As a neighborhood who has raised a household in coastal San Diego for the previous 25 years, I nonetheless marvel each day on the metropolis’s technicolor sunsets, impressed outside way of life, and glowing shoreline. If you’d like to get in on the motion, do that checklist of the most effective issues to do in San Diego that I like to recommend to pals after they go to! So, are you prepared for some California dreamin’?
Get prepared for an unforgettable journey to the center of Southern California with our information to the most effective issues to do in San Diego. Known for its idyllic local weather, sandy seashores, and vibrant cultural scene, San Diego gives numerous points of interest that cater to each kind of traveler. From the historic allure of the Gaslamp Quarter to the pure fantastic thing about Balboa Park and the cutting-edge displays on the USS Midway Museum, this coastal metropolis on the Pacific Ocean guarantees to make your go to really memorable.
Best Things to Do in San Diego
San Diego has the whole lot, whether or not you need to create a household trip or get pleasure from its many outside actions. Catch a wave at La Jolla Cove, discover the San Diego Zoo, or just absorb the solar on Coronado Beach.
Are you prepared to dive into the most effective issues to do in San Diego, sharing insider suggestions to show you how to profit from your go to to “America’s Finest City.” Christina Roman initially wrote this text about the most effective issues to do in San Diego. We have up to date it for 2024 with extra points of interest and excursions to provide the most in-depth journey information to San Diego.
Old Town San Diego
Considered the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego traces the historical past of the primary European settlement courting again to 1820. It was designated a State Historical Park and homes many historic buildings, together with the Whaley House. The former web site of the gallows has been formally designated a haunted home. Stroll by its historic websites, such because the Whaley House Museum, the old-fashioned home, and the grave yard.
A enjoyable means to discover the historic village is to take this Tales, Tacos, and Tequila Tour. Meet at Adobe Chapel to be taught of the historical past and marvel at its Victorian structure whereas having fun with a fish taco and genuine Mexican meals. The tour ends at a neighborhood distillery for a tequila tasting.
Gaslamp Quarter
Located in downtown San Diago on San Diego Bay, Gaslamp Quarter has a wild western historical past of shootouts and barroom brawls. It was as soon as the red-light district and, in the 1860s, San Diego’s Chinatown. Gaslamp Quarter has 100 historic buildings, together with museums and artwork galleries. It additionally has quite a lot of bars and eating places.
The Gaslamp Quarter is a good place to get pleasure from dinner and to take a look at the nightlife scene. This strolling tour is a enjoyable Brothels, Bites, and Booze Tour that takes you thru the historic and cultural coronary heart of San Diego from the notorious Stingaree District whereas having fun with genuine Mexican meals at 4 totally different eating places with some alcohol included. Make certain to pattern the craft beer scene.
If you need extra nightlife once you go to San Diego, go to Solana Beach to get pleasure from stay music at The Belly Up Tavern. It’s one in all San Diego’s premier stay music venues. Before catching a present, you possibly can seize dinner on the Tavern subsequent door.
The Strand on Coronado Island
Coronado Island is situated throughout San Diego Bay and accessible through the enduring Coronado Bridge or a brief ferry trip throughout San Diego Bay from downtown.
At the center of Coronado lies the legendary Hotel del Coronado, a Victorian beachfront masterpiece that has captivated guests for the reason that nineteenth century. The American film traditional “Some Like It Hot,” starring Marilyn Monroe, was filmed right here. As you method the resort’s entrance, make sure to notice the Hollywood stars commemorating the movie imprinted in the cement. When Hotel Del Coronado opened in 1888, it was the most important resort resort in the world.
Even in the event you’re not staying at this stunning luxurious resort, you’ll get pleasure from a stroll on the Silver Strand. It’s seven miles of glowing sandy seashore alongside the Pacific Ocean simply behind the resort. Swing by Del’s beachside café for fish tacos or head up to the swanky outside bar for sundown cocktails with a view. Outdoor lovers can take a motorbike trip alongside its bike paths, and water lovers will get pleasure from its many water sports activities.
