tourism in san diego

San Diego   Travel Guide

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32 Fun Things to Do in San Diego

Perched on the scenic Southern California coastline, San Diego's diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone – whether you're on a family vacation, a girls' getaway or traveling solo. Head to Balboa Park for world-class museums,

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Balboa Park Balboa Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Leave your car in one of the parking lots and take the free Balboa Park Tram that runs every 10 to 15 minutes to get around. Save money with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which offers discounts at park museums. – Sharael Kolberg

Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo , this 1,200-acre park is the city's cultural hub. Located in downtown San Diego (about 1 ½ miles north of the city center), Balboa Park is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic. Wander around the park's many gardens while admiring the intricate Spanish-Renaissance architecture that permeates the grounds (the best examples are the California Building and the reconstructed House of Hospitality). The Botanical Building is a great starting point in Balboa Park. The building is one of the most photographed places in Balboa Park and is one of the largest lath structures in the world. But don't just look at it. The famous botanical building features more than 2,100 permanent plants, including striking collections of tropical plants and orchids. Balboa Park also features a cactus garden, a rose garden, a Japanese-style garden as well as a palm tree canyon, among many others.

USS Midway Museum USS Midway Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: Feel what it's like to be a jet pilot in air-to-air combat in the thrilling flight simulator (for $10 per person; reservations required). Then head to the Flight Deck to see the aircraft up close. – Sharael Kolberg

San Diego is a big military town. You'll likely see bases scattered about while exploring the city, especially around parts of San Diego Bay. The USS Midway is one of these affiliated sites that offers an insider's look into what is normally closed off to the public. The USS Midway is the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century, having played host to more than 200,000 sailors over the course of its 47 years of service. This historical relic offers patrons the opportunity to explore approximately 60 different exhibits and more than 30 restored aircraft, including some that have flown in World War II, Operation Desert Storm and the Korean War. During the self-guided audio tour, you'll see the crew's sleeping quarters, the engine room and the primary flight control room, among other areas of the 4-acre flight deck. There are also flight simulators, a cafe and a gift shop.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego Zoo Safari Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: Spend the night with the animals on a Roar & Snore Safari. Guests sleep in comfortable tent cabins with cots and heaters. Witness the animals' activity after dark and roast s'mores around the campfire. – Sharael Kolberg

If you want more of the San Diego Zoo , head about 35 miles north to its Safari Park in Escondido. Here, you can view some of Africa's most beloved animals – including lions, elephants and cheetahs – roaming free (well, relatively). There are also meerkats, zebras, gorillas and bald eagles, to name a few. True to its name, the park offers a variety of different safaris, including a zip line safari and a wildlife safari in an open-air truck.

Popular Tours

Best of the Bay 90-Minute Harbor Tour in San Diego

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San Diego Bay Cruises San Diego Bay Cruises

San Diego is known for its beaches and beach activities, and one of the best ways to experience the city is from the ocean. Along the city's Embarcadero, you'll find many cruise options, each offering a different experience. Finding the right experience and type of trip depends on your interests and time constraints. There are many one- to two-hour cruises available for people of all ages. Some are whale watching focused , as San Diego is one of the top places for whale watching in the country. Others, such as Flagship Cruises and Events' San Diego Harbor Tour, are sightseeing cruises , which visitors enjoy thanks to the engaging tour guides who narrate as the boat passes notable San Diego landmarks. Families with young children may appreciate the city's SEAL tours, which are narrated by guides on an amphibious vehicle; the tour consists of a 30-minute ride on land coupled with an hourlong ride on the water where passengers often see seals and other wildlife. Couples may be more interested in fine dining cruises, which provide guests with meals or drinks as they float along the city's bay. Options include a luxury dinner cruise from City Experiences or the Champagne brunch cruise from Flagship Cruises and Events . Then, there are cruises for thrill-seekers: Complete with whipping winds and splashing water for a 30-minute ride, boat adventures like the high-speed Patriot Jet Boat ride are not for the faint-hearted. 

Cruises depart from various ports within the harbor. Other attractions like Seaport Village , the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are also nearby, so there are plenty of activities to keep you busy before or after your cruise.

Coronado Beach Coronado Beach free

Compared to Mission Beach , this popular shoreline boasts fewer sunbathers and calmer waves. Just across the bay from San Diego, Coronado Beach is popular with families and couples alike thanks to its long shoreline (affording plenty of room for beachgoers), clean sands, peaceful atmosphere and idyllic location in the "Crown City" (in Spanish, "Coronado" means "crowned one"). In fact, not only is it one of the best beaches in San Diego , it's also considered one of the best California beaches .

While you won't have access to a bustling boardwalk (like that at Mission Beach), you will have plenty of picturesque scenery to admire (besides the surf): magnificent mansions sit behind the beach on Ocean Boulevard. And the Hotel del Coronado – a National Historic Landmark that made its debut in 1888 and appeared in the 1959 Marilyn Monroe film "Some Like It Hot" – is perched just beyond the sand. When you're not boogie boarding or building a sand castle, heed the advice of recent visitors and simply walk the approximately 1.75-mile-long shoreline. Even if you're visiting San Diego during the winter season (December through February) when the water is a little too chilly for swimming, you should still plan to make a stop here for the scenery. And if you enjoy ice skating, the Hotel Del Coronado offers the unique opportunity to ice skate right alongside the beach.

Petco Park Petco Park

Often considered one of the top baseball stadiums in the country, Petco Park is a must-visit for San Diego Padres fans or for anyone who wants to witness a baseball game and take in the striking San Diego skyline. The park, which was built in 2004, sits beside the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego's East Village. The stadium reflects its Southern California location through the light sandstone exterior and decorative palm trees and vegetation. San Diego's notoriously sunny and dry weather also makes Petco Park an ideal baseball stadium: The Padres rarely see home games rained out, so it's highly unlikely visitors will need to worry about their plans getting canceled.

The Padres play at Petco Park throughout the typical Major League Baseball season from April to October. Single-game ticket prices vary depending on the game, seats and time of year. Of course, the seats closest to the field provide a great viewing experience, but many say the views of the field and the city skyline from the upper decks rival those of the lower seats.

Legoland California Legoland California

Legoland California features much more than the company's ubiquitous plastic building blocks. It boasts an amusement park – one of the top California theme parks – with more than 60 rides and a 10-acre water park with several slides. It also has an interactive aquarium with more than 6,000 animals. Other activities include Lego-related live shows and 4D movies. For a low-key activity, head to MINILAND USA, which features miniature replicas of major cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York City and Washington, D.C., all constructed from millions of Legos. New in 2023, there's also a replica of San Diego that includes Lego reconstructions of all of the city's famous landmarks. 

If this seems like too much to do in a single day, you can reserve one of the resort's hotel rooms , which, of course, are outfitted in decor inspired by Lego product lines. What's more, each room has a separate sleeping area for kids. The park itself houses several restaurants serving kid-approved fare like burgers and pizza, as well as a barbecue eatery that appeals to adults thanks to its craft beer menu.

La Jolla Cove La Jolla Cove free

La Jolla Cove is the jewel of La Jolla. Located across the water from La Jolla Shores , La Jolla Cove may not be much in terms of a beach, but its striking beauty and snorkeling reputation more than make up for it among recent visitors. The site is an ecologically protected area that is home to vibrant wildlife both in and out of the water. In fact, it's not uncommon to spot sea lions hanging close to the cove's bluffs and tide pools. Oftentimes, they even come on the beach. 

This is also an excellent spot for beginner snorkelers. Advanced snorkelers should take advantage of the sea caves located along the bluffs, but only with a guide. If you aren't an advanced snorkeler but still want to see the caves, you can take a kayak tour , or visit the Cave Store, which is home to a human-made tunnel that goes directly inside the Sunny Jim Cave. Travelers say even if you don't plan on swimming or snorkeling, you should still visit the attraction for its picture-perfect setting. 

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Mission Beach Mission Beach free

Mission Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with families thanks to its variety of amenities and laid-back vibe. In addition to its approximately 2-mile-long boardwalk, the beach is also home to Belmont Park , a beachfront amusement park featuring arcades and numerous rides, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster – a nearly 100-year-old National Historic Landmark. Mission Beach is also a great spot for beginner surfers (several surf schools offer lessons here).

When lunchtime rolls around, head to one of the many beachside eateries that flank the boardwalk or Mission Boulevard (the area's main thoroughfare), or have a picnic at Bonita Cove, the bayfront park located across the street from Belmont Park that also features a playground as well as several restrooms.

Old Town San Diego Old Town San Diego free

Take a trip back in time at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, an approximately mile-long and half-mile-wide area contained stretch of preserved or reconstructed shops and houses on the grounds of the first European settlement in California. Widely considered the "birthplace of California," Old Town San Diego shows visitors what it was like to live through different eras of California history, from the time of Spanish explorers to the California gold rush. Some important stops include the adobe Casa de Estudillo, a house built in the 1820s that is one of the oldest surviving Mexican-Spanish-style structures of its type in the state. The park also shelters a reconstruction of San Diego's first brick building, a courthouse first built in the mid-19th century. Nearby the park, the Junípero Serra Museum, named for the Spanish missionary who helped colonize San Diego and other areas of California, is also a must-see because its architecture and location have helped make it a famous San Diego landmark. It sits on a hill in Presidio Park near green spaces, picnic areas and memorials, and it provides great views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The Whaley House, another of the city's early brick buildings (and one some believe to be haunted), also sits near the park.

There are plenty of shops in the Old Town area, many of which sell handcrafted items from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The town's Mexican heritage is also preserved through the various restaurants that dish out authentic Mexican food. Favorite eateries include El Agave, Cafe Coyote and Tahona Bar. Previous visitors enjoyed simply strolling through the streets, relaxing on the green spaces and listening to mariachi bands. For a little help navigating the area, sign up for one of the best San Diego tours .

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This oceanfront reserve features 1,750 acres of unspoiled land, including the Torrey pine, America's rarest pine tree. There are approximately 3,000 Torrey pines in the reserve alone, and aside from San Diego, the only other place in the country the pines grow are on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara . The reserve also houses one of Southern California's last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges. What does that mean for you? Plenty of hiking opportunities (8 miles to be exact). Trails offer a chance to get up close and personal with the attraction's famously beautiful sandstone ravines and badlands, as well as breathtaking views of the coastline. And if you come during the spring, you'll see wildflowers on full display.

Popular trails include the short Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 miles round trip), which features two ocean overlooks, and the longer Razor Point Trail (1.4 miles round trip), which tours more of the sandstone geological features of the reserve. There is also the nearly mile-long Beach Trail that leads to Torrey Pines State Beach. Of all San Diego's beaches , a long walk along Torrey Pines State Beach is a must simply for its views of the towering sandstone cliffs that border it.

San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo

Spanning 100 acres in Balboa Park , the San Diego Zoo is not only one of the largest zoos in the country, it's also home to one of the largest collections of rare and endangered animals in the world (more than 12,000 animals in total). Amur leopards, jaguars, red pandas, giraffes, elephants and koalas (the largest collection outside of Australia) are just a few of the many animals that call the San Diego Zoo home. The exhibits are linked by an expansive series of trails, such as the Monkey Trail, the Hippo Trail or the Tiger Trail. On these designated pathways, you'll come face to face with numerous exciting creatures, including hippos and bonobos in the Lost Forest, polar bears in the Northern Frontier, rhinos in the Urban Jungle or Chinese alligators in the Discovery Outpost. You'll need plenty of energy – and a map (or smartphone app) – to see everything the zoo has to offer. Should your feet grow weary while exploring, the zoo offers a 35-minute guided bus tour of the park. There's also the Skyfari Aerial Tram that transports visitors from one end of the park to the other, offering a bird's-eye view of the exhibits below. The zoo also hosts animal presentations and animal encounter programs daily, and houses a 4D movie theater that screens educational wildlife films. 

Travelers almost unanimously agree that the San Diego Zoo is the best zoo they have ever visited. Recent visitors were impressed with the vast number of animals on display and the various activities. In fact, many said a daylong visit isn't enough time to see everything. Travelers suggest wearing quality walking shoes, as the distance between some exhibits is considerable. Some recommended hopping on the Kangaroo Bus that stops at four different places in the park, going on the guided bus tour or taking the Skyfari just for the views alone. Though a few reviewers express disappointment with the amount of walking involved and the high prices of admission and concession, visitors say the experience is worth it.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Birch Aquarium at Scripps

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to SeaWorld San Diego , consider this small aquarium in La Jolla. Located at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, the Birch Aquarium overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the source of the fish and invertebrates housed in its more than 60 habitats.

Creatures here include sea turtles, sharks and seahorses (which are a key focus of its conservation efforts). The interactive institution has outdoor pools that allow visitors to have hands-on experiences with young sharks, rays and sea cucumbers. It also offers daily behind-the-scenes tours. Other highlights include a two-story, 70,000-gallon giant kelp forest and a blue penguin exhibit (blue penguins are the world's smallest penguins).

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Sesame Place San Diego Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Place is a kid-oriented destination inspired by the "Sesame Street" TV series. It features a neighborhood constructed to resemble the show's set with recognizable locations like Hooper's Store and Big Bird's Nest. This is where children can have their photos taken with some of their favorite puppet characters (or adults dressed to look like them) or hear them tell stories. Sesame Place also has a variety of themed rides, including Super Grover’s Box Car Derby (a family-friendly roller coaster) and the Sunny Day Carousel, as well as numerous water slides. Sesame Place also stages live parades and shows featuring Bert, Ernie and the rest of the gang. In addition, it has several on-site eateries, such as Oscar's Grouchy Grub and Grover's Grill.

Visitors – adult ones, anyway – point out this is primarily a place for children to romp and may be of limited interest to anyone else. Some say that despite the "Sesame Street" trappings, it’s essentially a water park. (Indeed, it was adapted from the former SeaWorld Aquatica San Diego water park.) And others grumble that it can get rather expensive. Even so, many say that if you enter knowing what to expect, and with companions of the appropriate age in tow, you can have a magical time here.

Pacific Beach Pacific Beach free

Pacific Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with college students thanks to its lively atmosphere and proximity to bars and restaurants. Families looking for a quieter stretch of sand may want to venture a little farther south to Mission Beach . Pacific Beach is a popular surf spot that's home to Tourmaline Surfing Park, which is known for its slow waves that are ideal for novices. This section of Pacific Beach is not swimmable, but even if you don't want to try your hand at surfing it's still a fun place to watch others ride the waves, according to past travelers.

Pacific Beach earns high marks from reviewers for its beautiful views and clean shores. Others appreciate the variety of eateries that sit within walking distance of the sand. Aside from Mission Boulevard, you can find a heavy concentration of bars and nightlife options on Garnet Avenue and Grand Avenue. If you don't want to experience this side of Pacific Beach, take a walk along Crystal Pier or stick to the beach north of this pier (a popular area for families). 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand breakfast, head to the whimsical, pink-themed Morning Glory restaurant. The soufflé pancakes, dim sum cart and spro (espresso) are worth the long wait in line. – Sharael Kolberg

Centered around the 10,000-square-foot Piazza della Famiglia, a European-style plaza connecting Columbia and India streets, Little Italy is a neighborhood teeming with restaurants, cafes, art galleries, craft beer taprooms and boutiques. Here, old-school eateries like Mona Lisa Italian Foods, Filippi's Pizza Grotto and Waterfront Bar & Grill neighbor trendy, upscale establishments like Kettner Exchange, Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack.

Gaslamp Quarter Gaslamp Quarter free

The Gaslamp Quarter's 16 blocks are peppered with Victorian-style buildings that now house a variety of shops, art galleries, theaters and trendy restaurants, not to mention plenty of bars and clubs. The area stretches from L Street all the way up to Broadway, including Sixth, Fifth and Fourth avenues as well as out to First Avenue at G Street. The Gaslamp Quarter Association, the city of San Diego and other groups devised a plan to transform some of these streets into car-free plazas collectively called the Gaslamp Promenade. The best place to start your tour of the Gaslamp Quarter is at the Gaslamp Quarter Gate itself, located at L Street and Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue is considered downtown San Diego's main thoroughfare. You'll find the most action here, especially at night. Thanks to all of its amenities, the Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego's premier nightlife destination. If you're not a night owl, another way to experience the Gaslamp Quarter's lively atmosphere is to take advantage of the patio seating offered at some of the neighborhood's restaurants, or venture to one of the many rooftop bars (the Andaz San Diego  boasts 360-degree views of the city's skyline). For help navigating the neighborhood, sign up for one of the best San Diego tours .

Past visitors say this is the area to stay in if you're looking for a hip, busy scene. The Gaslamp Quarter also hosts many annual events year-round, including San Diego Comic-Con. However, because it's so popular, travelers also warn that parking can be limited, especially when there's a game or event at Petco Park . Consider using public transportation instead; several bus lines stop in the area. If you do drive, you can park at Horton Plaza Park or one of the other structures in the area (where rates vary by day of the week, time of day and length of your stay). To avoid all parking fees, you can park at the Old Town Transit Center for free and take the trolley from there, which goes straight into downtown San Diego. You'll find the Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego, southwest of Balboa Park . The bars, restaurants and stores maintain different hours of operation, so check out the neighborhood's website for more information and to read more about upcoming events.

Seaport Village Seaport Village free

If you want to spend the afternoon watching ships float in and out of the harbor while sipping coffee or shopping for souvenirs, Seaport Village is the place to go. Located on the San Diego waterfront not far from the USS Midway Museum and the convention center, the 14-acre village is home to more than 50 shops, 13 casual dining outlets and four fine dining restaurants. Even visitors who aren't particularly fond of shopping said they still enjoyed strolling the 4 miles of cobblestone paths winding through the sunny outdoor complex. What's more, it's the jumping-off point for one of the best California tours within San Diego: the San Diego Seal Tour. If you're looking for panoramic sea views, grab a bite at Edgewater Grill. And at the end of the day, Seaport Village is a great place to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Many visitors also appreciate the view it affords of the Coronado Bridge.

Seaport Village is also a popular entertainment venue. If you're visiting San Diego in March, don't miss Busker Fest – a free event showcasing street performers from all over the globe. There is also live music every weekend on stages in the Carousel and Lighthouse districts.

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La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores free

Known for its gentle waves and active beachgoers, La Jolla Shores is an ideal place to relax for a few hours. Locals and tourists hit this beach to surf, see marine life and enjoy the clean ocean water and sand. Families flock to La Jolla Shores and appreciate the reliable lifeguard presence and ample public restrooms. Adjacent to the beach is the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which houses two artificial reefs meant to attract marine life. Its perimeter is marked with buoys to enforce the strict no fishing rules. Along with fishing, collecting seashells is prohibited, as the area is part of the Marine Life Refuge used by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography for research. Away from the protected refuge, surfers and boogie boarders come to catch waves in designated zones. Additionally, kayak and snorkeling gear rentals are available and visitors can sign up for scuba diving classes ahead of time.  La Jolla Kayak  and  San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours  are two companies that offer rental equipment.

There are a handful of dining options where visitors can grab a quick bite or nice meal just a short walk from the shore. For a prime vantage point, visitors suggest seeking out one of the rooftop decks at the local bars, where you can enjoy shoreline views and vibrant sunsets over cocktails.

Liberty Public Market Liberty Public Market free

If you find yourself hungry and near the San Diego Bay, look no further than Liberty Public Market for a delicious solution. Housed in a former Navy training building within the Arts District of Liberty Station, the market features more than 30 independently run food stalls, each with its own unique flair. Visitors can stroll through the bustling market and sample a variety of cuisines, including pizza, tacos, salads and more. Some stalls have more specific products, such as Baker & Olive, which sells premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or Old Town Soap Company, which offers natural self-care and wellness products. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available.

Visitors say the Liberty Public Market is perfect for anyone traveling with a large group, as everyone is sure to find something they like. For more shopping, guests can venture outside to the various other accessory stores around Liberty Station.

San Diego Golf Courses San Diego Golf Courses

With more than 70 courses and temperate weather year-round, the San Diego area ranks as a top destination for golfers. The city of San Diego operates three municipal courses: Balboa Park Golf Course, which boasts views of the nearby downtown area as well as the Pacific Ocean; Mission Bay Golf Course, the only one in the city with night lighting; and Torrey Pines Golf Course, which also features ocean views and has hosted some prestigious professional competitions. All three are regarded as among the best in the area.

Recent players called the Balboa Park course both challenging and fun, and enjoyed its scenic views. Golfers regularly describe the Mission Bay course as small, but frequently cite the friendliness of the staff. Golf enthusiasts rave about the Torrey Pines course with some saying their time there was the highlight of their trip to San Diego. Visit the city's parks and recreation department's website for information on reserving tee times.

Children's Pool in La Jolla Children's Pool in La Jolla free

Animal lovers are sure to enjoy Children's Pool beach in La Jolla. Because of the California coast's sometimes harsh waves, a seawall was built in the 1930s on a portion of the beach to make the waters calmer for children. However, builders didn't realize the calm waters would appeal to seals as well. In recent years, seals have started flocking to Children's Pool to bask in the sun, play in the water and give birth to their pups. The wildlife phenomenon has turned the beach into a must-see tourist attraction.

Visitors can walk out onto the seawall to watch the seals from above, and many agreed Children's Pool was one of the highlights of their San Diego trip. They suggest bringing binoculars to see the seals and jackets as it can get chilly on the seawall. They also warn the abundance of seals can sometimes result in a rather pungent scent, but seeing the animals in their natural habitat is worth it.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum offers a hands-on look at San Diego's days as a bustling seaport. You can tour all types of historic vessels, from sailing ships to submarines, including the world's oldest active ship, the Star of India. If exploring boats doesn't satisfy your craving for a nautical experience, set sail on one of the museum's vessels, such as the Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California. Prices and tour availability vary by boat, so check the website for more information. 

Recent visitors said the boat tours gave them a new understanding of the workmanship and skill required of sailors. Past travelers also note that you should allot yourself plenty of time to explore the various ships. Along with the boat tours, you can also tour several permanent and visiting exhibits that detail San Diego's maritime legacy through art and artifacts. Travelers say the exhibits are fascinating, even for youngsters. 

