Top 10 things to do in California travel guide | discover the top picks with personal experience
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San Diego is one of the most visited tourist destinations in America, and for good reason. It’s an oceanfront city with near-perfect year-round weather. The city sits on the Pacific coast of California and is known for its beaches, parks, and beautiful scenery. A deep harbor is home to a large, active naval fleet, with the USS Midway—an aircraft carrier turned museum—open to the public.
The bay is San Diego’s focal point, and the port teems with exciting museums, galleries, and trendy restaurants. But venture a little further afield, and you’ll be rewarded with a city that’s both diverse and welcoming. Spend a day at Balboa Park, the city’s definitive cultural hub, and soak up the stunning setting while exploring the many museums, theaters, and gardens that call this 1,200-acre park home.
With its warm year-round climate, 50 miles of sunny coastline, and world-famous attractions, San Diego is a top tourist destination. Before we get into the top 10 things to do in San Diego, we’ve included links in the description to various discount codes and resources, so make sure you check those out.
From the iconic beaches to the amazing cultural sites, you’ll never run out of things to do. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural immersion, there’s something for everyone in the top 10 things to do in San Diego. Don’t forget to explore our recommendations for the top 10 things to do in San Diego for a memorable visit!
number 10: Best San Diego Outdoor Attractions: Explore Mission Bay Park
- Over 4,200 acres of waterfront parks, beaches, and recreational paths.
- Activities like jet boating, sailing, biking, roller skating, and jogging.
- Family-friendly facilities including marinas, picnic areas, and children’s play areas.
- Ideal for bird watching and kite flying with wildlife preserves and no entrance fee.
Mission Bay Park. Mission Bay is one of the largest aquatic parks of its kind in the country, encompassing over 4,200 acres. This popular outdoor destination is a complex of waterfront parks, public beaches, and grassy, palm-lined recreational paths strung along 27 miles of shoreline, 19 of which are sandy beaches, with eight designated as official swimming areas.
The east side of Mission Bay is where people go to enjoy jet boats and jet skis, while the western, seaward side attracts sailboats and sailboarders. Public restrooms and showers are available, and lifeguard stations are located in designated areas. Great facilities include marinas, sand volleyball courts, picnic areas, children’s play areas, and paths for biking, roller skating, and jogging.
The park also includes several wildlife preserves, making it a favorite with bird watchers. It’s one of the best places in San Diego to fly a kite, and you can even camp here. There is no fee to enter the park, making it one of San Diego’s most fun-filled spots to visit.
Number nine: Best San Diego Boat Tour: Harbor Cruise & Landmark Views
- Cruise around San Diego Bay, passing over 50 landmarks including Coronado Island and Cabrillo National Monument.
- Learn about San Diego’s history, landmarks, and environmental efforts from a knowledgeable local guide.
- Capture scenic views, marine life, and iconic ships featured in movies and pop culture.
- See landmarks like Hotel del Coronado, Point Loma Lighthouse, and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge from the water.
is the San Diego Harbor Cruise. Characterized by over 50 landmarks, San Diego’s interesting skyline can be admired from the water. Hop aboard a ship and take in San Diego’s harbor for an animated and inspiring journey.
Join a local guide and cruise over 13 miles around the bay to see Coronado Island, the Cabrillo National Monument, and more. A great way to get to know San Diego quickly, the cruise offers a fresh angle on the fascinating landmarks and ships immortalized by movies and popular culture. Visitors can capture great photos of beautiful scenery and marine animals such as sea lions and birds while learning about local environmental efforts and seeing a different side of the city.
A knowledgeable guide will point out the sights along the way, including the landmark Victorian-style property known as Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island, the Point Loma Lighthouse, Seaport Village, Shelter Island, and more. There’s also a chance to see the San Diego-Coronado Bridge from the water and observe ongoing efforts to improve the bay as a marine habitat.
Number eight: Top San Diego Attractions: Explore the Famous San Diego Zoo
- Home to over 3,700 animals from 650 species, including rare and endangered species like pandas, giraffes, and koalas.
- Explore themed habitats like Elephant Odyssey, Africa Rocks, and Tiger River, each replicating natural environments.
- Visit the West African Forest exhibit, featuring a 65-foot waterfall and dwarf crocodiles.
- Learn about conservation efforts and environmental research at one of the world’s most famous zoos.
is the San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is located in the northwest corner of Balboa Park. This 100-acre establishment is one of the most famous zoos in the country and houses one of the largest collections of rare and endangered animals in the world. Giant pandas, giraffes, elephants, polar bears, and koalas are just a few of the many animals that call the San Diego Zoo home.
Visitors can see some of nature’s most spectacular animals in their natural environments with expansive themed habitats, including Elephant Odyssey, Africa Rocks, and Tiger River. The amazing West African Forest exhibit features R Falls, a 65-foot man-made waterfall, with dwarf crocodiles living in the pool below.
With dozens of themed zones, you’ll be able to see animals in their spacious natural habitats—from lemurs frolicking in the Madagascar Forest to monkeys swinging through the Acacia Woodland and sharks swimming around Cape Fynbos. With over 3,700 animals from more than 650 species, the zoo is just as dedicated to environmental research and conservation as it is to showcasing its animals.
