Things to do in San Diego

Activities, attractions and tours

Ocean Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Ocean Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Japanese Friendship Garden which includes a park
San Diego which includes swimming and a sunset as well as a small group of people
Balboa Park which includes a pond
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Most popular experiences in San Diego

Tours & day trips

See all 297 activities
San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea

San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 217 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €47 per adult
San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & SeaOpens in new tab

History & culture

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USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate

USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate

Activity duration is 1 day
9.8 out of 10 with 1492 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €35 per adult
USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-GateOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €10 per traveller*
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 86 activities
City Cruises San Diego: Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise

City Cruises San Diego: Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 24 reviews
Price is €91 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 36 activities
2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience

2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 73 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €63 per adult
2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing ExperienceOpens in new tab

What to do in San Diego

Popular places to visit

San Diego Zoo showing a pond, landscape views and zoo animals

San Diego Zoo

4.5/5(47 reviews)

Come and see the power and beauty of nature up close at one of the biggest and best zoos in America.

San Diego Zoo
San Diego Convention Center

San Diego Convention Center

4/5(18 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in San Diego Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Diego. Experience the area's entertainment choices and fascinating museums.

San Diego Convention Center
Bayside Skyride at Sea World, San Diego, CA

SeaWorld

4/5(14 reviews)

Beautiful sea creatures, exhilarating rides and fun and educational displays – this marine park is a treat for all the family.

SeaWorld
Mission Bay which includes a sandy beach

Mission Bay

4.5/5(31 reviews)

Mingle with eccentric locals at bohemian beaches, soak up the sun on a Jet Ski and fish from marshy islands at San Diego’s premier water park.

Mission Bay
Mission Beach featuring tropical scenes, street scenes and a beach

Mission Beach

4.5/5(61 reviews)

Enjoy the old-world charm of this seaside suburb where the beautiful people live, close to central San Diego.

Mission Beach
Petco Park

Petco Park

4.5/5(17 reviews)

Purchase a hot dog and watch the San Diego Padres, California’s southernmost Major League Baseball team, play on their home field.

Petco Park
Disney Wonder Cruise Ship. Halloween on the High Seas. #lifeatexpedia #golden

Port of San Diego

4.5/5(34 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in San Diego with a trip to Port of San Diego. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

Port of San Diego
Balboa Park which includes a pond

Balboa Park

4.5/5(80 reviews)

This huge city-centre park is home to a range of fantastic cultural institutions, and it’s also a lovely place for a walk.

Balboa Park
Aircraft Carrier Museum which includes military items

USS Midway Museum

4.5/5(51 reviews)

Climb aboard the USS Midway for a fascinating historical view on naval life and changes in technology through the 20th century.

USS Midway Museum

Areas of San Diego

US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
Fun facts: ✔️San Diego imports 168 million gallons of water a day. ✔️San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States. #LifeAtExpedia #HitTheBeach #JulyTheme

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Mission Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Beach
Pacific Beach featuring a beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(13 area reviews)

Relax in beachside cafés in the morning, surf clean breaks in the afternoon and dance with a youthful club crowd at night at this coastal San Diego strip.

Pacific Beach
Gaslamp Quarter featuring a city, signage and a bar

Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego’s historic heart has shed its seedy past to emerge as one of the city’s premier dining, shopping and entertainment hubs.

Gaslamp Quarter
Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Ocean Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ocean Beach and Dog Beach.

Ocean Beach
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Mission Bay

If you're spending some time in Mission Bay, Mission Bay and Mission and Pacific Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Bay
Tijuana featuring street scenes and a city

Tijuana

Coronado Beach featuring a beach and tropical scenes as well as a small group of people

Coronado

Clustered rocks in El Cajon, California

El Cajon

Sunset at the Del Mar beach of California

Del Mar

Panorama of Imperial beach pier in San Diego, California

Imperial Beach

La Jolla showing swimming, a sandy beach and general coastal views

La Jolla

Frequently asked questions

Is San Diego worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are loads of great things to do in San Diego. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Diego?
Begin your day with a visit to San Diego Zoo and Mission Bay. Then, explore other parts of San Diego for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Diego?
The top tourist attraction in San Diego is San Diego Zoo, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in San Diego?
You can easily tour popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, Mission Bay and Coronado Beach with a three-day break in San Diego. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and check out San Diego County.
Is San Diego a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Diego is a great destination to tour on foot. Wander between San Diego Zoo and Coronado Beach. Then take a stroll around Downtown San Diego, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Columbia, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in San Diego with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in San Diego with kids.

What to do in San Diego for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in San Diego for adults including Bay City Brewing Co. And Hotel Circle.
Are there free things to do in San Diego?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San Diego is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Mission Bay is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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