What to do in San Diego, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
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Top places to visit

1. San Diego Zoo

Prepare to be amazed and enchanted by the diversity of animal life on display at San Diego Zoo, which welcomes 5 million visitors a year. The 100-acre (40-hectare) site is home to around 4,000 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies. Most exhibits are open air, and designed to be as close to the natural habitats of the animals they house as possible.
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San Diego Zoo featuring zoo animals

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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Mission Bay which includes a sandy beach

3. SeaWorld

SeaWorld® San Diego, located in trendy Mission Beach, has been pleasing crowds ever since it opened in 1964 and is a must for anyone traveling with children. Kids and adults alike flock to the many exhibits offering opportunities to interact with marine animals. Touch, feed and give training signals to the performing bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Point. With prearranged permission, you can even don a wetsuit and jump into the water with the majestic beluga whales.
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beautiful creatures

4. Balboa Park

This is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and one of the most diverse in the world. You could spend a week exploring its 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of walking trails and gardens, museums and galleries, theaters, restaurants, and world-famous zoo. This wealth of year-round entertainment makes it a popular location for both locals and tourists.
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Balboa Park which includes a pond

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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Petco Park

6. Mission Beach

People have been coming to Mission Beach to top up their tans since the 1920s, when the first holiday homes were built along its shores. Development increased in the 1960s and today this is a thriving, affluent oceanfront suburb. Thankfully, though, it hasn’t lost its old-fashioned charm. Stroll along the boardwalk that runs the length of the beach and enjoy the relaxed, carnival atmosphere courtesy of street performers, roller bladers and skateboarders, and the occasional artist selling jewelry or other crafts.
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Mission Beach showing a bay or harbour, landscape views and general coastal views

What to do in San Diego

Popular places to visit

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

San Diego Zoo

4.5/5(47 reviews)

See nature up-close and personal at one of the country’s largest and most educational zoos.

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 acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices.

San Diego Convention Center
Mission Bay featuring a 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
SeaWorld

SeaWorld

4/5(14 reviews)

Animal interaction, entertaining rides and informative exhibits are all on offer at this family favorite destination.

SeaWorld
Balboa Park

Balboa Park

4.5/5(80 reviews)

Culture and nature converge in this diverse park located in the heart of the city.

Balboa Park
Port of San Diego

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
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
Hotel Circle

Hotel Circle

3.5/5(7 reviews)

Hotel Circle is just one of the places to see in San Diego, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Hotel Circle
Mission Beach

Mission Beach

4.5/5(61 reviews)

A favorite vacation spot for 100 years, this seaside village combines old-fashioned charm with modern amenities.

Mission Beach

Explore areas of San Diego

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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
Gaslamp Quarter featuring a bar, night scenes and street scenes

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
Pacific Beach Park showing 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
Belmont Park featuring a park and rides

Mission Beach

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

Mission Beach
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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 Dog Beach and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

Ocean Beach
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Point Loma

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

Seaside views a bustling port and top sights from Shelter Island to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – discover Point Loma, a destination also famous for its island views.

Point Loma

Day trip destinations from San Diego

Tijuana featuring a city and street scenes

Tijuana

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

Coronado

El Cajon

El Cajon

Photo by trenton.badillo

Poway

Del Mar

Del Mar

Escondido

Escondido

Photo by Elizabeth Bagnas

Imperial Beach

La Jolla which includes general coastal views, a beach and swimming

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.