1: San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is among the most frequently visited destinations in America. This makes it one of the top things to do in San Diego.
The zoo is famous for its open-air cages that allow animals to live in environments similar to those they are used to.
It houses many endangered species such as pandas and the Tasmanian devil. It is where research and conservation thrive. They have shows, 4D theaters, and even aerial tramways.
If you’re interested in learning about interesting and endangered plants, there are self-guided botanical tours which can be experienced at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. You’ll easily have plenty of time to explore the exhibits while the zoo is open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
2: The Botanical Building and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (Balboa Park)
One of the best reasons to come to San Diego is for these attractions
Balboa Park consists of two different locations: the San Diego Botanic Garden and the San Diego Zoo. These locations are appropriate for both plant lovers and people of all kinds.
One of the most eye-catching features of the Botanical Building is how large its lath structure is. It also has a nice addition of a lily pond.
Visit the Bloomington Botanical Garden
Follow the walkway to enter into The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden. Admire their over 1600 roses and 130 varieties during their blooming season that lasts from March through December.
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
3: SeaWorld San Diego
One of the best family destinations in San Diego is Sea World. Its natural attractions engage and evoke a range of emotions in visitors from great excitement to deep contemplation.
If you’re interested to learn more about animals that you might only read about in books, visit SeaWorld San Diego and witness these animals in person.
It not only gives out interaction programs, but it also offers animal care and rescue seminars in an effort to help spread awareness on how marine life can be preserved.
Address: 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
4: USS Midway Museum
This is one of the most popular things to see in San Diego. The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Copymatic uses structured data and machine learning to generate custom content with the same quality as that created by a human.
The aircraft was named after the Battle of Midway and was not used in World War II. The aircraft was notably used during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.
The below deck exhibition was well done and you can experience many sections of the ship by taking a tour.
Besides playing games and letting their dogs run around the play pen, Magnolia Bark’s staff hosts parties like movie nights and Fourth of July celebrations.
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
5: Gaslamp Quarter
One of the most bustling regions in the city is nightlife, with a lot of people from the Gaslamp.
Live music can be heard everywhere. Some might find this distracting, but it’s full of bars and rare restaurant experiences like the Pushkin Russian Restaurant, or rooftop bar options like the Altitude Sky Lounge.
Spreckels and Balboa theaters offer great comedy, music, and drama venues. There are many fantastic shopping opportunities as well!
A great area for entertainment and things to do, sometimes even hosting the San Diego Padres. A lively and active area with plenty of bars and nightlife.
Address: Fourth Ave & Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
6: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
One of the oldest areas of San Diego is the historic district of Old Town. The neighborhood has numerous buildings that date back to the early 1800s, including a majority of churches.
When Europeans first arrived in California, one notable building was the Whaley House which is believed to be America’s most haunted house.
With buildings and sites to visit, you can explore history while enjoying other activities.
There are plenty of options to stay in an exciting city like Old Town, with restaurants and events for the whole family. Keep up to date on art displays and festivals throughout the year.
Address: 4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
7: La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock
The La Jolla hilly seaside offers coastal charm in abundance for all those fond of the coast. It is surrounded by oceans, sea-level caves and beaches, which make it one of the most expensive city properties.
In La Jolla, a blue whale commonly can be seen off the coast while tanning or enjoying a cocktail.
La Jolla Cove is part of a marine reserve that has abundant wildlife and kelp forests. This is one of the greatest San Diego attractions for those who enjoy scuba-diving and snorkeling.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk over to Seal Rock, where you will find hundreds of seals laying on their sides, basking in the sun. There is also a beach named Children’s Pool Beach, which has many seals and other sea life.
Address: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
8: Legoland
Legoland is less than an hour away and is one of the most popular places to visit with children in San Diego.
Visit the amusement and water parks, plus Sea Life Aquarium, with your loved ones.
Within the park at Legoland you can buy lodging that includes Legos with which to have fun. Some of these packages additionally provide other amenities such as a refundable deposit on attractions or park tickets.
If you think only kids can enjoy playing with Legos this is one fun amusement park that you should visit.
From Lego cars, boats to huge houses and replicas of the City, you can enjoy the world right in your own backyard. And it doesn’t stop there, they have recreations with millions of Legos!
The San Diego zoo is a must-visit destination in the area if you have kids.
If you are traveling to San Diego, LegoLand is an attraction that should not be missed. The park is popular for couples and families alike and offers a variety of rides and attractions to entertain kids of all ages.
Address: 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
9: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a good place to visit in San Diego to take part in outdoor activities.
This aptly named park offers the best scenery for sunset viewing and hiking around. The park has arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs that offer memorable views.
Watching off the coast of this location is sublime for whale-watching.