Number seven : San Diego Historic Sites: Explore the USS Midway Museum
- Explore one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers, commissioned in 1945 and now a museum since 2004.
- Visit over 60 locations on the ship, including the engine room, sleeping quarters, galley, bridge, and more.
- Experience life aboard the ship with interactive exhibits, including restored aircraft and a flight simulator.
- Learn from real soldiers and naval officers through an audio guide, making the visit an intimate experience.
is the USS Midway Museum. One of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in the world, it 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.
More than 225,000 soldiers lived and served on board this historic ship, and now you can follow in their footsteps and discover their stories as you explore over 60 locations. See the sleeping quarters, engine room, galley, bridge, brig, post office, officer quarters, flight control, and more. At 300 meters long, the Midway is an enormous ship filled with fascinating stories and hands-on exhibits.
Learn what it was like to live aboard this floating city. Jump into the cockpits of dozens of restored aircraft and even test yourself in a flight simulator. The audio guide is narrated by real soldiers and naval officers who served on board, making it a uniquely intimate experience—even when you’re on one of the biggest ships in the world.
Number six: Top San Diego Attractions: Explore the San Diego Safari Park's Wildlife Wonders
- Explore over 2,600 animals in 18,800 acres of authentic natural habitats at one of the largest safari parks in the world.
- Take the Africa Tram Tour to spot giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, and more in the African savannah.
- Enjoy live shows like the cheetah run and lemur walk for up-close animal encounters.
- Learn about conservation efforts and animal well-being through educational programs and the park’s world-renowned veterinary hospital.
is the San Diego Safari Park. Explore one of the largest man-made safari parks in the world, with over 2,600 animals roaming 18,800 acres of authentic natural habitats nestled in the San Pasqual Valley. This gigantic safari park is the perfect escape, where you can travel the world and see its most magnificent creatures all in a single day.
The park’s free-range enclosures allow more than 2,600 animals to explore, hunt, and play in perfectly authentic recreations of their natural environments. Hop aboard the Africa Tram Tour and enjoy a whistle-stop jaunt through the African savannah, spotting giraffes, rhinos, and gazelles as you go.
Visitors can check out stunning live shows like the cheetah run or lemur walk, where you can get up close and personal with some awe-inspiring wild creatures. The park also boasts one of the world’s largest veterinary hospitals and is committed to animal well-being. You can learn all about their conservation efforts in the dedicated conservation crop and guided field trips.
Number five : Top 10 San Diego travel guide: Explore the Historic Gaslamp Quarter
- Explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, dating back to 1867, with Victorian-style buildings and rich architectural heritage.
- Start your tour at Horton Plaza, an outdoor shopping center, and discover the surrounding neighborhood’s side streets and main avenues.
- Visit 94 historic buildings in the 16-block heritage area, located near Petco Park and the Convention Center.
- Enjoy cultural offerings such as theaters, art galleries, symphony halls, concert venues, and museums in the vibrant Gaslamp area.
is a visit to the Gaslamp Quarter. The Gaslamp, heralded by the Gateway Arch on 5th Avenue, dates from 1867 when the real estate developer Alonzo Horton envisioned a new city center near San Diego Bay. The Gaslamp Quarter’s blocks are peppered with Victorian-style buildings that give a wonderful feeling of the past.
The best place to start your tour of the Gaslamp Quarter is Horton Plaza, an outdoor shopping center situated at 1st and G Street. From there, you can explore the neighborhood’s side streets, which will eventually lead you to the main avenues.
There are 94 historic buildings in the 16-block heritage area in downtown San Diego, bordering Petco Park and the Convention Center. It’s a great place to visit for rich cultural offerings that include beautiful architecture, theaters, art galleries, symphony halls, concert venues, and museums.
Number four: Explore San Diego's Natural History: Visit the San Diego Natural History Museum
- Visit the San Diego Natural History Museum, established in 1874, the oldest scientific institution in Southern California.
- Explore four floors of exhibitions, including a 3D theater and a collection of 9 million specimens, showcasing California’s rich natural history.
- Discover interactive exhibits like “Fossil Mysteries,” “Coast to Cactus,” and “Water: A California Story,” delving into the region’s ecosystems and prehistory.
- Enjoy rotating traveling exhibitions and immersive presentations about the natural world, from ocean wonders to the Ice Age.
is the San Diego Natural History Museum. The San Diego Natural History Museum, the oldest scientific institution in Southern California, is a flagship institution in Balboa Park, featuring the natural history of the region. The museum was established in 1874, and its current Spanish Revival home, built in 1933, was renovated at the start of the new millennium.
There are four floors of exhibitions, a 3D theater showing films focused on the natural world, and a research collection of 9 million specimens. The “Fossil Mysteries” exhibition examines California’s rich prehistory and is packed with spectacular fossils, models, interactive stations, and murals.
