San Diego, California - Do & See

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San Diego, California

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North America United States San Diego, California Do & See

Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-09-29

Unlike sprawling L.A., San Diego has the charm of a more compact city, making it tempting to stay downtown. However, many consider San Diego as part of the larger county, offering a wealth of diverse experiences beyond the city center. The region’s terrain is extraordinary, stretching from the Pacific coastline in the west to the Sonoran Desert in the east. To the northeast, you'll find snow-capped mountains, and a short 15-minute drive south brings you to the Mexican border.

This varied landscape makes San Diego a premier destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, biking, and sailing. In addition, its family-friendly attractions—including LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and the New Children's Museum—ensure there’s something for everyone.

The Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter

Located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is the West Coast’s premier entertainment district. After decades of revitalization, this historic area has regained its charm and vibrancy. Today, it’s a lively hub offering everything from trendy boutiques and eclectic restaurants to symphony halls, art galleries, and nationally recognized nightlife venues.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park

Originally named "City Park" and later renamed after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States and the beating heart of San Diego's cultural scene. Spanning 1,200 scenic acres, the park overlooks downtown San Diego and houses an impressive collection of museums, theaters, stunning gardens, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. This diverse range of attractions makes Balboa Park an essential stop during any visit to San Diego.

Old Town

Old Town

Soak up some history at "The Birthplace of California," sit down for an authentic Mexican meal at an old California-style restaurant, and go back in time and commemorate San Diego's heritage at one of the many historical sites. Founded in 1769, Old Town San Diego was California’s first permanent European settlement on the West Coast. Today, it’s a vibrant area filled with colorful shops, live mariachi performances, and attractions that celebrate California's storied past.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is a world-famous marine theme park, oceanarium, and aquarium that draws thousands of families annually. Visitors come to enjoy its exciting blend of thrilling rides, animal shows, and unforgettable up-close encounters with marine life. At SeaWorld, you can feed playful sea lions, interact with friendly dolphins, and even swim with majestic beluga whales.

Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego

Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown San Diego, Tijuana in Mexico welcomes visitors with its colorful markets, authentic Mexican street food, and landmarks like Avenida Revolución. Join this short-day trip for an exciting cross-border adventure and don’t miss the chance to savor Baja California's famous tacos before returning to San Diego.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

Renowned as one of the greatest zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo houses over 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies. It also features a vast botanical collection with over 700,000 exotic plants. As a pioneer in the open-air, cageless concept that replicates natural habitats, the zoo offers a unique experience for animal and nature lovers alike.

Coronado

Coronado

The island-like peninsula of Coronado has been a popular resort destination since the late 19th century, with the historic Hotel Del Coronado as its crown jewel. Built in 1888, this iconic landmark has hosted numerous presidents, royals, and celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Known as "The Crown City," Coronado draws visitors from around the world to its expansive sandy beaches, where sparkling sand glistens thanks to the mineral mica.

Little Italy

Little Italy

Since the 1920s, San Diego's Little Italy has been a vibrant symbol of Italian culture, originally founded by Italian families who settled in the area. Today, it's a bustling hub filled with restaurants, craft breweries, urban wineries, and art galleries, making it a top destination for Italian cuisine lovers. Every Saturday, the Little Italy Mercato takes over several blocks, offering fresh produce and gourmet fare. Visitors can also experience the "Little Italy Festa!" each October, a celebration of San Diego's Italian-American heritage.

USS Midway Museum

USS Midway Museum

Immerse yourself in an authentic naval experience at the USS Midway Museum, a real naval aircraft carrier once known as a "city at sea." With over 60 exhibits and more than 30 expertly restored aircraft, visitors can explore this 69,000-ton ship and discover its storied history. The Midway offers interactive activities, including flight simulators, ejection seat experiences, guided tours of the bridge, and access to authentic cockpits.

Sailboat Tours

Sailboat Tours

Experience the excitement of sailing while exploring San Diego Bay on an authentic America's Cup racing yacht. With its impressive size and speed, this vessel provides a truly remarkable and unforgettable adventure. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sailor, you can take the helm, operate the winches, or simply hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

San Diego Bay Waterfront

San Diego Bay Waterfront

San Diego is, above all, a waterfront city, and one of the best ways to experience its charm is by strolling along the scenic San Diego Bay Waterfront. This vibrant area features beautiful parks, museums such as the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum, as well as plenty of seaside bars and restaurants. Be sure to check the calendar for the many sailing regattas, outdoor festivals, and events that take place along the bay each year.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers breathtaking coastal views, scenic hiking trails, and excellent access for surfers. Its dramatic landscape features intricately carved bluffs, natural arches, and sea caves, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers. If you're visiting at the right time, you might even catch a glimpse of the California Gray Whale during its annual migration from the Bering Sea to Baja California.

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove

Tucked between stunning sandstone cliffs, La Jolla Cove is one of Southern California's most picturesque and photographed beaches. With water visibility reaching up to 30 feet in the summer, it's a prime spot for scuba divers and snorkelers looking to explore its vibrant underwater world.

Petco Park

Petco Park

Although Petco Park is home to the San Diego Padres, you don’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate this venue. Opened in 2004, the architecturally striking ballpark is equally renowned for its stunning views of San Diego’s skyline and waterfront.

Botanical Building & Lily Pond

Botanical Building & Lily Pond

This iconic domed building, originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, is one of the largest lath structures in the world. Located within Balboa Park, the Botanical Building, along with the nearby Lily Pond and Lagoon, provides an ideal setting for Instagram-perfect photos. Inside, visitors will find a permanent collection of 2,100 plants, including cycads, ferns, orchids, and other tropical species, complemented by seasonal flower displays.

Pacific Surf School

Pacific Surf School

San Diego is surrounded by great beaches, making it an ideal place for surfers. Many surf schools offer training and organize camps where tourists can learn how to surf in a safe environment. Pacific Surf School is located on Mission Beach, offering its services to experienced and inexperienced tourists alike.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Perched atop a hill near the Cabrillo National Monument, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse offers beautiful panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Though it ceased operating as a lighthouse in 1891 due to its location being frequently obscured by fog, the historic building is now a museum open to the public. Visitors can explore its rich maritime history and learn about its role in guiding ships to safety.

Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument

Located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, the Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the 1542 landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, marking the first European expedition to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. The monument offers stunning views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and visitors can explore tide pools, trails, and historical exhibits.

Torrey Pines Gliderport

Torrey Pines Gliderport

As Southern California's foremost destination for hang gliding, paragliding, sailplanes, and remote control models, Torrey Pines Gliderport caters to thrill-seekers of all ages. With skilled instructors on hand, anyone can take to the skies and experience the exhilaration of flight.

Knott's Soak City

Knott's Soak City

Knott's Soak City is a seasonal water park located close to the bay area of San Diego. At the park, you'll find over 20 water slides, a lazy river, and a giant wave pool, among other attractions. It is the perfect summer family destination.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Torrey Pines Golf Course

San Diego is home to an array of world-class golf courses, but for many, Torrey Pines Golf Course reigns supreme. This municipal golf facility boasts 36 holes and is located atop cliffs that overlook the majestic Pacific Ocean in the La Jolla area. Golf enthusiasts are treated to unparalleled views of the ocean and surrounding scenery while playing on the immaculate greens.

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