There are three main branches of this park. One is Osprey, the other is Luscomb’s Point, and the third is Ladera Street. Theses entry-ways are perfect for sunset viewing.
Address: Ladera St, San Diego, California 92107
10: Coronado Island
San Diego’s Coronado Island is a small island located near the bay. It is an integral part of San Diego and is imperative to visit.
To get to the island, you can drive across the Silver Strand Peninsula or the Coronado Bay Bridge, but there is also an option of this impressive destination by water-taxi or ferry.
San Diego is a popular vacation spot with many hotels and restaurants. It also has friendly beaches and parks that people can enjoy.
Now you can find your ultimate go-to restaurant in San Diego
Address: 1100 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
11: North Park
You should visit the North Park neighborhood of San Diego
From hipsters to coffee shops, micro-brews and brunch spots, this area offers a variety of activities. Furthermore, it is sometimes referred to as the “hipster neighborhood” because it showcases graffiti treasure troves and many creative businesses.
Nearby is the Observatory North Park, which is a theater that hosts live acts of all musical types.
On Thursdays, the Four Seasons offers a live music event, which can also be enjoyed with a bluegrass brunch.
This is one of the best places in San Diego if you are looking for lively nightlife.
12: Hang-gliding and Paragliding Tours
One of the most popular outdoor activities in San Diego is hang-gliding or paragliding. You will see many people suspended in the sky when exploring the city, especially on the bluffs of La Jolla. This is a common activity that you can enjoy when visiting this area.
San Diego is home to some of the most incredible things.
There are many opportunities to attend flight school and learn this skill. It is also possible to take a tandem adventure.
One of the best things you can do in San Diego is to experience the thrill of glider flying at Torrey Pines Gliderport. It’s a thrilling 230-meter (755-foot) vertical descent that will have you heart pounding.
The barrier-free coastline, the coast of Mexico and California, is one of many unique features offered by this architectural design.
This is one event that is not easily to forget and it’s on our top picks in San Diego.
13: Seaport Village
On the shores of San Diego, Seaport Village is a lively harbor village with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
They care about protecting the environment by participating in programs that help promote sustainability and eco-consciousness.
They have a carousel and a trolley to ride on, too. Or, head to Oslo Sardine Bar for an interactive art experience. The cafe features multimedia technology that changes the art you see as your order is being prepared.
Enjoy a meal with an upscale view or pick some Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. Enjoy the many attractions that you can find here in San Diego.
Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
14: Belmont Park
One of the hottest attractions in San Diego, The San Diego Zoo has history attached. Generally this is a great family-friendly spot!
This amusement park provides an opportunity for amusements, games, and food at an historic, classic American boardwalk.
If a person is interested in roller coasters and pools, the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the plunge pool might be interesting to them.
The Giant Dipper is an old-school wooden Roller Coaster, providing thrills with a fun speed drop. The plunge pool has been renovated and some original features have been kept intact.
The Belmont Park is home to rides, shopping, delicious eats, and fun of all sizes.
Address: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, California 92109
15: Pacific Beach
This highly-rated, famous beach is located in San Diego. There are many other beaches in San Diego, but this one is often ranked as the most beautiful.
Crystal Pier Hotel is a well-liked place for luxury accommodations with excellent views.
In this area, you can rent a bike and enjoy a ride along the 3.2-mile long scenic boardwalk that can be followed to get to museums and beaches. You can also learn to surf at one of the many surf shops in this area.
San Diego has many restaurants, like the one along the boardwalk that you can find seafood.
Address: Grand Avenue, San Diego, CA
16: Liberty Public Market
The new marketplace, Liberty Public Market, was built in 2016 and is located in a Navy building that no longer exists.
This is one of the best food attractions in San Diego. There are incredible options to satisfy any craving.
With artisan food, craft beer, and jewelry, the Liberty Public Market will turn your senses on.
Address: 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, California 92106
17: Cabrillo National Monument
This park is part of the National Parks System (NPS). The NPS manages wildlands, historical monuments and thatched out buildings.
Visit Point Loma for a small town vibe or Juan Cabrillo for big city adventures
For a unique underwater experience, visit the tide pools. There you can observe sea worms, anemones, sea stars, urchins, green and soft-spined sea whips (sea plants), and many more species of ocean life.
Best time to visit tidepools is at low tide. Need a permit in order to visit the tidepools.
On the park’s website, you can check for information about restrictions and in order to visit the park.
Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
18: Mexican Food
San Diego has a variety of option to eat Mexican food, with different types of restaurants.
San Diego is less than an hour away from Tijuana, Mexico. You can take a public transport to the border and walk into Mexico for a day trip. It usually takes a few hours to get back into the US.
