Top 15 Most Memorable Things To Do In San Diego, California

This article describes all of the best and most memorable things to do in San Diego, California for vacationers or residents, along with helpful tips and recommendations from a local.

San Diego is one of my favorite cities in the United States. Wondering if you should visit? The answer is yes! I’ve compiled the best 15 things to do in San Diego, California, as written by a local. This list includes all the best cheap things to do in San Diego today! Most of these activities are outdoors and free.

San Diego is located in Southern California and is home to world-class attractions, outdoor recreation, arts, and culture. The county includes the coastal area from the border of Mexico up to the southern borders of Orange, California. San Diego is a wonderful mix of a laid-back surfer town and bustling city, and everything in between.

I have lived in San Diego for some time now, and let me tell you, the weather really is perfect! You can count on sun and 70 degrees Fahrenheit most days, with little rain year-round. The weather, along with its oceanfront location and short drive to the desert and mountains, makes San Diego a fantastic vacation destination and playground for those who love the outdoors. Keep reading to see my comprehensive list of the top 15 things to do while you’re here.

If you need a place to stay, I’ve recommended all the best hotels in San Diego here.

1. Coronado

Coronado is one of my favorite places to spend time at in San Diego. Coronado Island is connected to the city by the iconic Coronado Bridge, which offers stunning views of the city skyline and San Diego Bay as you cross. Coronado Island is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the county, and, of course, the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Walk around Hotel Del Coronado and revel in its architecture. You may recognize some of the scenes from “Some Like It Hot”, a hit from 1959 starring Marilyn Monroe. Consider grabbing a bite to eat or something to drink on their Sun Deck, or rent some beach chairs for the day. If you are in town for the holidays, the Hotel puts up fantastic decorations and a fun ice-skating rink.
• Spend a day (or many) lounging on the expansive 1.75-mile-long beach. Remember to check the water quality before swimming.
• Walk the length of the beach and admire the well-maintained pathway, fancy homes, and sand dunes.
• Stroll downtown for a bite to eat or some homemade ice cream at MooTime Creamery.
• If you take the ferry from downtown San Diego, you get some great bay views on your way to Coronado. Once you arrive at the ferry landing, take a stroll along the water to the Coronado Tidelands Park. The whole stretch offers fantastic city skyline views of San Diego downtown.

2. Downtown San Diego

The actual city of San Diego has a lot to offer, and should not be missed. Here is where you’ll find many activities, restaurants, cultural events, and more. Make sure to try some of the local coffee while here- I have compiled my recommendations in this article. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Waterfront – a beautifully maintained walk along the water, where you’ll see the convention center, the waterfront park, yachts, the Unconditional Surrender statue (pictured above), the USS Midway Museum, the seaport village (shopping and food), and more. If you are here during the summer, make sure to catch the San Diego Symphony at the Rady Shell! One of my favorite restaurants is located here, called Miguel’s Cocina. It is an excellent spot for Mexican food and sunset.
• Gaslamp Quarter – known for its historic gas lamps, this street is filled with restaurants, shopping, and the city’s nightlife scene.
• Little Italy – this is where you will find all of the best Italian restaurants, as well as a lively farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• East Village – home to Petco Park if you want to catch a Padres game.
• Hillcrest – a neighborhood where you will find a vibrant LGBT+ scene and great coffee shops. If you love coffee like me, try out Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.

3. La Jolla

A trip to San Diego is never complete without a visit to La Jolla! This posh neighborhood is known for its ideal location and is a marine wildlife haven. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Say hello to the seals and sea lions! You will almost always find them perched up and around La Jolla Cove and at the Children’s Pool beach.
• Marvel at La Jolla Cove, an idyllic and picturesque cove that has some of the best snorkeling on the West Coast.
• Relax the day away at La Jolla Shores beach. It has equipment rentals, hotels, bathrooms, and even a playground.
• Take a guided paddleboard or kayak tour to explore the sea caves.
• Grab some fresh veggies or some delicious lunch at the farmer’s market, every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.

4. Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach, or PB as known by the locals, is a laid-back surfer beach, complete with a perfectly Pacific pier and striking cliffs above the sand. You’ll find this area to be very youthful, friendly, and filled with nightlife. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Walk along the boardwalk and grab a bite to eat.
• Watch the sunset below the pier.
• Relax on the beach, do some yoga, or join in with the surfers.

5. Balboa Park

Did you know Balboa Park is actually bigger than New York City’s Central Park? Balboa Park is filled with culture, gardens, theaters, 18 museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Visit the California Tower.
• Learn about different cultures at the International Cottages.
• Walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden.
• Take a picture at the Botanical Building.
• Pick a museum to visit that piques your interest.
• Catch the free organ show at Spreckels Organ Pavilion every Sunday at 2 pm.