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Belmont Park Belmont Park

A trip to San Diego is not complete without a visit to beachfront amusement park and boardwalk Belmont Park. The park, which has been in operation since 1925, offers something for everyone. Those looking for a thrill can ride the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the spinning Beach Blaster, while those who prefer something calmer can enjoy the carousel, go mini golfing or hit the arcade. Additional activities and attractions include rock climbing, bumper cars, zip lining and laser tag. Despite the park's busy location ( Mission Beach ), previous visitors were pleased that the lines were usually short. However, they advise going in the morning or evening to minimize wait times regardless. Belmont Park also features a variety of retails shops and equipment rental vendors. Visitors also enjoy Plunge San Diego, the park's indoor pool that features beach views.

Belmont Park serves typical amusement park fare (like hot dogs, ice cream and burgers). The park is also home to a handful of upscale restaurants, including seafood and sushi spot Cannonball, which offers one of the city's largest rooftops and overlooks Mission Beach.

Torrey Pines Gliderport Torrey Pines Gliderport

Travelers can take in Torrey Pines' unique coastal scenery from a new perspective at Torrey Pines Gliderport. The gliderport is one of the top spots in California for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. In operation for almost a century, this unique adventure hub allows visitors to witness the beautifully preserved California coastline from above. Each tandem paragliding and hang gliding flight (in which you fly with an instructor) lasts 20 to 25 minutes and gives visitors the chance to witness the sandstone cliffs, golf courses and vibrant water from the sky before landing back where they started – 350 feet above Black's Beach. (Or, depending on wind conditions, gliders may land on the beach itself and hike back to the top of the cliff.) Anyone of any age can sign up for a tandem gliding ride, but minors must get formal approval from their parents or guardians.

Visitors say the rides are worth the price because it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many; they rave about the guides who made them feel safe and also made the ride fun.

SeaWorld San Diego SeaWorld San Diego

Though you may spot wildlife at any one of San Diego's beaches (especially Pacific and Mission beaches) none put on quite as good a show as the performers at SeaWorld. Here, you'll get to see a range of animals, including dolphins, California sea lions, California otters and sea turtles, among others. As for the rides, travelers love the lightning-fast Manta roller coaster, but caution against the Journey to Atlantis or Shipwreck Rapids rides if you don't want to get wet. In 2022, the park added the Emperor, which it bills as California's tallest and fastest roller coaster with a 14-story vertical drop and speeds of up to 60 mph. For something a little more low-key, head to any one of the park's animal exhibits, such as the underwater shark-viewing tunnel or the penguin habitat, which features nearly 400 penguins. There's also the Sesame Street Bay of Play (included in your SeaWorld general admission ticket), which features various wet and dry playgrounds, as well as a bounce house, climbing structure and smaller rides suited for children and toddlers.

Recent visitors had a blast at SeaWorld, especially those with kiddos in tow. Travelers say you can't miss a show, with many being fond of the dolphin show in particular. Make sure to arrive early though, as lines can get long. Travelers also highly recommended wearing quality walking shoes and bringing an extra jacket or change of clothes in case you get wet on the rides or at the shows (there's a splash zone for most). Travelers who didn't bring a change of clothes said they were miserable walking around the park wet and balked at the high price of clothing available at the park.

Cabrillo National Monument Cabrillo National Monument

The southernmost tip of Point Loma is where you'll find the Cabrillo National Monument. The statue depicts Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who, in 1542, was the first European explorer to navigate the California coast. Situated about 10 miles southwest of downtown San Diego, this monument is much more than just a memorializing effigy. The main reason people make the journey to the monument is for its incredible views. From the monument, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific as well as downtown San Diego, Coronado, and on a clear day, the mountains of Tijuana, Mexico.

Once you've gotten your fill from the top, walk or drive down Cabrillo Road to experience the Point Loma Tide Pools, or take a scenic walk along the coastal trail. There's also the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail that cascades down into the east side of the point and ends right above the bay waters. For those more interested in the historical aspect of the attraction, the National Park Service site features ranger talks further explaining the story behind the Cabrillo Monument as well as the restored Old Point Loma Lighthouse, located a short walk south from the monument on Humphreys Road. 

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial free

Situated in La Jolla, less than 3 miles south of La Jolla Shores , the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial was built in 1954 to honor every U.S. veteran, living or deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Along with a massive cross, there are also a series of 11 walls displaying more than 3,500 granite plaques devoted to individual military persons and their accomplishments. Volunteer docents are on hand to answer questions. The memorial conducts ceremonies honoring veterans each Friday morning as well as special events on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

In addition to its solemn purposes, the site atop its namesake mountain boasts exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego and, to the east, the mountains. Visitors frequently remark on the beautifully realized tribute to servicemen and women, as well as the unrivaled views of the surrounding area.

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Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion

(505 reviews)

from $ 127.00

San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket

(347 reviews)

Silver Strand State Beach Silver Strand State Beach

Situated on a sand-spit between Coronado and Imperial Beach, Silver Strand State Beach stretches for 2 ½ miles on the Pacific Ocean and another half-mile on San Diego Bay and offers exceptional views of both bodies of water. It's a popular spot for boating, surfing, picnicking, water-skiing, fishing, volleyball and camping. The Bayshore Bikeway – a 24-mile bike route that extends from Coronado through Imperial Beach and Chula Vista into downtown San Diego – passes through the area. Silver Stand takes its name from the iridescent oyster shells that cover the sand and make it a popular destination for shell collectors. South of the beach, a trail leads to San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Recent visitors say Silver Strand is an attractive and clean place with a relaxed atmosphere. They also confirm that it's a popular spot for RV camping.

Sunset Cliffs Sunset Cliffs free

A few miles from Cabrillo National Monument , Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent place for ocean views in Point Loma. Situated about 9 miles due west of downtown San Diego, Sunset Cliffs stretches across 68 acres and runs 1.5 miles along Point Loma peninsula's western shoreline. The dramatic sandstone cliffs and untouched vegetation along with its stunning ocean vistas make for an unforgettable stroll. The area is also home to a few secluded beaches as well, though getting to them can be tricky. There is a beach popular with locals at the beginning of Cordova Street off of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, but you have to traverse down the steep cliffs to get there. For an easier descent, head to the end of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at Ladera Street and take a walk down the available stairway. It won't lead you to the beach, but it will get you just above the crashing waves. You can reach the sand by wading through water on the rocky shore. Nicknamed Garbage Beach for the kelp covering the rocks, the area is pretty popular with surfers, so expect to see lots of locals catching waves. If you venture farther up into Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, you'll find plenty of walking trails right along the ocean and through the coastal scrub that dot the area. 

As its name implies, sunset is a popular time to visit the park and recent visitors say arguably the best. If you want to avoid the crowds at dusk, try to plan a mid-week trip rather than a weekend visit. Travelers recommend bringing along a sweatshirt in case the ocean breeze gets a little too chilly. Past visitors also suggest using the restroom before stopping here as there are no facilities on-site. You can get to Sunset Cliffs via public transportation. If you're staying downtown, take the trolley to Old Town Transit Center then catch the No. 35 bus and it will take you to the beginning of the cliffs. Sunset Cliffs has no opening or closing hours, though it's best to go when there's light for maximum visibility. People have had accidents falling off of the cliffs, so be sure to observe the signs marking unstable cliffs. For more information, visit the parks and recreation website .

San Diego Wine Tasting & Tours San Diego Wine Tasting & Tours

San Diego is home to numerous, mostly family-owned, wineries and tasting rooms located in areas throughout the county, including Escondido, Julian, Solana Beach, Ramona, Carlsbad and in the city proper. The climate and soil are conducive to growing grapes for award-winning artisan wine. You'll find everything from sprawling vineyards like Bernardo Winery with 2,500 vines, or Pali Wine Co.'s charming tasting room in Little Italy , to beachside wineries, such as Gianni Buonomo Vintners, or mountain wineries like Hawk Watch Winery. There is a large range of varietals grown in this area, such as pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, petite syrah, sangiovese and more. Original offerings include almond Champagne and chocolate port by Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards.

Whether you want to get out of town and take a scenic drive to visit one of the winery estates or just want to stop by a quaint wine tasting room in downtown San Diego, these hidden gems are worth exploring while in the area. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, consider signing up for one of the best Temecula wine tours . Located in the hills of Southern California's wine country between Los Angeles and San Diego, Temecula is home to dozens of wineries.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue operated by the San Diego Symphony. Located at the Embarcadero Marina Park South, this venue, which opened in 2021, was a five-year collaboration between the San Diego Symphony and leading architects, design firms, sound engineers, construction experts, fabricators and audiovisual teams. It's recognized for its unique and stunning shell design, which it describes as "acoustically superior." Visitors can listen to a variety of live music at this waterfront venue while dining on locally sourced culinary offerings. Musical performances range from classical to pop, with concerts by artists like Michael Bolton, Van Morrison and Counting Crows, to name a few.

Past visitors raved about the scenic waterfront venue, applauding the acoustics and the stunning harbor views.

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego

Written by Karen Hastings and Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 20, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Located in Southern California, not far from the Mexico border, San Diego is the oldest town in California. It has an enchanting natural beauty and a mild Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine – perfect for outdoor adventures.

Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions are the museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial-style architecture found in Balboa Park; the world-famous San Diego Zoo; and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.

For a little history and shopping, you can stroll the streets of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park or wander through the Gaslamp Quarter.

If you want to soak up the year-round sunshine and sea breezes, San Diego beaches are some of Southern California's best , with more than 68 miles of coastline in and around the city for sunning, swimming, and surfing.

Discover the best places to visit and things to do in this beautiful SoCal city with our list of the top tourist attractions in San Diego.

1. Balboa Park

2. san diego zoo, 3. gaslamp quarter, 4. midway aircraft carrier museum, 5. seaport village, 6. san diego beaches, 7. old town state historic park, 8. point loma and cabrillo national monument, 9. mission beach, 10. sunset cliffs natural park, 11. san diego harbor cruises, 12. mission basilica san diego de alcala, 13. san diego museum of art, 14. san diego whale watching cruises, 15. san diego air & space museum, 16. outdoor adventures, 17. the new children's museum, 18. seaworld san diego, where to stay in san diego for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to san diego, map of tourist attractions in san diego, best time to visit san diego, ca.

Balboa Park is a one-stop wonderland for tourists. This 1,400-acre site encompasses historical buildings, numerous museums, gardens, and green space. The park was created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-1916, and most of the buildings remain from that event. The predominant architecture is Spanish-style, with low-rise buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings.

Among the highlights of the park are the botanical gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo . Even if you never go into a building, the park is simply a beautiful place to visit.

Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.balboapark.org/

A top tourist attraction in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the United States . Visiting this family-friendly attraction is also one of the top things to do in San Diego with kids . Plan at least a whole day here to really get the most out of your visit.

You can see all kinds of exotic animals here, including gorillas, grizzly bears, koalas, leopards, bonobos, polar bears, rhinos, and sloths. The zoo attempts to replicate a natural environment for each animal, such as rocks for Amur leopards and a chilly pool for the polar bears.

The San Diego Zoo includes a Safari Park . In this area, all the animals roam free within large-enclosure natural settings. For instance, giraffes graze in a savanna; cheetahs dart through a jungle; and elephants wander through a sheltered valley. Because the Safari Park offers guided tours in an open-air truck or cart (with no walking required), it's a good option for families with kids. (Some tours have a minimum age requirement of three years and older.) Insider's Tip: Bring binoculars!

The Safari Park's carefully designed habitats support the zoo's mission to educate visitors about protecting the environment. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance invests in conservation projects around the world that are dedicated to restoring wildlife populations in their natural habitats.

Spread out along a beautifully landscaped canyon, the zoo also displays an impressive botanical collection – more than 700,000 plants from around the globe grace the grounds.

Want to have more time with your favorite animals? You can upgrade your experience by signing up for behind-the-scenes and close-up animal experiences.

If your feet get sore from walking around the park, you can always hop on the Kangaroo Bus or glide over the exhibits in the Skyfari Aerial Tram . Better still, purchase a Skip-the-Line San Diego Zoo ticket , which includes admission, as well as unlimited rides on the bus and tram. You'll also avoid any long lines at the entrance.

The San Diego Zoo is about a 40-minute drive north of downtown San Diego.

Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/

Adjacent to Petco Park and the Convention Center, the Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District is the hub of the city's nightlife. It's a great place to visit if you're looking for things to do in downtown San Diego – especially after dark.

Restored late-19th- and early-20th-century Victorian buildings house buzzing entertainment venues, trendy shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving every kind of cuisine you can imagine, from Persian food to pizza. This is a great place to catch some live jazz, comedy, or theater performances.

The district runs for about 16 blocks, from Broadway to San Diego Bay, and it's easily walkable, but you can also hop on bike taxis if your feet need a break.

Thanks to its great location in the heart of the city, the Gaslamp Quarter is also a great place to stay. High-end hotels range from boutique properties like the Pendry San Diego to big-brand properties like the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego , a short stroll away from all the action.

Official site: http://gaslamp.org/

Walking along the San Diego waterfront on the Embarcadero, you might be surprised when you come across one of the US military's largest ships. The decommissioned USS Midway is permanently berthed at Navy Pier.

The highlights of a visit to the USS Midway Museum include more than 60 exhibits and over 30 restored aircraft. More than 225,000 military service personnel served on the ship, and you can take a self-guided audio tour to learn all about its history. For an additional fee, you can also try a flight simulator on board.

To save time on your busy sightseeing agenda, consider purchasing a Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket . This will allow you to bypass the crowds at the entrance, so you have more time to visit other top San Diego attractions.

Address: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.midway.org/

San Diego's Seaport Village is a delightful place to stroll around and spend an afternoon. Located right on the waterfront, this area of unique shops and restaurants is one of the city's must-sees.

Picnic tables, benches, and waterfront patios are sprinkled throughout the area, and weekends can be very busy. Eclectic performers take to the outdoor stage regularly in the afternoons. Kids love riding the historic carousel with hand-carved wooden horses.

The area is easily accessible on foot from many of the nearby attractions, including the USS Midway . Since there is limited and expensive parking at Seaport Village, it might be best to park a little distance away and enjoy the stroll along the waterfront to the site.

Address: West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.seaportvillage.com/

Year-round sunshine and miles of beautiful surf-washed coastline make San Diego a perfect place to visit for a beach vacation. No matter what you like to do, San Diego's best beaches offer conditions for every type of activity.

For basking in the sunshine and people-watching, head to Mission Beach with its buzzing beachfront boardwalk and seaview cafés. Ocean Beach delivers a dose of hippy chic, and pet owners can let their pooches run off-leash here at the aptly named Dog Beach . Surfing is also popular at these famous beaches.

If surfing is your top priority, Del Mar is one of the most consistent locations. Other popular surf spots include Pacific Beach, Trestles, Swami's, and Black's Beach, and beginner surfers should head to Oceanside or La Jolla Shores .

Want to take the kids for a day of sun, sand, and sea? The best family-friendly beaches are Del Mar, Silver Strand, Coronado Beach, and La Jolla Shores . And if you prefer a wild and rugged slice of coastline, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve fits the bill, with scenic hiking trails and soaring sea cliffs.

Wondering about the best time to visit San Diego for a beach vacation? It depends on your chosen activity. If you're a surfer, winter storms bring big swells. If you're a swimmer, summer is the best time to take a dip, and if you're headed to the coast to soak up some sunshine or stroll along the shore, you can do that at any time of the year.

At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo.

Visit a working blacksmith studio, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants. Many of the historic buildings, including five original adobe structures, have been repaired, and newer buildings that have been added are in the same historical architectural style.

The Old Town State Historic park is one of the most visited state parks in California. There is no admission fee, and many of the attractions are free. You can also sign up for free walking tours offered twice daily (at 11am and at 2pm).

Address: 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663

Breathtaking views out over San Diego and the Pacific Ocean make Point Loma one of the best places to visit in this beautiful city. You can start soaking up the vistas on the scenic road up to Point Loma. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mexico, and you might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins or whales.

This is where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first landed on the west coast of the United States in 1542. You can learn about the history of his incredible "Voyage of Discovery" through a variety of displays and exhibits at the Cabrillo National Monument. A large statue dedicated to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo gazes out over the land he discovered.

Also located on Point Loma is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse , built in 1858. Visitors can tour the refurbished lighthouse building.

Hiking the scenic trails is another popular thing to do here. If you have children in tow, take the one-mile Bayside Trail to the tide pools.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm

The seaside neighborhood of Mission Beach epitomizes San Diego's sunny Southern California lifestyle. The beautiful blonde-sand beach is the focal point here.

Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball are popular things to do, and a three-mile scenic boardwalk skirts the shore. Come here on a sunny day, and you'll see locals rollerblading, skateboarding, strolling, and cycling along here, or dining at one of the many beachside cafés or restaurants.

A highlight of Mission Beach is Belmont Park , an East-Coast-style seaside amusement park complete with a historic roller coaster, excellent restaurants, fairground eateries, and street performances. It's a favorite San Diego attraction for kids.

Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to visit is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the ocean panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues.

During the gray whale migration season, the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers a chance to spot these graceful creatures as they migrate to Baja California in Mexico.

San Diego sits right on the water, and boat tours are a great way to do some sightseeing while soaking up the sunshine and fresh air. Hopping aboard a San Diego harbor cruise also gives you a fresh perspective of this beautiful seaside city. On this one- or two-hour narrated cruise, you can learn a little history, see the city skyline, and possibly spot some seals and sea lions basking along the rocky shore.

Tours include a cruise under the Coronado Bridge, and you can choose to sit either indoors or out on deck. Snacks and beverages are also available for purchase.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was California's first mission. In 1769, the Spanish Franciscan Father from Majorca, Junipero Serra, founded the mission stations, the first of which was built in San Diego. A few years after it was founded, however, it was moved six miles inland because disputes had arisen between the Spanish troops and the Indians.

In 1775, the Indians set fire to the new mission, the Fathers sought refuge with the army, and it wasn't until 1777 that they built a new mission station with the help of the Indians.

Today, the mission is a National Historic Landmark , and it's a wonderful place to learn about San Diego's early history. Highlights include visiting the old church with a bell tower, declared a basilica in the 1970s; strolling around the peaceful gardens ; and browsing the fascinating exhibits at the Padre Jayme Museum .

You can take a self-guided tour or book a guided tour in advance through the website.

Address: 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, California

Official site: https://www.missionsandiego.org/

Art lovers looking for a dose of culture should head to the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Its distinctive facade is a copy of the 17th-century University of Salamanca, in the so-called plateresque style, with finely-chiseled terra-cotta work. Busts of Spanish painters adorn the entrance, and their artworks are among the many eclectic exhibits displayed here.

The museum's collection covers a broad spectrum of works from around the world, including pieces that date back 7,000 years. Highlights include works by Spanish and Italian old masters, along with South Asian paintings and art from the Americas, including 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures.

Address: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.sdmart.org/

San Diego is one of the best places in Southern California to spot migrating whales. Blue whales, gray whales, humpbacks, and minke whales swim these waters at different times of year, and you also have the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and even orcas.

Whale watching trips are one of the top things to do in San Diego from December through April , when the gray whale migration kicks into gear. Blue whales usually migrate during the summer months, from mid-June through September .

The best way to see these gentle giants up close is aboard a San Diego whale watching cruise . This 4.5-hour cruise takes place aboard a replica of the old sailing schooner that won the 1851 America's Cup. In addition to an exhilarating sailing experience, you'll also learn about the different species of marine life, as well as US Navy sites you pass along the way. Drinks, snacks, and a whale sighting guarantee are all included in the tour.

For anyone interested in aviation and space flight history, this museum in Balboa Park is not to be missed. The museum educates the public about aircraft and space-age technology, with exhibits that help visitors understand the chronology and the pace of progress.

The museum begins its presentation of flight history with a model of the first hot air balloon, launched by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783, and a reproduction of the Wright brothers ' gliders. The presentation continues with exhibits of rare historical aircraft that date back to World War I. Also on display are mint-condition military aircraft from World War II, including the Navy F6F Hellcat and the A-4 Skyhawk Jet.

With a wide variety of collections, from aircraft, spacecraft, and flight simulators to photographs and film archives, the San Diego Air & Space Museum pays tribute to the rich aviation heritage of San Diego.

Visitors can stop at the museum's gift shop to pick up flight-themed souvenirs, such as books, puzzles, T-shirts, telescopes, model airplanes, and astronaut-autographed plaques. The gift shop even sells mini spacesuits for your little aspiring astronaut.

Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, California

Official site: https://sandiegoairandspace.org

With its year-round balmy weather and sunshine, San Diego is a top destination for outdoorsy types. Local residents enjoy an active lifestyle in all seasons, but tourists can also take advantage of the many things to do in San Diego during a visit.

Travelers can participate in outdoor adventures , from biking along coastal trails and sailing in the bay to hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The wide range of water sports and other activities will appeal to all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

A world of creativity and exploration awaits at The New Children's Museum. This innovative museum delights kids with engaging play areas and interactive exhibits, designed to encourage the imagination and critical thinking.

Contemporary artists developed the art installations for this unique museum. Each exhibit takes up the space of an entire room. Children enjoy looking at the art, as well as playing in the rooms. There are also art studios and workshops , where visitors can make their own art such as clay objects and paintings. Parents can participate in the art projects with their kids.

The multi-level modern building provides an inviting space for the museum exhibits. Eco-friendly construction techniques were used to build the 50,000-square-foot museum.

The New Children's Museum has a store that sells art supplies, games, puzzles, educational toys, children's books, and whimsical apparel.

As amusing as the museum's exhibits, the Bean Sprouts cafe offers healthy, organic seasonal meals and snacks designed to wow kids. The café serves breakfast and lunch with a special children's menu, plus allergy-friendly options. Kids love the café's "Imaginibbles," which feature fun, creative presentations, such as the "Grilledzilla" grilled cheese sandwich and the "Crocamole" avocado hummus, resembling the face of a crocodile.

Official site: https://thinkplaycreate.org

One of the top things to do in San Diego with kids, a visit to SeaWorld is sure to be a memorable experience for the youngsters in your family. Little ones delight in watching the friendly dolphins and frolicking otters, while bigger kids are awed by the shark exhibits and killer whale presentations.

SeaWorld San Diego combines the features of an aquarium and an amusement park . There are sea animal exhibits and thrilling roller-coaster rides, as well as more gentle rides for the little ones. Set on 100 acres of Mission Bay Park grounds, SeaWorld gives kids the chance to learn about sea animals such as walruses, sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, and flamingos.

