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San Diego is a beautiful beachfront city home to incredible beaches, live entertainment, and many museums and art galleries.
San Diego is a wonderful city to explore, whether you want to kill some time between meetings on a work trip, planning your honeymoon, or planning a family vacation.
Read on to learn about the 10 best things to do on your next visit to San Diego.
Explore San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are some of the best family attractions in the city.
There are over 15,000 animals and 650 species at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, including hippos, koalas, elephants, cheetahs, and more. They also are home to a variety of local and exotic birds, like the California Condor and African Penguins, as well as a vast selection of animal-specific exhibits and plant life.
Visitors can take part in several unique experiences at the zoo, such as a 60-minute guided cart tour or a personal five-hour tour of the zoo with a tour guide. There is also an Animals in Action Experience where expert wildlife specialists bring out animals for an up-close experience.
Casual and restaurant dining and shopping are also available on-site, so you can easily visit the zoo for a day-long event.
Birch Aquarium
Alternatively, you could also check out the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. The Birch Aquarium is both a museum and an aquarium, offering various educational programs and fun exhibits for the whole family.
Currently, the aquarium houses animals like sea dragons, seahorses, and a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle. There is an entire outdoor exhibit dedicated to Leopard Sharks, and during the summer, there are naturalist-guided snorkeling tours so you can see the sharks up close.
The aquarium frequently hosts lectures by Scripps Oceanographers, and they also host behind-the-scenes tours kids will love.
Guests can also enjoy an adventurous walk on Scripps Pier, a place that is normally closed to the public. Through a special interactive program, naturalists from the Birch Aquarium will lead guests on a sunset walk and teach them about the research and conservation efforts being done by Scripps Oceanography.
Shop at Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a large waterfront shopping complex located in downtown San Diego. It is only five minutes away from the airport, and the boardwalk connects to various hotels, the marina, and the Convention Center.
This complex houses over 50 unique stores where patrons can purchase clothing, home and garden decor, beer and wine, children’s toys, boutique jewelry, and more. In addition to shopping, there are sightseeing tours, a resident caricature artist, and a historic carousel.
After a day of shopping, stop in one of the 13 restaurants at the complex, including Marion’s Fish Market, Louisiana Charlie’s, or Mr. Moto Pizza House. For a fancier dining experience, there are also 4 fine dining restaurants with spectacular waterfront and boardwalk views.
Visit the Gaslamp Quarter
Known as the Historic Heart of Downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is a hotspot of modern establishments offering live entertainment, shopping, and unique dining experiences.
Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly cooked steak or seafood fresh from the Pacific Ocean, there are dozens of dining options to suit every taste and dietary preference. You can also spend a night out enjoying a beer at Metl Bar, Restaurant & Cocktail Creamery, or a rooftop cocktail at 5th & Sky Rooftop Gardens & Lounge.
The Gaslamp Quarter is home to various historic hotels and creative housing options, all within walking distance of the most happening theatres, comedy shows, and live music events.
Drink at Ballast Point
Craft beer fans will love Ballast Point, an award-winning brewery with a dedication to community and philanthropy. They have two locations in San Diego and a full restaurant that serves delicious pub-style concoctions that pair well with their beer.
In addition to their incredible beer and food, Ballast Point also frequently hosts events like craft and paint nights, homebrew classes, and a regular standing Trivia Tuesday night with weekly prize giveaways.
If you’re curious to learn more about Ballast Point and the beer they brew before your visit, they host their own podcast.
Visit the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is the ultimate San Diego destination for everyone, from veterans and flight enthusiasts to kids dreaming of becoming pilots. The museum is home to 60 exhibits where guests can view the ship’s anchor chains, sailor’s bunks, the ship’s Command Center, and more.
There are more than 30 aircraft and helicopters at the USS Midway Museum, including aircraft from World War II, helicopters, and fighter and attack airplanes such as the A-4 Skyhawk or the F9F-8P Cougar.
In addition to touring the exhibits, the Museum hosts annual 4th of July and Veterans Day celebrations and regular Top Gun movie nights. They offer daily talks on the flight deck by seasoned Navy pilots, knot tying demonstrations, and a flight simulator. You can even make reservations to stay the night with your family during one of their Snooze Crewz Overnight Adventures.
Play at Belmont Park
Adrenaline junkies should look no further than San Diego’s beachfront amusement park. At Belmont Park, guests can ride rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster. The kids can enjoy the carousel or the tilt-a-whirl or hop on the Belmont Express train for a ride around the park. There are also opportunities for rock wall climbing, ziplining, and go-karts.
There is plenty of fun to be had for those that prefer their feet on the ground. Belmont Park offers a full arcade and Midway games where you can earn giant prizes, as well as an Escapology location. New to the park are four lanes of game-style bowling and an old-timey photo booth where you can get your picture taken dressed in old western get up.
Hike or Swim at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Any trip to San Diego should include a stop by Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. This four-and-a-half-mile-long reserve is home to gorgeous sandstone cliffs and ravines along the Pacific Ocean.
Torrey Pines has a rich history and is home to the country’s rarest species of pine tree which cling to the crumbling cliffs. Over 200 species of birds live on the reserve, and on your hike, you may see bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and various snakes and lizards, including the endangered horned lizard.
There is plenty to do at Torrey Pines. A network of short trails and footpaths cross through the reserve, and there are two beaches where people can swim, surf, and fish.
Hang Out at Petco Park
Home to the San Diego Padres, Petco Park is a state-of-the-art stadium any baseball fan would enjoy. The stadium is known for having some of the best sightlines in all of baseball. It is located in the heart of downtown San Diego and has amazing views of the city and the waterfront.
Believe it or not, some of the best dining in all of San Diego is located inside the stadium. Check out dishes like the Grilled Fish Tacos from Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, a Turkado sandwich from Board & Brew (a local favorite), or authentic pizza fired up at Buona Forchetta.
There is more to do at Petco Park than watch a baseball game and eat, however. The park’s crowning jewel is Gallagher Square, a public park with its own baseball field that is also open for Padres away game viewing parties.
Snorkel at La Jolla Cove
A popular San Diego destination for locals and tourists alike, La Jolla Cove is a gorgeous spot to experience natural wildlife, spend time in the ocean, enjoy a good meal, or take in the local art scene.
Snorkeling is a major activity in the area, thanks to the cove’s 6,000 acre underwater park. Here animals such as seals, sea lions, orange garibaldi, barracuda, and baitfish can be seen. If you don’t own snorkeling gear, La Jolla offers gear for rent for a full day, as well as bike and kayak tours.
There are over two dozen hidden murals throughout the area, which you can seek out yourself or find with the help of an Athenaeum Music & Arts Library guided tour. After enjoying a waterfront meal of fresh seafood in the evening, couples can enjoy some live comedy at The Comedy Store.
You can stay at La Jolla Cove at any of the area’s charming B&Bs or large 5-star hotels.
Conclusion
There are so many fun and exciting things to do in San Diego. Whether you’re an animal lover, an outdoor fanatic ready to dive into the ocean, or just looking to relax with some nice dining and shopping experiences, San Diego is a city that delivers a good time. Book a stay to visit.
Feature Image Credit: By Sean Pavone