6. Point Loma and Sunset Cliffs

Although sometimes forgotten, Point Loma is one of the coolest attractions in the area. The entry fee to this National Monument is $20 per car, although you can get in for free if you have a National Park Pass. When the park closes at 5 pm, this is the perfect opportunity to stop at the Sunset Cliffs before you head out for dinner. Watching the sunset at the cliffs is somewhat of a ritual- you’ll find locals and tourists alike gathered here every night to enjoy the sun melting into the ocean. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Check out the Cabrillo National Monument and learn its history.
• Take in the panoramic views of the city, Coronado, and the Pacific Ocean.
• Look for gray whales as they migrate past Point Loma in the winter on their trip from the Arctic to the warm waters of Baja California.
• Go tide-pooling, which is at its best in the winter months.
• Explore the old lighthouse.
• Watch the sun drop perfectly into the ocean as you stand on top of the Sunset Cliffs.

7. Temecula

Halfway through my top 15 most memorable things to do in San Diego, we’re venturing a bit outside of the city. About a one-hour drive from downtown San Diego, Temecula is home to many gorgeous vineyards and has an ideal climate year-round. If you like wine, then I very highly recommend a day trip to Temecula. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Visit a vineyard and enjoy the wine and views. One of my favorites is Altisima Vineyard (pictured above).
• Explore Old Town, grab a bite to eat, and shop around the quaint shops.
• Take a hot air balloon ride to see the valley from above.
• Play a round of golf at one of the courses.
• Taste some olive oil and grab a souvenir for your family back home.

8. Mission Beach

Mission Beach is technically connected to Pacific Beach but is located further south. Bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and Mission Bay to the east, Mission Beach is a popular resort and vacation rental destination. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Have a blast at the Belmont Park theme park.
• Grab a beach chair rental and spend the day relaxing.
• Join in a game of volleyball.
• Walk the boardwalk.

9. SeaWorld San Diego

If you are traveling with kids, then you can’t miss SeaWorld San Diego! This park never fails to be fun for the whole family. To learn more about the rides and animals you will find in the park, check out their website.

10. San Diego Zoo

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is home to more than 14,000 animals! If you like zoos, then this one is a must-see. The zoo is also well known for its conservation efforts and often rates as the top thing to do in San Diego. Here are some of the popular attractions at the zoo:

• Take the aerial tram to get a view from above.
• Consider a bus tour, as the zoo is quite large.
• Say hello to the elephants, gorillas, koalas, polar bears, and more!

11. Take a surf lesson

The first thing I think of when I hear Southern California is “surfing”! There are numerous surf lesson companies located at many of the beaches across San Diego County. You should give it a try while you’re here, it’s a lot of fun! A couple of notable options are included here:

• Located at Coronado Beach – Coronado Surfing Academy.
• Located at La Jolla Shores Beach – Surf Diva.

12. Get out on the water

After spending time admiring the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from the shore, I’m sure you’re eager to get out on the water. I recommend using Viator to pick a tour that interests you. I listed some options below that you can choose from. Of that list, the whale-watching tour is my favorite! You’ll likely see whales, dolphins, and/or sea lions, as well as a beautiful view of the city, Point Loma, and Mexico.

• Whale-watching tour.
• Sunset cruise.
• Seal Boat Tour.
• Dinner cruise.

13. Tijuana

Just a short drive from downtown San Diego you will find yourself at the Mexico border. Exploring the town of Tijuana makes for an excellent day trip, but don’t forget your passport! Please be sure to check Travel.State.Gov for travel advisories before you go to ensure your trip will be safe. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Avenida Revolución – a quintessential street known for its shops, restaurants, and street vendors.
• Mercado Hidalgo – a traditional market that is a great place to try local food and grab some souvenirs.
• Caesar’s Restaurant – the birthplace of the Caesar salad!
• Playas de Tijuana – spend some time at this beautiful Mexican beach.

14. Old Town San Diego

Take a visit to Old Town San Diego to get a taste of what life in California looked like back in the 1800s. This is a great place to go for a casual day of strolling around, shopping, and eating. For all things related to Old Town San Diego, they have an excellent website I’ve linked here. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Indulge in the abundance of delicious Mexican food.
• Check out the haunted Whaley House Museum.
• Learn about San Diego’s history.

15. Torrey Pines

Last but not least on the list of best things to do in San Diego, Torrey Pines is a State Natural Reserve renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, rugged cliffs, expansive ocean views, and Torrey pine trees, which are a rare and protected species. Here’s what to do when you visit:

• Hike around the park. Some popular trails are the Beach Trail and Razor Point Trail.
• Play a round at the Torrey Pines Golf Course.
• I highly recommend stopping by the Torrey Pines Glider Port for a delicious and cheap lunch. Watch the gliders soar over the cliffside as you listen to their live music on Saturdays between May and September from 1 pm to 4 pm.
• Consider a trip to Black’s Beach below the cliffs for a relaxing and private beach day.

Map of the top 15 best things to do in San Diego

For your convenience, I’ve included a map of all of the activities and places included in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion – Most Memorable Things To Do In San Diego, California

There are truly so many amazing things to do in San Diego that make it well worth visiting. It’s a total haven for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers, and the best part is most of the things to do are out in nature, meaning they are completely free!

If you’ve exhausted this list already and are looking for some add-ons, there are plenty of incredible day trips nearby you can take. Consider a trip up to Los Angeles to see Hollywood, over to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for some desert stargazing, up to Carlsbad to see Legoland, or to a relaxing poolside stay in Palm Springs!

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be for informational purposes only and may contain affiliate links. Refer to the full disclaimer for more information.

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