Besides the sea animal shows and exhibits, SeaWorld also offers close-up encounters with dolphins (by reservation).

A new attraction at SeaWorld, Sesame Place is designed for kids who love the Sesame Street television show. Sesame Place includes Sesame Street -themed rides, a wave pool, character shows, and a musical play area.

Parents will appreciate the facilities at SeaWorld, including restaurants such as Big Bird's Bistro (suitable for children aged two years and older) and The Waterfront restaurant overlooking Mission Bay. SeaWorld also has several gift shops and boutiques where visitors can purchase T-shirts, sweatshirts, sea animal plush toys, and other souvenirs.

Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California

Official site: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/

In San Diego, the prime tourist attractions are spread out over a large area. However, staying downtown affords easy access to many of the top sites, including the Gaslamp Quarter; Balboa Park; San Diego Zoo; the harbor; Horton Plaza shopping; Little Italy; and Petco Park, where the Padres play. From downtown, it's about a 10-minute drive to the quieter shores of Coronado, a popular weekend escape. Here are some highly rated San Diego hotels in a convenient, central location .

Luxury Hotels:

• In San Diego, luxury-seeking travelers don't have to sacrifice sea views for a central location. The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego overlooks the sparkling San Diego Bay, a short hop from Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the USS Midway Museum.
• In the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, The US Grant is steeped in historic elegance, while the Omni San Diego Hotel is connected to Petco Park via a pedestrian skywalk. Both are near other top attractions, such as Balboa Park and Little Italy.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the Gaslamp Quarter, with views over Petco Park, the hip Hotel Indigo San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter is a pet-friendly property with an eco-friendly roof garden.
• Also in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown resides in an evocative 1920s bank building. This three-star hotel has a restaurant, fitness center, and concierge.
• Not far from here, The Bristol Hotel San Diego is a stylish boutique hotel within walking distance of all the downtown action, as well as the USS Midway Museum and Horton Plaza.

Budget Hotels:

• Travelers watching their wallet but still seeking a central location should consider the Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center , in the heart of its namesake district, and the Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego , five minutes by car to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
• Another affordable, good-value option is Old Town Inn , a 10-minute walk from Old Town, with easy access via the trolley to Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the harbor.

Sightseeing Tours :

• To see all the top sights in San Diego, the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour is the way to go. With the city's year-round mild climate, this is the perfect tour in any season, and it allows for complete flexibility. Get off and explore the areas that interest you or just stay on to see the city at a leisurely pace without having to worry about driving or parking. One or two day passes are available.

Since the city's weather is warm and sunny for most of the year, the best time of year to visit San Diego is from March through May and September through November, when the rates for hotels and airfare are cheaper. The weather is typically warm and sunny during these times of year, and the chance of rain is low for most of these months - except March, which can be wetter than the rest of spring and summer.

In April through May , spring weather usually brings warm weather, with temperatures in the 60s. Flowers bloom in local gardens, including the botanical gardens in Balboa Park, and you'll find fewer crowds. Keep in mind that May can be a little foggy - locals often refer to this as "May Gray," but saving money on accommodation and airfares might be worth visiting at this time.

In the fall, from September through November , you can expect crystal-clear sunny days; warm daytime temperatures, which can sometimes exceed summer temperatures in September; and fewer crowds at the city's top attractions. October and November (excluding Thanksgiving) are the cheapest months to travel at this time of year.

Peak season is June through August, during summer break, but June tends to have less sunshine than all the other summer months. At this time of year, warmer inland temperatures suck moisture in from the ocean, creating a thick blanket of fog along the coast , which the locals call "June Gloom." Early summer is also when crowds tend to swell as schools close for the summer high season. But the late summer — July, August, and September — brings the best beach weather .

Low season is typically during the winter months, from January through March. Rain is more likely during these months, but if no storms are in the forecast, you can expect the weather to be clear and sunny, with no fog, so it's worth taking a chance if you want a Southern California city fix at this time of year.

No matter what time of year you visit, it's also a good idea to bring layers because nights can be cool, even in summer.

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More Things to See and Do near San Diego : If you have more time up your sleeve, you might want to include some San Diego day trips in your travel itinerary – you can even take a quick trip to Mexico. Looking for an active vacation? Check out some of the top outdoor adventures in San Diego , from kayaking and sailing to hiking and biking the beachfront bike trails.

San Diego Family Travel : If you're traveling with children, San Diego has plenty of rewarding things to do with kids . Wondering where to stay in San Diego for a kid-friendly vacation? Check out some of the best resorts for families. And if you're also bringing your furry family members, San Diego has some excellent pet-friendly hotels.

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The 18 Best Things to Do in San Diego, From Art Museum Visits to Scenic Hikes

Some may scoff at its nickname—"America's Finest City"—but when it comes to things to do, San Diego offers more than just temperate weather year-round. Yes, as befitting any city in Southern California, there are pristine beaches; but there's also a vibrant arts scene; food and music that embrace the diversity of cultures here; and a rich military history that lend San Diego its distinct charm. As for that temperate weather—well, it means it's easy to get outside and enjoy some of the country's best hiking, biking, and surfing spots. Whatever has brought you to town, be sure to stop by the places on this list, a roster of the best things to do in San Diego.

Read our complete San Diego travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Arrow

A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego , this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. ( See our  favorite San Diego area hikes, here. ) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass ), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind the visitors center is currently closed and guided hikes aren't offered at the moment.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego — Museum Review Arrow

This local institution devoted to showcasing modern art is perched right across from the Pacific Ocean in the tony coastal community of La Jolla just outside San Diego , and recently reopened its doors after an extensive $105 million overhaul. This is the flagship location for the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (there is a second location downtown), and the building was originally designed by architect Irving Gill as a home for philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps–it was later converted into a museum in 1941. Today, MCASD has more than 4,000 pieces from renowned and emerging artists in its collection. If you’re pressed for time, be sure to check out what’s on display in the special exhibition gallery, as well as the paintings by Andy Warhol.

San Diego Zoo Arrow

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo spans 100 acres and houses more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Plan to spend at least a half-day at the zoo to get the full experience, which includes shows and animal presentations. During the summer, Nighttime Zoo event series allows visitors to stay later into the evening. There are plenty of restaurants throughout the park where parents can recuperate with a much-needed afternoon beer.

Torrey Pines Golf Course Arrow

The iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course is known for its two 18-hole championship courses that sit on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. From the scenery and challenging greens to the prestige factor, this course is a bucket-list destination for avid golfers—Tiger Woods has clinched career-defining wins here, and the word is former President Obama has teed off here, too. Every January, it hosts the Farmers Insurance Open, one of the top events in the PGA Tour, and the U.S. Open was held here in 2021. There's diverse terrain, ocean views, and hang gliders usually floating around holes 12 and 13 on the south course.

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Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars. For lower-octane pursuits, there's also an arcade and carousel.

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Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego , filled with world-class museums, restaurants, and beautiful greenery. The lush, 1,200-acre urban oasis is also home to nearly 30 museums and cultural centers, plus the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are more than a dozen attractions in the park, each with its own events and special exhibitions.

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Luxuriate in SoCal splendor in the upscale seaside village of La Jolla Cove, a quick 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego . Wind through Prospect Street to browse shops like the iconic Warwick’s, the nation's oldest family-run bookstore, or dine with an ocean view at high-end restaurants like seafood-centric George’s at the Cove. Walk along seaside Coast Boulevard for primo photo ops of the cliffs, stopping at the Children’s Pool to watch sunbathing seals camped on the rocks. Head to Peter Lik fine art gallery for awe-inspiring landscape photography . And, if you need to, recharge your battery at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, a grassy area ideal for picnics and watching the sunset. Fun fact: It's the most-photographed place in San Diego.

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This quaint neighborhood is the place to go for charming Italian restaurants and bakeries, wine bars, and boutique shopping. The main thoroughfare along India Street is home to trusty favorite Italian spots like Barbusa, Buon Appetito, and Civico 1845, but the neighborhood has made room for several non-Italian restaurants in recent years, such as Ironside Fish & Oyster , Juniper & Ivy , and Queenstown Public House. There's also a popular farmers market on Saturdays. The nightlife scene in Little Italy draws people in their thirties and forties.

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There are 21 missions dotting the California coast, and San Diego lays claim to the first. Established in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcalá is the physical representation of Christianity's birth on the West Coast. Even today, you can worship here—it's an active parish with Mass held daily—but even if you aren't a practicing Catholic, the mission is still a sight to behold, with white stucco walls, Spanish roof tiles, and grand archways. It stands on a hill overlooking Old Town with gorgeous views.

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Petco Park is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Diego , but the appeal doesn't stop at baseball. The stadium was named the best MLB ballpark to watch a game at by USA Today in 2022, and is among the few in the nation with a water view–it's a stone's throw from San Diego Bay. Hop heads will love the stellar local craft beer options: there are more than 40 different varieties poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium. And with more than 50 dining options, Petco Park's culinary appeal stretches far beyond hot dogs. Many local restaurants run operations in the stadium, including Carnitas’ Snack Shack, Hodad’s, and Grand Ole BBQ. Some notable eateries that opened here in the past year include famed soup dumpling purveyor Din Tai Fung, Sambazon (acai bowls), Jack in the Box (the company was founded in San Diego) and San Diego’s Finest Hot Chicken.

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Set atop jagged, postcard-worthy sea cliffs, San Diego 's aptly named Sunset Cliffs neighborhood rewards visitors with panoramic ocean views. Hands down San Diego's most popular spot at dusk, Sunset Cliffs attracts a crowd nightly for its serene, picture-perfect views. Part of the neighborhood overlaps with Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a 68-acre reserve known for its sea caves, rock arch formations, and extremely steep bluffs. Follow a path along the cliffs for a scenic walk, while making note of the sprawling homes nearby. Head up the hill to the nearby Little Lion Café for a healthy, Cali-bistro fare to-go or dine on their small patio. Or grab classic French dessert with a Cuban twist—like passion fruit caramels and a mango cheesecake—at Chef Vivian Hernandez-Jackson's excellent neighborhood patisserie Azucar and head to the water for a sweet sunset.

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The Del Mar Racetrack is a spectacle for high rollers and casual gamblers alike, with lightening-fast horse races that'll get your heart pumping. The track is open Thursday through Sunday, holding about eight to 12 races daily. There are 30 minutes between races to place your bets or refill your drink. In general, it's mostly adults here, but during the track's non-racing hours, the venue holds special events like food truck festivals and concerts that can bring a more diverse age range. General admission tickets are $8.

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This 971-foot-long floating museum is the best way to learn about and honor San Diego 's significant naval community. The decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. Visitors can get a taste of navy life by visiting the plane-packed flight deck, sprawling hangar bay, mess hall, and berthing. The museum hosts about 400 active-duty military events annually—including reenlistment, retirement, and change-of-command ceremonies—which are all open for the public to observe.

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This nature preserve and historic site at the edge of the Point Loma peninsula is one of the most picturesque spots in San Diego . It’s about 20 minutes from downtown, with the scenic ocean views starting from the moment you drive in. Once you park at the visitor center, you’re treated to panoramic views of San Diego Bay, downtown, Coronado, and the naval station on North Island. On clear afternoons, you can see all the way to Tijuana, Mexico. The park spans 140-plus acres, and there’s plenty of outdoor activities here from hiking trails to exploring tide pools, or just enjoying the views from one of the many overlooks. Cabrillo National Monument is a landmark where several milestones in San Diego’s modern history converge.

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The Whaley House Museum has been called one of the most haunted houses in the United States. The two-story Greek Revival-style home was built by businessman Thomas Whaley in 1857, and the Whaleys experienced several tragedies after moving into the home, including the deaths of two of their children. The property was already rumored to be haunted before the home was built since the grounds were once an execution yard, and paranormal activity is said to occur in the house to this day. A guided evening tour is the way to go here. Being in the home after sundown adds to the spine-tingling effect, and the guides–who are dressed in Victorian-era clothing–are enthusiastic storytellers. The details they share about the neighborhood’s history, the Whaley family, and the tragedies that happened on the property makes it all engaging and brings the house to life.

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One of California's 14 Cultural Districts, this historic, artsy neighborhood is rooted in Mexican and Chicano cultures. The most obvious proof is Chicano Park, the neighborhood's collection of more than 80 outdoor murals painted onto the concrete girders of the Coronado Bridge. The larger-than-life portraits depict iconic cultural figures, like revolutionary Emiliano Zapata and Aztec goddesses. Many of the hip, modern businesses that have landed are still rooted in the community's culture. There's Por Vida for coffee, Border X Brewing for Mexican-inspired craft beers like a horchata brew, Salud! for street tacos that garners long (long) lines, and Simón Limón, which sells beauty and home goods. And for old-school flavor and some of the best Mexican food in San Diego , don't miss a meal at Las Cuatro Milpas , but get there early—they usually sell out by lunchtime.

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The dreamy city of Coronado is an island (technically, a peninsula) stronghold of hotels, resorts, and beach-front restaurants. Make the short, two-mile journey over one of San Diego ’s most recognizable structures, Coronado Bridge, or take the ferry to get there. The main business district, which hugs Orange Avenue, is filled with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly hangouts like MooTime Creamery, so it's a popular spot for families. And, of course, the famous Hotel Del Coronado continues to be a draw.

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Take a stroll down the palm tree-lined Cedros Avenue Design District in sunny Solana Beach to shop at eclectic local independent boutiques, galleries, and home goods stores. With more than 85 shops jam-packed into a petite two-and-a-half blocks, this condensed district can be easily traversed within an afternoon. But you might want to spend more time: there's plenty of local art to catch at the galleries, along with great stores for clothing, and a fantastic farmers market on Sundays.

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8 of the best things to do in San Diego

Jun 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Experience the best of San Diego with our guide to the city's top things to do © Created by MaryAnne Nelson / Getty Images

Roughly two hours south from the hustle of Hollywood (depending on LA traffic), oh-so laid-back San Diego offers a different Californian experience.

Despite being the second largest city in the state, you'll find innumerable quiet corners and scenic views – an ideal destination for having your cake and eating it, too, when it comes to enjoying both city and nature in one go. Around 50 miles of pristine beaches offer plenty of variety, making it enticing to sneak away for some blissful solitude or indulge in the opposite by grabbing a drink at a buzzy beach bar. It's easy to hop between many different realities here.

There aren't so many large cities we'd readily describe as "relaxing," but San Diego is one of them. The city is anything but sleepy, though – with nightlife ranging from elegant to eclectic – luring in socialites to sample its myriad bars, breweries and events of all styles. Whether you're looking for a packed bar blasting early 2000s hip-hop or a sparklingly fancy rooftop with skyscraper views, you'll find both (and everything in between) here. 

Here's our guide to the best things to do in San Diego. 

1. Explore the arts, culture and gardens of Balboa Park

Think of it as the Central Park of San Diego: the leafy Balboa Park sprawls over 1200 acres in the heart of the city, bordering both downtown and the neighborhoods of North and South Park. More than a beautiful green space (although that reason alone is definitely worth visiting for), it's also home to multiple museums , the beloved San Diego Zoo , a Japanese garden , arts and crafts shops, plus eateries. Head over and picnic under the shade of a massive pine tree, or make a whole day of it and tick off the park's attractions one by one.

Planning tip: If you want to do it all, the park's Explorer Pass is the most simple and cost-effective way.

2. Discover your favorite San Diego beach

Every beach in San Diego has its own personality, and whichever one you prefer says something about you (if you were to ask a local). Whether you're a surf enthusiast or prefer to be horizontal under the sunshine with minimal movement, there's a coastline for you. 

Up north around La Jolla, Windansea Beach beckons with salty rock formations and dazzlingly bright sand greeted by strong waves. It's an idyllic place to unwind, seemingly far from any city. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are two classic San Diego beach picks, neighboring each other northwest of downtown. A long boardwalk frequented by cyclists and skaters creates a lively feel, and you're never too far away from a place serving margaritas. There's plenty of party to be had, not to mention a giant roller coaster steps from Mission Beach. Expect crowds, especially at sunset.

Further south, Ocean Beach draws volleyball enthusiasts and a typically chill crowd. You might even encounter a random drum circle if you're lucky. Even further south, Coronado Beach might be the chillest of the lot, a short drive over a long bridge from downtown. The views do not disappoint. This non-exhaustive list should be enough to get you started – though we highly recommend exploring on your own to discover the rest.

Local tip: Check out the farmers market on Wednesdays on Newport Ave just off of Ocean Beach. It's a vibe.

3. Walk around Torrey Pines Nature Reserve

Twenty-ish minutes from downtown San Diego, Torrey Pines Nature Reserve is simply chef's kiss when it comes to seaside hiking and staggering cliffside views. This coastal state park is still within the city limits, but feels far from it. The meandering sandy trails, together with the fresh scents of pine trees and sage shrubs, give off the vibes that you're on a camping trip and should be setting up a tent at any moment. Hike around the rolling hills, then descend down the steps to the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach.

Detour: While you're in the area, check out the Birch Aquarium . It's just south of Torrey Pines, home to some lovely marine life and equally as lovely views of the sea.

4. Enjoy art and great food in Barrio Logan

Barrio Logan, an area south of downtown, is full of Mexican-American heritage and arts at every corner. It's full of delights for the senses, from galleries and large-scale murals to fragrant taco joints and craft breweries. In the heart of Barrio Logan, Chicano Park lies under the Coronado Bridge, a historical landmark where settlers from Mexico arrived back in 1890 – and is now essentially an outdoor art museum doused in vibrant hues of color across dozens of intricate murals.

Planning tip: Arrive hungry. Barrio Logan is definitely a foodie's destination, with incredible Mexican cuisine that's worth saving room for. The tacos and tamales at Las Cuatro Milpas are the real deal. If you're wondering what to eat in San Diego, let this be the first place you try.

5. Check out La Jolla Cove

The cheerful neighborhood of La Jolla sits right on a rugged coastline, where jagged rocks form tide pools full of tiny little undersea worlds. La Jolla Cove is one particularly gorgeous strip of the coast, where you'll understandably encounter plenty of onlookers for the postcard-like vista – and oftentimes a plethora of sea lions lazing about onshore. Order a scoop of Bobboi Natural Gelato (the most delicious in San Diego) and enjoy it while you walk around the cover area.

Planning tip: After too many accounts of selfie-stick-wielding people getting way too close to sea lions, the city decided to close La Jolla Beach to the public – meaning you can't access the actual beach but can observe the views from above. It's still 100% worth a visit, but plan on posting up on the sand elsewhere.

6. Hang out in North Park and South Park

Most visitors stick to the coastal neighborhoods, missing out on North Park and South Park. These two neighborhoods blend into one another, full of funky hangouts and minimalist-chic coffee shops that would make any hipster proud. Though mostly residential, the main drags of North Park (University Ave and 30th St) are replete with restaurants of all cuisines, creatively designed bars, and little boutique shops. It's quieter down in South Park, but you'll encounter the same charm. Grab a drink at Part Time Lover , a bar and record shop combination with an opulently designed interior.

Local tip: Parking in North Park can be a nightmare on the weekends. Plan to walk a little bit, or just Uber or take public transportation into the area.

Shopping in South Park? Visit this vintage store, and other independent shops in San Diego

7. Watch a game or attend a concert at Petco Park

Even if you're not a baseball enthusiast, watching a game at Petco Park is pretty iconic. Backed by shiny skyscrapers, this stadium is home to the San Diego Padres, embodying the spirit of the city and all its hometown pride. Petco Park is busy year-round, even when the team is away. The stadium also hosts plenty of concerts by big-name artists and newer performers.

Detour: The Gaslamp Quarter is right next to Petco Park – a lively area full of restaurants, bars and clubs. Things can get rowdy at night, and if you're looking for a party, you'll find it here.

8. Wine and dine in Little Italy

Upscale cocktail bars and inviting restaurants with al fresco dining line the streets of Little Italy, a neighborhood that earned its name from generations of Italian heritage. You will, indeed, find Italian food – but also a whole collection of international fare from top chefs, putting this area on the map as one of San Diego's finest dining destinations. In the heart of the neighborhood is Piazza della Famiglia – a European-style plaza – that makes the name "Little Italy" all the more convincing. 

Planning tip: Visit on Saturdays or Wednesdays for the Little Italy Mercato: the largest farmers market in town, spanning six blocks.

This article was first published Jun 17, 2021 and updated Jun 3, 2024.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California)

50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California)

California’s birthplace and the first spot in the Western United States where Europeans stepped ashore, San Diego is a city with universal appeal.

To go with the comfortable climate and laid-back style, San Diego Bay and its natural harbour have a rich military heritage.

The colossal aircraft carrier USS Midway speaks to this, and stands as the mother of all museum ships.

San Diego’s easy-going culture and miles of beach breaks may awaken the surfer dude in you, while Coronado and La Jolla have two of the best family beaches in the whole country.

Set just north of the border, the city has a Mexican influence that spreads to its delectable cuisine, and there’s a deluge of culture at the museums, monuments and theatres of Balboa Park.

Let’s explore the best things to do in San Diego :

1. Balboa Park

You’ll keep returning to this 1,200-acre urban park for its world-class zoo, restful cultivated areas, museums in refined Spanish Revival buildings and live shows.

There’s a tapestry of gardens around the park, planted with more than 350 plant species hand-selected at the turn of the 20th century by the botanist Kate Sessions, the “Mother of Balboa Park”. An emblem for the park and San Diego is the Botanical Building, one of many splendid holdovers from the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition.

Among the largest lath buildings in the world, the Botanical House contains 2,100 individual plants and is fronted by a pond with annual displays of lilies and lotuses.

Suggested tour : San Diego Walking Tour: Balboa Park with a Local Guide

2. Embarcadero

San Diego’s walkable harbour-front is brimming with shops, interesting sights and eateries, and looks across the bay to Coronado Island.

A lot of the Embarcadero’s interest is literally floating on the water, at the USS Midway and the heritage ships belonging to the San Diego Maritime Museum.

This is also the place to board tour boats around the harbour and out in the ocean to spot whales.

When the mercury rises kids can go wild at the interactive fountains in the Waterfront Park and adventure through the creatively designed playgrounds.

In November the Embarcadero stages the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, while the San Diego Symphony Orchestra plays the Bayside Summer Nights from late-June to the start of September.