Explore Balboa Park
As San Diego’s cultural coronary heart, historic Balboa Park is a spot of pure magnificence. It is most beloved for the San Diego Zoo, the town’s most well-known attraction, which is without doubt one of the higher zoos for conservation. But there may be a lot extra to see and do in this 1,200-acre city park studded with colonial structure, outside actions and hidden gems.
You can spend a complete day right here. Built for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915 to rejoice the opening of the Panama Canal, Balboa Park homes world-class museums, a theatre, and a science heart.
Be certain to go to the glassblowers on the Spanish Village Art Center, and with children in tow, don’t miss a trip on the attractive carousel. If you’re trying to find a meal with an ambiance to spare, make a reservation at The Prado, an award-winning indoor-outdoor restaurant in the park with equipment impressed by park collections.
You can see pandas and flamingos on the San Diego Zoo, however don’t cease there. You may also discover the Japanese Friendship Garden and a Show on the Globe Theater. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket contains the Africa Tram and all commonly scheduled experiences. More Details right here.
Whale Watching
However as a substitute of visiting Seaworld San Diego or in the San Diego Zoo, why not see animals in their pure habitat? From December to April, 20,000 grey whales migrate alongside the coast, and you’ll view them from a two-story yacht with 360-degree views. Book this extremely rated tour now. (simple cancelation inside 24 hours of tour for a full refund)
Embarcadero
Embarcadero is without doubt one of the metropolis’s high waterfront locations, with loads of waterfront bars and eating places. Located on San Diego Bay, Embardacero pays homage to the maritime historical past of San Diego with historic ships and museums.
You will even board many scenic cruises and whale watching excursions right here. You’ll additionally see cruise ships in port right here, and there are many eating places and outlets. This is a good place to go for a stroll to take in the views, and do some procuring, plus it’s nonetheless a working fishing harbor.
It is right here you could go to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the San Diego Museum of Art and Design, however what attracts most individuals to the realm (in addition to the accommodations and nightlife) is the USS Midway Museum.
USS Midway Museum
One of the highest points of interest in San Diego is the USS Midway, situated in downtown San Diego. It is an plane provider that was lively from 1945 to 1992, making it the world’s longest-serving provider from World War II to Desert Storm.
The USS Midway Museum is the world’s largest museum devoted to plane Carriers. It is moored at Embarcadero in downtown San Diego, and guests can tour its 60 displays and 29 plane on board. Onboard, you’ll relive the Midway’s exploits and listen to about occasions that modified the world. Another good museum for nautical lovers is the Maritime Museum.
Get your skip-the-line tickets to beat the crowds on a self-guided audio tour of the longest-serving plane provider in the American fleet. Spend 2-3 hours exploring its 60 displays, together with the galley, jail, and engine room. You may also take part in the simulators and watch the movies.
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is situated subsequent to Embarcadero and is a serious 14-acre open-air procuring complicated in shut proximity to the cruise ship terminal. There are loads of eating places, and it’s related to the Marriott resort 0 Where we stayed in San Diego en route to Rancho La Puerta in Mexico).
There are galleries, espresso outlets, and boutiques, making for a stunning stroll by this touristy space. When visiting a brand new metropolis, it’s enjoyable to go to a vacationer attraction. There’s a purpose they’re in style. Grab some ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s and take a stroll by the 50+ outlets. There is a historic carousel, and you’ll catch the Old Town Trolley right here. Location: West Harbor Drive, San Diego CA, 92101
San Diego Harbor Cruise
There’s no higher means to admire San Diego’s spectacular shoreline and skyline than from the water! So do your self a favor and e book a harbor cruise when you’re in city. Book this extremely rated cruise of the San Diego Harbor to view the San Diego skyline and well-known landmarks equivalent to Coronado Bridge, Downtown San Diego, and extra.
Cruise the north harbor for views of landmarks like Harbor Island and Shelter Island and frequent colonies of sea lions clustered on the base of the Point Loma peninsula. Or go south to loop underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge and previous the plane provider. Hornblower Cruises gives whale watching, dolphin-watching excursions and sundown cocktail and dinner cruises.
