Looking for the best things to do in San Diego? If you enjoy nature, fun places, and exciting adventures, San Diego has plenty to offer. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
In this article, you’ll find out about:
- Balboa Park and its cool museums
- The famous San Diego Zoo
- The beautiful beaches of La Jolla
- And more!
Keep reading to discover these awesome spots. Imagine walking through gardens, seeing amazing animals, and relaxing by the beach.
By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to explore San Diego. Let’s get started!
- 1. San Diego Must-See: Balboa Park
- 2. San Diego Must-See: San Diego Zoo
- 3. San Diego Must-See: La Jolla
- 4. San Diego Must-See: USS Midway Museum
- 5. San Diego Must-See: San Diego Botanic Garden
- 6. San Diego Must-See: Cabrillo National Monument
- 7. San Diego Must-See: Torrey Pines Gliderport
- 8. San Diego Must-See: Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá
- 9. San Diego Must-See: Surf Diva
- 10. San Diego Must-See: San Diego Museum of Art
- Best Things to Do in San Diego: A Recap
- FAQ
1. San Diego Must-See: Balboa Park
About the Place: Balboa Park is one of the best things to do in San Diego. It’s a big park that covers 1,200 acres and features Spanish-style buildings and peaceful gardens. It feels calm and full of history. There are many museums and the famous San Diego Zoo. It’s a great place to walk, learn, and enjoy nature.
Reasons to Visit: Balboa Park is the most famous park in San Diego. You should plan to spend at least half a day here. There are 18 museums and small houses that show different cultures. You can listen to music at the Organ Pavilion or see a play at the Old Globe Theatre.
The gardens are nice for walking and relaxing. The buildings are beautiful too. Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and peaceful gardens give the park a special feel. You can enjoy art, science, animals, and more—all in one place. A walking tour is a good way to see everything.
2. San Diego Must-See: San Diego Zoo
About the Place: Among the best things to do in San Diego is a visit to the San Diego Zoo. This famous zoo spans 100 acres and is home to over 12,000 animals, including many rare species.
Reasons to Visit: The zoo is special because it was the first to have open-air exhibits without cages. The animals live in natural spaces that look like their real homes.
It’s one of the only places outside China where you can see Giant Pandas. You can visit the zoo during the day or camp overnight. If you want more animals, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 30 minutes away in Escondido.
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3. San Diego Must-See: La Jolla
About the Place: La Jolla is one of the best things to do in San Diego. It’s a fancy seaside town with great food, shopping, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You can see playful sea lions, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and explore a variety of marine life.
Reasons to Visit: La Jolla is called the “jewel of Southern California” because of its pretty Mediterranean-style village. It’s only a few minutes from downtown but feels like a place in Greece or Italy.
It’s perfect for walks, picnics, and snorkeling by cliffs with colorful plants. There are great restaurants like Nine-Ten in the Grande Colonial Hotel. Don’t forget to check out the Legends Gallery, which has art by Dr. Seuss, who used to live here.
4. San Diego Must-See: USS Midway Museum
About the Place: One of the best things to do in San Diego is to visit the USS Midway, a retired U.S. Navy aircraft carrier that has been converted into a museum. It is located in downtown San Diego and was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century.
Reasons to Visit: The USS Midway Museum is a great place for the whole family. You can see what life was like for the 225,000 sailors who served on the ship. Walk around the ship, visit its flight deck, and check out 29 restored aircraft.
You can also try out flight simulators. Don’t miss the Battle of Midway Theater. The museum has a self-guided audio tour in six languages, told by former sailors. Visiting the USS Midway is a special experience in San Diego, known as “Navy Town, USA.”
5. San Diego Must-See: San Diego Botanic Garden
About the Place: Visiting the San Diego Botanic Garden is one of the best things to do in San Diego. Located in Encinitas, about 30 minutes north of the city, the garden boasts the largest public bamboo collection in North America, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
Reasons to Visit: The garden is 37 acres with four miles of walking paths. You can enjoy peaceful views, flowering trees, and tall palms. The mild weather helps plants from all over the world grow here. The garden has many areas, like a desert garden, tropical rainforest, and fruit garden.
The land has different climates, so you feel like you are in a desert or a rainforest. Some highlights are bamboo groves, succulent gardens, and native plants. The Hamilton Children’s Garden is the largest interactive children’s garden on the West Coast. There are also events and tours for everyone to enjoy.
6. San Diego Must-See: Cabrillo National Monument
About the Place: Cabrillo National Monument is one of the best things to do in San Diego. The park features the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and offers great views of the bay. It also honors Cabrillo, the explorer who discovered San Diego Bay.
Reasons to Visit: The monument is in Point Loma, where it overlooks the city and bay. It marks the place where Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542.
You can enjoy amazing 360-degree views of the bay, downtown, and the area around. On clear days, you can even see Tijuana, Mexico. After taking in the views, visit the exhibit hall nearby to learn more about Cabrillo’s life.
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7. San Diego Must-See: Torrey Pines Gliderport
About the Place: One of the best things to do in San Diego is visit Torrey Pines Gliderport. Here, you can soar over Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, try paragliding, and take in stunning views.
Reasons to Visit: The Gliderport is home to one of the best paragliding schools in North America. Flights start at $175. You’ll fly with a pilot, so you don’t have to worry. Just relax and enjoy the ocean, the reserve, hiking trails, and cliffs below. It’s a fun way to see San Diego from above!
8. San Diego Must-See: Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá
About the Place: Visiting Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is one of the best things to do in San Diego. As the first of 21 California missions, it was founded by Father Junipero Serra and marks the beginning of Christianity in the West.
Reasons to Visit: This mission, founded in 1769, is the oldest and most important of the California missions. It is located in Mission Valley, near the San Diego River.
The mission still serves as a church today. You can take a tour, attend mass in the original chapel, visit the museum, and walk through California’s oldest cemetery.
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9. San Diego Must-See: Surf Diva
About the Place: Surf Diva is one of the best things to do in San Diego. It’s a surf school and shop that offers lessons, camps, clinics, and rentals.
Reasons to Visit: San Diego has 70 miles of coastline, perfect for surfing. If you’re new to surfing, visit Surf Diva in La Jolla. It’s the first all-woman surf school. You can take private or group lessons. They also offer stand-up paddleboarding lessons. La Jolla Shores is a great spot for beginners, with calm waves and a long sandbar.
10. San Diego Must-See: San Diego Museum of Art
About the Place: One of the best things to do in San Diego is visit the San Diego Museum of Art. As the largest and oldest art museum in the area, it’s located in Balboa Park.
Reasons to Visit: The museum offers a rich cultural experience. Its famous collection includes Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings, and 19th- and 20th-century American art.
They also feature major exhibitions from around the world. The museum has lots of cultural and educational programs for both kids and adults. Plus, the exhibition text is in both English and Spanish. Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden!
Best Things to Do in San Diego: A Recap
San Diego has something fun for everyone. Whether you love the beach, history, or outdoor activities, there’s always something exciting to do. From exploring beautiful parks to learning at museums, San Diego is full of experiences that bring people together.
Enjoy the delicious food and stunning views along the way. The best things to do in San Diego help you make great memories with family and friends.