3. USS Midway Museum

The longest-serving aircraft carrier in the world has been permanently moored at San Diego’s Embarcadero since 2004. Commissioned in 1945, the USS Midway served in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, before becoming the largest museum dedicated to aircraft carriers and naval aviation anywhere.

GetYourGuide.com offers a self-guided audio tour of this humungous vessel, during which you’ll see over 30 restored aircraft, including 8 propeller planes, 14 jet aircraft and 8 helicopters.

You’ll be led through the galley, brig, crew’s sleeping quarters, pilots’ ready rooms and engine room, and hear exciting snippets from people who served aboard the Midway.

You’ll have lots of chances to get involved, testing simulators, climbing into cockpits and watching films documenting the dramatic events that took place where you stand.

4. Point Loma

The west side of San Diego Bay is embraced by a long rocky peninsula that merits a visit for jagged topography, thrilling history and views you won’t soon forget.

We’ll touch on a few of the sights on Point Loma later, but in 1542, this was the landing point for the first European expedition to what is now the West Coast of America.

Given the peninsula’s setting, protecting the west flank of the harbour, Point Loma has a military presence going back to the 19th century.

The 77.5-acre Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (1882) is on the grounds of a former coastal artillery station.

There are more than 100,000 graves here, and solemn memorials like the USS Bennington Monument, recording an accident in San Diego Bay that claimed 66 lives in 1905. Head to the marina for whale watching expeditions, and to Osprey Point were climbers scale the rocks and fishers camp over the water.

Available tour : GPS Talking Tour Cars: Point Loma & Beaches Loop

5. La Jolla

The upscale oceanfront community of La Jolla is on a rocky headland poking out into the Pacific and surrounded by water on three sides.

La Jolla means fine dining, cliffs with sea caves and little coves where seals and sea lions rest on the sand.

We’ll stop by La Jolla many times on this list, visiting the famous Torrey Pines and its State Reserve, beaches and golf course.

La Jolla proper has a cosmopolitan, European feel in its cafes, boutiques, low-rise houses and steep stairways.

At Ellen Browning Scripps Park by La Jolla Point you can contemplate the majesty of the Southern Californian coast, catch open-air concerts on summer evenings and see the fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Make a detour to the Legends Gallery on Prospect Street, which has original art by former La Jolla resident Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr Seuss).

Available tour : Segway Tour in La Jolla

6. Food and Drink

San Diego’s Spanish past and proximity to Mexico makes for amazing food.

We’re talking about some of the best fish tacos, carne asada, enchiladas around.

These dishes are underpinned by ultra-fresh ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, eggplant and fruit, all grown locally.

San Diego is the birthplace of the comforting California Burrito, which has French fries and carne asada.

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood makes a mean fish taco and great ceviche, and has four locations around the city.

The craft beer scene in San Diego is something to be reckoned with, and the Toronado craft pub (56 rotating draughts), and the multi-award-winning Societe and Ballast Point production breweries need to be in the plans of any beer aficionado.

Surf culture is woven into San Diego’s identity and the county’s 70 miles of open ocean coastline has more surf spots than we could list here.

Much of the shore has southwest facing beach breaks, while there are rockier sections with reef breaks at La Jolla and Point Loma.

Avid surfers are always ready to travel for the perfect wave, and this might mean a trip up to the highly popular Swami’s, which was mentioned in the Beach Boys’ Surfin USA. The river mouth point break at Trestles is world renowned and hosts WSL competitions from May to September.

Honourable mentions go to the beach breaks at Oceanside and the spacious Del Mar, where you won’t have to jostle for a wave.

There are shops for gear rental near every major spot.

And if you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, you can watch some great surfing action from the rocks at Windansea in La Jolla.

8. Cabrillo National Monument

At the southern tip of Point Loma you’ll stand where a European person first set foot on the West Coast.

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s expedition arrived here on 28 September 1542, and he named the bay San Miguel (this would change to San Diego in 1602). The original heroic statue of Cabrillo was donated by the Portuguese government in 1939, while the current replica has stood since 1988. The national monument’s visitor centre has a movie and exhibits to retrace Cabrillo’s voyage along the Californian coast.

Outside you can still see the old coastal batteries that protected the harbour and check out the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been converted into a museum.

But maybe best of all is the widescreen view of San Diego’s skyline, the harbour, across to Coronado and down to Tijuana.

9. San Diego Old Town

The site of the first European settlement in present-day California, the San Diego Old Town is a visitor-friendly neighbourhood with historic adobe buildings from the city’s early days between 1820 and 1870. There’s wonderful set of preserved streets in the State Historical Park, which we’ll talk about next.

In the 40-acre Presidio Park you’ll be at the site where the San Diego Mission and the San Diego Presidio, the first settlements in modern day San Diego, were founded in 1769. The Old town is a great place to go for real Mexican food and brims with specialty shops and art galleries.

There’s lots of colour during annual festivities like Fiesta Navidad, Cinco de Mayo and Día de Muertos in November.

Suggested tour : Old Town San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Tour

10. Old Town San Diego State Historical Park

A time warp back to the mid-19th century, the State Historical Park in the Old Town is scattered with restored historic buildings, including five original adobes, as well as detailed replicas.

The finest of the adobes is the Casa de Estudillo from 1827, one of the oldest remaining pieces of Spanish architecture in California.

The park is free to enter and gives a sense of the intersecting cultures, as a Mexican pueblo became an American settlement.

There’s constant activity, with burros to pet, shopkeepers happy to share their stories, and artisans showing off their knowhow: At the Black Hawk Smithy & Stable you can see a blacksmith working the forge.

There are shops, little museum and restaurants, while the Historic Plaza has a full schedule of cultural celebrations and events.

11. San Diego Zoo

Founded by the physician Harry M. Wegeforth after he was inspired by the roar of a lion at the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, the San Diego Zoo is rated among the best in the world and houses more than 650 species.

This was one of the first zoos to build cageless exhibits, and opened the first ever moated lion enclosure in 1922. You can beat the heat and get around on a guided tour bus that covers three quarters of the park, or the Skyfari tramway from 1969. As with the best zoos, the enclosures tally with natural habitats, so there’s African rainforest inhabited by gorillas, some of the world’s largest free-flight aviaries, as well as Arctic woodland and tundra for polar bears.

The San Diego Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States to have Giant Pandas, and these are in the Panda Trek, while the Giant Panda Discovery Center has clever multisensory exhibits revealing how these creatures sound and smell.

Book online : San Diego Zoo Ticket: 1-Day Pass

12. San Diego Harbor Cruise

At the Embarcadero in the shadow of the USS Midway you can set sail on a 1-hour cruise around San Diego Bay with GetYourGuide.com.

A great way to get to know San Diego quickly, the cruise will give you a fresh angle on more than 50 landmarks and ships immortalised by movies and popular culture.

You’ll get a rare chance to see the San Diego-Coronado Bridge from the water, and spot wildlife like pelicans, herons and sea lions.

All the time there will be in-depth and entertaining commentary by an experienced guide, passing on anecdotes about the navy in San Diego and the work being done to improve the bay as a marine habitat.

13. Whale Watching

Between December and April the California Gray Whale migrates from Northern Alaska to Baja California to give birth in warmer climes, passing by San Diego.

In this season you can head to the Embarcadero for a whale watching cruise, up to four hours long.

On this comfortable voyage with indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll be joined by a qualified naturalist from the San Diego Natural History Museum, giving riveting insights about these cetacean visitors.

The likelihood of seeing a dolphin or whale is high, to the point where you’ll get a free pass for another tour if you don’t see anything.

But you are guaranteed to spot plenty of sea lions and harbour seals, and can soak up San Diego county’s extraordinary Pacific coastline from the ocean.

Recommended tour : San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruises

14. Little Italy

Right in downtown San Diego, Little Italy is a neighbourhood that has its roots in the city’s once lucrative tuna industry.

The last of the canneries closed in the 1980s, but those facilities and the boat fleets were manned by immigrants from mainland Italy and Sicily.

From the 19th century they settled close to the Embarcadero in what is now a congenial area of galleries, one-of-a-kind design shops, pizza spots, restaurants, bodegas, breweries and cafes that spill out onto patios.

The Saturday “Mercato” street market shuts down several blocks and has become a San Diego institution.

Get a snap of the “Little Italy” sign and take a piece of paper and pencil to the tables at Amici Park, which have bronze tablets with recipes for dishes like stuffed artichokes, fava bean spread and fish tacos.

15. Petco Park

Right in downtown San Diego, the state-of-the-art Petco Park is lauded as one of Major League Baseball’s best stadiums.

In the stands you’ll get incredible vistas of the Sand Diego skyline and San Diego Bay at one of 81 regular season games (more if the Padres have a successful season). Petco Park opened in 2004, before which the San Diego Padres had to share the Jack Murphy Stadium with NFL’s Chargers.

There’s a real feeling of ceremony as you approach the steel and sandstone facade of this venue, passing through a palm court and water walls.

Petco Park has an entertainment zone to keep kids engaged, and you get to know the Padres’ history and great players at the new Hall of Fame.

Food is an essential part of the baseball experience, and you can get anything from sashimi to fish tacos, Roman-style pizza, BBQ, oysters and gourmet hotdogs at Petco Park.

16. La Jolla Cove

This compact north-facing cove in La Jolla is one of the most photographed pieces of the California coast.

And with good reason as the scenery is breathtaking: The beach, within a 6,000-acre ecological reserve, is hemmed by rocks hollowed with caves by the relentless ocean.

Being a natural park there’s lots of wildlife from the seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the beach and rocks, to the barracuda, batfish and giant sea bass in the waters.

The surf can be powerful, so La Jolla Cove isn’t ideal for swimming.

But if you’re in the mood for adventure you can go diving to discover the ecological park’s underwater life, while kayak and bike tours are also on the agenda.

End the day at an oceanfront restaurant watching the sun go down.

17. Coronado Beach

Pack a picnic in a cooler, and cross the monumental San Diego-Coronado Bridge for a day at one of the best beaches in America.

With the sophisticated architecture of the Hotel del Coronado and a parade of beachfront mansions in the background, Coronado Beach is long, flat and soft.

These sands even seem to glisten, an effect caused by their high mica content.

Point Loma in the west helps defend Coronado from the strongest Pacific swells, so the beach is safe for swimming and has a team of lifeguards on duty.

You can rent a bike or pedal cart and drift along Ocean Boulevard, while there are fire rings on the north end for smores as the sun sets.

Available tour : San Diego: Coronado Bay & the Beach Small Group Walking Tour

18. Mission Beach

San Diego’s easy-going beach town is adored by 20-somethings for its party atmosphere and two miles of Pacific beach.

This is lined with a boardwalk, enlivened by Belmont Park’s vintage rollercoasters and amusements.

If you’d prefer peace and relaxation, the South Mission Beach area is a little more tranquil.

There’s prime beach weather in San Diego from June to September but the season extends to the spring and autumn months, and you’ll even see people lazing on the beach in December if the sun is out.

You can rent a bike and see the sights on the boardwalk, sign up for whale-spotting cruises, while there’s adventure golf, a string of playgrounds, surf shops and lush gardens with lofty palms.

19. San Diego Museum of Art

An almost overwhelming medley of Spanish Renaissance and Baroque painting awaits at this museum in Balboa Park.

El Greco, Murillo, Goya and Zurbarán are all here, together with Italian and Dutch Masters like Veronese, Canaletto, van Dyck, Rubens and Frans Hals.

In the last few years, the museum was donated a raft of paintings from the Symbolist, Expressionist and New Objectivity movements, by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Robert Delaunay, Otto Dix and Alexej von Jawlensky.

The venue is striking too, with an appropriate Plateresque (Spanish Renaissance) facade, taking cues from the Cathedral of Valladolid.

This was built in 1926 to harmonise with Balboa Park’s buildings from the 1915-16 Exposition.

The museum has a busy programme of cocktail evenings, film screenings and after hours viewings, as well as fun activities for kids on school holidays.

20. Belmont Park

A Mission Beach linchpin, Belmont Park was opened by the sugar magnate John D. Spreckels back in 1925. This amusement park has 12 rides, three oceanfront eateries, an 18-hole Tiki-themed mini golf course and a host of smaller attractions.

But the king of Belmont Park has to be the time-honoured Giant Dipper.

This wooden rollercoaster arrived with the park and is a National Historic Landmark of its own.

Riding the giant dipper is a rite of passage for kids growing up in San Diego, but there are also high-octane rides like Control Freak, Octotron and Beach Blaster to keep the adrenaline pumping.

At the Sweet Shoppe, see if you can handle a Monster Waffle Cone ice cream.

21. San Diego Natural History Museum

One of the first ports of call at Balboa Park is the San Diego Natural History Museum, the oldest scientific institution in Southern California.

The museum was established in 1874, and its current Spanish Revival home (1933) was given a Postmodern facelift at the start of the new millennium.

The exhibitions are compelling for people of all ages.

Take Fossil Mysteries, examining California and Baja California’s rich prehistory, and packed with spectacular fossils, models, dioramas, interactive stations and murals.

You can venture through Southern California’s varied ecosystems at Coast to Cactus, and study the state’s complicate relationship with H2O at Water: A California Story.

One medium-term show open until 2020 preserves the 130,000-year-old mastodon bones and tusks unearthed at a site in San Diego.

You can also watch eye-popping 2D and 3D presentations at the giant theatre, showing the wonders of the ocean and taking you back to the Ice Age.

Online tickets : San Diego Natural History Museum

22. Mission San Diego de Alcalá

Set up in 1769, this was the first Franciscan mission in the Californias, and was the location for the region’s first execution and its first Christian burial.

Beneath the chancel also lies the body of California’s first Christian martyr, Father Luis Jayme, killed by Native American Kumeyaay warriors in 1775. The current church is from the early 19th century and was restored in 1931 following a long abandonment.

The largest bell in the campanile is original, dating to 1805 and cast with a crown representing the King of Spain.

There are daily tours of the compounds, where you’ll the remnants of the “convento”, which housed the friars in the early 19th century.

In the church, see the 15th-century choir stalls, carved with vegetal patterns and strange beasts.

The Mission Museum has archaeological finds like tools, pottery and weapons, as well as examples of Kumeyaay handicrafts and photographs of their elders.

23. San Diego Air & Space Museum

In Balboa Park’s fabulous Streamline Moderne Ford Building (1936) the San Diego Air & Space museum chronicles the evolution of human flight with models and genuine artefacts.

At this Smithsonian affiliate you can get in touch with the interwar Golden Age of Flight, represented by aircraft like an Aeronca C-3 Collegian, a Consolidated PT-1 Trusty and a Ryan STA. There are gleaming engines from this period and artefacts for the likes of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.

You can go back further to see faithful reproductions of the Wright Brothers’ gliders, and zoom forward to the Jet Age, represented by a Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, a Boeing GPS-12 Satellite and a the canopy of the game-changing North American X-15 rocket plane.

There are also flight simulators, an “Action Hangar” play area for little ones and a 3D/4D theatre for pulsating shows.

24. Gaslamp Quarter

There are 94 historic buildings in this 16 block heritage area in downtown San Diego, bordering Petco Park and the Convention Center.

The Gaslamp Quarter, heralded by a gateway arch on Fifth Avenue, dates from 1867 when the real estate developer Alonzo Horton envisaged a new city centre nearer the San Diego Bay.

If you’re in San Diego to sample the food scene and nightlife you’re sure to find yourself in the Gaslamp Quarter at some point, in a neighbourhood of more than 100 sidewalk restaurants, craft breweries, concept cocktail bars and rooftop lounges.

There’s lots going on here during Comic-Con in July, as well as big street parties for Mardi Gras and St Patrick’s Day.

Recommended tour : Gaslamp and Downtown San Diego Segway Tour

25. Birch Aquarium

Roosted on a bluff over the campus of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this noted aquarium reveals the spectrum of marine life of the Pacific Ocean.

You can get there in 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, and start with the Hall of Fishes.

This has an array of habitats, from the brisk waters of the North West to the tropical climes of the Indo-Pacific.

There’s a 260,000-litre kelp forest tank, coral reefs and a much-loved loggerhead turtle that was rescued.

At the Tide-Pool Plaza, youngsters can get to know the creatures inhabiting Southern California’s tide pools like starfish, hermit crabs, lobsters and sea cucumbers.

There’s Something About Seahorses is a showcase for this peculiar creature, while Feeling the Heat is a jolting look at the effects of climate change.

26. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Conserving some 2,000 acres of rugged Pacific coastline north of La Jolla, this National Natural Landmark is on a plateau skirted by high cliffs for a awesome views of the ocean.

There are eight miles of trails, and you can use the Beach Trail to get down to natural un-touristy beaches with almost no signs of civilisation.

The park is a vital habitat for the endangered Torrey Pine, which only grows in this location and off the coast of Santa Barbara on Santa Rosa Island.

During the migration season you may get to see gray and blue whales from the cliffs.

Stop by the charming pueblo-style visitor centre, which is the departure point for guided on walks on weekends and holidays at 10:00 and 14:00.

27. Torrey Pines Gliderport

On the cusp of the State Reserve is a public platform for hang gliding and paragliding posted on cliffs above the Pacific.

If you’re intent on taking to the skies but have no experience you can take part in a tandem hang gliding or paragliding flight, starting at a couple of hundred dollars.

But most of the visitors to the Gilderport are here just to bask in the scenery and feel the ocean breeze.

There are benches to linger over the views of the Pacific and the coastline down to La Jolla, and you can watch the gliders take off, tuck into an outsized sandwich at the Cliffhanger Cafe and enjoy some live music on Saturday afternoons.

28. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools.

There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset.

And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April.

By road the scenery is sensational on the Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between Adair Street and Ladera Street.

29. San Diego Museum of Man

Set in four imposing Spanish Revival buildings from the Panama-California Exposition, the Museum of Man has just celebrated its centenary.

Here you can study pre-Columbian history, getting to know local Native American cultures, as well as Mesoamerican civilisations like the Mayans.

The exhibitions approach these topics in fun, enlightening ways.

Take, BEERology, looking into the 10,000-year history of beer brewing and featuring a solid gold beer cup belonging to an Incan king some 600 years ago.

Monsters! is a family-oriented exhibition about mythical beasts like the Kraken, unicorns, dragons and the Yeti.

You can also delve into the origins of race on the second floor, and delight in one of the United States’ greatest collections of Egyptology, with masks, pottery, sarcophagi and two authentic mummies.

30. Hotel del Coronado

The pride of Coronado is a magnificent Victorian beachfront hotel and National Historic Landmark, now owned by the Hilton brand.

When the Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888 it was the world’s largest resort hotel.

Counted among its distinguished list of guests are Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, Clark Gable, Babe Ruth and Edward VIII (then Prince of Wales). No fewer than 16 presidents have stayed at the Hotel de Coronado, in an unbroken line going back to President Eisenhower.

The building, easily identified by the conical roofs on its towers, has appeared in 12 films, most famously Some Like it Hot (1959). You don’t have to book a room to get the inside track, as there are daily 75-minute tours through the building and its ornamental gardens.

31. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Out in the semi-arid environment of the San Pasqual Valley you may wonder if you’ve stumbled into the real savanna at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park.

In 1,800 acres, you’ll take road train and truck caravan rides through vast landscapes of the African Plains and Asian Savanna to view wildebeest, springboks, gazelles, giraffes, antelopes, rhinos and many more.

The recent Tiger Trail is a walking exhibit where you’ll come within inches of Sumatran tigers, while the Nairobi Village and Gorilla Forest have an aviary and habitats for meerkats, lemurs and the formidable Western Lowland gorilla.

The Lion Camp is home to a family of 13 lions, and you’ll see just how fast a cheetah can move at the Cheetah Run at the African Outpost.

For something unforgettable, take the Flightline Safari, a zip-line more than 40 metres over the giraffes and rhinos in the park’s African Plains.

Book online (skip the line) : San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Pass

32. Mormon Battalion Historic Site

The Mormon Battalion was the only unit formed along religious lines in the history of the United States military.

It comprised between 534 and 559 followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This infantry unit was commanded by Mormon company officers who answered to regular U.S. Army command.

The Mormon Battalion served for a year during the Mexican-American War of 1846-48 and is remembered for an almost inconceivable 1,900-mile march from Iowa to San Diego, together with 80 women and children.

The newly revamped visitor centre at the site of the battalion’s arrival point in the Old Town gives free daily tours and has interactive multimedia displays and artefacts shining a light on the unit.

You can also learn more about the livelihoods of the day, like panning for gold and brick-making, and get to know the inner-workings of muskets and cannons.

33. La Jolla Shores Park

Pushing on for a mile in northern La Jolla, this beach may be the best in the San Diego area for families.

While many of the beaches around La Jolla are sequestered little coves, La Jolla shores has an accommodating crescent of pale sand.

The beach is trimmed with grass and a line of towering palms, and blessed with majestic views north to the 30-metre cliffs of Torrey Pines.

What makes La Jolla Shores such a hit with families is the low surf and very shallow gradient.

In summer the waves are the gentlest of any San Diego beach, and this is down to La Jolla’s rocky headland screening the southwest side of the beach.

The light surf is just right for sea kayaking and diving, and passing by at night you’ll see the shore glinting with beach fires.

34. Fleet Science Center

A planetarium and interactive science museum, the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park was a trailblazer when it opened in 1973. Younger children will get the most out of the self-guided permanent exhibitions where they can explore outer space, learn the ins and outs of San Diego’s water system and discover the unseen world of nanotechnology.

For toddlers the Little Learners’ Lab is a play zone with varying shapes and textures, while the Ball Wall has a little world of shoots, tracks and moving objects.

The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater has three IMAX shows screening several times a day.

In summer 2018 these were “Aircraft Carrier”, “Great Barrier Reef” and “Pandas”.

35. Pacific Beach

Next door to Mission Beach and on the way to La Jolla, Pacific Beach is another belt of dreamy Pacific coastline, edged by Ocean Boulevard and its many amenities.

The beach seems never to end, continuing past the Crystal Pier where it becomes North Pacific Beach, preferred by families for its lifeguard supervision.

The area, Pacific Beach, has been gentrified since the 1990s and partying college students have moved down to Mission Beach to be replaced by plush condos, upmarket restaurants and a slightly older crowd.

