What to do in San Diego, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal area with buildings on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
A landscaped garden with a winding path, various shrubs, and a large tree with reddish leaves.
A crowded beach with waves crashing onto the shore and people enjoying the water.
A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.
A busy urban street with cars, street signs, and illuminated storefronts.

Things to Do in San Diego

This city by the sea is a coveted vacation destination for anyone with wanderlust. San Diego has it all: natural beauty, a buzzing nightlife, plenty of food, and more adventure sports than you can tackle in one trip. Whether you’re hoping to soak in some sun on the beaches or eat your way through the Gaslamp District, travellers of all types can find fun things to do in San Diego, CA. From the mountains to the sea, San Diego activities appeal to the heart of anyone eager to experience Southern California.

Areas & Neighbourhoods

San Diego neighbourhoods cover the gamut of city attractions and vibes. From historic sites in Old Town to trendy wine bars in South Park, all visitors will feel right at home in America’s Finest City.

North Park — This central neighbourhood is teeming with new restaurants and trendy craft breweries. It’s also quite walkable, so you can park near 30th Street and University Avenue and trek until you find a place that looks appetizing.

Balboa Park — Balboa Park has more than a dozen museums and plenty of public gardens. It’s also home to restaurants, event venues, and the San Diego Zoo.

La Jolla — Whether you want to hit up some of the more hidden-away patches of sand along the San Diego coastline or check out trendy boutiques, La Jolla is a good pit stop for your itinerary. Of course, you can also jump off a cliff during a hang-gliding session here.

Hillcrest — This gay-friendly neighbourhood is full of local coffee shops, lots of nightlife, and unique eateries. You’ll be sharing the sidewalks with plenty of San Diegans, but the vibrancy of the area makes the crowded conditions well worth it.

East Village — Sitting east of the famous Gaslamp District , East Village is the place to go if you want to catch a San Diego Padres™ game or attend a free community event for bloggers. It’s also within walking distance to many downtown clubs and restaurants.

What to See in San Diego

Before you get busy with water sports and other active pursuits, check out some of the fun things to see in San Diego. Go to the Cabrillo National Monument to view the best panoramic scene of the city and then head down the mountain to look at sea life in the tide pools. Watch the sunset from the shores of Coronado in front of the famed Hotel Del Coronado, or spend time on just about any other local beach. Attending the Old Globe Theatre is a relaxing way to end your day, or you can watch the nightly fireworks going off over SeaWorld® in the summer months.

Things to Do & Attractions in San Diego

While a day at the beach is practically obligatory here, fun things to do in San Diego also include visiting the world-famous zoo , hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve, and meandering through sensory pleasing farmers markets in nearly every neighbourhood. San Diego amusement parks also abound, ranging from the oceanfront rides at Belmont Park in Mission Beach to LEGOLAND® in North County. Cap off any day with dinner in the Gaslamp District or a sunset cocktail at La Jolla Shores. You’ll find that San Diego has activities up its sleeve for all types of visitors.

You can also book top San Diego hotels and great San Diego package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. San Diego Zoo

Prepare to be amazed and enchanted by the diversity of animal life on display at San Diego Zoo, which welcomes 5 million visitors a year. The 100-acre (40-hectare) site is home to around 4,000 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies. Most exhibits are open air, and designed to be as close to the natural habitats of the animals they house as possible.
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A zoo entrance with a panda sculpture, ticket booth, and people.

2. Mission Bay

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.
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A beach with sailboats, people relaxing, and a 'Boat Rentals' sign.

3. Mission Beach

People have been coming to Mission Beach to top up their tans since the 1920s, when the first holiday homes were built along its shores. Development increased in the 1960s and today this is a thriving, affluent oceanfront suburb. Thankfully, though, it hasn’t lost its old-fashioned charm. Stroll along the boardwalk that runs the length of the beach and enjoy the relaxed, carnival atmosphere courtesy of street performers, roller bladers and skateboarders, and the occasional artist selling jewelry or other crafts.
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A beach with palm trees, boats, and a clear blue sky.

4. SeaWorld

SeaWorld® San Diego, located in trendy Mission Beach, has been pleasing crowds ever since it opened in 1964 and is a must for anyone traveling with children. Kids and adults alike flock to the many exhibits offering opportunities to interact with marine animals. Touch, feed and give training signals to the performing bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Point. With prearranged permission, you can even don a wetsuit and jump into the water with the majestic beluga whales.
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An orca performing a jump in a pool.

5. Petco Park

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.
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A large, empty baseball stadium with tiered seating and a green field.

6. Balboa Park

This is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and one of the most diverse in the world. You could spend a week exploring its 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of walking trails and gardens, museums and galleries, theaters, restaurants, and world-famous zoo. This wealth of year-round entertainment makes it a popular location for both locals and tourists.
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A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.

What to do in San Diego


Stay near popular San Diego attractions

Where to stay in San Diego

Find the best San Diego areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Diego
Learn more about San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Nova SD – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Pacific Beach

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

Mission Valley

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

Little Italy

Visitors to Little Italy love its captivating waterfront views, and you can check out Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Beach and Mission Bay are top sights worth seeing.


 

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Day trip destinations from San Diego

Frequently asked questions

Is San Diego worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are loads of great things to do in San Diego. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Diego?
Begin your day with a visit to San Diego Zoo and Mission Bay. Then, explore other parts of San Diego for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Diego?
The top tourist attraction in San Diego is San Diego Zoo, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in San Diego?
You can easily tour popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, Mission Bay and Coronado Beach with a three-day break in San Diego. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and check out San Diego County.
Is San Diego a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Diego is a great destination to tour on foot. Wander between San Diego Zoo and Coronado Beach. Then take a stroll around Downtown San Diego, located 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) from the centre, and Columbia, which is about 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in San Diego with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in San Diego with kids.

What to do in San Diego for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in San Diego for adults including Bay City Brewing Co. And Hotel Circle.
Are there free things to do in San Diego?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San Diego is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Mission Bay is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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