Best 20 things to do in San Diego, United States

Welcome to sunny San Diego, the city that effortlessly blends breathtaking beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, and more fun than a herd of seals riding skateboards! Get your flip-flops ready and hit up Balboa Park, a magical kingdom of museums, gardens, and even a zoo. Don't miss the Gaslamp Quarter for a dose of historic charm wrapped in a neon embrace, where you can enjoy world-class dining, lively nightlife, and no shortage of people-watching opportunities. Wrap up your adventure by checking out the stunning coastal views from the Cabrillo National Monument, because what's a trip to San Diego without a bit of whale-watching and pretending you're the captain of your own ship?

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1. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

4.8 (13441)

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

Nestled on the stunning coastline of San Diego, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is like a tall, dark, and handsome hunk among nature reserves - irresistible to nature enthusiasts. With its rugged cliffs, breathtaking ocean views, and abundant wildlife, this reserve might just make you want to break out into a dramatic poetry recitation right there on the trail. So bring your hiking boots, your sense of adventure, and maybe a spare pair of binoculars in case you spot a bird that deserves an encore performance.

www.parks.ca.gov

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2. Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA, USA

Welcome to Pacific Beach, the sun-soaked coastal gem where the sand is as golden as a Kardashian tan, and the waves are frothier than a pack of caffeinated poodles. Boasting a trendy beachside boardwalk, prepare to be greeted by a parade of sun-kissed surfers whose hair defies gravity and whose abs could grate cheese. Line your stomach with fish tacos before you unleash your inner party animal, as Pacific Beach transforms into a tropical jungle come sunset, complete with a stampede of neon-clad bar-hoppers eager to paint the town a shade of "oh dear, what happened last night?"

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3. San Diego Natural History Museum

4.6 (2813)

1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Nestled within sunny San Diego, the San Diego Natural History Museum is an absolute hotspot for all things nature-related, without the unbearable smell of a bear cave. With its mind-boggling exhibits, visitors will get to explore the wonders of the natural world without risking life and limb, unless you accidentally stumble into the T. rex exhibit, of course. So strap on your adventure boots and prepare to be amazed, because this museum will make you feel like you're hiking through the Amazon, minus the pesky mosquitoes and the need for survival skills.

www.sdnat.org

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4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

4.7 (23039)

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA

Welcome to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where the animals roam freely and so do your chances of awkwardly bumping into a monkey while reaching for your PB&J sandwich. Marvel at the impressive wildlife collection as you tiptoe through the vast grounds, like a clumsier version of Indiana Jones trying not to disturb the native inhabitants. Be prepared for an immersive experience, where the only "safari huts" you'll find are actually the restroom facilities, but hey, at least they provide a decent hiding spot in case that ostrich gives you the evil eye.

www.sdzsafaripark.org

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5. USS Midway Museum

4.8 (40760)

910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Nestled at the heart of sunny San Diego, the USS Midway Museum awaits, ready to transport you into the realm of naval adventure. An aircraft carrier turned floating museum, it promises an experience that will surely leave you impressed, and possibly wondering how on earth they squeezed an entire city's worth of history onto one ship. With its extensive collection of planes, interactive exhibits, and the occasional retired naval officer roaming the decks like a friendly ghost, the USS Midway Museum is the perfect pit stop for all history buffs and aspiring Top Gun recruits.

www.midway.org

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6. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

4.8 (6533)

Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, USA

Welcome to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, the ultimate coastal gem in sunny San Diego! Picture this: stunning vistas, breathtaking cliffs, and waves crashing against the rugged coastline. With a name like "Sunset Cliffs," prepare to have your mind blown as you witness the most Instagram-worthy sunsets known to humanity. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for daredevil surfers who think catching a wave here is like riding a rollercoaster on steroids. Don't worry, we won't judge if you join them in their madness!

www.sandiego.gov

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7. Coronado Beach

4.8 (1385)

Coronado Beach, Coronado, CA 92118, USA

Welcome to Coronado Beach, where sunshine and sand are as delightful as a sitcom marathon! This picturesque stretch of coastline in San Diego is a slice of paradise where you can indulge in the finest beach activities – from lounging on towel islands to building sandcastles that would make King Triton consider retirement. With its pristine shores, dazzling waves, and more palm trees than you can shake a coconut at, this beach will have you saying "shell yeah" in no time!