Go for a stroll along Crystal Pier, which is flanked on the landward end by quaint weatherboard holiday cottages.

If you can avoid the many fishing rods, you can watch the waves break from the end of the pier and look back to the city and up to La Jolla.

36. Maritime Museum of San Diego

On the Embarcadero’s Waterfront Park, a few steps from the USS Midway, is one of the nation’s largest collections of historic vessels, all ready to be boarded.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego has 11 heritage boats and submarines.

The most noteworthy is the Star of India (1863), believed to be the oldest ship in the world that still sails regularly.

Launched at the Isle of Man, this iron-hulled windjammer was built to carry cargo between Britain, India and New Zealand.

Fans of military hardware will waste no time boarding the Soviet B-38 and US Navy Dolphin submarines.

One ship you may have seen before is HM Surprise, a modern 18th-century British Navy frigate replica that appeared in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

The museum puts on a military-themed 45-minute harbour tour in a Vietnam War-era Swift boat.

37. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

One of San Diego’s oldest monuments, this lighthouse was raised in 1855 just five years after San Diego’s admission to the Union.

Its life as a beacon for ships navigating San Diego Bay was quite short and it was deactivated when the new lighthouse was built by the water, 120 metres down the cliffs in 1891. After the foundation of the Cabrillo Monument in the 1930s the complex was restored and is now a prominent landmark and museum.

You can see the keeper’s living quarters, log books, service equipment, turning mechanism and the original Fresnel lens that once had a range of 24 miles.

On certain days you may also be greeted by a re-enactor playing Captain Israel, a lighthouse keeper in the 19th century.

38. Point Loma Tide Pools

Something we haven’t mentioned about Point Loma is the richness of the nature residing in the tide pools at the foot of the cliffs on the western tip of the peninsula.

The rocky shoreline here is in the boundaries of the National Monument, which has kept it clear of development.

Check the tide charts and keep them in mind, because when the ocean withdraws you can scramble down the terraces of stratified rock to poke around the sea caves and look for ocean life in the rock pools.

You should spot sea anemones, starfish, lined shore crabs, hermit crabs, kelp crabs and maybe even an octopus.

39. Liberty Station

The humongous former Naval Training Center San Diego on Point Loma has been transformed into an exciting waterfront development.

That naval base was founded in 1923 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, with rows of interesting former mess halls and barracks.

The open space along the base’s old ship channel has become a waterfront park with play areas and jogging trails.

Liberty Station is divided into an array of districts: Office, Hotel, Educational, Retail and Residential.

For food, the Arts District, South Point and the Quarter are loaded with independent bars, eateries and cafes, well as nationwide chains like Five Guys, Tender Greens and Cold Stone Creamery.

The NTC Promenade at Liberty Station is a non-profit arts area, home to the San Diego Comic Art Gallery and Women’s Museum of California, as well as theatre companies, four dance groups and the LOT at Liberty Station theatre.

40. Whaley House Museum

San Diego’s first two-storey brick-built building, the Old Town’s Whaley House dates to 1857. What kindles fascination about the building is its spooky goings-on.

This National Historic Landmark was designated “haunted” by the U.S. Commerce Department in the 1960s.

It appears that the house’s owner and designer, Thomas Whaley chose San Diego’s former gallows as the plot for his home.

He claimed to hear one criminal, “Yankee” Jim Robinson (d.1852) stomping around on the top floor, and Whaley and his wife are believed to still be around, announcing themselves by the scent of cigar smoke and perfume.

In the same ensemble is the French mansard-roofed Verna House (1870s), moved to this spot to save it from demolition in 1965 and housing the gift-shop.

The interior, which also served as a courtroom for a period, has been frozen in time to the mid-1870s.

41. Children’s Pool Beach

The ocean in San Diego is always a thrilling sight, but the surf can be unsafe for children and less accomplished swimmers.

In La Jolla one solution was to construct a big concrete seawall to the west, shielding this beach from the waves and creating a scallop-shaped cove with calm waters.

The was gifted to the community by the philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1931, but what nobody anticipated was how attractive the beach would prove for seals and sea lions.

December to May they come to wallow in the gentle waters and give birth to pups on the beach.

Access to Children’s Pool Beach is discouraged in this season, but you can head along the seawall to get a good look at the winter residents with their babies.

42. Seaport Village

Call it a tourist trap, but this waterfront mall has a few things to recommend it.

For one, there’s a series of restaurants like the Pier Cafe and Edgewater Grill, each with a front-row view of the bay.

Seaport Village is on the south end the Embarcadero within walking distance of the downtown.

You can make your way around a circular network of lanes lined with buildings in varying architectural styles from replicas of haciendas and adobes to Victorian houses.

There are more than 50 shops for twee souvenirs like hand-painted tiles and mugs, and you can enjoy some live music on summer weekends.

Look out for the carousel, dating to 1895, with beautifully rendered animals and mythical beasts to ride on.

43. Pacific Surfliner

If this railway line has a romantic sounding name that’s because it clings to the Southern Californian coastline between San Diego and San Luis Obispo.

The most scenic stretch is through the San Diego and Orange Counties when the train has a near constant view of the Pacific.

These carriages are so accustomed to surfers that there are even special racks for surfboards.

You could use the train for a day in Los Angeles, making sure to sit on the right side of the train on the return to San Diego to catch the sunset.

There are multiple departures each day, and you can get to Disneyland in Anaheim in two hours and Los Angeles Union station in three.

44. San Diego-Coronado

An abiding feature of the San Diego cityscape, the San-Diego-Coronado Bridge swoops across the San Diego Bay, carrying the State Route 75 to and from the island for a spellbinding perspective of the city.

The design came from the Modernist architect Robert Mosher and the bridge opened in 1969, just two years after construction began.

The reason for bridge’s signature 80° curve is that the Navy required a clearance of at least 61 metres for its aircraft carriers, and the structure needed extra space to reach this height on a safe gradient.

If you need to see the bridge up close there are guided kayaking tours under the bridge from Coronado.

45. Mission Trails Regional Park

This whopping 5,800-acre natural preserve is inside San Diego’s city limits to the northeast, and is the sixth-largest municipal park in the United States.

Snaking off into this rugged wilderness of scrubby hills and canyons are 60 miles of marked hiking, cycling and horse riding trails.

One route will take you to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 486 metres and with a panorama of San Diego County that merits the climb.

You can also track down a riveting piece of San Diego’s early history at the Old Mission Dam, a National Historic Landmark.

The dam impounded the San Diego River to irrigate fields owned by the Mission San Diego de Alcalá.

This modest construction represents the first colonial irrigation project on the United States’ Pacific coast.

46. Old Globe Theatre

Established in Balboa Park during the California Pacific International Exposition of 1935-36, the Old Globe Theatre is a pillar of culture in San Diego.

Among the top regional theatres in the country, this Tony-award winning institution puts on 15 productions of classic, modern classic and new works each season, with Shakespeare at its soul.

The complex has three stages: The flagship Old Globe Theatre, the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, both seating around 600, and the smaller Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, a theatre in the round.

For a snapshot of what to expect, there are two performances a day during the week and three on weekends.

In July 2018 you could catch a family-friendly production of Dr.

Seuss’s The Lorax, or live the drama of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

47. Liberty Public Market

One of the former navy buildings at Liberty Station has been adapted for this enticing food destination.

Open seven days a week, 11:00 – 19:00, the Liberty Public Market is like an urban central market, showing off the best of the region’s wine, beer, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, pastries, prepared foods, sauces and arts and crafts.

It’s a place for people who are concerned about food provenance to do their food shop, but is also a must for on-the-spot dining, with a dash of pop-up eateries and stands.

Think lobster rolls, jambalaya, craft sausages, farm fresh salads, Thai-style streetfood and cold-pressed juice.

48. Torrey Pines Golf Course

The 36-hole municipal golf centre at Torrey Pines was established in 1957 and has real prestige.

This totally public facility played host to the 2008 U.S. Open, which as of July 2018 was the last major title claimed by Tiger Woods.

The U.S. Open is scheduled to come back to Torrey Pines in 2021. Plotted by the famed course architect William P. Bell and his son in 1957, Torrey Pines has two championship courses (North and South), and one of the largest golf shops in the Western United States.

The South course was remodelled by Rees Jones in 2001 and has since staged a host of big events.

You can be sure that this course is in demand, and to book a tee time non-residents have to sign up with San Diego’s parks and recreation department and book online up to three days in advance.

49. Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market

Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00 more than 200 tents take over Little Italy’s Date Street, between Kettner Boulevard and Front Street.

Local producers lay out regional meat, poultry, fruit, eggs herbs and vegetables, all seasonal and fresh from the farm, while there’s also fish, plants, spices, coffee beans, cheese, homemade sauces and relishes.

Bring an appetite because you can indulge in oysters shucked on the spot, and sea urchin caught hours earlier.

If that sounds too adventurous you might be tempted by paninis, crêpes, cheesecake in a cup, or go healthy with a green smoothie.

Amazingly, this is just one of 20 weekend farmers’ markets in San Diego.

50. Comic-Con

What started as the Golden State Comic Book Convention, attended by 200 comic book fans in 1970, has burgeoned into the world’s largest annual pop culture festival attended by some 150,000 people.

If you don’t already know all about Comic-Con you’re sure to have seen its legions of cosplayers online or on TV shows.

Held at the San Diego Convention Centre, Comic-Con (roughly speaking) is a four-day extravaganza of seminars, panel Q&As, table reads, workshops, gaming events, award ceremonies, as well as an independent shot film festival, collectibles market, studio/TV company trade exhibition and a cosplay contest.

And where the scope was limited to comics in the festival’s early years, Comic-Con encompasses almost all forms of entertainment, even if there’s still a slight accent on comics and anime.

50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California):

• Balboa Park
• Embarcadero
• USS Midway Museum
• Food and Drink
• Cabrillo National Monument
• San Diego Old Town
• Old Town San Diego State Historical Park
• San Diego Zoo
• San Diego Harbor Cruise
• Whale Watching
• Little Italy
• La Jolla Cove
• Coronado Beach
• Mission Beach
• San Diego Museum of Art
• Belmont Park
• San Diego Natural History Museum
• Mission San Diego de Alcalá
• San Diego Air & Space Museum
• Gaslamp Quarter
• Birch Aquarium
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
• Torrey Pines Gliderport
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
• San Diego Museum of Man
• Hotel del Coronado
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Mormon Battalion Historic Site
• La Jolla Shores Park
• Fleet Science Center
• Pacific Beach
• Maritime Museum of San Diego
• Old Point Loma Lighthouse
• Point Loma Tide Pools
• Liberty Station
• Whaley House Museum
• Children's Pool Beach
• Seaport Village
• Pacific Surfliner
• San Diego-Coronado
• Mission Trails Regional Park
• Old Globe Theatre
• Liberty Public Market
• Torrey Pines Golf Course
• Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market

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The Best Things to Do in San Diego, From the Beach to the Barrio

Known for nearly perfect year-round weather, San Diego ’s climate of warm, dry summers, mild winters, and minimal rainfall is just one reason for its popularity as a tourist destination. Visitors usually head for its beaches , lively downtown neighborhoods, world-famous Zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and outdoor activities. At the same time, restaurants, museums, theaters, and shops vie for attention and attract guests to come in and see what they have to offer. Near the border with Mexico, San Diego’s history is intertwined with its southern neighbor , and art, food, and entertainment demonstrate the richness of the cultural exchange. There’s fun and nightlife in the vibrant downtown Gaslamp Quarter and excellent dining in nearby Little Italy. Hotels, motels, and a range of lodging promise comfortable places to call home while visiting San Diego, and public transportation is convenient. With so many things to do, San Diego has something to keep everyone happy from sunrise to sunset and beyond. We’ve gathered a few ideas to help visitors make plans or add to their San Diego itinerary.

Ride the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster at Belmont Park

Go back in time to an old-style beachside amusement park with rides, arcades, and views of the Pacific. The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster was originally built in 1925, and its restoration in the early 1990s included all new tracks, thousands of board feet of lumber, and two new trains with modern restraint systems. It retains the vintage look of its original era of wooden roller coasters.

While you’re at the Mission Beach amusement park, stop for a snack or play a game at the arcade. If the Giant Dipper gets you in the mood for more thrill rides, there’s always the Beach Blaster or Tilt-a-Whirl to keep you going.

Go to a Concert and Spend the Night at Humphreys Half Moon Inn

From April through October, the summer concert series at this popular outdoor venue features genres ranging from rock, blues, and jazz to comedy, with legends such as Aretha Franklin, Ringo Starr, and Stevie Wonder having performed there. The Shelter Island resort-style property offers guest rooms and suites set in lush tropical landscaping, outdoor pool, games, and waterfront views from Humphreys Restaurant.

Visit Humphreys Backstage Live for a cocktail and a flatbread, lobster roll, or other specialty while you listen to live music in intimate surroundings.

Watch San Diego Padres Major League Baseball at Petco Park

Conveniently located in downtown San Diego, this magnificent baseball park is home to the Padres, and it’s also a venue for concerts, soccer, and special events. A delightful place to watch baseball, the park also provides views of the city and delicious foods including grilled fish tacos, BBQ, burgers, pizza, and of course, hot dogs and ice cream.

Even if you can’t make it to Petco Park for a game, you can visit for a behind-the-scenes tour, sit in the dugout, and see the pressbox, Visitors’ Clubhouse, and more.

Take a Ride on the Mission Bay Bike Path

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Nearly 12 miles of flat, scenic, paved paths wind around Mission Bay just waiting for you to cruise along. You’ll ride through public parks, wildlife reserves, and pass by SeaWorld and Belmont Park, all the while enjoying the sea breeze and views. Stop for a rest and fresh seafood at Sportsmen’s Seafood on Quivira Way, or if you’re feeling energetic, ride a few more miles around Fiesta Island.

If you didn’t bring your own wheels, bike rentals are available along Mission Boulevard.

Stroll Among the Largest Collection of Chicano Murals in the World

San Diego’s Barrio Logan began with paintings of enormous murals on the pillars beneath the Coronado Bridge in the area now called Chicano Park. Today the historic neighborhood is home to artists, designers, galleries, and a growing display of public art. Authentic Mexican food is another good reason to visit Barrio Logan. Homemade tortillas, spicy tacos, and refreshing paletas (ice pops) and agua frescas or a local beer from Border X Brewery make a perfect meal.

Take a free self-guided tour with the Barrio Logan Art Crawl every second Saturday of the month to visit open studios, galleries, murals, and local businesses and enjoy live music, vendors, and street foods.

Take a Seaside Yoga Class

Experienced yoga practitioners will be inspired to try something different in San Diego, and newbies will be attracted by the novelty of stretching outdoors with a view of the blue sea. There’s yoga on the beach, on paddleboards, in grassy parks, or at sunset. Reserve a spot in a paddleboard yoga class with Wellness Lounge of Mission Bay or try yoga on the beach in La Jolla with Beach Sunset Yoga Hawaii . Look into a sunset yoga session with Pacific Beach’s Bird Rock Yoga in Palisades Park. Or check with your hotel for outdoor fitness classes that may appeal to you.

Watch a Movie on the Roof of a Hotel

Grab a deck chair or loveseat for two, a cozy blanket, a pillow, your wireless headphones, and maybe a cocktail and a few snacks. It’s time for a film atop the Manchester Grand Hyatt with the Rooftop Cinema Club . Arrive early to take in the skyline views, sunset, and twinkling city lights while you sip a cocktail, beer, or wine.

Of course, there’s candy and popcorn, so munch to your heart’s content. Popcorn refills are free and headphones block the sounds of crunching corn and rustling wrappers.

Swim with Sharks at La Jolla Shores Beach

When you tell your friends you swam with sharks in San Diego, you might forget to mention that they were harmless Leopard sharks , named for their yellow and black markings. The creatures, from four to five feet long, arrive in early June and peak in numbers during August and September when they seek the abundant food in the warm, shallow water of La Jolla Shores.

The best way to see the sharks is with a snorkel and swim fins, and the best spot is from the Marine Room Restaurant beach. Just float on the surface, and the gentle creatures will swim by if they’re not disturbed.

Dine in Little Italy, San Diego’s Foodie Heaven

The historic neighborhood, once home to Italian tuna fishermen, is now populated by upscale eateries, celebrity chefs, and creative menus. Cocktail bars, brewpubs, outdoor patios, and pizzerias are also there for more casual options. Shop the Saturday morning Farmers’ Market for produce, flowers, crafts, and authentic atmosphere.

Little Italy isn’t just about the food. Trendy clothing, accessories, and home decor at the local boutiques make shopping there fun.

See Some Wildlife in San Diego

We don’t mean the Gaslamp Quarter, even though it’s a great place for fun and lively nightlife. The San Diego Zoo is one of the world’s best, and even if you’ve been there before, it’s time to go back for a special experience like the Early Morning Photo Expedition, Animals in Action, or Sunrise Surprise Stroll before the zoo opens for the day. SeaWorld’s dolphins, orcas, Beluga whales, otters, turtles, penguins, fish, and other sea creatures entertain, educate, and make us appreciate their beauty and value their presence.

You’re never too young or too old to enjoy watching the animals of land, sea, and air in beautifully designed habitats or to learn something new about them.

Get Onto the Water with a Cruise

In a city bordered by the ocean and home to a huge bay, a cruise is a natural way to see the sights from another perspective. With so many to choose from, you’ll find a cruise that’s just your speed. How about one of the replica ships maintained by the Maritime Museum of San Diego ? Swift Boat PCF-816 recognizes San Diego’s military history with a cruise to two Naval bases. Or cruise on the San Salvador, a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s 16th century galleon.

Whether you want a sailboat, speedboat, dinner cruise, whale watching trip, or sunset harbor cruise, don’t miss a chance to see San Diego from the sea.

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Best Things to Do in San Diego in 2024 – Ultimate Guide by A Local

March 12, 2024 By: Maria Haase This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through our links.

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There are so many things to do in San Diego that it is hard to narrow down your list of must-sees and dos when you plan your trip to San Diego. So here is our list of top things to do in San Diego – from the world-famous to the hidden gems.

Why should you listen to us? We are San Diego locals and want to share our favorite San Diego attractions, local hangout spots and favorite things to do in San Diego with you and help you make the best San Diego itinerary for you, whether you visit for a day, a weekend , or longer.

So lets explore San Diego – Southern California’s Finest City – if not the finest city in the United States!

• Unique Things to do in San Diego
• Adventurous Things to do in San Diego
• Free Things to do in San Diego with Kids

Top 10 Things to do in San Diego

1. san diego gaslamp quarter.

The Gaslamp Quarter is the touristy heart of downtown and right by the convention center. Walking up and down 4th and 5th Ave will give you ample of options for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is also one of our favorite spots for people watching – best done from one of the many restaurant patios, with a taco in one hand and an IPA in the other.

The bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter are quite diverse, whether you are in the mood for a fancy cocktail, catch the game in a sports bar , enjoy a tropical cocktail in a tiki bar , or a beer at a dive bar. There are also a lot of great brunch spots to check out. Just walk down the street and see what appeals to you.

Walk along the waterfront to Seaport Village and explore the cute shops and restaurants there as well. And if you are a baseball fan, check out Petco Park and see if you can get tickets to a game!

On the weekend, it can be quite busy, so if you are traveling with kids or want a quiet getaway, we recommend staying not in the heart of the Gaslamp. But if you are ready to go paint the town red and enjoy the nightlife, this is where you want to be. Take a look at our favorite Gaslamp Quarter Hotels here>>

Location: Click here for directions on Google Maps

Tags: nightlife – restaurants – shopping – couples – fun with friends

Best Gaslamp Quarter Tours:

• GPS Talking Tour Cars: Downtown & Gaslamp Loop
• Private Walking Tour San Diego: Little Italy and Gaslamp Quarter
• Gaslamp Quarter Historic True Crime Tour
• San Diego Early Bird Segway Tour

2. USS Midway

The USS Midway Museum is an aircraft carrier/museum that is one of San Diego’s top attractions. You can access almost the whole ship and learn about the life of the sailors during their missions out at sea. It is a very hands-on and interactive museum that is perfect for history buffs and families, but also everyone else who wants to experience something new.

The USS Midway records over 1 million visitors annually. Especially in the summer months and weekends, it can be a bit crowded, so we highly recommend going in the offseason, during the week, and as early in the day as possible. We also recommend getting tickets in advance ( click here to buy tickets ). If you purchase the Go San Diego Card , you get free admission.

Read our full guide on the USS Midway visit here.

Tags: history buffs – couples – family-friendly

3. San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo is known as one of the best Zoos in the world. And we have to agree – it is pretty awesome. We live within walking distance to the Zoo and we have had annual passes several times thanks to some awesome Christmas love by the inlaws (great gift idea for locals by the way).

What makes the San Diego Zoo so special? Well first off, its size. It stretches over 100 acres and has its own bus tour that takes you around to see the 650 species and over 3700 animals. And second its curation. You really learn a lot about the various animals, where they live and because of authentic landscaping, you really feel like you are watching the animals in their natural habitat.

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Tickets

• Skip the Ticket Line: San Diego Zoo Ticket
• Skip the Ticket Line: San Diego Safari Park Ticket
• Skip the Ticket Line: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Combo Tour Ticket (Cheaper!)
• San Diego Go Card

Read our San Diego Zoo Tips by a former Employee here.

Tags: family-friendly – couples – animals/wildlife – picturesque

4. Balboa Park & Balboa Park Museums

Balboa Park is a 1200-acre park in the heart of San Diego, home to the famous San Diego Zoo and dozens of amazing museums and exhibits . No matter your interest, you will find a fun museum at Balboa Park.

Here are the Balboa Park Museums:

• San Diego Natural History Museum
• San Diego Museum of Man
• Museum of Photographic Arts
• Timken Museum of Art *always free
• San Diego Museum of Art
• Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
• Mingei International Museum
• San Diego Air and Space Museum
• San Diego Art Institute
• San Diego Automobile Museum
• International Cottages
• San Diego History Center
• Veterans’ Museum and Memorial Center
• Centro Cultural de la Raza

Extra Tip: If you are a resident of San Diego County or Active Military (plus dependents), the Balboa Park museums are free on a rotating basis every Tuesday.

Balboa Park Gardens

If you like flowers and gardens, there are a variety of different gardens you can visit at Balboa Park, showcasing various native and non-native plants and landscape designs that are simply stunning.

