10 Best Things to Do in San Diego
What is San Diego Most Famous For?
Many of the best things to do in San Diego are set along its pristine coastline. The city is a popular vacation destination for sun-loving couples and families. Its many ocean-facing neighborhoods offer miles of sandy beaches that are great for surfing, sunbathing, and snorkeling among colorful sea creatures.
Adventurers can opt for hiking through glorious nature, while art lovers can spend hours marveling at masterpieces in San Diego’s many museums, art galleries, and a Spanish village filled with 200 local artists. You can even learn about the city’s maritime heritage by joining voyages on historical sailing ships. Read on to discover some famous San Diego activities.
What are the best things to do in San Diego?
1. Old Town San Diego
Historic culture in the bustling streets
Good for: Couples, History, Budget
Old Town San Diego has a vibrant Spanish community and historical buildings dating back to the 1800s. A must-visit is the Old Town State Historical Park, where you can learn about San Diego’s colonial lifestyle and maybe spot a ghost at the Whaley House and Junípero Serra Museums.
The Bazaar del Mundo marketplace is teeming with Mexican restaurants and bars, as well as shops selling clothing, souvenirs, and accessories. Make sure you catch one of the live mariachi performances throughout the day, especially at Fiesta de Reyes. Read more
Old Town San Diego
2. La Jolla Shores
Home to fascinating marine life
Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure
Active beachgoers of all types flock to La Jolla Shores, a mile-long crescent of beautiful sand. Snorkeling is a popular activity at the beach, as the shallow waters are home to leopard sharks. They often congregate in front of The Marine Room Restaurant, attracting animal lovers looking to get up close with these rather friendly creatures.
You can easily rent snorkeling gear from one of the many shops at La Jolla Shores. Diving enthusiasts might enjoy a visit to the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which has 2 artificial reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
La Jolla Shores
3. Balboa Park
Trails with beautiful views
Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure
Balboa Park is an expansive landscape with dozens of museums, themed gardens, and historical landmarks. Hiking is a popular activity as there are 6 trail routes through the park’s most beautiful gardens, connecting vantage points overlooking the West Mesa canyons.
Families with young children can ride a miniature train through 4 acres of the park and visit various animals at the San Diego Zoo. If you’re an art lover, visit the Spanish Village Art Center, which features daily demonstrations by local photographers, sculptors, metalsmiths, jewelry designers, and clay artists. Read more
Phone: +1 619-239-0512
Balboa Park
4. Coronado Beach
Glittering sands and Hollywood glamor
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
Coronado Beach is found on its namesake Coronado Island, just a 15-minute drive or ferry ride from downtown San Diego. This wide stretch of sparkling sand and gentle surf is a favorite escape for families and groups of friends. Marilyn Monroe helped to make the beach famous in her 1959 movie Some Like it Hot, filmed at the still-open luxury beachfront Hotel del Coronado.
You can simply go for a stroll along the soft sands, or enjoy a day of surfing, paddleboarding, or fishing from Ferry Landing Pier. The water is inviting, but do watch out for stingrays. Read more
Coronado Beach
5. Maritime Museum of San Diego
Floating museum and sailing trips
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Maritime Museum of San Diego has an extensive collection of sea vessels, many of which date back to the 19th century. Founded in 1948, this floating museum is where you can explore historical ships such as an actual Soviet-era submarine, an 1898 steam ferryboat, and the world’s oldest sailing ship.
On-the-water excursions are also available at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. You could sail on a replica of a 16th-century San Salvador ship or enjoy a day of whale watching off San Diego’s beautiful shores. Read more
Location: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 619-234-9153
Maritime Museum of San Diego
6. Black’s Beach
Popular beach where bathing suits are optional
Good for: Budget, Adventure, Unusual
Black’s Beach in San Diego is one of the largest nude beaches in the USA, but you often find local families and surfers gathering at this secluded promenade as well. The southern end of Black’s Beach has an underwater canyon that results in thrilling surf breaks, making it a popular spot for advanced surfers.
Getting here can be challenging due to steep climbs, but the easiest route is from La Jolla Shores Pier during low tide. You’ll really enjoy the 3-mile walk north from La Jolla Shores, which passes through Scripps Beach’s rocky tide pools, caves, and an abandoned structure called the Mushroom House. Read more
Location: Black’s Beach, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
Black's Beach
7. Gaslamp Quarter
Historic area with lively nightlife
Good for: History, Nightlife, Couples
San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a bustling and dynamic neighborhood in the heart of the city, featuring a vibrant mix of Victorian architecture, museums, art galleries, and theaters, as well as trendy dining and nightlife spots. It takes up over 16 blocks in the city’s downtown area, and is a short walk from Petco Park, Horton Plaza, and San Diego Convention Center.
Daily tours are available for those who want to learn about the Gaslamp Quarter’s centuries-old history. You could even try an after-dark walking tour with a guide who will share creepy facts and ghostly encounters. Read more
Gaslamp Quarter
8. Torrery Pines State Natural Reserve
Vast coastal park with stunning wildlife
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Adventure
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a coastal state park with wild woodlands, a beach, a lagoon, and an abundance of wildlife. Located in La Jolla, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the best places to see native wildlife.
You can take pictures from the cliff plateau to see the Torrey Pines State Beach and neighboring lagoon, which is home to migratory seabirds. You might also spot bobcats, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and skunks. On occasion, you’ll catch sight of migrating whales from the overlook, including humpback whales and gray whales. Read more
Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Open: Daily from 7.15 am to sunset
Phone: +1 858-755-2063
Torrery Pines State Natural Reserve
9. Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market
An abundance of fresh local delicacies
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food
The Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market features over 100 local vendors selling a variety of handmade souvenirs and clothes, as well as fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals. San Diego locals frequent this marketplace for its extensive food options, including fresh seafood, ceviche, tamales, and crepes.
A must-try here is the torpasta, which is a carb-heavy combination of a baguette with fresh pasta stuffing. Live music, yoga sessions, and fire dances are among the other activities you can enjoy at Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market. Read more
Location: 4900 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Open: Wednesday from 4 pm to 8 pm
Phone: +1 619-224-4906
Ocean Beach Farmers' Market
10. Seaport Village
Waterfront area filled with street entertainment
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
Seaport Village is a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub with a waterfront promenade in San Diego’s Harbor Drive. The 14-acre complex has over 50 stores selling clothing, souvenirs, accessories, and local artwork, and there are plenty of casual and fine-dining restaurants. If you’re a seafood lover, you won’t want to miss the weekly fish market with its fresh catches.
The waterfront is teeming with street painters and musicians, while families can enjoy some fun riding a 19th-century carousel. Seaport Village hosts free activities all year round, from sun-soaked summer parties to charming Christmas festivities. Read more
Location: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 619-530-0704
Seaport Village
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