAX movie journey showcasing the planet and past within the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Big Dome Theater. Work together with varied academic video games and books after snacking on pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and different accessible deal with choices on the Fleet Science Heart.
- Deal with: 1875 El Prado
- Hours: 10am – 5pm day by day
- Value: $24.95
19) Store At Seaport Village
Prepare to hold procuring luggage after a procuring spree at Seaport Village!
This waterfront procuring and eating advanced is settled adjoining to San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego.
With a collection of greater than 70 retailers, eateries, and galleries, Seaport Village is understandably a preferred procuring spot. The waterfront views make the procuring expertise much more worthwhile.
20) Tour the San Diego Air and House Museum
These fascinated about airplanes and house ought to positively embody this museum of their San Diego itinerary. The San Diego Air House Museum is situated in Balboa Park and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum establishments.
Go to this museum to take a look at all of the historic plane and spacecrafts from the historical past of air and house exploration. There are replicas and artifacts from all around the world.
The museum additionally has flight simulators and many cool exhibitions.
- Deal with: 2001 Pan American Plaza
- Hours: 10am – 4:30pm
- Value: $23 (get a reduction while you ebook on-line prematurely)
21) Hike The Torrey Pines State Pure Reserve
A 2,000-acre coastal state park reserve, the Torrey Pines Pure Reserve stays one of many wildest stretches of land discovered on the Southern California coast.
Designated as a Nationwide Pure Landmark in 1977, the Torrey Pines Pure Reserve overlooks Torrey Pines State Seashore together with a lagoon that birdwatchers usually come to look at migrating seabirds.
As well as, throughout whale migration, a number of whale species may be seen from the Torrey Pines Pure Reserve cliffs.
There are eight climbing trails accessible to hikers that each one range in surroundings, problem, and size. The highest three trails are Razor Level Path, Seashore Path, and Man Fleming Path – every boasting beautiful surroundings for a rewarding hike of San Diego’s beautiful panorama.
The place to Keep in San Diego
Now that you’ve got loads of choices for actions to expertise throughout your go to, it’s time to determine the place you’ll keep!
There are many nice lodging choices within the San Diego space for vacationers of all budgets.
Greatest Hostel in San Diego
Get settled within the coronary heart of Gaslamp Quarter within the classiest hostel San Diego has to supply! At HI San Diego, visitors are welcomed to a freshly renovated city hostel with a primary location to expertise the center of town.
Greatest Mid-Vary Lodge in San Diego
Positioned proper in downtown, this Motel6 is a 100% smoke-free facility. Entry to prime spots just like the Trend Valley Procuring Mall is barely a 5 minutes drive.
As well as, visitors can entry free Wi-Fi, laundry amenities, and a 40-inch flat-screen TV with over 60 channels.
Greatest Luxurious Lodge in San Diego
A 5-star Mediterranean-inspired resort, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar boasts 4 outside swimming pools, six eating places, a spa, a golf course, a foyer bar, and tennis courts.
So soak within the European-style tub, chill out into feather-down pillows whereas sipping wonderful wine and savoring French delicacies at this one-of-a-kind resort.
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