Explore San Diego’s Tide Pools
San Diegans love tide pooling, and if you need to discover the shores of California’s West Coast, this can be a nice exercise to strive. When the tide rolls out alongside San Diego’s 70 miles of shoreline alongside the Pacific Ocean, tide swimming pools are stuffed with ample hidden treasures if the place to look.
Spot sea stars, hermit crabs, limpets, mussels, anemones…perhaps even a shy octopus tucked right into a crevice. Just keep in mind to tread fastidiously in these protected marine sanctuaries and go away no hint of your go to.
Top suggestions for a profitable tide pooling journey: Check an ocean’s tide chart earlier than you head to any of the San Diego seashores. Time your go to for a unfavourable tide if doable. In reality, low tides in November to February make winter tide pooling particularly rewarding.
Belmont Park
One of San Diego’s most enduring vacationer points of interest is Belmont Park, an outdated amusement park courting again to 1925. Amusement parks are all the time enjoyable for the entire household, and this one has bumper vehicles, mini golf, and arcade video games. But don’t miss the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, a picket curler coaster that was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, in coastal La Jolla, is without doubt one of the wildest stretches of the Southern California coast. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker searching for a problem or a household with younger kids or mobility-impaired adults, you’ll discover loads of mountaineering trails large on sweeping coastal views and sage-covered chaparral on Torrey Pines State Beach.
Breathe in the aromatic Torrey Pines on a brief loop mountaineering path or take a country footpath that descends from the bluffs by the higher reserve 300 toes to the seashore. Hiking trails in the close by Reserve Extension alongside the creek mattress could be particularly scenic throughout spring wildflower season. Read extra about mountaineering in California: 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
Paraglide at Torrey Pines Gliderport
If you might be searching for some extra pleasure, the Torrey Pines Gliderport has among the best views of San Diego and is a launchpad for paragliders. If you ever wished a little bit of adrenaline, paragliding is a good introduction to skydiving. It provides a birds eye view of the coast with out having to soar out of a aircraft.
If you need to spend the day at Coronado Island, , e book this strolling tour t to see the highlights. It features a stroll to Star Park, the place the “Wizard of Oz” home is situated, a go to to Coronado Beach, and a stroll by multi-million greenback properties that line Ocean Boulevard. You may also take a tour of Hotel del Coronado and revel in a deal with at a neighborhood eatery.
On your means to Coronado Island, cease at Chicano Park underneath the Coronado Bridge, the place you’ll discover the most important assortment of outside murals in America. It’s situated in Logan Heights. Address: 2043-2085 Logan Ave. San Diego, CA 92113
La Jolla Cove
If you like the seashore, you’ll love La Jolla. La Jolla Cove boasts a large seashore that’s excellent for spending sunny days lounging on the sand whereas sea lions bask on the Beach.
There’s contemporary Mexican delicacies and plenty of boutique outlets in the realm to buy groceries. If you need to go snorkeling, that is the place to do it, with calm waters and loads of marine life. It additionally hosts Mount Soledad, the Birch Aquarium, a handful of museums, and sufficient journey tour firms to hold you lively for days.
Head to La Jolla to take a dip at swank La Jolla Shores, or take a look at Windansea for excellent surf breaks and surroundings. Del Mar is a family-friendly, dog-friendly seashore in style for picnics and weddings. Or head north to regionally beloved Moonlight Beach or Beacon’s Beach in Encinitas to skip the vacationer crowds.
You can rent an teacher at one in all San Diego’s in style seashores – Mission Beach, Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach or La Jolla Shores.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a 2 mile lengthy boardwalk full of eating places, nightlife and seashore actions. alongside an extended sandy seashore Take a stroll alongside the boardwalk for beautiful views of the coast. It begins at Belmont Park the place all of the motion occurs, however you may make your means south to this quieter part of the seashore.
There are loads of water sports activities from browsing and boogie boarding to kiteboarding and fishing. If you need to go for a trip, that is positively the place to hire a bicycle.
