26 Things to Do in San Diego

Balboa Park is home to over a dozen museums, including the Museum of Man, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, and the Natural History Museum, as well as gardens and the Organ Pavilion.

The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, is a large zoo with a wide variety of animals, making it a popular destination for families and individuals alike.

The USS Midway is a popular aircraft carrier museum located on the water in downtown San Diego, next to the Unconditional Surrender statue and an area dedicated to Bob Hope.

Old Town San Diego features a train museum, El Campo Cemetery with historic graves, the Whaley House (said to be haunted), and various museums, shops, and dining options.

The Maritime Museum in downtown San Diego features a collection of old ships that visitors can explore, including the Star of India and a submarine.

Belmont Park, located on Mission Beach, is an amusement park area with a historic roller coaster, carnival games, and dining options.

Cabrillo National Monument features a historic lighthouse, a statue of Cabrillo, and tidepools, offering views of downtown San Diego.

Sunset Cliffs is a scenic area in San Diego known for its beautiful sunset views and eroding cliffs, with access to a sea cave during very low tides.

Liberty Public Market is a large building with a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries, including a Stone Brewing location, offering oysters, cheese, and craft beers.

Pacific Beach is a popular beach in San Diego with a pier that's great for sunset photography, and it even offers the unique experience of booking a room on the pier itself.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a state park with hiking trails along cliffs leading to the beach, offering scenic views, especially from Razor Point overlook.

La Jolla is a coastal town known for its adventurous activities and foodie destinations, including Children's Pool (where seals gather) and La Jolla Cove (for kayaking and snorkeling with leopard sharks).

UCSD (University of California San Diego) features a Stuart art collection with large-scale outdoor art installations, including Falling Star, a large rock bear, and the Geisel Library.

Mission San Diego is one of the Spanish California missions, featuring gardens, a bell tower, and a chapel.

Seaport Village is a touristy area with restaurants and shops, featuring a bar at the top of the Hyatt with views of the city and Christmas decorations during the holiday season.

Gaslamp is a historic area with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, including rooftop bars like those at the Marriott and the Noland, as well as shopping and dining options like Ghirardelli and Searsucker.

The San Diego Library is known for its unique egg-shaped architecture, offering views of the city and the Coronado Bridge, as well as a rare books area.

Grant Hill Park is a small park offering views of the Coronado Bridge, making it a popular spot for photography.

Coronado is a town with the Hotel del Coronado, an ice skating rink during Christmas, Moo Creamery, breweries, and a bike path, with views of downtown San Diego from Tidelands Park.

Harper's Topiary Garden features manicured plants in various shapes, while the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is a historic footbridge from 1912.

North Park is known for its eclectic food scene, breweries, street art, and spots like City Tacos, Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream, Lucha Libre, and Urban Solace.

San Diego is a top beer destination with numerous breweries, including Stone, Ballast Point, AleSmith, and Mission Brewery, known for West Coast IPAs.

Petco Park is the home of the San Diego Padres, offering tours of the dugout and locker room, and features a Hall of Fame and historic statues outside.

Tacos El Gordo is a Tijuana transplant serving authentic Mexican tacos in San Diego, with popular choices including the adobada tacos.

Donut Bar in downtown San Diego is known for its unique donut creations, including the creme brulee donut.

Carnitas Snack Shack in North Park is popular for its pork-based sandwiches and craft sodas, served from an old shack with an open-air seating area.

Located in Balboa Park, the Museum of Man (now part of the San Diego Museum of Us) explores human culture, history, and innovation through engaging exhibits. It offers a broad perspective on the human story.

Journey through the history of flight and space exploration at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park, featuring an impressive collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.

Discover the wonders of Southern California's natural world at the San Diego Natural History Museum (TheNAT) in Balboa Park, with exhibits on dinosaurs, local wildlife, and the region's unique geology.

Wander through the serene and diverse landscapes of the San Diego Botanic Garden, showcasing a wide array of plant life from around the world, including a renowned bamboo collection and a children's garden.

Enjoy a classic Southern California beach town experience at Mission Beach, featuring a long stretch of sand, the historic Belmont Park amusement park, and a lively boardwalk perfect for biking and skating.

Admire the stunning natural beauty of La Jolla Cove, a picturesque marine sanctuary renowned for its clear waters, abundant sea life like seals and sea lions, and opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking.

Experience the charm and culinary delights of Little Italy, a vibrant downtown neighborhood offering a plethora of excellent restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and a lively atmosphere, especially on market days.

Discover the charming city of Escondido, located inland from San Diego, known for its wineries, craft breweries, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and historic downtown area.

Step back in time at the legendary Hotel del Coronado, a historic beachfront resort renowned for its iconic Victorian architecture, stunning ocean views, and celebrity-studded past. It's a landmark of coastal luxury.

Indulge in artisanal ice cream and dairy delights at Moo Creamery, a beloved local spot known for its creative flavors and friendly atmosphere. It's the perfect place for a sweet treat.

Enjoy waterfront recreation and stunning bay views at Tidelands Park on Coronado, offering green spaces, playgrounds, and easy access to the bay for kayaking and paddleboarding. It's a family-friendly local favorite.