A group of people carrying surfboards on a beach in San Diego, California

Things to do in  San Diego

Every season is beach season

San Diego embodies the Southern California lifestyle in many ways, with a relaxed, low-key vibe that's unique among major American cities. Here you’ll find miles of sandy beaches and imposing headlands, fantastic restaurants and lively bars, and the oldest Spanish settlement in modern-day California, now simply known as San Diego’s Old Town. Many of the best things to do in San Diego are centered around sprawling Balboa Park, from the anthropology-focused Museum of Man to the globally celebrated San Diego Zoo. And for optimal exploring, San Diego tours include everything from trolley excursions to harbor cruises.

Here, get your guide to San Diego’s best attractions, tours, and more.

Top 15 attractions in San Diego

USS Midway Museum

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Formerly the US Navy’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century (1945 to 1991), the USS Midway is now a floating museum docked off the coast of California. Aboard the hulking vessel, visitors can now explore more than 60 exhibits as well as peek inside the museum’s impressive aircraft collection.More

Coronado

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Across the bay from downtown San Diego, the small resort town of Coronado is an idyllic escape from the city with a wide, sandy coastline and a tree-lined main drag that’s home to shops and restaurants. Visitors go to hang out on the beach, tour historical sites, and watch the sunset.More

Balboa Park

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Home to world-class museums, manicured gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park tops the list of San Diego city sights. Its 1,200 lush acres (486 hectares) comprise the largest urban park in the United States. Apart from 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.More

Cabrillo National Monument

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On the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula, which separates the Pacific Ocean from San Diego Bay, Cabrillo National Monument stands in honor of Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who journeyed up the California coast in the mid-1500s. Stop at the statue for views of the open sea, bay, and San Diego skyline.More

Gaslamp Quarter

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The epicenter of San Diego’s party scene, the lively Gaslamp Quarter offers much more than just pulsating nightlife. The charming downtown neighborhood is also rich with cultural museums, art galleries, concert venues, and symphony halls, plus loads of lovely alfresco eateries. But back to the nightlife: Clubs, dive bars, and cocktail lounges draw the university crowd, while diverse audiences fill the Spreckels and Balboa theaters for performing arts, comedy shows, and live music.More

Maritime Museum of San Diego

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From steamships to submarines, the Maritime Museum of San Diego welcomes you aboard an array of historic ships, letting you delve into the rich maritime history of San Diego. Each vessel offers its own exhibits and experiences. The museum’s fleet ranges from the world’s oldest active sailing ship—Star of India—to modern submarines.More

Little Italy San Diego

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Once home to generations of Italian families who who made their living in San Diego’s flourishing fishing industry, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood packed with restaurants, patio cafés, craft brewpubs, urban wineries, and little plazas with fountains and views of the bay. The trendy, walkable neighborhood—in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter—also has upscale boutiques, art galleries, chic shops, boutique hotels, and live music venues, so there is far more to experience here than just the delicious food.More

Old Town San Diego

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Established in 1769, Old Town San Diego is the site of California's first European settlement, earning it the nickname "the birthplace of California." Highlights include Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, with its preserved adobe buildings and living history demonstrations such as blacksmithing. The area is also home to restaurants, shops, and live entertainment.More

Petco Park

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Home to the San Diego Padres major league baseball team, Petco Park opened in 2004, replacing the old Qualcomm Stadium with a new venue whose design reflects San Diego’s coastal setting. Visitors can enjoy modern amenities, views of the city skyline, and even behind-the-scenes tours.More

San Diego Zoo

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The world-famous San Diego Zoo is known for its wide variety of animals, housing more than 3,700 animals representing over 800 species. The zoo occupies a beautifully landscaped 100 acres (40.5 hectares), typically in lush enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. San Diego Zoo is considered to be one of the best and well-known zoos in the world, and is a must-see attraction in sunny Southern California.More

Seaport Village

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A harborside hub buzzing with shopping, dining, and entertainment, Seaport Village attracts tourists and locals alike. The historic-style waterfront has everything from upscale eateries to vendors selling fresh fish. Stroll the boardwalk, ride the carousel, or indulge in seafood while listening to live music.More

Belmont Park

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A San Diego family favorite since 1925, Belmont Park features boardwalk-style rides, amusements, and a restaurant—all right on the beachfront. Get your adrenaline pumping on the vintage Giant Dipper roller coaster and zipline ride, or enjoy fun for all ages with mini golf, midway games, and beach rentals.More

Point Loma

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Point Loma sits on a hilly peninsula west of Downtown San Diego, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. This seaside community is best known for its tide pools, historical landmarks, and sweeping views of the bay and the San Diego skyline. With plenty to do and see, it’s no wonder it’s one of the city’s most photographed spots.More

Shelter Island

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Just west of downtown San Diego across the northernmost waters of San Diego Bay, Shelter Island is in the middle of the city but feels worlds away. The neighborhood is known for its nautical vibe with marinas, bayside parks, hotels, and restaurants.More