Pacific Beach
Another nice seashore neighborhood in San Diego is Pacific Beach. This 3-mile-long seashore and boardwalk has a celebration ambiance and has loads of fashionable eating places and bars to present you a superb time all day and night time. North Pacific Beach has calm waters with lifeguards on responsibility, making it in style with households, and Tourmaline Surfing Park is in style for browsing. You can hire bicycles to discover Pacific Beach Drive and ensure to take a stroll out to Crystal Pier.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is an informal neighborhood the place various life should not simply welcomed however embraced. Walk alongside the primary road previous all forms of eating places, boutiques promoting tie-dye the whole lot, therapeutic crystal outlets, and taco stands.
Street artwork covers previously naked partitions, and the solar is often shining afternoon—as soon as the marine layer of fog burns off. Make certain to stroll alongside Ocean Beach Pier and take a look at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market. It is filled with natural meals stalls, they usually even placed on stay music!
Children’s Pool Beach
Contrary to its identify, Children’s Pool Beach will not be a seashore for youngsters to swim due to the ocean lion inhabitants that has overtaken its enticing, calm waters. The seashore was designated in 1931 as a seashore for youths to safely swim after constructing a sea wall to create calm waters and pool-like circumstances. But the native marine life discovered this enticing as effectively and now moms come to the seashore from December to May to have their pups. If you need to rise up shut and private with sea life, this can be a excellent place to view them.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
As its identify suggests, Sunset Cliffs is without doubt one of the greatest locations for sundown in San Diego. The 68-acre pure park has tidal swimming pools, sea caves, and sea arches.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park stands out as a pure marvel in Diego, providing a few of the most awe-inspiring views and tranquil moments that nature can present. Perched alongside the western fringe of Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park spans 68 acres of rugged cliffs, expansive ocean vistas, and complicated cave formations, making it a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s haven.
The journey to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is definitely accessible by automobile or public transport, with parking accessible alongside the road. As the golden hour approaches, folks collect to witness the solar dipping beneath the horizon, portray the sky with vibrant hues—an expertise that encapsulates the essence of San Diego’s pure magnificence.
Beyond the sundown, the park’s strolling trails and hidden seashores provide a peaceable escape from the town’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re in downtown San Diego or exploring the broader space, a go to to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is an unforgettable addition to any itinerary, embodying the serene and picturesque aspect of California’s coastal wonders.
Point Loma
Another San Diego Museum to go to is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Located on the southern tip of Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma is an effective cease earlier than nightfall to be taught in regards to the historical past of this historic lighthouse that dates again to 1855. Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Cabrillo National Monument
This monument is devoted to the primary European explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who explored the coast of California in 1542. It is situated on the south finish of Point Loma and whereas it’s an attention-grabbing level in historical past, it’s a superb place to go to for the views of the Coronado, metropolis skyline and on a transparent day, you possibly can see Tijuana. It has typically been touted as the most effective view in San Diego. You may also take a stroll alongside the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail and you may make your means down to discover the tide swimming pools right here as effectively. A journey right here is commonly mixed with the lighthouse.
Little Italy
San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood has been channeling the mom nation since 1920 in this pedestrian-friendly enclave of lovely Italian boutiques, quaint patios, and drool-worthy fare.
Be certain to swing by the outstanding farmer’s market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. More than 200 tents of native entrepreneurs, household farms, and artisan grocers provide the whole lot from native artwork and olive oil to handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind keepsakes and presents.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the chance for a meal right here. (The expertise takes me instantly again to a few of my fondest days in Italy) It’s onerous to go mistaken with a meal right here so take into account looking the menus on chalkboards on the primary drag to see what strikes your fancy.
Then cease for gelato across the nook at Pappalecco. Looking for grab-and-go sandwiches for the seashore? Swing by Mona Lisa, a world-class Italian grocer and deli.
Botanical Gardens
When I’m touring, I like to immerse myself in a neighborhood backyard to see what’s rising and revel in a candy reprieve from all of the city exercise. I like to recommend the attractive San Diego Botanic Garden in coastal Encinitas, North County San Diego. (This is a surfer city so keep for fish tacos, window procuring and the laid again nightlife vibe on the 101.)
