While San Francisco is my favorite city in the US, San Diego is definitely the most ideal city. Okay, okay, I might be a bit biased since it’s my birth city. However, very scientific research -aka every single person I know that’s visited San Diego- proves that once you visit San Diego, it’s likely you’ll never want to leave!
The weather is perfect and San Diego provides fish tacos, authentic Mexican food, and rooftop brunches in abundance. Although the city is quite spread out, you are never too far from the salt water and ocean breeze of the Pacific Ocean.
While it may seem quite overwhelming to plan a visit to a city that is spread out with a variety of things to do, no need to worry because lucky for you, I have my list of the top 10 Things to Do in San Diego!
Don’t forget to read my Things to Know Before Visiting San Diego. Check out things to do in San Diego this weekend for customized events happening during YOUR trip.
Balboa Park
San Diego’s urban cultural park, Balboa Park, is home to renowned museums, theaters, and galleries. A few of my favorites are the San Diego Air and Space Museum, Fleet Science Center, San Diego Art Institute, and Japanese Garden. Check out Balboa Park for a full list of museums, gardens, and other attractions.
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a charming waterfront area offering over 50 boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. A great place to grab souvenirs, a bite to eat, stroll through the outdoor village, and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
San Diego is a huge military city with many bases and affiliated sites, especially around the San Diego Bay. Visit the USS Midway Museum, the longest-serving American aircraft carrier. It’s now a historical relic offering visitors a self-guided audio tour. View sleeping quarters, control rooms, engine rooms, the jail, and a primary flight deck with restored aircraft aboard. Aircrafts included are from the Korean War, World War II, and Desert Storm.
San Diego Zoo
The world-famous San Diego Zoo is voted as the #1 zoo on the planet! It’s easy to see why with more than 3,500 different animals and 650 unique species. Spread out over 100 acres, it’s a full-day adventure and you’ll need a lot of energy. When your feet get tired, jump on the bus for a 35-minute guided tour or take the Skyfari aerial tram to see the park from a birds-eye view.
Drive 30 miles north to keep the animal adventures going at the Safari Park in Escondido.
Coronado Island
Cross over the famous Coronado bridge to San Diego’s resort island. Visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Enjoy any of their 8 dining options, stay for happy hour cocktails, and watch the sunset beachfront.
Hotel Del also offers great beachfront yoga and spin classes for $25 to non-resort guests. Check out their full fitness schedule here.
La Jolla
La Jolla is located in northern San Diego along the coast and is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Southern California. It’s worthy of a day trip!
Downtown La Jolla, east of Prospect, offers high-end boutiques, cafes, galleries, and restaurants with rooftop views of the Pacific. Head west to the beach to check out La Jolla Cove, the Children’s Pool Beach, and California’s Sea Cave.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove offers a wealth of marine life from seals, leopard sharks, spiny lobsters, mussels, crabs, octopuses, and an array of fish. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the perfect place to snorkel, scuba dive, or even rent a kayak. Rather stay on land? La Jolla offers over 5 miles of coastline for tide pooling. California has 2 high tides and 2 low tides per day. This provides even more opportunities to see hermit crabs, sea anemones, sea stars, sea hares, Spanish shawl, barnacles, and octopuses. When tide pooling it’s best to remember this:
Take pictures and leave footprints
The Children’s Pool Beach
The Children’s Pool Beach was originally built in the 30’s. A seawall was created to provide a calmer area for children to swim. What they didn’t realize is that these calmer waters would also be a wildlife phenomenon. Now, this beach is mostly blocked off from visitors besides a section of the beach and the guarded seawall. This provides visitors an area to observe the seals from a safe distance allowing seals to bask in the sun, play in the water, and give birth to their pups.
While it’s encouraged to bring binoculars and watch the seals, please be mindful of the signs and flags up. This is not for your safety but mainly for the seals’ protection; if humans get too close they could scare the mother seals resulting in them leaving their pups. ☹️
Sea Cave
The only Sea Cave accessible by land in California is located right here in La Jolla. With a small admission ($5 for adults, $3 for children) enter through the stairs in the Cave Store. The Cave store is located at 1325 Coast Blvd. Journey down 145 slippery steps through a dark tunnel to the ocean!
Fun fact: the sea cave was used to smuggle alcohol during the prohibition 🍻 Cheers!
Old Town San Diego
Widely considered the “birthplace of California”, Old Town takes you down memory lane. The mile-long stretch of restored houses and shops are situated on the grounds of the first European settlement in California. The town’s Mexican heritage is preserved through the various restaurants. Dishing out authentic Mexican food and shops selling handcrafted items from Mexico and other Latin countries.
A few key sights to see here are the Whaley House, Heritage Park, and Junípero Serra Museum.
Torrey Pines
Explore the lush 2,000-acre beachfront of Torrey Pines. Winding trails along the native Torrey Pines and sandstone canyons, wildlife (including rattlesnakes), and a good workout! 8-miles of trails provide variety for everyone in your group from easy to moderate distances. With Torrey State Beach just a steep walk down the cliffs, it provides the perfect beach walk to end your hike.
Torrey Pines State Reserve is open 7-am to sunset. There are no places to buy food or drinks, so bring plenty of water and snacks. Parking ranges from $10-20 per car depending on the day and season; lots are located at the base of the reserve and top of the mesa.
Cabrillo National Monument
Located at the southern point of Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument not only provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean but is home to the statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo as well as the Point Loma naval base. The monument represents the first European explorer to navigate the Californian coast. A ranger-guided tour is available for history buffs but check the schedule upon arriving.
Take a walk down Cabrillo Road to experience the Point Loma Tide Pools.
Sunset Cliffs
Head north 10 minutes to Sunset Cliffs to hike along the Pacific Ocean bluffs. The 1.5-mile dramatic sandstone cliffs, crashing waves below, and breathtaking ocean vistas make for an unforgettable California sunset.
As the name implies, sunset is the most popular time to visit, so to avoid the crowds try to plan a mid-week visit. It can get cold quite quickly with the open ocean breeze as the sun sets, so don’t forget to pack a sweater. If you’re up for an adventure and have your walking shoes on, there are a few secluded beaches you can access by traversing down the rocky bluffs. One of the best local spots is off of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard starting at Cordova Street.
Petco Park
Root for the home team at one of the top baseball stadiums in the country; Petco Park is home to the San Diego Padres. Petco Park sits parallel to the Gaslamp District and baseball goers can enjoy the San Diego skyline between innings.
In true SoCal fashion, Petco Park lives up to that Cali stereotype. With light sandstone exterior, decorative palm trees, kale quinoa salads, and fish tacos! Don’t worry- hot dogs and hamburgers are available, too for those less adventurous tastebuds 😉
Hit the Foodie Scene
There’s nothing like eating your way through San Diego.
George’s at the Cove: La Jolla
Famer’s Table: Little Italy
Morning Glory: Little Italy
Old Town Mexican Cafe: Old Town
Cafe Coyote: Old Town
The Rooftop by STK at the Hyatt: Gaslamp
Searsucker: Gaslamp
Crushed: Pacific Beach
South Beach Bar & Grille: Ocean Beach
Kous Kous Moroccan Bistro: Hillcrest
Beach + Taco Shack: Coronado Island
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse: Harbor Island
Murrieta’s Mexican Restaurant: Bonita
Do you need help planning your next trip? Contact me here! Did I miss your favorite thing to see, do, or eat in San Diego? Let me know in the comments below! Make sure you’ve subscribed to receive future city and weekend guides like this one.