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8. Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Tucked away in sunny San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter is the brainchild of a confused architect who couldn't decide whether to build a Mexican fiesta or a Victorian tea party. This charismatic neighborhood is a delightful fusion of modern eateries, historic buildings, and an impressive number of happy hours that will make you question your priorities. Beware of the siren call of the numerous bars and clubs, as you might end up dancing till dawn and blaming it all on the irresistible charm of Gaslamp Quarter.

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9. Petco Park

4.7 (18563)

100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Welcome to Petco Park, where the sun shines brighter than the smiles of the overzealous nacho vendors! This charming baseball stadium in San Diego is the perfect blend of spacious seating, delightful hot dogs, and the occasional foul ball that mysteriously finds its way into your lap. You'll laugh, you'll cheer, and if you're lucky, you might even get to witness a seagull attempt to steal a hot dog right from your hand (but don't worry, it's all part of the park's feathered entertainment).

www.mlb.com

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10. Belmont Park

4.5 (15113)

3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA

Welcome to Belmont Park, where the sun-soaked sand meets rides that go faster than your anxiety levels during tax season! This beachside amusement park has everything a thrill-seeker or a sun-soaker could dream of, from heart-stopping roller coasters to Instagram-worthy sandcastles. Don't forget your sunscreen and a hearty appetite for adventure because Belmont Park is about to catapult you into a world of radiant rays and quirky escapades - just don't blame us if you leave with slightly windblown hair and a happy but disoriented expression on your face!

www.belmontpark.com

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11. La Jolla Cove

4.8 (2608)

La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA 92037, USA

Welcome to La Jolla Cove, where the seals reign supreme and the ocean waves try their hardest to photobomb every tourist’s selfie. This picturesque stretch of coastline grants you front row seats to nature's very own comedy special. From oblivious seagulls stealing unsuspecting people's snacks to pelicans trying to impersonate low-flying aircraft, your sides will be splitting with laughter while you soak in the stunning coastal beauty. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for a day of witty banter with the local wildlife at La Jolla Cove!

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12. SeaWorld San Diego

4.4 (43034)

500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, USA

Welcome to SeaWorld San Diego, where you can dive headfirst into a world of marine wonders and questionable fashion choices. Prepare yourself for a hilarious game of "Who Wore it Best?" between dolphins sporting striped Speedos and penguins sporting tuxedos. Soak up the entertainment as you witness amazing animal acrobatics, and maybe even try your luck at their auditions for "America's Got Flippers."

seaworld.com

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13. San Diego Museum of Art

4.6 (1998)

1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102, USA

Welcome to the San Diego Museum of Art, where creativity meets bedtime for art critics. Spanning over 40,000 square feet, this museum is like a fashionable runway for priceless masterpieces – imagine La Gioconda showing off her Mona Lisa smile with a sassy catwalk. Get ready to embark on an art-filled adventure that will make you say, "Hey, I never thought a still life of fruit could be so juicy!"

www.sdmart.org

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14. Seaport Village

4.6 (25750)

849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Nestled along the picturesque waterfront of San Diego, Seaport Village is a delightful mishmash of whimsical charm and salty sea air. With its hodgepodge of shops, eateries, and street performers, it's like stepping into a vibrant ocean-themed circus. Stroll along the meandering pathways and indulge your inner child - just watch out for those sneaky seagulls eyeing your ice cream cone!

seaportvillage.com

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15. Birch Aquarium

4.5 (6719)

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

Welcome to Birch Aquarium in lovely San Diego, where visitors can dive into a world of aquatic wonders without the hassle of actually getting wet! Prepare to be mesmerized by an array of marine life so diverse, you'll start questioning your own wardrobe choices. From menacing sharks with their toothy grins to adorable seahorses that could compete in a tiny beauty pageant, Birch Aquarium has something to make everyone go, "fish-flop-my-eyes!"

aquarium.ucsd.edu

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16. San Diego Air & Space Museum

4.6 (4503)

