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 out of doors life-style, and glowing shoreline. If you’d like to get in on the motion, do this record of one of the best issues to do in San Diego that I like to recommend to mates once they go to! So, are you prepared for some California dreamin’?
Get prepared for an unforgettable journey to the guts of Southern California with our information to one of the best issues to do in San Diego. Known for its idyllic local weather, sandy seashores, and vibrant cultural scene, San Diego gives varied sights 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 every thing, whether or not you need to create a household trip or get pleasure from its many out of doors actions. Catch a wave at La Jolla Cove, discover the San Diego Zoo, or just take in the solar on Coronado Beach.
Are you prepared to dive into one of the best issues to do in San Diego, sharing insider suggestions to assist you profit from your go to to “America’s Finest City.” Christina Roman initially wrote this text about one of the best issues to do in San Diego. We have up to date it for 2024 with extra sights 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 means of 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 superb place to get pleasure from dinner and to try 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 completely different eating places with some alcohol included. Make certain to pattern the craft beer scene.
If you need extra nightlife while you go to San Diego, go to Solana Beach to get pleasure from reside music at The Belly Up Tavern. It’s certainly one of San Diego’s premier reside 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 by way of the enduring Coronado Bridge or a brief ferry experience throughout San Diego Bay from downtown.
At the guts 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 if you happen to’re not staying at this lovely luxurious resort, you’ll get pleasure from a stroll on the Silver Strand. It’s seven miles of glowing sandy seaside alongside the Pacific Ocean simply behind the resort. Swing by Del’s beachside café for fish tacos or head up to the swanky out of doors bar for sundown cocktails with a view. Outdoor lovers can take a motorbike experience 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 liked for the San Diego Zoo, the town’s most well-known attraction, which is among the higher zoos for conservation. But there’s a lot extra to see and do in this 1,200-acre city park studded with colonial structure, out of doors 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 experience on the gorgeous carousel. If you’re looking for 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 frequently scheduled experiences. More Details right here.
Whale Watching
However as an alternative 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 may view them from a two-story yacht with 360-degree views. Book this extremely rated tour now. (straightforward cancelation inside 24 hours of tour for a full refund)
Embarcadero
Embarcadero is among the metropolis’s prime 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 may 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 retailers. This is a superb place to go for a stroll to take in the views, and do some purchasing, 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 world (moreover the accommodations and nightlife) is the USS Midway Museum.
USS Midway Museum
One of the highest sights in San Diego is the USS Midway, situated in downtown San Diego. It is an plane provider that was energetic 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 purchasing 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 retailers, and boutiques, making for a beautiful stroll by means of this touristy space. When visiting a brand new metropolis, it’s enjoyable to go to a vacationer attraction. There’s a cause they’re fashionable. Grab some ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s and take a stroll by means of the 50+ retailers. There is a historic carousel, and you may 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 guide a harbor cruise whilst you’re in city. Book this extremely rated cruise of the San Diego Harbor to view the San Diego skyline and well-known landmarks corresponding 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 beneath 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 in order for you to discover the shores of California’s West Coast, this can be a nice exercise to attempt. When the tide rolls out alongside San Diego’s 70 miles of shoreline alongside the Pacific Ocean, tide swimming pools are filled with considerable hidden treasures if you recognize 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 damaging tide if doable. In truth, low tides in November to February make winter tide pooling particularly rewarding.
Belmont Park
One of San Diego’s most enduring vacationer sights is Belmont Park, an previous 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 wood 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 among the wildest stretches of the Southern California coast. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker in search of a problem or a household with younger youngsters or mobility-impaired adults, you’ll discover loads of climbing trails huge on sweeping coastal views and sage-covered chaparral on Torrey Pines State Beach.
Breathe in the aromatic Torrey Pines on a brief loop climbing path or take a country footpath that descends from the bluffs by means of the higher reserve 300 ft to the seaside. Hiking trails in the close by Reserve Extension alongside the creek mattress may be particularly scenic throughout spring wildflower season. Read extra about climbing in California: 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
Paraglide at Torrey Pines Gliderport
If you might be in search of some extra pleasure, the Torrey Pines Gliderport has the most effective views of San Diego and is a launchpad for paragliders. If you ever wished a little bit of adrenaline, paragliding is a superb introduction to skydiving. It offers a birds eye view of the coast with out having to leap out of a airplane.
If you need to spend the day at Coronado Island, , guide 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 luxuriate in a deal with at a neighborhood eatery.
On your means to Coronado Island, cease at Chicano Park beneath 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’re keen on the seaside, you’ll love La Jolla. La Jolla Cove boasts a large seaside that’s excellent for spending sunny days lounging on the sand whereas sea lions bask on the Beach.
There’s contemporary Mexican delicacies and lots of boutique retailers in the world 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 preserve you energetic for days.