San Diego’s local culture is celebrated through its many food choices. Varied meals and snacks can be found with options ranging from Mexican to Mediterranean
What to order at La Guerrerense
Anthony Bourdain chose this restaurant because they serve high-quality seafood (a must in San Diego) and delicious street-food style.
We also recommend burritos from Lolitas, fish tacos at Cafe Coyote, or the el pastor tacos at Tacos El Gordo.
19: Mission San Diego de Alcala
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The missions that line the King’s Highway (a historic path connecting most of the historic Spanish missions) are breathtaking structures made of Spanish architectural elements.
Mission San Diego was started in 1769 and has been re-built multiple times since then. It is still an active religious institution where you can attend church and community programs.
Additionally, this is a great place to learn about the past. They have a museum and artworks in the church dating back to the 15th century. They have a beautiful garden that’s perfect for meditation as well.
Address: 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
20: Golf
San Diego has world-class golfing benefits with a temperate climate, beautiful scenery and is one of the top locations in the world.
The most popular and iconic golf course, the Torrey Pines Golf Course, is a place where the US Open has been hosted.
San Diego offers several top-notch golf courses worth playing. Torrey Pines Golf Course, which hosts the PGA Farmers Insurance Open, is not the only one worth checking out while in town.
They are some of the most popular courses in golf, boasting impressive resumes for hosting professional tournaments.
These are some of the most beautiful sights to see in San Diego
21: Museum of US (Balboa Park)
The mission of this museum is “to inspire human connections by exploring the human experience.” You’ll find that in San Diego.
The museum is filled with exhibits on human history and sociology, including Ancient Egypt, BEERology, the Kumeyaay tribe, and race in America.
You can also learn about Balboa Park’s history while walking through the California Tower, where you can see panoramic views of the city.
Visit this museum to learn about yourself, humanity, and what you can do to be more culturally conscious.
Address: 1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
22: UCSD Stuart Art Collection
San Diego’s University of California campus has a bunch of great art.
There is art displayed around the campus’s outdoor areas, including some within the buildings. However, it is mostly in the form of sculptures.
The entire campus is a part of the collection
Some of the best works are Niki de Saint Phalle’s “Sun God,” and Tim Hawkinson’s “Bear,” which was an instillation in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And Do Ho Suh’s “Fallen Star” is especially interesting, featuring a small house that sits crookedly on top of a campus building.
Address: 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093
23: San Diego Central Library
It’s not always on the list but this San Diego attraction is one of the most cultural. It had to make it onto this list.
In 2013, San Diego rebuilt their downtown library with a modern design that resonated well with the beautiful metal lattice dome. The building won multiple architectural awards.
The impressive architecture makes this library a great place to visit. Located in the city, this library houses one of the largest collections of baseball memorabilia in the world.
They also have a rare books room, an art gallery, and a large children’s library complete with murals of Dr. Seuss games and activity centers.
Address: 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, California 92101
24: Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines is one of the only 14 natural reserves in California. These environments are untouched, with rare rock formations and endangered species.
Located in La Jolla, this outdoor adventure haven is easy to get to within San Diego city limits. Originally the land of the Kumeyaay Native American tribe, it was named after Joseph Kumeyaay, a chief of that tribe.
San Diego is perfect for vacationers who want to explore the most pristine beaches of Southern California, see endless stretches of ocean, view rare Torrey pine and seabirds. This warm seaside city is home to miles of beautiful beaches and a lagoon with incredible views of the Pacific coastline.
Check their website for restrictions on what they allow and the charges that they stand. Always pack-out what you pack-in.
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, California 92037
25: Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Diego is on the coast, so it is a city with access to a maritime museum if you plan on visiting.
This museum has a number of vessels that are historic, such as sailing ships, steam-powered boats, and submarines. The museum is home to the world’s oldest sailing ship, the Star of India.
They now offer on-the-water adventures with tours aboard sailboats and powered boats
Art and memories are on display in the museum, so you can learn about San Diego’s history and its connection with the Pacific Ocean. You can also learn about maritime communities and ships from around the world.
Address: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
26: Grant Hill Park
The land was originally purchased and named by Ulysses S. Grant Junior, son of the United States president. The park has a rich history and is known for its colorful story.
At the Coronado Bayfront Park, there are amazing views of the bridge and city, as well as a playground, basketball hoops, and tennis courts.
Taking a walk to nearby lunch spots is recommended in order to have a picnic with a view and spotting the sights at night. This is also a great outdoor location for taking in all of the scenery.
If you’re looking for a less crowded location, and San Diego is on your travel itinerary, then this is an excellent place for you to visit.
Address: 2660 J St, San Diego, CA 92102