• Botanical Building and Lily Ponds
• Japanese Friendship Garden
• Alcazar Garden
• Old Cactus Garden
• California Native Plant Garden
• Casa del Rey Moro Garden
• Australian Garden
• Desert Garden
• Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
• EthnoBotany Children’s Peace Garden
• Florida Canyon Native Plant Reserve
• Marston House Garden
• Palm Canyon
• Trees for Health Garden
• Veterans Memorial Garden
• Zoro Garden
• San Diego Zoo Botanical Collection
• San Diego Floral Association
• San Diego Botanical Garden Foundation

On the weekends and in the summer, you find lots of artists and booths on the main street, El Prado. For some reason, there are always a collection of various religious groups, that are eager to share their viewpoint. It is a great place for people-watching and going for a stroll through beautiful gardens.

Balboa Park is also one of the most popular spots for wedding/quinceanera/prom photo shoots that are fun to watch. It is really pretty and picturesque and definitely one of the most Instagram-able spots in San Diego.

Balboa Park Tours:

• San Diego Balboa Park Highlights Small Group Tour with Coffee
• The Private Balboa Park Tour

Tags: family-friendly – couples – nature/outdoors – museum – architecture – picturesque

5. San Diego Breweries

San Diego has some of the best breweries in the world. It is a craft beer lover’s paradise. With over 155 breweries in San Diego County, I can’t list them all here, and neither have I tried them all. But if you love beer, especially West Coast-style IPAs, you will be in heaven in San Diego.

There are a few brewery tours that you can book that will take you to some of the most iconic breweries (with a few up-and-coming and exotic ones thrown in). But you can also plan your own route and use a ride-share to get from one brewery to the next, or simply walk. In Downtown San Diego are quite a few breweries that are all within a short walk from each other. The same goes for North Park, Ocean Beach, and other neighborhoods.

San Diego Brewery Tours

• San Diego Brewery Tour
• San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour
• San Diego: Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings
• The San Diego North County “Hops Highway” Craft Brewery Tour Read our full guide on the best San Diego Brewery Tours here>>

Tags: beer – couples – fun with friends – nightlife

6. La Jolla

La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most beautiful and exclusive neighborhoods. It is a neighborhood of villas, designer boutiques, great restaurants, artsy galleries, and sweeping ocean views. Depending on your budget, you can have a wonderful time gallivanting and (window) shopping, or simply take a stroll along the cliffs and watch the La Jolla seals and look out on the Pacific ocean.

If you are more adventurous, you can go kayaking around the caves and cliffs of La Jolla. You can even plunge yourself off of them at one of the top hang gliding spots in California.

For couples, you should definitely plan to spend sunset in La Jolla. The cliffs turn bright orange as the sun bids you good night. It is magical. Walk along the walkway overlooking the ocean, watch the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions and soak up the atmosphere.

La Jolla Shores as one of the best family-friendly beaches. If you are into wildlife and animals, add a visit to the Birch Aquarium by the Scrips Institute of Oceanography to your list. During whale watching season , you might also be able to spot some whales from there.

And if it’s warm enough, I highly recommend checking out the tide pools. It is so much fun for kids and adults alike to watch wildlife and learn about tides and ocean life. But you will most likely get wet as you are playing around in the pools and puddles. Make sure to wear some sturdy footwear, as the rocks can be slippery.

For more outdoorsy adventures, check out Torrey Pines State Park. This is one of my favorite nature parks in San Diego with stunning ocean views. The Torrey Pines trails there can be a bit treacherous, so if you want a paved walkway, but an equally stunning view, head to Ocean Beach and walk along Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

>>Also read our List of Free Things to do in San Diego with Kids

La Jolla Tours and Activities

• La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour
• Surf Lessons in La Jolla
• La Jolla Segway Tour
• Yoga on the Beach
• La Jolla Sidecar Tour

More articles about La Jolla: Best brunch places in La Jolla Best Hotels in La Jolla Amazing La Jolla Vacation Rentals

Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – nightlife – picturesque – restaurants – shopping – adventure

7. San Diego Beaches

San Diego has some incredibly stunning beaches. Whether you love rocky cliffs and tide pools, sandy white beaches, or family-friendly bays, San Diego has it all. Here are some of our favorite beaches in San Diego, but we recommend you read our detailed San Diego beach guide here:

Ocean Beach: Ocean Beach is a hippie beach town and the vibe is very chill and relaxed. On the northern end, you also have a great dog beach that is lots of fun.

Mission Beach: Perfect for active beachgoers. You can lounge on the beach, play volleyball at the many volleyball courts, or bike/run/stroll along the boardwalk. When you need a break, head to one of the many beachfront bars and restaurants and grab a bite, a beer or some tacos. Belmont Park is also a fun place to hang out and the screams from the rollercoaster really give you that summer vibe.

Mission Bay: Mission Bay is more a park vs a beach, but you’ll find some sandy beaches there as well. This is a great spot, if you have small kids who are afraid of waves, want to run around in the grass and maybe have a BBQ.

La Jolla Shores: Wide open beaches, not a lot of people and usually a calmer atmosphere, makes La Jolla Shores perfect for a quiet day on the beach.

Coronado : Lovely beaches and the stunning Hotel Del as your backdrop. Grab a bite at these fantastic Coronado restaurants . Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but it is worth circling around for a spot. At the northern end, you also have a dog beach .

La Jolla Cove: This is a tiny beach and not great for sports or lounging, but it is perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can swim to the rocks and see beautiful fishes, leopard sharks and other wildlife.

San Diego Beach Tours

These tours are perfect, if you don’t have a car and want to check out several of the many beautiful beaches in San Diego.

• La Jolla Coast Walking Tour
• San Diego Life at the Beach Tour

Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – picturesque – nature/outdoors

8. Old Town

Old Town is San Diego’s historic neighborhood. This is where it all began. The Old Town San Diego Historic State Park really gives you that Wild West feeling. You can check out an old school, a cigar shop, an old saloon and of course the famous Whaley House .

Another must-do in Old Town San Diego is lunch or dinner at one of the fabulous Mexican Old Town restaurants . Casa de Reyes is a fun spot for some Quac, Margaritas, and a heaping helping of sizzling fajitas in a fun environment. Fred’s Mexican Cafe has really good food as well, but no outdoor seating.

Read our full guide on Old Town San Diego here>>

San Diego Old Town Tours

• San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour
• San Diego Scavenger Hunt: Old Town Charms
• San Diego Ghosts and Gravestones Tour (read our full review here)
• Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Culinary Tour of San Diego

Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – nightlife – history buffs – restaurants – shopping

San Diego has some incredibly good eateries, so eating deserves its own spot on your San Diego itinerary. From fresh seafood to street tacos (check out our guide for the best taco shops in San Diego ), gourmet steakhouses, and scrumptious Italian fare, foodies will be in heaven in San Diego. Take a look at some of the MUST TRY foods in San Diego and if you can’t decide on where to go, maybe you can take one of these San Diego Food Tours to show you the best of the best?

San Diego’s food scene is still underrated and, almost curse-like, no major awards like Michelin stars or James Beard awards have found their way to San Diego… yet! But that doesn’t mean the food is not good or you can’t find fine dining options in San Diego. There are plenty to choose from, no matter what your dining style, favorite cuisine, or budget.

San Diego Food Tours

• Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour
• Taste of Little Italy in San Diego
• San Diego Taco Crawl – A Curated Tour of San Diego’s Best Tacos – Public Tour
• La Jolla Food and Drink Walking Tour
• Walking Food Tour in Coronado
• San Diego Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours

Also read our guide to the best restaurants in San Diego – sorted by neighborhood.

Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – restaurants

10. Coronado Island

Coronado not technically in San Diego. It is an independent city. But nonetheless, every San Diego visitor should put Coronado on their “Must – See” list of what to do in San Diego.

Coronado is a peninsula that is located right between San Diego and the Pacific. You can get there via three routes: the stunning Coronado Bay Bridge, the San Diego Coronado Ferry , or the Silver Strand.

Coronado is an affluent beach town with lots of great restaurants, cute little shops and cafes. For touristy stuff, nicknack and shops, check out the Coronado Ferry Terminal. You can also enjoy a stunning view of downtown from there. For a bit more classy and upscale shopping, stroll along Orange Avenue and check out the boutiques and art galleries there. Oh and don’t forget to read up on these fantastic Coronado restaurants before you go.

Another must-see in Coronado is, of course, the Hotel Del Coronado . Featured in Marylin Monroe’s Some Like It Hot , it is worth a visit, even if you only enjoy lunch or cocktails there.

Coronado Tours

• GPS Talking Electric GoCar: 2 Hour Coronado tour
• Coronado Island Segway Tour
• Fat Woody Beach Cruiser Experience – Coronado Island Electric Bicycle Tour
• The Famous Coronado Tour

Also, read our other Coronado articles here: San Diego Ferry to Coronado Best Coronado Hotels Best Things to Do on Coronado Island

Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – nightlife – picturesque – restaurants – shopping

11. San Diego Bay Cruise

A bay cruise is a fantastic way to see a different side of San Diego. There are a multitude of choices and you will find one for any budget. I highly recommend going at sunset, so you can see the stunning San Diego skyline with a beautiful sky and admire the sparkling lights of the city – the perfect way to end the day, whether you are on a romantic date or a family vacation.

Read more: Best Flagship Bay Cruise San Diego Catamaran Cruise

San Diego has a lot to offer and there are even many free things to do in San Diego . I hope this list helps you plan your trip to San Diego and find the perfect itinerary.

San Diego Things To Do was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer.

Best Things to Do in San Diego – Pin for Later:

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Maria Haase

About Maria Haase

Maria Haase has been a travel writer since 2007, stumbling into this profession during an internship in China. She grew up in Germany, but has lived in San Diego since 2006. Maria is a globetrotter, but also adores to explore her own back yard whenever she is home. She loves to share her favorite spots, help visitors plan their trips and share helpful tips about her chosen hometown San Diego.

Reader Interactions

May 18, 2020 at 11:41 pm

Love reading about my home town. You showed me a few new things too. Lovely piece. I’ll let my Airbnb guests know about this.

May 20, 2020 at 7:55 pm

Thanks so much, Elaine. I hope my guide is helpful to your guests.

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The Top 20 Things to Do in San Diego, California

Before you go on a trip to San Diego , one of the biggest cities in the country, it's helpful to learn about all the great attractions the area has in store. "America's Finest City" features everything from beautiful beaches to historic and artistic districts and beloved zoos and parks. Regardless of whether you're traveling with family or on your own, find out about the most popular and fun things to do in San Diego.

Stroll Around Little Italy

David Madison / Getty Images

The Little Italy neighborhood—a charming and walkable area in downtown San Diego—is the city's oldest business district, dating back to the 1920s. It's a great place to dine on Italian food at casual and elegant restaurants, some with lovely outdoor patios. Visitors also enjoy sipping on an espresso in local cafés, exploring small shops, and checking out annual cultural events such as the Mission Fed ArtWalk in late April and Taste of Little Italy  in the middle of June.

Learn About History in the Gaslamp Quarter

Mindy_Nicole_Photography / Getty Images

The Gaslamp Quarter near The San Diego Convention Center downtown is not very large, so it is easy to walk around. Learn about one of the city's oldest neighborhoods and its restored 19th-century buildings—many of which were once saloons and brothels. The Gaslamp appeals to travelers and locals who enjoy the many eateries such as the award-winning Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Nobu , along with nightclubs, shops, and other businesses. While you are there, check out the charming Victorian-style Horton Grand Hotel , the city's oldest hotel.

Chill Out in La Jolla

TripSavvy / Sharyn Umaña-Angers 

La Jolla is the city's prime seaside neighborhood, about 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego. In Spanish, La Jolla means "the jewel," and its location on the cliffs overlooking the ocean certainly makes it a gem of a place to visit. Visitors like to shop and eat in La Jolla's excellent restaurants, some of which have lovely ocean views. There's a lot for the active tourist, too, including ocean kayaking, marveling at tide pools, surfing at Windansea Beach, biking, and running along the beach. The neighborhood is also a charming spot for window shopping and people watching while strolling through town.

Tour the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon

Given San Diego's military ties, it's the perfect place to turn a 1,001-foot-long aircraft carrier as tall as a 20-story building into a tourist attraction at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego.

The USS Midway was the longest-serving U.S. Navy carrier in the 20th century, working from 1945 through 1992. There were 4,500 men on the crew. The ship is impressive enough by itself, but you'll also find more than 30 aircraft and helicopters on display, a fraction of its theoretical capacity of more than 100.

The best part of the Midway are its docents; many of them are military retirees who served on the ship or other aircraft carriers, and you will hear firsthand accounts of what it was like to work aboard such vessels. Note that while the ship wasn't built for tourists, 60 percent of the exhibits are wheelchair-accessible as several elevators and access routes have been added.

Explore Balboa Park

Initially built and named "City Park" in 1868, the park located just a five-minute drive from downtown San Diego was renamed and used during the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. Now, Balboa Park is the city's most-loved park. It boasts buildings beautiful enough to be considered attractions in themselves, especially if you're a photographer. Trees, lawns, and fountains surround them, but that's only the beginning. Families and individuals of all ages and interests can likely find something to enjoy. In Balboa Park, you can take a walk, ride a bike, see a Shakespeare play, hop on a carousel, or go to the San Diego Zoo . With numerous gardens and 17 museums to choose from , you could be busy here for days.

Check Out Coronado Island

TripSavvy / Sharyn Umaña-Angers

Coronado isn't an island but a peninsula—a fact that doesn't get in the way of the name most people use for it. Whatever you call it, the narrow strip of land between the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean is barely a few blocks wide. What Coronado lacks in size it makes up for in fun, with a beach that's been ranked among the best in the country, the classic Hotel del Coronado, and a lively downtown. Whether you stroll along Coronado Beach or browse the peninsula's boutique shops, Coronado's laid-back temperament makes a nice break from the busier parts of San Diego across the water.

Go on a Harbor Cruise

Water plays a prominent role in San Diego. Downtown faces it, and Point Loma and Coronado surround the large, calm bay. With its oceanfront location, there's a lot to see along the shores, and much of it is best explored by boat. While sailing around the harbor, you'll not only get lovely city views, you'll also get a peek at the Pacific Fleet consisting of 46 Navy ships, several vessels, and more. Also, a harbor cruise is the best way to get a feel for just how tall the Coronado Bridge is.

Visit the San Diego Zoo

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer

The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park often shows up on top zoo lists and is active in animal conservation. One of the first animals on display was a Kodiak bear named Caesar in 1916. Today, the San Diego Zoo is a far cry from the zoos of the past, with the animals living in the most natural settings possible. Among the animals on the zoo's 100 acres, you'll find California Condors, koalas, and albino pythons. And although few visitors may notice, there's also a prominent botanical collection featuring thousands of exotic plants.

Relax and Swim at the Beach

Head west from any part of San Diego, and you'll probably end up at a beach. When you get there, you can swim, surf, watch a sandcastle competition, go for a walk, or play with your dog. The trick is to know which beach is the right one for you. La Colla Cove, with its grottos and protective restrictions, is great for diving and snorkeling, while Windansea Beach is a surfer's paradise thanks to its steep ocean floor and reef break. But if you're just here to relax and take in the sunshine, nothing beats Coronado Beach.

Take the Kids to Legoland

This theme park in coastal Carlsbad, about 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, is one of several Legolands worldwide. Here, kids of all ages will find rides, activities, and attractions to enjoy, including Coastersaurus, Emmet's Flying Adventure Ride, and a Lego factory tour, where they can learn how the bricks are made. Surrounding the rides, you'll find life-sized traffic cops, dinosaurs, and a dizzying collection of other creations made from Lego blocks all throughout the park.

See the Sea Creatures at Birch Aquarium

 Richard Cummins / Getty Images

Birch Aquarium is about 10 minutes north of La Jolla. While it's not as big as some of the other aquariums in California, it is filled with exciting exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. Marine life from leafy sea dragons to leopard sharks is found in more than 60 habitats. Some creatures seem so improbable they look more like something from a children's book than from the ocean. If you get hungry, stop at Splash Café or Shark Café, which overlooks the ocean. 

Soak in the Views From Cabrillo National Monument

The first European to visit San Diego, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped on the shore near Cabrillo National Monument , located at the southern end of the Point Loma Peninsula, in 1542. We don't know if Cabrillo climbed to the top of this promontory or not, but people who make it get some of the best views of San Diego, looking across the Bay and back toward downtown.

While much of the year, there's enough moisture in the air to obscure the views, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking on a clear day. In addition to the gorgeous vista, there's a historic lighthouse, visitor center, some beautiful tide pools down below, and good whale-watching in the winter.

Walk Around One of San Diego's Arts Districts

TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon 

Discover San Diego's up-and-coming creative side at one of the city's 14 cultural districts . The popular Barrio Logan in south-central San Diego is home to young artists and designers, while hip North Park and South Park—each about 10 minutes northeast of downtown San Diego—are full of great food and fashion-forward boutiques. South Park is also home to one of the city's most famous pieces of street art, a mural of a Burmese monk by Shepard Fairey, who created the Barack Obama Hope poster.

Gorge on Fish Tacos

Oscar's Mexican Seafood / Facebook

You didn't think you could go to San Diego without trying fish tacos, did you? While you really can't go wrong with a round of the city's finest fare at pretty much any eatery in the city, we're a huge fan of Oscars ' Baja-style, battered fish and shrimp tacos, each served on corn tortillas and topped with cabbage, onion, tomato, and cilantro. If you want to take things up a notch, go for the Taco Especial—made with smoked fish, shrimp, and scallops—or the grilled octopus taco. Rubio's , too, is a popular chain that has been dishing out fresh fish since 1983. With multiple locations around the city, their original fish taco—which features beer-battered, wild Alaska Pollock as the base—is polished off with mild salsa, cabbage, and a white sauce. And if you want your tacos with a side of beer, make your way to Coronado Brewing Company , where you can choose between beer-battered cod, Cajun-spiced shrimp, and blackened seared ahi to pair with your IPA.

Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This 1,750-acre reserve is one of only two places in the U.S. where you can see the country's rarest pine tree—Pine torreyana—and serves to protect some 3,000 Torrey Pines as well as other wildlife indigenous to the area. With 8 miles of trails , you can see everything from sandstone canyons and awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean to one of Southern California's last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges. Hike the Guy Fleming trail, a 0.7-mile loop that features two overlooks and an abundance of wildflowers come spring (winter visitors, however, would do well to come for the migrating gray whales off the coast). On the 1.4-mile, round-trip Razor Point Trail, you'll get incredible views of ravines and badlands, while the aptly named, quarter-mile Beach Trail ends down at Torrey Pines State Beach—a perfect place to picnic. There's also a visitor center, where you can sign up for one-hour guided tours on weekends and holidays.

Sample One or More of the City's 150-Plus Breweries

Courtesy of Societe Brewing Company

Self-described as the Craft Beer Capital of America, San Diego more than earns its title by boasting more than 150 breweries , dozens of tasting rooms, an annual beer week , and beer-centric events like the San Diego Brew Festival . So while you're here, it goes without saying that sipping some of the city's famed West Coast-style IPAs should be on your agenda (in fact, we have Green Flashing Brewing Co. to thank for trademarking the style). Take a trip to their tasting room to get a taste of the beer that started it all , then make your way over to Societe Brewing Company and sample four categories of beers—Out West, Old World, Stygian, and Feral—and be sure to try The Coachman, a session IPA that's claimed the gold at the Great American Beer Festival twice.

Tour Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá

Founded in July 1769, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá (also called Mission San Diego) is the first of California's 21 missions, the rest of which you can visit on California's Historic Mission Trail . The church was rebuilt in 1931, and today features a 46-foot Campanario (bell tower), the first historic cemetery in the state, and gardens blooming with hibiscus, succulents, and olive trees. Learn about the history and role of the mission through informative displays, and check out the Casa de los Padres room, where you can see large drawings depicting mission events. The onsite Padre Jayme Museum is currently undergoing expansion, and it will detail the history of the mission from the pre-16th to the 20th centuries and showcase original artifacts when it's completed. Head to the mission's website to book an individual or group tour .

Ride Coasters at Belmont Park

Open since July 4, 1925, this beachfront amusement park and entertainment center in the city's Mission Bay area will take you straight to the theme parks of yesteryear. You could easily spend an entire day here, with 13 rides—including the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, which was designated a National Landmark in 1990—and six attractions. Tee off at the 18-hole, tiki-themed mini-golf course, soar up to 15 miles an hour on the zipline, and play laser tag in a three-level arena. When you need a refreshment, grab a quick bite at El Jefe taco shop, choose between one of the 70-plus beers on draft at Draft Mission Beach, or splurge on shareable plates and cocktails at the oceanfront Cannonball.

Ride the Waves at One of the City's Legendary Beaches

With 70 miles of open ocean coastline, San Diego draws surfing pros and novices alike to hang ten. While Windansea Beach is arguably one of the city's most popular surf spots (see above), you can find equally good waves at less crowded locales. Oceanside and Pacific Beach are both excellent places for beginners to hone their skills, while Cardiff State Beach is a favorite among experts (pro surfer Rob Machado is known to regularly ride the waves here). If you're new to the sport, you can find great surfing schools throughout the city, including Pacific Surf Group and San Diego Surf School , both of which offer private, semi-private, and group lessons. For those who just want to observe, the annual World Bodysurfing Championship and the Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition (yes, surfing dogs!) welcome spectators from all over.

Watch the Sunset From Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Located on Point Loma's western shoreline and spanning 68 acres, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park boasts 400-foot sea cliff formations, caves, an intertidal zone, and, as its name suggests, pretty spectacular views at sunset. And, if you happen to be here between December and early April, the regional park is an excellent spot to watch gray whales swim up the coast during their annual migration. Be sure to arrive early: It can get crowded.

San Diego Tourism Authority. "The Craft Beer Capital of America." Retrieved on February 4, 2022.

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The essential guide to visiting San Diego

Here’s all the info you need to explore the southern California city’s sunny beaches, eclectic museums, and charming historic neighborhoods.

Why you should visit San Diego

Seventy miles of sun-kissed coastline . The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Pop-culture fest Comic-Con . California’s first Catholic mission .