The Botanic Garden is a treasure. In simply an hour or two, you’ll meander by a desert backyard, a tropical rain forest, a swath of spectacular succulents, and marvel on the lovingly tended California native crops. Take a breather underneath the uncommon bamboos or subsequent to the 60-foot waterfall. A go to here’s a memorable addition to any San Diego itinerary.
Catch a Sam Diego Padres Game a Petco Park
Baseball is America’s favourite pastime and when visiting San Diego, you possibly can watch the San Diego Padres play at what’s the greatest baseball stadium in the key league, Petco Park.
It’s situated proper downtown San Diego with nice views of the skyline from this state-of-the-art attraction. If you possibly can’t make a recreation, you possibly can all the time e book a stadium tour the place you’ll go behind the scenes to go to the Padres Hall of Fame, go to the Clubhouse, the Major League dugout, press field and extra!
Getting Around San Diego
Our #1 Money Saving Tip to discover San Diego – Purchase a San Diego Pass They are legitimate for 12 months and you will get them for 1-7 days
San Diego is California’s second-largest metropolis. If you propose on seeing quite a lot of the town and surrounding space, its greatest to hire a automobile in your journey. Downtown San Diego is definitely walkable and has trolley system with over 50 stops. Tickets for the Red Trolley are between $0.50 – $3.00. The Old Town San Diego Trolley stops at 11 locations and even comes with a narrated tour. For extra data on occasions take a look at their web site. The seashore and inland neighborhoods of San Diego are much less accessible with public transport, so that you’ll need to rent a automobile.
San Diego is only a brief distance from the San Diego International Airport. You can simply get downtown by bus line 30 or tram line 140. You may also seize a taxi however we like to e book a non-public switch from the San Diego airport. We use this airport switch service every time we journey. It’s hassle-free and your driver meets you at arrivals together with your identify. Easy cancellation and last-minute bookings.
Planning a Trip to San Diego
If you might be planning to go to San Diego, learn our full information to the place to keep in San Diego. It breaks down the most effective neighborhoods for every kind of traveler. From seashore lovers to households, the most effective nightlife and first timers, we’ve acquired you lined. Read about it right here: Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas
Suggested accommodations
Kimpton Solamar Hotel – Located in the center of the Gaslamp Quarter and that includes Free WIFI, Rooftop Pool & free wine tasting! This is the standard Kimpton Luxury expertise. Staypineapple at Hotel Z – A romantic resort with quirky decor. It is pet pleasant and gives free Wifi and is strolling distance to nearly the whole lot. USA Hostels San Diego Downtown – Built again in 1880 this hostel gives combined dorms, free WIFI, Free Breakfast, and a vibrant new age decor. The Heart of the City – Located in the center of the Gaslamp Quarter. This is a 2nd Floor Expansive unit with a number of house. with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathtub, it’s excellent for households or {couples}. It additionally comes with entry to a parking house and is shut to the whole lot.
San Diego CityPass
Grab your self a San Diego City Pass to actually make the most of the whole lot the town has to provide. Some of San Diego’s high points of interest are included in the cross with admission to:• San Diego Zoo Safari Park• Belmont Park all entry combo cross• One hour San Diego Harbor cruise• Museums together with San Diego Natural History Museum• Knott’s Berry Farm and extra!
When to go to San Diego
There is actually no unhealthy time to go to San Diego. It has nice climate year-round. But the most effective offers could be discovered in shoulder season from March to May and September to November. San Diego sees probably the most rain in the course of the winter months. January and February are the coldest months hovering round 65 levels farenheit. But May and June could be overcast and grey.
So there you have got it, all the should see points of interest in America’s Finest City. There isn’t any scarcity of issues to see and do at this yr spherical vacation spot. From catching some rays on the seashores of La Jolla, taking in Balboa Park’s 17 museums, or strolling the boardwalk at Mission Beach, you can find one thing that pursuits every member of the household. So what are you ready for? Start planning your journey to Southern California at present.
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