Things to do in San Diego

Activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do

LEGOLAND® California Resort

LEGOLAND® California Tickets

€79
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® California Tickets
Whaley House Museum Day Tour

Whaley House Museum Day Tour

€13
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Whaley House Museum Day Tour
Discover San Diego Guided Walking Tour

Discover San Diego: Self-Guided Walking Tour

€1
per adult
Discover San Diego: Self-Guided Walking Tour
San Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury Vessel

San Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury Vessel

€66
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury Vessel
San Diego City Lights Night Tour

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

€38
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Diego City Lights Night Tour
San Diego: Luggage Storage in Marina

San Diego: Luggage Storage in Marina

€10
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
San Diego: Luggage Storage in Marina
San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Tour

City Cruises San Diego: Best of the Bay Harbor Tour

€28
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
City Cruises San Diego: Best of the Bay Harbor Tour
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Top places to visit

1. San Diego Zoo

An incredible five million visitors come to San Diego Zoo every single year to admire the 4,000 animals – including some 650 different species – who live on this 40-hectare site. The animals are held in open-air enclosures, which seek to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible.
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2. Mission Bay

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.
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3. SeaWorld

Located in Mission Beach, SeaWorld® was founded in 1964 to great popular acclaim and it remains a family favourite to this day. One of the most appealing aspects of the park is the interactive dimension to many of the exhibits. There are a number of tanks which allow you to touch and feel some of the resident mammals, and to feed them too. You can even direct the performing bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Point. Alternatively, arrange getting into the water with the magnificent beluga whales for a fantastic experience.
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4. Mission Beach

The seaside resort of Mission Beach first started to attract holiday-makers during the 1920s, when many of its beach-front homes were built. This busy, wealthy village has grown in popularity ever since, but has managed to retain its warm, period atmosphere. Admire the sea rolling in as you stroll along the busy boardwalk which follows the length of the beach. You’ll always find plenty of buskers, street acrobats and other artists plying their trade here, and it's also a popular spot with roller-bladers.
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5. Petco Park

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.
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6. Balboa Park

Spread across 486 hectares of parkland, the sprawling Balboa Park offers a fantastic array of walking and cycling routes and green spaces as well as a celebrated zoo. It also houses several art galleries and museums, alongside a number of theatres and eateries.
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7. USS Midway Museum

The Aircraft Carrier Museum is a decommissioned U.S. navy vessel, the Midway, which was in active use for 46 years from its first sailing in 1945. It was converted into a museum in 2004 to give the public an insight into how the armed forces operate on the high seas.
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What to do in San Diego

Stay near popular San Diego attractions

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San Diego Zoo

9.2/10 (15,439 reviews)
Home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals across 100 acres of immersive habitats. Explore the African Rocks exhibit or join a guided tour to witness the zoo's pioneering conservation work.
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Where to stay in San Diego

Find the best San Diego areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Diego
Learn more about San Diego
A theater marquee with ornate designs and the name "Gaslamp Quarter".

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Spreckels Theater – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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Pacific Beach

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

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Mission Valley

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

A street with a 'Little Italy' sign, parked cars, and buildings with Italian flags.

Little Italy

Visitors to Little Italy love its captivating waterfront views, and you can check out Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

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Mission Beach

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

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Tijuana

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Coronado

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El Cajon

A beach with people, palm trees, and houses along the coastline.

Del Mar

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Imperial Beach

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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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