Ocean Beach Pier

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Between the South Mission Jetty and Pacific Beach Point stretch 3 miles (5 kilometers) of pure, unadulterated sun-kissed southern California beach scene. The center of this scene is Ocean Beach Pier, the largest concrete pier on the West Coast, perfect for strolling, fishing, and just watching the waves.Amid the swimsuit-clad crowd and the anglers, Ocean Beach Pier invites people-watching. Along the pier, you’ll find a café, benches, and bait and tackle shops should you want to try your luck with the fish. Under the pier, skillful surfers slalom the pilings.Ocean Beach Pier is part of Ocean Beach, San Diego’s most bohemian seaside community. You can get tattooed, shop for antiques, and walk into a restaurant barefoot. Ocean Front Walk bristles with joggers, in-line skaters and cyclists. Back from the beach, Mission Boulevard consists of block after block of surf shops, burger joints, and beer busts.More

Trip ideas

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All about San Diego

When to visit

There are things to do in San Diego all year-round. Here, the weather is generally warm and the sun most likely will be shining. Its cool season is December–March, but even then temps are mild. Summer and school winter holidays bring more tourists, especially at the beaches. To avoid the rush, visit in the spring or fall.

Getting around

Downtown San Diego and surrounds have a convenient trolley system that connects to the city's bus system. That said, San Diego is a sprawling city, so the most convenient way to get around is usually via car. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft and e-scooter rentals are options, too. The Coaster commuter rail service is a public transit mainstay, with eight stops between San Diego to Oceanside.

Traveler tips

Embrace the water when visiting San Diego. You can take a sailboat on the San Diego Bay, go on a kayak tour, or ride a sea bike in Mission Bay or La Jolla Cove. You can also spot maritime highlights like the Star of India, or surf just about anywhere along the coast. Remember, the water is chilly, with average summer temps of about 67°F (19°C). Reward yourself with SoCal specialties like fish tacos and margaritas.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PST (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
65
Tours
425
Reviews
32,792

A local’s pocket guide to San Diego

Sasha Lozovoy

A Viator account manager, California native, and La Jolla resident, Sasha can be found enjoying the sunshine, petting dogs, and seeking out the tastiest acai bowl San Diego has to offer.

The first thing you should do in San Diego is...

rent a car. You’ll need a set of wheels to explore the multitude of diverse neighborhoods in San Diego and try the fish tacos each has to offer.

A perfect Saturday in San Diego...

starts with a hike around Torrey Pines State Reserve, where you can enjoy views of the Pacific, the golf course, and the gliderport. Cap off your day with carbonara at Barbusa in Little Italy.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

Coronado Island. Grab brunch at Parakeet Cafe and wander through the whimsical and historical Hotel del Coronado. Don’t be surprised if you witness a beachfront wedding or proposal!

To discover the "real" San Diego...

walk along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. Jump in a game of volleyball, take a dip, grab a bite, or simply people-watch. You’ll find a harmonious collection of locals, tourists, college students, roller skaters, and more.

For the best view of the city...

most people would say a rooftop in the Gaslamp District, but try Point Loma Lighthouse in Cabrillo National Monument instead. Explore the tide pools below if you visit during low tide.

One thing people get wrong...

is assuming everyone surfs. On any given day, you’ll get your fair share of sandy folks out riding tubes, but it’s by no means a prerequisite for visiting or living in the area.

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People Also Ask

What can you do in San Diego?

Soak up San Diego’s famous sunshine with a day swimming or surfing at one of the city’s many beaches. Get a dose of culture at a Balboa Park museums and take the kids to the San Diego Zoo. You can also explore Spanish history in Old Town, or enjoy the diverse nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter.

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What is a good day trip from San Diego?

One popular day trip from San Diego is taking a ferry across San Diego Bay to charming Coronado Island. Another is driving to the posh seaside village of La Jolla. And it's a quick trip to the historic missions of San Juan Capistrano and theme parks like LEGOLAND® and Disneyland®.

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What's San Diego known for?

San Diego is best known for its world-class beaches and warm, sunny weather. The most popular things to do in San Diego include visiting Balboa Park and Old Town. The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the famous San Diego Zoo are also essentials. The city is additionally known for sports teams like the Padres, who play at Petco Park.

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What should I not miss in San Diego?

San Diego’s can’t-miss sights include beautiful Balboa Park and Ocean Beach. Then there are harborside attractions like the USS Midway Museum. It’s worth taking a ferry to historic Coronado Island, or planning a night of grown-up fun in the trendy Gaslamp Quarter.

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Is San Diego worth visiting?

Yes. San Diego is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US for good reason. Miles of sandy beaches and nearly perfect weather year-round make it ideal for outdoor fun, including whale watching. There’s plenty of culture, too, from Old Town’s historic Spanish missions to the museums of Balboa Park.

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What locals do in San Diego?

The best things to do in San Diego typically occur outdoors. Top activities include surfing at Mission Beach, tide pooling at Silver Strand, or hiking at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Find locally loved restaurants in Little Italy or Liberty Station at Point Loma, and go shopping in Seaport Village.

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How can I spend 3 days in San Diego?

If you have 3 days to explore San Diego, spend your first day learning about California history. Head to Old Town, and getting cultured at Balboa Park’s museums. You should also dedicate a day to riding the ferry to Coronado Island (and spotting landmarks like the Hotel del Coronado) or driving down the coast to La Jolla. Finish with a day at the beach.

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Do you need a guide to visit San Diego?

San Diego might be most famous for being a laid-back surf spot, but the city actually harbors a rich history. Get a guide to transport you between natural and cultural highlights, and uncover information that you might otherwise have missed as you explore hidden corners of the Spanish-inspired Old Town.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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