San Diego embodies the Southern California lifestyle in many ways, with a relaxed, low-key vibe that's unique among major American cities. Here you’ll find miles of sandy beaches and imposing headlands, fantastic restaurants and lively bars, and the oldest Spanish settlement in modern-day California, now simply known as San Diego’s Old Town. Many of the best things to do in San Diego are centered around sprawling Balboa Park, from the anthropology-focused Museum of Man to the globally celebrated San Diego Zoo. And for optimal exploring, San Diego tours include everything from trolley excursions to harbor cruises.
Here, get your guide to San Diego’s best attractions, tours, and more.
There are things to do in San Diego all year-round. Here, the weather is generally warm and the sun most likely will be shining. Its cool season is December–March, but even then temps are mild. Summer and school winter holidays bring more tourists, especially at the beaches. To avoid the rush, visit in the spring or fall.
Downtown San Diego and surrounds have a convenient trolley system that connects to the city's bus system. That said, San Diego is a sprawling city, so the most convenient way to get around is usually via car. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft and e-scooter rentals are options, too. The Coaster commuter rail service is a public transit mainstay, with eight stops between San Diego to Oceanside.
Embrace the water when visiting San Diego. You can take a sailboat on the San Diego Bay, go on a kayak tour, or ride a sea bike in Mission Bay or La Jolla Cove. You can also spot maritime highlights like the Star of India, or surf just about anywhere along the coast. Remember, the water is chilly, with average summer temps of about 67°F (19°C). Reward yourself with SoCal specialties like fish tacos and margaritas.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PST (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 65 | Tours 426 | Reviews 33,057 |
A Viator account manager, California native, and La Jolla resident, Sasha can be found enjoying the sunshine, petting dogs, and seeking out the tastiest acai bowl San Diego has to offer.
rent a car. You’ll need a set of wheels to explore the multitude of diverse neighborhoods in San Diego and try the fish tacos each has to offer.
starts with a hike around Torrey Pines State Reserve, where you can enjoy views of the Pacific, the golf course, and the gliderport. Cap off your day with carbonara at Barbusa in Little Italy.
Coronado Island. Grab brunch at Parakeet Cafe and wander through the whimsical and historical Hotel del Coronado. Don’t be surprised if you witness a beachfront wedding or proposal!
walk along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. Jump in a game of volleyball, take a dip, grab a bite, or simply people-watch. You’ll find a harmonious collection of locals, tourists, college students, roller skaters, and more.
most people would say a rooftop in the Gaslamp District, but try Point Loma Lighthouse in Cabrillo National Monument instead. Explore the tide pools below if you visit during low tide.
is assuming everyone surfs. On any given day, you’ll get your fair share of sandy folks out riding tubes, but it’s by no means a prerequisite for visiting or living in the area.
Soak up San Diego’s famous sunshine with a day swimming or surfing at one of the city’s many beaches. Get a dose of culture at a Balboa Park museums and take the kids to the San Diego Zoo. You can also explore Spanish history in Old Town, or enjoy the diverse nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter.
...MoreOne popular day trip from San Diego is taking a ferry across San Diego Bay to charming Coronado Island. Another is driving to the posh seaside village of La Jolla. And it's a quick trip to the historic missions of San Juan Capistrano and theme parks like LEGOLAND® and Disneyland®.
...MoreSan Diego is best known for its world-class beaches and warm, sunny weather. The most popular things to do in San Diego include visiting Balboa Park and Old Town. The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the famous San Diego Zoo are also essentials. The city is additionally known for sports teams like the Padres, who play at Petco Park.
...MoreSan Diego’s can’t-miss sights include beautiful Balboa Park and Ocean Beach. Then there are harborside attractions like the USS Midway Museum. It’s worth taking a ferry to historic Coronado Island, or planning a night of grown-up fun in the trendy Gaslamp Quarter.
...MoreYes. San Diego is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US for good reason. Miles of sandy beaches and nearly perfect weather year-round make it ideal for outdoor fun, including whale watching. There’s plenty of culture, too, from Old Town’s historic Spanish missions to the museums of Balboa Park.
...MoreThe best things to do in San Diego typically occur outdoors. Top activities include surfing at Mission Beach, tide pooling at Silver Strand, or hiking at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Find locally loved restaurants in Little Italy or Liberty Station at Point Loma, and go shopping in Seaport Village.
...MoreIf you have 3 days to explore San Diego, spend your first day learning about California history. Head to Old Town, and getting cultured at Balboa Park’s museums. You should also dedicate a day to riding the ferry to Coronado Island (and spotting landmarks like the Hotel del Coronado) or driving down the coast to La Jolla. Finish with a day at the beach.
...MoreSan Diego might be most famous for being a laid-back surf spot, but the city actually harbors a rich history. Get a guide to transport you between natural and cultural highlights, and uncover information that you might otherwise have missed as you explore hidden corners of the Spanish-inspired Old Town.
...More