2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Welcome to the San Diego Air & Space Museum, a place where the sky's the limit, and Dad jokes reach new heights! Get ready to embark on a journey that's out of this world at this aerospace extravaganza. Discover a trove of historical artifacts, from the Wright Brothers' first plane to space-age wonders, all while realizing that your dreams of becoming an astronaut might have been foiled by your fear of heights!

www.sandiegoairandspace.org

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17. Balboa Park

4.8 (68110)

San Diego, CA, USA

Welcome to Balboa Park, the ultimate playground for culture vultures and nature enthusiasts alike! A land where architectural marvels and lush gardens coexist harmoniously, this whimsical wonderland offers visitors a delightful escape from reality. Get ready to embark on a journey like no other as you explore museums, admire exotic flora, and dodge the occasional roller-skating flamingo (okay, maybe not that last part).

www.balboapark.org

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18. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

4.7 (26851)

4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA

Welcome to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where history comes alive (but not in a creepy way, we promise)! This charming park is a time capsule that transports you back to the Wild West, minus the tumbleweeds and saloon brawls. Stroll down its vibrant streets, where you can witness living history, indulge in scrumptious Mexican food, and maybe even catch a ghostly cameo from a rowdy spirit, if you're lucky (or unlucky, depending on your fear of rattling chains).

www.parks.ca.gov

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19. Cabrillo National Monument

4.8 (10667)

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA

Welcome to the marvelous Cabrillo National Monument in sunny San Diego! Get ready to embark on a delightful journey of discovery, where stunning coastal views and an abundance of history await your eager presence. Marvel at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's statue, a man who would surely win the prize for "Best Mustache in 16th Century Explorers" if such a competition existed.

www.nps.gov

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20. Mission Beach

Mission Beach, San Diego, CA 92109, USA

Welcome to Mission Beach, where sunshine and sand come together in a wild coastal escapade. Imagine a place where sunbathers gracefully dodge frisbees, while beach volleyball players display Olympic-level athleticism (or at least try their best). Don't be fooled by the seemingly calm waters - the ocean here is ready to provide impromptu surfing lessons, guaranteeing that you'll ride a wave...or receive an unforgettable facial massage by a salty wave.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to San Diego by plane is to fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN) which is located just 3 miles from downtown San Diego. There are direct flights available from many major cities in the United States and abroad.

Car

Driving to San Diego is a great option if you are coming from nearby cities or states. The best route to take would depend on your starting location, but popular options include taking the I-5 if you are coming from Los Angeles or Orange County or the I-8 if you are coming from Arizona.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no trains that go directly to San Diego. However, you can take Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego from other major cities in Southern California.

Boat

It is not possible to get to San Diego by boat as there are no passenger ferry services that operate to San Diego. However, there are many marinas in San Diego that offer boat storage and rental services if you are interested in exploring the city's beautiful coastline by sea.

Bus

The best way to get to San Diego by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus which both have multiple daily routes to San Diego from various cities throughout the United States.

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Romantic Long Weekend: San Diego Hidden Gems

San Diego is a charming destination that offers couples scenic beauty, delicious cuisine, and excellent-to-good beaches. From exploring the trendy Gaslamp Quarter to strolling through romantic La Jolla, there's no shortage of activities for lovebirds. Besides, a sunset sail on the harbor followed by an intimate dinner overlooking the ocean is the perfect way to end a romantic day in San Diego.

Thrifty & Thrilling San Diego in 3 Days

A trip to San Diego on a limited budget can still be enjoyable. Activities like visiting the USS Midway Museum and hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve are affordable. Staying in a hostel or booking through Airbnb can also help save money on lodging.

San Diego in 48: Beaches, Burgers, and Family Fun!

A family-friendly trip to San Diego, United States offers an abundance of activities for all ages. Enjoy the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where kids can get up close with animals from across the globe. Head to the beautiful beaches for sun-soaked days building sandcastles, swimming, and even trying out water sports like snorkeling or paddleboarding. Explore LEGOLAND, a theme park and aquarium perfect for young ones, filled with thrilling rides and interactive exhibits.

Budget-Friendly Fun: San Diego in Two Days

A trip to San Diego on a limited budget can still be a great experience. You can explore the beautiful beaches, visit popular attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, and enjoy delicious and affordable food options. Look for deals on accommodations and transportation to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.