Welcome to San Diego, the 8th largest city in the United States. There are lots to do in America's Finest City. But, where do you even start?
Here is a list of things-to-do in and around San Diego.
The Ocean/Beach
If you like the beach, then San Diego is the place to be. Even if surfing/boogie boarding isn't your thing, you can still enjoy yourself at one of the many beaches in San Diego. We even have a secluded nude beach called Black's Beach if that's your thing.
Whale Watching, Harbor Cruise
In San Diego, you're in one of the best locations in the World to watch the migration of whales off the coast. Want a quick trip that won't take all day? Book a harbor cruise and cruise around the San Diego Bay.
Snorkeling
Bring your snorkels to La Jolla Cove and check out the cove that's got its own natural protection from the ocean waves near the napping seals.
Open-Air Fish Market
Want fresh fish caught locally by San Diego fishermen? Head over to Fish Harbor Pier Downtown before 8 AM and get in line so that you can buy seafood directly from the fishermen who caught them.
Balboa Park
If you like museums and beautiful landscapes, visit the "Central Park of San Diego," Balboa Park, 1,200 acres featuring hiking trails, fountains, gardens, museums, performing arts, and more. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, The California Tower at the San Diego Museum of Man was originally closed off from the public in 1935 but underwent a few renovations and re-opened in 2015. Be prepared for a lot of steps to get to the top... 125 steps to be exact! But, once you make it to the top, you'll be treated to an amazing 360-degree view of San Diego which includes the mountains, San Diego Zoo, the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, downtown, and more.
San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND California
Our San Diego Zoo is one the best in the United States, if not the world. There are more than 3,700 animals featured at the San Diego Zoo on its 99 acres. Want to see the zoo but not sure if you can walk that much? Book a tour on one of the San Diego Zoo tour buses. If you're looking for an experience that rivals an African or Australian vacation, head north towards Escondido and check out San Diego Zoo Safari Park where you'll see herds of animals roaming field habitats.
Want to see dolphins, penguins, sharks and more? Make your way over to SeaWorld San Diego and catch one of their shows with magnificent killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and more!
Got young kids? LEGOLAND® California is a great theme park to take your little tikes to check out the Conquer the Dragon Coaster, get a Driver’s License in Fun Town and marvel at cities built entirely out of millions of LEGO® bricks in Miniland. The LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE® aquarium located right next door will keep you busy all day long.
Old Town San Diego
Check out the many historic sites and learn about San Diego history and its first settlement while you're at it. There are also many restaurants in the area to have lunch or dinner while you're there. Visit The Whaley House, one of the United States' most haunted houses and learn, and experience, how it got on the list.
Hotel Del Coronado
Make your way over Coronado bridge and enter Coronado Island. Check out one of the many restaurants, rent a cabanette at the beach, book a spa session, or simply just walk around the history Hotel Del.
Del Mar Racetrack
It's a time-honored tradition in San Diego and if you're visiting during the season, it would be a great idea to find a good, big hat and stop by for a visit and place a few bets on your favorite horse.
Food + Drinks
Whatever your adult beverage of choice, San Diego has an amazing establishment that specializes in it. Whether it be a Mai Tai from the legendary Bali Hai, or a craft beer from one of our many San Diego breweries. If you love wine, visit one of the many wineries in Temecula.
Check out the Liberty Public market in the Navy building at Liberty Station and try one of the many trendy eateries, bars, food, crafts, merch vendors and more. We're talking about empanadas, ice cream, lobster rolls, and more in one place.
This is only a small handful of things that you can do in San Diego.
We've got a full list of FREE things you can do in San Diego as well.