Best time to visit San Diego

Spring:   In March and April, golden yarrows, mariposa lilies, and California poppies burst forth in Mission Trails Regional Park . Pink and white blooms star in March’s Cherry Blossom Festival in the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum .

Summer: Temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit make summer an ideal time to walk, surf, or sunbathe on local beaches like Torrey Pines   and La Jolla Shores . Iconic seasonal events include Comic-Con International downtown and the S an Diego Pride Parade , which brings up to 300,000 revelers to Hillcrest.

Autumn:   Experience one of the country’s largest Day of the Dead processions (plus live music and food vendors) in Barrio Logan . Snorkel amid the (harmless) leopard sharks in La Jolla in September, the best time to spot the timid creatures.

Winter:   From December to March, around 20,000 gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California, passing through the deep waters off the San Diego coast. Take a whale-watching cruise from Mission Bay, keeping an eye out for dolphin mega pods. February is Museum Month , with half-price admission to over 40 city showplaces, including the Whaley House Museum in Old Town, the USS Midway Museum in downtown, and the Women’s Museum of California   in Balboa Park.

Lay of the land

Coastal neighborhoods:   Traveling south, stop at Gliderport for the hang-gliding school in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve . (Tip: Tandem rides offer amazing ocean views.) Avoid tourist-clogged Mission Beach and head instead to the coastal village of La Jolla , set amid pine trees, craggy cliffs, and sparkling tide pools. Visit the recently revamped Museum of Contemporary Art , then catch a Broadway musical at La Jolla Playhouse , founded by actor Gregory Peck in 1945.

Urban neighborhoods:   Historic Gaslamp Quarter , with its Victorian-style flickering streetlights, is the city’s nightlife hub. Dance to hip-hop and electronica at Bloom or soak up the views of the bay from Altitude Sky Lounge . Nearby, Little Italy   comprises 48 square blocks of outdoor restaurants, patio cafés, and wineries. Stop for a slice at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto (established in 1950) then head five minutes north to the famed Ballast Point Brewery , which has more than 25 beers on tap.

Inland neighborhoods:   Historic neighborhoods east of downtown include Old Town , the first European settlement in California, where you can drop by the 19th-century adobe Casa de Estudillo . In nearby Mission Valley, explore California’s first church: the serene, whitewashed Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá . Hillcrest holds gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as The Center —the heart of San Diego’s LGTBQ+ community since 1971.

Getting around San Diego

By bus:   MTS operates bus routes throughout the city. Plan your trip and buy tickets at the MTS website or on the PRONTO app. Greyhound   and   Flixbus   offer regular daily services to San Diego from all major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

By car:   With about 1,800 charging stations across the city, San Diego is one of the most EV-friendly destinations in the U.S. No matter what you drive, parking can be a challenge, so check Parkopedia for nearby lots and parking structures, and use ride-shares when possible.

By train:   Amtrak   connects San Diego with many U.S. cities. Pacific Surfliner runs north and south along the coast from Oakland to the Downtown San Diego Amtrak Station, with stops at San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.

By trolley:   The bright-red, eco-friendly San Diego trolley crisscrosses through the city, connecting neighborhoods such as downtown, Old Town, and Mission Valley.

Know before you go

Languages: English is the official language, but many people speak Spanish as well.

Wildlife awareness:   Stingrays are ubiquitous in the summer months; remember to shuffle your feet through the sand when entering the ocean to warn them you are coming.

LGBTQ+:   San Diego has the 7th highest LGBTQ+ population in the U.S. In a 2023 report by financial news website 24/7 Wall St., California was ranked the most queer-friendly state in the country. Just north of Balboa Park,   Hillcrest is home to Rich’s , a celebrated gay club, and Hillcrest Brewing Company , which claims to be the world’s first gay brewery.

How to visit San Diego sustainably

Outdoors: San Diego was recently ranked the Greenest City in America . Cycling lanes are abundant; use the regional bike map to navigate. San Diego Natural History Museum offers a new native plant nature trail and a canyoneer-led hiking program with guided walks through desert, beach, or mountain wilderness.  

Shopping:   In hip   North Park , browse along Main Street for locally made gifts, jewelry, and vintage clothing. For secondhand surfboards, try Bird’s Surf Shed   near Mission Bay.

Dining:   Visit restaurants under the Farm to Fork   banner. Members are committed to ethically sourced food and support local farmers and fishermen. Look for the summer 2024 opening of Michelin star chef Drew Deckman’s Watershed . The North Park restaurant will donate 1 percent of monthly revenue to sustainable farming projects.

What to read and watch

The House of Broken Angels , by Luis Alberto Urrea. This Mexican-American family saga explores issues surrounding immigration, identity, and loss in San Diego and across the border.

Mister Magic , by Kiersten White. The San Diegan horror writer serves up a creepy tale of 1990s child television stars who reunite to solve a cold case.

Veronica Mars , directed by Rob Thomas. San Diego stood in for the fictional Neptune, California, in this beachy noir TV series (and movie) starring Kristen Bell as a hardboiled, soft-hearted teenage sleuth.

For more local literature, visit the San Diego Festival of Books in August.

( For more tips on what to do in San Diego, see our Explorer’s Guide .)

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These days, it’s hard to do anything in town without spending some bucks—whether it’s $15 for a burrito, $20 for a cocktail, or $2,000 for a tiny studio apartment . But if you know where to look, San Diego provides plenty of activities that don’t require tapping your card or fishing for loose change in your couch. Here are some of the best things to do in San Diego for free . 

Free Activities | Free Museums & Attractions | Free Events

Free Activities in San Diego

Hit the beach.

San Diego spoils us with so many great things that we often forget we’re home to some of America’s best beaches. With 31 beaches across 70 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of room to throw down a towel, grab a good book, and bask in the San Diego sunshine. For a classic boardwalk experience or a game of volleyball , hit Mission Beach. For a little slice of seclusion, try Torrey Pines State Beach. Looking to work on your longboarding skills ? Join the crowd at Tourmaline. If you need more inspiration, check out our list of less-crowded beaches .

Tennis & Basketball at Local Courts

Whether you’re looking for a pick-up game of basketball or want to work on your backhand with your tennis partner, San Diego offers plenty of free courts to get your game on. Popular b-ball courts include Robb Field in Ocean Beach , Mission Bay Park, North Clairemont Recreation Center, the Embarcadero, and Allied Gardens Rec Center. For tennis, check out the PB Rec Center, Coronado Cays, and City Heights Rec Center. See a full list of San Diego city tennis courts here and basketball courts here .

Hike Mission Trails Regional Park

Only 20 minutes from downtown, Mission Trails is a beloved local area for hiking and climbing. The park holds a visitor center for kids, over 60 hiking trails , ample toprope climbing routes , and lots of scenic views. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, so make sure to park outside the gated lot if you plan on staying for sunset. 

1 Father Junipero Serra Trail

Watch the Gliders at Torrey Pines

Visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport atop the cliffs at Black’s Beach to see paragliders and hang gliders suspended in La Jolla’s skies. For a fully free outing, pack your own lunch and bring a picnic blanket. If you leave your hoagie at home, check out the Cliffhanger Cafe at the Gliderport, which offers affordable sub from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Parking at the dirt lot is free but can be challenging during the school year, as it doubles as overflow parking for UCSD students.

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla

Watch a Sunset at Sunset Cliffs 

You know what you’re getting with a name like Sunset Cliffs—beautiful coastal views, surfers gliding along the water , and colorful tapestries in the sky every day at sundown. Each evening, you’re bound to see a handful of engagements , several bougie picnics, and potentially the elusive “ green flash ”—if you can avoid blinking. After 28 years of living in San Diego, I’m starting to believe the green flash is an urban legend. See for yourself.

1253 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, Point Loma

Bike Around Mission Bay

Home to over 12 miles of bike paths, Mission Bay is a prime destination for cyclists to explore. The area’s many bridges connect its various beaches, so you can pedal past them all. Road warriors can extend their treks by circling Fiesta Island or continuing their ride through Ocean Beach and along Sunset Cliffs toward Cabrillo National Park . For more, see our article on San Diego’s most scenic bike paths .

1590 East Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay

Explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

This East County hideaway offers visitors the chance to see wildflowers bloom , explore the iconic Slot Canyon , conquer rugged mountain bike trails , or catch a shooting star on a clear night. The park spans over 600,000 acres, allowing for free dispersed camping as long as your vehicle is parked one car length off the road and at least 100 yards away from a water source. Bring water, sunscreen, and an appetite for adventure.

200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs

Picnic at Kate Sessions Park

One of the most quintessential San Diego activities is enjoying a picnic on the grassy hillside of Kate Sessions Park . Every weekend, swaths of residents gather at this Pacific Beach park to practice slacklining, graze on charcuterie , and let their dogs get their zoomies out . Visit at sunset to see bright orange skies draped over Mission Bay and the San Diego skyline in the distance.

5115 Soledad Road, Pacific Beach

Snorkel at La Jolla Cove 

With just a snorkel mask (which, if you don’t have one, you can typically buy or rent for under $20), swimmers can explore the underwater oasis of the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve . Beneath the surface, you may spot leopard sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and various coral-dwelling crustaceans. Warm water in La Jolla persists from June to early October, so you won’t need to invest in a wetsuit.

1100 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla

Explore Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a great place to spend time by the bay without having to pay. The spot is ideal for strolling with Fido, taking little ones to the park, or catching a free live music performance every weekend. Looking for more entertainment? Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and observe local fishermen unloading their latest catches.

849 West Harbor Drive, Downtown

Fish Off the Oceanside Pier

Practice your jigging and rigging skills on the Oceanside Pier for the afternoon. Along the pillars, fisherman cast their lines in hopes of catching sand bass, perch, mackerel, and halibut. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing off a public pier, so cast to your heart’s desire or your bucket’s capacity. You might just reel in tonight’s dinner. 

Spend a Day in Julian

A trip to Julian is well worth the gas money, especially since it provides a number of complimentary adventures once you arrive. Pop into this beloved small town off the 8 for a taste of life in the countryside. Embark on the Julian History Hunt with an answer card provided by the Julian Town Hall, hike the Stonewall Trail for a view of Cuyamaca Mountain, or take a free tour through the Julian Jail , home to the city’s first indoor toilet. No, you cannot use the toilet. 

Free Museums & Attractions in San Diego

Visit balboa park .

Built for the Panama–California Exposition of 1915, Balboa Park has provided free entertainment to San Diegans for over 100 years. Among the park’s 18 museums, seven offer gratis entry (with optional donations), including the Timken Museum , the San Diego History Center, and the Museum of Photographic Arts. The remaining museums have monthly free days for residents, which you can find in our Balboa Park museum guide . Other complimentary attractions in the park include the Botanical Building (once construction wraps later this year) and the Spanish Village Art Center. 

Old Town San Diego

It’s easy to overlook Old Town when you’ve lived in San Diego your whole life, but the spot is rich with hidden gems, family-friendly activities , and free attractions. Step back in time to experience San Diego circa 1830 with various gratis experiences, including a blacksmith demonstration at Blackhawk Livery Stable, a carriage tour at Seeley Stable, and a walkthrough of San Diego’s oldest schoolhouse, Estudillo House . Old Town is a must-see for local history buffs on a budget.

Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center

One of 19 US Olympic and Paralympic training sites across the country, Chula Vista’s Elite Athlete Training Center is the place to see our nation’s best athletes prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Built in 1995 and encompassing 155 acres, the complex offers free self-guided tours of the training facilities for track and field, rowing, soccer, beach volleyball, cycling, BMX, and more.

2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista

Birdwatching at Tijuana River Estuary

San Diego is the most biodiverse county in the continental US , and the South Bay offers plenty of outdoor spaces to connect with nature. One such place is the Tijuana River Estuary , bordering Imperial Beach. It’s a popular spot for birdwatching, nature walks, and casual bike rides. Here you can observe egrets fishing, creatures swimming in the waterways, and coyotes and bats emerging at sundown. 

301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach

Walk Through Chicano Park

Take a stroll through this San Diego neighborhood rich with Latino culture and history. Established in 1971, the park memorializes the people displaced during the construction of the Coronado Bridge. Today, Chicano Park serves as a sanctuary for the community, decorated with more than 100 murals, a number of statues, several gardens, and a playground. Once a year, the community gathers to celebrate Chicano Park Day , showcasing local artists, cuisine, and lowrider culture.

1949 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan

Free Tour of Scripps Pier

Ever wondered what’s happening atop La Jolla’s Scripps Pier ? During the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, visitors can enroll in a free one-hour tour of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography , which researches our oceans, local sea life , and climate change. Tour reservations fill up fast, so be sure to reserve your spot well in advance.

8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla

San Diego Central Library

Catch up on your summer reading list at the colossal San Diego Central Library . Opened in 2013, the Central Library offers unique amenities , including the second-largest collection of baseball memorabilia, a garden courtyard, a start-up incubator center, an art gallery, 3D printing at the IDEA Lab, and more. While you’re at it, use your library card to secure your free California State Library Parks Pass , providing day access to over 200 state parks. 

330 Park Boulevard, Downtown

Free Events in San Diego

Free yoga class at the rady shell.

While the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is typically home to big-ticket concerts, the venue also offers a massive, free monthly yoga class. Whether you’re a novice yogi or a human pretzel , everyone can benefit from some deep stretching in a judgment-free zone. RSVP on Eventbrite to reserve your spot for this flow led by an instructor from Fit Athletic. 

222 Marina Park Way, Downtown

Hillcrest Walk in Art

Every first Thursday of the month from 5 to 10 p.m., art lovers can stroll through Hillcrest to view work from San Diego artists . Located in Mural Alley, which connects 4th and 5th streets to University Avenue, the free gathering offers live music, artist showcases, food vendors, and performances for connoisseurs of the arts.

435 University Avenue, Hillcrest

Mockingbird Improv’s Open Jam 

Liberty Station’s Arts District offers loads of complimentary entertainment for San Diegans on a budget. On the first Thursday of each month, catch local comedy organization Mockingbird Improv’s Open Jam comedy show after strolling through the area’s free art galleries . Laughs are priceless, but Mockingbird Improv’s monthly show is supported by optional donations that fuel the nonprofit’s mission of bringing comedy to all walks of life. 

2590 Truxtun Road, Suite 200, Point Loma

San Diego Winyl Club

Held at the west end of Balboa Park each Wednesday, Winyl Club is the hottest picnic in town . Local DJs serenade a crowd of hundreds at this laid-back gathering, which is family-friendly and popular with all ages. Pack snacks, a nice bottle of sauvignon blanc, and a group of your closest music-loving friends. 

Visit Little Italy Mercato

Tip: Go grocery shopping before hitting the Little Italy Mercato on a Wednesday or Saturday to make all those produce stands and pop-up food vendors less tempting. Regardless of what’s in your wallet, the farmers market is a great excuse to take a stroll downtown, converse with your fellow neighbors, and connect with the city . Just blocks away is the San Diego bayfront, offering plenty of additional free attractions to fill the rest of your day.

600 West Date Street, Little Italy

Free Concerts at Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Every Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m., stop by the historic Spreckels Organ Pavilion for a free concert provided by the City of San Diego. The pavilion seats 2,400 for performances by the civic organist or guest artist, which offer the opportunity to hear the largest outdoor organ in the world, with over 4,500 pipes.

2125 Pan American East Road, Balboa Park

With a background crafting digital strategies and storytelling for brands, Cole loves reporting on local figures, businesses and nonprofits. A lifelong San Diegan, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, music, cooking, the local art scene, and the great outdoors.

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Welcome to sunny

San Diego is often referred to as “America’s Finest City,” and for good reasons!

Picture perfect weather, miles upon miles of sandy beaches, cool ocean breezes, dozens of fun and educational attractions, and a consummate laid-back attitude attract more than 30 million visitors annually. Part of that draw is an average temperature that varies little from 70 degrees and only 42 rainy days per year. The city retains an intimate charm with charismatic neighborhoods and communities such as Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, the Gaslamp Quarter, Point Loma, Chula Vista, Old Town, La Jolla, North Park, and many others. These neighborhoods have unique identities that combine to create a city rich in exploration and diversity.

Visitors enjoy popular family destinations, including LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo, PETCO Park, Scripps Aquarium, Sea World, USS Midway Museum, and cultural attractions that dot the city, including 18 museums spanning 1,200 acres in world-class Balboa Park. Others come to play, relax, explore, and go on unique adventures. World-class beaches and waterfront attractions attract throngs of surfers, sunbathers, kayakers, and divers.

San Diego is here and waiting for you.

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Attractions, food and drink, explore popular, neighborhoods.

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Food and drinks, hillcrest nightlife, brunch spots, plan your next, california getaway, family vacay.

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20 Iconic Restaurant Dishes in San Diego

Eat your way through the city’s culinary essentials

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San Diego is known for its proximity to the sun and the sea, but the city’s restaurant scene is flourishing — and growing — more each year. For residents and visitors who are curious about where to find the city’s most iconic, or defining, dishes, this guide can help. From foods that have a long association with San Diego, like battered fish tacos and dripping carne asada fries, to newer classics and plates that highlight some of the best local produce, these dishes are ones that have delighted and will continue to delight those who encounter them.

For more defining San Diego eats, check out the city’s essential restaurants , tacos , burgers , and pizza .

Turkish Eggs at Atelier Manna

Showered with seasonal herbs like dill and parsley, these perfectly poached eggs sit in a luxurious swath of yogurt, garlic butter, and chili oil, served with slices of sourdough bread from Praeger Brothers for dipping and swiping. Order it with a side of smoked salmon to up the richness, because why not?

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Drugstore Burger at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

This classic burger is an ode to Americana, honoring the simplicity of using the right ingredients with the perfect balance of accouterments. The patties are made from Niman Ranch chuck ranch, topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, and housemade mayo, and sandwiched between a sesame bun. This industry favorite can be ordered at the property’s three dining venues: the Grill at Torrey Pines, the hotel bar, and A.R. Valentien by request.

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Spot Prawns at George’s at the Cove

San Diego-harvested spot prawns are one of the world’s most perfect foods, with its limited availability (the season runs from March to October), adding to its coveted nature. Citing rising prices, this perfectly streamlined dish of griddled spot prawns bathed in wild fennel butter hasn’t been offered recently but chef partner Trey Foshee said they will likely return to the menu next spring.

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Jamaican Jerk Pork Belly at Nine-Ten

One of the earliest modernist dishes to make an impression is this starter from the universally admired Jason Knibb. Drawing on his Caribbean roots, the chef brines, cold-smokes, and braises the pork belly, pairing it cleverly with baby carrots, Swiss chard, plantains, black-eyed peas, spicy jelly, and sweet potato puree.

Fish Sandwich at El Pescador

A staple post-surf snack for decades, the char-grilled fish sandwich can be ordered two ways at this casual restaurant and seafood market. Pros know to choose a local fish like sea bass or halibut, dressed with lemon butter and served “borrego-style” on a toasted torta roll with cabbage, tomato, green onion, and vinaigrette.

Tonkotsu Ramen at Menya Ultra Ramen

Kickstarting a ramen boom in San Diego, Menya Ultra introduced local diners to steaming bowls of properly balanced tonkotsu broth filled with springy housemade noodles (they’re still one of the only local ramen brands to have its own noodle kitchen).

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Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie at Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

Founded by master baker Crystal White, the Bird Rock bakery burst onto the scene with still-unparalleled breads and pastries. Stop in for a burnished loaf of sourdough or a flaky pasty tile topped with seasonal produce and we dare you to resist this cookie with its crisp edges, chewy middle, and pockets of chocolate, sprinkled with a good dose of salt.

20 Breakfast Spots to Try Right Now in San Diego

California Burrito at JV’s Mexican Food

Established almost 30 years ago, this Morena Boulevard taco shop is known for its gargantuan burritos, with one of its bestsellers being its take on the California burrito, Swaddled in foil and classic yellow taco shop paper, the two-hander is stuffed with carne asada, French fries, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.

San Diego’s Best French Fry-Packed California Burritos

Chicken Tawook at Alforon

You’ll remember the friendly service at this Lebanese restaurant in the College Area but the dishes will also leave a lasting impression, particularly Alforon’s house creation that tops a round flatbread with marinated chicken, dollops of pungent garlic paste (order an extra side of this), and pickles.

Uni Nigiri at Sushi Tadokoro

Is there a better bite in existence? Serving sea urchin as gunkan (or boat-style) nigiri as an omakase course or a la carte, Sushi Tadokoro’s master itamae Takeaki Tadokoro uses the highest-grade sea urchin available, either from Japan or local waters (when it’s at its finest quality), nestling it on sushi rice seasoned with housemade rice vinegar.

Yodel at Juniper & Ivy

It's dessert and a show with this creative play on the beloved snack cake that’s been on the menu here since day one. Its flavors can vary by the season, from apples in fall to strawberries in spring and summer, but the O.G. version encases devil’s food cake, dark chocolate pate, crunchy white chocolate bits, and hazelnut brittle in a cylindrical shell of chocolate that melts under the warms of a chocolate sauce poured tableside.

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Chowder fries at Ironside Fish & Oyster

A not-so-sleeper menu hit that is also the star of one of the best happy hours in town, this craveable, drink-friendly dish tops a mound of crispy fries with what is essentially seafood gravy. As all good clam chowders do, this one has a nice helping of bacon.

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Seitan Skewers at Kindred

A classic since day one at the foundation vegan restaurant and cocktail bar, these skewers have never left the menu. This dish starts with made-from-scratch seitan, a wheat-based protein, skewered on bamboo sticks and charred before being smothered in harissa, horsey sauce (horseradish aioli), and showered with green onions. It’s a dynamic blend of textures that satisfies vegans and non-vegans alike.

Flan at Kingfisher

Many of the dishes at this modern Vietnamese restaurant have become instant classics, from the whole fried fish to the dry-aged duck, but diners would riot if the flan was removed from the menu. Made with a dreamy mix of milk, heavy cream, and condensed milk, the just-set banh flan, or Vietnamese crème caramel, is bathed in a glossy syrup of black sugar and Vietnamese coffee offset by salted miso cream.

Kare Kare at Animae

Chef Tara Monsod’s James Beard Award finalist nod was earned in part for the ways in which she is elevating Filipino dishes while retaining their original essence. Case in point, her kare kare which subs in braised short rib for oxtail but doesn’t shy away from using pungent ingredients like bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste.

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Tofu mushroom burrito at pokez.