Visitors can venture through Southern California’s varied ecosystems at “Coast to Cactus” and study the state’s relationship with water at “Water: A California Story.” You can also watch eye-popping 2D and 3D presentations at the giant theater, showcasing the wonders of the ocean and taking you back to the Ice Age. In addition, the museum hosts several traveling exhibitions each year that teach visitors about our natural world as it is today and as it was in the past.
Number three: Top 10 San Diego travel guide: Explore La Jolla Cove's Natural Beauty
- La Jolla Cove, a popular and picturesque north-facing cove in La Jolla, is known for its stunning scenery and 6,000-acre marine reserve.
- Ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, the cove offers incredible marine life, including seals, sea lions, and various fish species.
- With its calm surf and crystal-clear waters, visitors can enjoy water visibility of over 30 feet, making it a top spot for underwater exploration.
- Loved by locals and tourists, the cove features breathtaking sunsets, seaside dining, and activities for families, offering a slice of La Jolla’s relaxed lifestyle.
is La Jolla Cove. This compact, north-facing cove in La Jolla is one of the most photographed spots along the California coast, and with good reason, as the scenery is breathtaking. The rocks, containing caves that hem the beach, are all within 6,000 acres. The cove is protected as part of a marine reserve, and underwater, it is very rich in marine life, making it popular with snorkelers, swimmers, and scuba divers.
Being a natural park, there’s lots of wildlife, from seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the beach and rocks to barracuda, batfish, and giant seabass in the waters. With small surf, La Jolla Cove is ideal for swimmers, and the water visibility at the cove can sometimes exceed 30 feet.
La Jolla Cove is loved by both locals and visitors from around the world. From its breathtaking sunsets and majestic sea lions to seaside restaurants and kids’ activities, this beautiful setting offers a slice of the laid-back La Jolla lifestyle for all to enjoy.
Number two: top 10 things to do in San Diego: Experience SeaWorld San Diego's Marine Wonders
- SeaWorld San Diego spans 190 acres in Mission Bay Park, offering a mix of animal exhibits, aquariums, interactive shows, and rides.
- Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences at Explorer’s Reef, where they can touch sharks, interact with rays, and watch marine life up close.
- The park hosts live shows with sea creatures like orcas, sea lions, and dolphins, making for an unforgettable experience.
- Ideal for families, SeaWorld also offers thrilling roller coasters, flumes, and gondolas, ensuring fun for all ages.
SeaWorld San Diego. SeaWorld San Diego is spread across 190 acres in beautiful Mission Bay Park. This brilliant attraction is known for its amazing animals, interactive exhibits, aquariums, rides, and beautiful landscaping. It also runs educational programs for all ages, where visitors can watch presentations with the animals and learn about marine conservation.
Unforgettable experiences begin immediately at SeaWorld’s interactive arrival experience, Explorer’s Reef. Here, guests enter under an iconic wave sculpture and are immediately immersed in an undersea adventure. Visitors can touch a shark, interact with rays, and feel tiny cleaner fish gently nibble at their hands. Then, meet creatures of the deep, like orcas, sea lions, dolphins, and more, via live interactive shows with their trainers.
This family-friendly attraction also has thrilling roller coasters, flumes, sky-high gondolas, and more, with loads of rides for kids and adults. It makes a great day out for the whole family.
Number one: Top San Diego Destinations: Explore Balboa Park's Cultural & Natural Wonders
- Balboa Park covers 1,200 acres and is a National Historic Landmark, named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, located 2 miles north of downtown San Diego.
- Originally built for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition, it features over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, making it a perfect spot for photography.
- The Botanical Building, with 2,100 plants, and its surrounding gardens offer visitors a peaceful retreat. The park also hosts outdoor concerts and theatrical presentations.
- The park is free to enter, but certain attractions have fees, and getting around is made easy with a free tram service.
Balboa Park. A whopping 1,200 acres, stepping into the wondrous Balboa Park feels like escaping into paradise. Named after the 15th-century explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the park is the pride of the city and a National Historic Landmark. Located in downtown San Diego, about 2 miles north of the city center, Balboa Park is a great place for a stroll, bike ride, or picnic.
Initially built for temporary use during the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition, Balboa Park became the city’s most loved park. It boasts buildings beautiful enough to be considered attractions in themselves, especially if you’re a photographer. With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a great place to visit. Start at the visitor center and grab a map and events calendar. Wander through multiple gardens or the Botanical Building, which contains 2,100 individual plants and is fronted by a pond with annual displays of lilies and lotuses. Take in an outdoor organ concert or enjoy a presentation at one of the several theaters.
The park is open every day of the year, and admission to the general grounds is free, but several individual attractions charge fees. Getting around the massive complex is easy, thanks to the free tram, making Balboa Park a must-see.
Making the Most of Your top 10 things to do in San Diego
So that sums up our top 10 things to do in San Diego. We hope this guide has helped you plan your next adventure to this incredible city. San Diego truly offers something for every traveler, whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, explore the culture, or enjoy some thrilling experiences. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to leave a like and share it with your friends who might be planning their visit to San Diego.
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Thank you, and that wraps up top 10 things to do in San Diego. Do you agree with the places we chose, or is there somewhere you visited that you feel should be on the list? leave us a comment.
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