Head to La Jolla to take a dip at swank La Jolla Shores, or try Windansea for nice surf breaks and surroundings. Del Mar is a family-friendly, dog-friendly seaside fashionable for picnics and weddings. Or head north to domestically liked Moonlight Beach or Beacon’s Beach in Encinitas to skip the vacationer crowds.
You can rent an teacher at certainly one of San Diego’s fashionable seashores – Mission Beach, Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach or La Jolla Shores.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a 2 mile lengthy boardwalk stuffed with eating places, nightlife and seaside actions. alongside an extended sandy seaside 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 can also make your means south to this quieter part of the seaside.
There are loads of water sports activities from browsing and boogie boarding to kiteboarding and fishing. If you need to go for a experience, that is undoubtedly the place to lease a bicycle.
Pacific Beach
Another nice seaside group in San Diego is Pacific Beach. This 3-mile-long seaside and boardwalk has a celebration environment and has loads of stylish eating places and bars to present you time all day and night time. North Pacific Beach has calm waters with lifeguards on obligation, making it fashionable with households, and Tourmaline Surfing Park is fashionable for browsing. You can lease bicycles to discover Pacific Beach Drive and ensure to take a stroll out to Crystal Pier.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is an off-the-cuff neighborhood the place different life will not be simply welcomed however embraced. Walk alongside the primary road previous all kinds of eating places, boutiques promoting tie-dye every thing, therapeutic crystal retailers, and taco stands.
Street artwork covers previously naked partitions, and the solar is normally 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, and so they even placed on reside music!
Children’s Pool Beach
Contrary to its title, Children’s Pool Beach shouldn’t be a seaside for kids to swim due to the ocean lion inhabitants that has overtaken its engaging, calm waters. The seaside was designated in 1931 as a seaside for teenagers to safely swim after constructing a sea wall to create calm waters and pool-like situations. But the native marine life discovered this engaging as nicely and now moms come to the seaside from December to May to have their pups. If you need to stand up shut and private with sea life, this can be a excellent place to view them.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
As its title suggests, Sunset Cliffs is among the finest 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 out there alongside the road. As the golden hour approaches, individuals collect to witness the solar dipping under 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 facet 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 efficient 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 fascinating level in historical past, it’s place to go to for the views of the Coronado, metropolis skyline and on a transparent day, you possibly can see Tijuana. It has usually been touted as one of the best view in San Diego. You may also take a stroll alongside the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail and you can also make your means down to discover the tide swimming pools right here as nicely. A journey right here is usually 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 exceptional farmer’s market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. More than 200 tents of native entrepreneurs, household farms, and artisan grocers provide every thing from native artwork and olive oil to handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind keepsakes and items.
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 laborious to go unsuitable with a meal right here so contemplate shopping 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 seaside? Swing by Mona Lisa, a world-class Italian grocer and deli.
Botanical Gardens
When I’m touring, I really like to immerse myself in a neighborhood backyard to see what’s rising and luxuriate in a candy reprieve from all of the city exercise. I like to recommend the beautiful San Diego Botanic Garden in coastal Encinitas, North County San Diego. (This is a surfer city so keep for fish tacos, window purchasing 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 means of a desert backyard, a tropical rain forest, a swath of spectacular succulents, and marvel on the lovingly tended California native vegetation. Take a breather beneath 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 finest baseball stadium in the main league, Petco Park.
It’s situated proper downtown San Diego with nice views of the skyline from this cutting-edge attraction. If you possibly can’t make a recreation, you possibly can all the time guide 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 may get them for 1-7 days
San Diego is California’s second-largest metropolis. If you propose on seeing a whole lot of the town and surrounding space, its finest to lease a automobile on 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 instances try their web site. The seaside 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 guide a personal switch from the San Diego airport. We use this airport switch service each time we journey. It’s hassle-free and your driver meets you at arrivals together with your title. 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 one of the best neighborhoods for every kind of traveler. From seaside lovers to households, one of the best nightlife and first timers, we’ve received 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 guts of the Gaslamp Quarter and that includes Free WIFI, Rooftop Pool & free wine tasting! This is the same old 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 virtually every thing. 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 guts of the Gaslamp Quarter. This is a 2nd Floor Expansive unit with a lot 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 every thing.
San Diego CityPass
Grab your self a San Diego City Pass to actually reap the benefits of every thing the town has to provide. Some of San Diego’s prime sights are included in the go with admission to:• San Diego Zoo Safari Park• Belmont Park all entry combo go• 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 admittedly no unhealthy time to go to San Diego. It has nice climate year-round. But one of the best offers may be discovered in shoulder season from March to May and September to November. San Diego sees essentially 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 may be overcast and grey.
So there you might have it, all the should see sights in America’s Finest City. There is not any scarcity of issues to see and do at this 12 months 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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