Since 1994, Pokez has been a community pillar for Southern California’s counterculture. It was one of the earliest local restaurants to offer creative vegan Mexican dishes, with none more iconic than his burrito. This burrito is best smothered in ranchero sauce and served with cabbage salad. Unlike many vegan dishes that try to replicate non-vegan classics, this dish stands on its own; enjoy the crispy and soft textures of seared tofu nestled agains well-seasoned mashed potatoes and sauteed mushrooms.

Aleppo Chicken at Callie

Swiftly becoming a signature dish, this is chicken treated right. Chef Travis Swikard marinates the chicken overnight with Aleppo pepper, spices, garlic, and yogurt, then grills it over charcoal to its succulent best and finishes it with coriander honey and a side of sumac pickles.

Chorizo, Beans, and Rice at Las Cuatro Milpas

One of the longest-running Mexican restaurants in Barrio Logan, the kitchen has been in operation since 1933. The tried-and-true recipe of chorizo, beans, and rice is a breakfast staple that can be eaten on its own or with housemade tortillas made in the open kitchen. Lines normally wrap out the door at this cash-only restaurant. but plates are served efficiently so the queue moves fast.

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Carne Asada Fries at Lolita’s Mexican Food

A San Diego-born staple of late-night snacking, the meal-sized portion of fries is topped with a generous portion of marinated beef and guacamole along with cojita and cheddar cheese.

Baja Fish Taco at TJ Oyster Bar

Since 2002, this family-owned taco shop has served Baja-style fish tacos in the South Bay. The crispy battered fish sits inside a corn tortilla with a smattering of lime crema sauce, refreshingly balanced with chopped cabbage and tomatoes.

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Updating The 38 Essential San Diego Restaurants, July '14

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This San Diego neighborhood among ‘most up-and-coming’ in US: TravelMag

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — One San Diego neighborhood is among the most “up-and-coming” in the country, according to TravelMag.

Researchers with the publication sought to determine the “most appealing” districts in the U.S. by using specific criteria. To do this, TravelMag curated a list of 16 “up-and-coming” places, with 16 major cities represented, including San Diego. The idea was to narrow down areas that could be considered “hip districts.”

Some deciding factors included things like the number of “cool” cocktail bars, “fancy” coffee houses, “trendy” eateries that have popped up in the past few years, LGBTQ-friendly and vegan spots, as well as “eclectic” boutiques in these neighborhoods.

When it comes to San Diego, one neighborhood was singled out as the most “up-and-coming,” based on TravelMag’s criteria. North Park took the crown, with the publication noting, “As much a place for families as it is for singles, this San Diego parcel offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, coffee houses, boutiques, and bars.”

TravelMag also highlighted North Park’s ideal location, explaining that it’s “centered on the brewery-studded intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street.” Also mentioned was the neighborhoods culinary scene with dining options like Mabel’s Gone Fishing, The Smoking Goat and City Tacos.

“We are immensely proud to receive this recognition from Travel Mag,” said Mark West, executive director of North Park Main Street. “This honor reflects the passion and perseverance of our community. We remain committed to fostering an environment that promotes creativity, inclusivity, and economic growth, ensuring North Park continues to shine as a beacon of progress in San Diego.”

TravelMag also pointed to North Park’s popular Verbatim Books, San Diego’s largest independent bookshop, as well as music venue The Observatory as hip places in the neighborhood.

William Lopez, board president of North Park Main Street, added, “Our efforts to enhance North Park’s appeal through various community initiatives, events, and support for local businesses are truly paying off. This accolade not only celebrates our achievements but also motivates us to keep pushing forward, making North Park an even better place for everyone.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.

Here’s where you want to eat in San Diego right now

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The great thing about dining at sushi counters, beyond close communion with the chef, is the conversations that often spark between customers about all kinds of restaurants.

Last month I was having dinner at Ichifuji , a restaurant in the Linda Vista neighborhood of San Diego — on assignment to write a fresh guide to eating and drinking in the city . Ichifuji’s 10-seat counter resides in a squat, nondescript building. At the entrance you’ll see a gate, part sculpture and part security, made from thick metal bars, imposing save for the white noren (Japanese door curtains) that herald you’re in the right place.

Inside, owners Hiroshi Ichikawa and Masato Fujita have created a welcoming cocoon. They’re friendly and talkative with diners while staying focused on serving omakase. In matching blue uniforms, Ichikawa crafts nigiri and sashimi for those seated on the left half of the room, while Fujita handles the right-hand side.

Where a sushi bar convo can lead you

Around the time Ichikawa was handing my partner and me pieces of nodoguro lightly blazed with a blowtorch, a local real estate professional named David Hussain settled in next to us. Before long he knew we were visiting from Los Angeles. The subject of coffee in San Diego came up, and he recommended a shop called Finjan (“coffee cup” in Arabic), where baristas make drinks from beans roasted by James Coffee Co. and serve Palestinian-style knafeh and baklava for dessert.

I told Hussain that he was talking in the vicinity of some of my favorite cuisines in the world, so he lobbed out another suggestion: Mal Al Sham . It’s a Syrian restaurant in El Cajon, a small city about a 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego that has become home to one of the country’s largest Iraqi immigrant and refugee communities. I felt grateful. None of this had been on my research radar.

On Sunday a few days later, as a last stop before heading back to L.A., we drove down East Main Street in El Cajon. Signs identified one Iraqi restaurant after another: Ali Baba, Nahrain, Sagmani’s, Al Rafidain, Al Azayem. Los Angeles has few places to become acquainted with Iraqi cuisine; I reviewed Akkad in Glendale in 2018 , and have revisited specifically for breakfast and the hot pastry called kahi dolloped with melting clotted cream.

Promising myself I’d return to El Cajon soon to dive deeper into its Iraqi riches, I pulled into the parking lot of Mal Al Sham.

Poking around online, I’d seen pictures of customers ordering mansaf, the Bedouin feast of spiced lamb laid over flatbread and rice. Its silken sauce must have a crucial ingredient: jameed, dried and reconstituted yogurt that adds a distinct, delicious sharpness. Mansaf is most closely associated with Jordan but loved throughout the region. Palestinian cookbook author Reem Kassis has noted that Arabic culinary texts from as far back as the 10th century notate variations of the dish.

The version at Mal Al Sham can help you understand why mansaf has endured for more than a millennium. It isn’t listed on the menu, but when I asked a server about it, she didn’t blink: Yes, mansaf was available, and among orders of hummus, tabbouli, fried kibbeh, falafel and fattoush, it was the first platter to arrive. A generous bowl of yogurt sauce appeared alongside, charged with the taste of jameed. I’ve had a difficult time finding the dish in Los Angeles-area restaurants. Ammatoli in Long Beach sometimes serves it for brunch. This one made me very, very happy.

I’ll also note that the restaurant honors the local Iraqi population by preparing a weekend special of quzi, another lamb and rice dish more vigorously seasoned with sweet, bright spices (but no yogurt sauce). It might be a lot of rice at one lunch, but I learned the next day that both reheat well.

Not every place I ate across San Diego made it onto my new guide of nearly two dozen standouts. Ichifuji and Mal Al Sham most certainly did.

Way more than a “brunch restaurant”

So did Atelier Manna , a daytime restaurant I was urged to try by Candice Woo , editor of Eater San Diego (and my former colleague). Candice knows more about dining in her hometown than anyone I’ve met. We’ve been sharing meals for a decade. She knew I would appreciate the caliber of cooking at Manna.

After Andrew Bachelier left heralded Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad early in the pandemic, he returned to the scene in April 2023 with this small, open-air project in Leucadia, a community that’s part of Encinitas.

If you are completely agnostic on the subject of French toast, as I am, Bachelier’s take might turn you. He saturates a 3-inch-tall block of sourdough with strawberry custard, so the crust is crackling enough to require a knife yet the interior is almost molten, texturally between a soufflé and bread pudding. It could be scooped out with a spoon. Sliced strawberries and lemon verbena buds dot the top, and toasted coconut manages to come off as subtle amid the cacophony of flavors. It’s beautiful, but more importantly it is wildly satisfying.

Most everything else on the menu leans savory: a take on Turkish eggs gilded with garlicky yogurt and chile-garlic butter and blanketed with soft herbs; scallops sinking into a quicksand of grits with summery succotash made with grilled corn; a wobbly hunk of pork collar surrounded by ripe slivers of stone fruit.

And to drink? Some of the smartest nonalcoholic concoctions to be found in Southern California. Beverage director Nick Sinutko calls them “vitality tonics.” Mixing flavors like mulberry, lemon, jasmine and (winningly) chervil, he steeps ingredients into teas and infusions and brews acid solutions out of citrus. He manages the elusive trick of giving body to combinations that could wind up tasting of fancy juice. His efforts remind me of Han Suk Cho and Austin Hennelly’s n/a cocktails at Kato .

I will just say it: I wish Manna were in Los Angeles. The restaurant operates Wednesday through Sunday. It merits braving traffic for a day trip. Other restaurants around San Diego do, too. Please check out the guide .

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• More from the San Diego area: For this week’s review (and in tandem with the Times’s project on the state’s best beaches) , I write about Baja chef Roberto Alcocer’s globally influenced, modern Mexican tasting menu at Valle in Oceanside.
• On the heels of the Food team’s massive Tacos 101 guide — you saw it? — columnist Jenn Harris advocates for a style we didn’t directly detail on the list: wet tacos .
• Stephanie Breijo writes about the life of Steven Arroyo, the prolific restaurateur behind Cobras & Matadors, Church & State, Escuela Taqueria, Malo, Boxer, Burger She Wrote, Cobra Lily and Potato Chips Deli. He died at age 55 on Sunday due to medical complications from cancer treatment.
• Stephanie also has the details on Camélia, the new French-Japanese Arts District restaurant from Tsubaki owners Courtney Kaplan and Charles Namba.
• Grace Xue visits the first U.S. location, in Beverly Hills, of one of China’s trendiest tea stores .
• With a pandemic-era program extended, Cindy Carcamo addresses the question: Did Mayor Karen Bass just save outdoor dining in L.A.?
• Kelly Dobkin has nine suggestions for Korean-owned coffee shops making lattes with an exceptionally comforting ingredient: misugaru.
• Finally, on the political front, Daniel Miller wonders: Will Kamala Harris’s love of cooking and knowledge of L.A. restaurants help her win the election ?

Eat your way across L.A.

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Bill Addison is the restaurant critic of the Los Angeles Times. He is recipient of the 2023 Craig Claiborne Distinguished Restaurant Review Award from the James Beard Foundation, among numerous other accolades. Addison was previously national critic for Eater and held food critic positions at the San Francisco Chronicle, the Dallas Morning News and Atlanta magazine.

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Health | Upgraded travel services are helping to ease…

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Health | Upgraded travel services are helping to ease food allergy fears

Airlines, restaurants and hotels offering customized care for people with sensitivities to foods like peanuts, wheat and milk, but it’s still critical to be your own advocate.

For The New York Times

For the 33 million Americans managing any of the nine most common food allergies — including milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, soy, sesame and different types of fish — traveling safely can be challenging, but it’s becoming easier.

In the air, where carriers say they can’t guarantee fully nut-free flights, the recently enacted Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act will, over the next two years, add epinephrine injectors on planes and provide additional medical training for crew members.

On the ground, hotels and restaurants are also customizing meals, providing menus with allergen symbols, enhancing staff education and instituting better processes for food handling.

But still, it’s critical to speak up for yourself. As a person who is gluten-intolerant and a parent of a child with a serious peanut allergy, I’ve learned simple and effective ways to eat safely and reduce the risk of a reaction while away from home.

Pack to protect yourself

Consider packing allergy-friendly snacks for your trips. Some of the reliable brands without peanuts, tree nuts, gluten and dairy are MadeGood and Enjoy Life . (Make sure to double-check all ingredient labels anyway to be safe.) These portable products include snack chips and granola bars . For travel within the United States you can also store fresh fruit in resealable bags with reusable mini-ice packs, which are permitted in carry-on luggage, but the ice packs must be placed with other liquids when you’re passing through security.

If you travel with an epinephrine injector, insert a tracker such as an Apple AirTag or Tile in its case and place it in your carry-on. Then, set an alert to notify you if you forget it at home or misplace it during your travels, so you will never be without it. The Transportation Security Administration limits passengers to two injectors, which should be kept in the original box with a visible prescription label.

The Food and Drug Administration also suggests packing cleansing wipes. Unlike hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes can remove up to 99 percent of allergens, including peanut residue , from surfaces. This can help protect you from cross-contamination. Be sure to wash your hands afterward to avoid direct contact.

Tell your hotel what you need

The Americans With Disabilities Act helps to protect those with food allergies by giving them the right to ask for necessary changes in hotel policies or conditions that place them at a disadvantage. However, hotels and rental properties can’t always guarantee allergy-conscious accommodations. When booking, prioritize establishments rated highly by other travelers with dietary sensitivities in online tools like the Spokin app and blog. The service allows you to search allergy-specific reviews of hotels and restaurants. Walt Disney Resorts, Hilton, Marriott, Fairmont, Kimpton and the Four Seasons are a few highly rated global hotel chains . Additionally, all Kimpton Hotels around the world offer a Forgot It? We’ve Got It program, in which they stock nonallergenic toiletries and snacks.

Most hotel booking apps allow you to limit your search to rooms with a kitchen, should you prefer to have the control that comes with preparing your own meals. If you can’t book a room with a kitchen, you may be able to ask the front desk for a microwave and a minifridge to store and reheat your own meals. When you book, personalize your profile with details of your dietary sensitivity and confirm with managers upon arrival. Be sure to ask them to also make their staff aware.

Airbnb and Vrbo properties typically come with a full kitchen, but remember to wash cookware and service items with hot soapy water before use to reduce the risk of contamination.

Fly allergy-friendly skies

The Air Carrier Access Act , like the ADA, protects airline passengers with dietary sensitivities by permitting early boarding for travelers to clean the seats and other surfaces. Although many airlines do not currently serve peanuts, a common allergen, there is no guarantee that onboard snacks do not contain traces of peanuts, which could set off a reaction. Some flights have designated areas called buffer zones, where peanut products are not served or eaten by passengers. Contact the airline before booking to learn about the specifics of your flight.

At the airport, Spokin can help locate nearby suitable meal options in 80 countries. You can filter by your specific dietary restriction and view thousands of user reviews for each establishment. The FindMeGlutenFree app searches worldwide airports for celiac-friendly options.

Talk to the chef

It seems simple, but filtering a Google Maps search with the keywords “specialty markets” can reveal a world of allergy-friendly options as well as helpful reviews. Organic markets or health stores are often good alternatives for people with food intolerances.

If you’re planning to eat out, platforms such as OpenTable allow you to make direct requests for accommodations in 80 countries. The AllergyEats app lets you search for restaurants with dietary restrictions by state , but it is available only in the United States.

For international destinations, consider carrying a downloadable chef card from the nonprofit group Food Allergy Research & Education to convey, in any of the 10 languages besides English offered on its website, what foods a restaurant must avoid serving you. The iTranslate app can translate from a photograph of a menu or a sign to help you convey your needs to the restaurant staff.

For U.S. getaways, when possible, choose off-peak hours to dine — typically between 2 and 4 p.m., versus during the lunch or dinner rush. At those times, the chef is more likely to be able to speak with you about special meal requests. Also, without orders piling up, the kitchen staff can lower the risk of cross-contamination by taking more time to prepare your meal carefully.

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The san diego tourism authority's mission is to drive visitor demand to economically benefit the san diego region., tourism matters to san diego.

Tourism is the second largest segment of San Diego's economy and employs approximately 214,000 people. It is vitally important to the economic health of the region. See Why Travel Matters to all San Diegans.

The San Diego Tourism Authority is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation composed of approximately 1,000 member organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry. San Diego Tourism Authority members include tourism-related entities in such categories as lodging, dining, arts, attractions, shopping, and transportation, among others, as well as other companies indirectly involved in tourism.

As a sales and marketing organization, the main objective of the San Diego Tourism Authority is to promote and market the San Diego region as a preferred vacation and meeting destination. The San Diego Tourism Authority also represents and supports the interests of the visitor industry as a whole. The majority of funding received by the San Diego Tourism Authority is derived from San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds. Lodging business in the District raise these funds through self-assessments for the purpose of promoting tourism in the San Diego region. The San Diego Tourism Authority also receives financial support from member dues and promotional assistance from the membership through donated in-kind services.

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Justice Thomas Failed to Reveal More Private Flights, Senator Says

Senator Ron Wyden sent a letter to the wealthy conservative donor Harlan Crow’s lawyer after records showed undisclosed flights between Hawaii and New Zealand with the Supreme Court justice in 2010.

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By Abbie VanSickle

Justice Clarence Thomas failed to publicly disclose additional private travel provided by the wealthy conservative donor Harlan Crow, a top Democratic senator said in a letter on Monday.

Customs and Border Protection records revealed that the justice and his wife, Virginia Thomas, took a round trip between Hawaii and New Zealand in November 2010 on Mr. Crow’s private jet, according to the letter. Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, writing to Mr. Crow’s lawyer, demanded that he supply more information about the financial relationship between the two men.

The letter, part of an inquiry that Mr. Wyden, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has opened into Mr. Crow and the justice, comes as top Democrats have urged major changes to the Supreme Court, including an enforceable code of conduct.

Mr. Wyden said the latest revelation had only increased his misgivings about the relationship between the justice and Mr. Crow, a real estate magnate. “I am deeply concerned that Mr. Crow may have been showering a public official with extravagant gifts, then writing off those gifts to lower his tax bill,” Mr. Wyden wrote.

Read the Letter to Harlan Crow

Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, wrote a letter to Harlan Crow asking for details about private travel with Justice Clarence Thomas.

Justice Thomas did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

A spokesman for Mr. Crow, Michael Zona, said that his lawyers had “already addressed Senator Wyden’s inquiries, which have no legal basis and are only intended to harass a private citizen.” It accused Mr. Wyden of a politically motivated effort to undermine the Supreme Court.

The statement added that Mr. Crow had “always followed applicable tax law.”

“We consider this matter settled and refer Senator Wyden to our previous correspondence,” the statement read.

Justice Thomas has previously said that he did not believe he needed to disclose gifts of personal hospitality from friends who did not have cases before the Supreme Court.

By law, justices are required to fill out a financial disclosure form each year, including, among other things, outside sources of income and gifts. But Justice Thomas’s form for 2010 does not list any flights on Mr. Crow’s jet.

Mr. Wyden singled out the discrepancy in his letter, noting that the justice had revised past records to reveal travel provided by Mr. Crow. “To date, Justice Thomas has never disclosed this private jet travel on any financial disclosure forms, even though Justice Thomas has amended disclosures to reflect other international travel on Mr. Crow’s private jet,” he wrote.

In a 2023 article , ProPublica noted that the justice had sailed aboard Mr. Crow’s yacht, the Michaela Rose, in New Zealand, about a decade ago. Justice Thomas, in a show of gratitude, gave a crew member a signed copy of his memoir.

It was not immediately clear whether the 2010 flight disclosed by Mr. Wyden was part of the same trip, or how Justice Thomas and his wife traveled to and from Hawaii.

Mr. Wyden also cited reports that the justice had accompanied Mr. Crow to Greece, Russia and the Baltics. None of these trips are noted on the justice’s financial disclosure forms.

In his letter, Mr. Wyden said that determining “the means and scale of Mr. Crow’s undisclosed largess to Justice Thomas” would be critical to informing legislation that the committee was drafting.

Revelations that some justices had failed to disclose luxury gifts and travel from wealthy benefactors have spurred Democratic lawmakers, and in recent weeks, President Biden himself, to push for toughening the ethics code, among other proposals, at the Supreme Court. Such efforts face long odds in a divided Congress.

A White House spokesman said that the news of the undisclosed travel reinforced President Biden’s calls for an enforceable code of conduct.

“The most powerful court in the United States shouldn’t be subject to the lowest ethical standards, and conflicts of interest on the Supreme Court cannot go unchecked,” said the spokesman, Andrew Bates.

Mr. Wyden’s letter provided a glimpse into the congressional investigation of the travels and gifts from Mr. Crow to Justice Thomas.

Mr. Wyden accused Mr. Crow of failing to hand over comprehensive information about his travels with the justice, saying he would give Mr. Crow “one final opportunity to address the tax treatment of yacht and jet trips involving Justice Thomas.”

Although Justice Thomas had claimed the travels were “personal hospitality” and therefore exempt from public disclosure requirements, Mr. Wyden wrote, legislators wanted proof that Mr. Crow had not claimed any tax deductions as business expenses for hosting the justice on his yacht and private jet.

The Senate committee has not yet sought Mr. Crow’s tax records from the Internal Revenue Service and hopes that Mr. Crow will voluntarily comply with the request to turn over the information, said Ryan J. Carey, a spokesman for the Finance Committee chairman.

Mr. Carey said that exercising the committee’s power to seek tax records is “a long process” and that if Mr. Crow’s “tax treatment of the yacht is legitimate, he should be willing to say so.”

Other Democratic members of Congress have also sought to hold Supreme Court justices accountable.

In June, a separate congressional investigation into Justice Thomas revealed three additional trips aboard Mr. Crow’s private jet that he had not included on his financial disclosure forms: one to a city in Montana, near Glacier National Park, in 2017; one to his hometown, Savannah, Ga., in March 2019; and one to Northern California in 2021.

In July, shortly after the Supreme Court granted substantial immunity to presidents, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, introduced articles of impeachment against Justices Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. She accused them of failing to disclose their travels with benefactors and contended that they should have recused themselves in cases that involved efforts by Donald J. Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election. (Mrs. Thomas was actively involved in that bid, and flags used to support the “Stop the Steal” movement have been spotted outside the Alitos’ homes.)

Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s move, broadly considered a political maneuver, has no realistic chance of advancing in Congress.

Under mounting pressure, the justices issued an ethics code last fall, the first in the court’s history. But many experts quickly pointed out its flaws, particularly given the lack of an enforcement mechanism. In a recent speech, Justice Elena Kagan acknowledged those shortcomings and suggested that the chief justice could appoint a panel of respected judges to enforce the ethics rules.

Abbie VanSickle covers the United States Supreme Court for The Times. She is a lawyer and has an extensive background in investigative reporting. More about Abbie VanSickle