California's third-largest city, San Diego is brimming with art, culture, culinary prowess, entertainment, and natural beauty. But it also boasts one thing that has long drawn visitors: It has perhaps the best weather in the United States‚ with typically more than 260 sunny days a year.
It’s easy to create a full vacation in this Southern California city. From world-class museums to theme parks to beaches, the top things to do in San Diego stretch across the county, from downtown to the inland communities and up the scenic coastline. Whether you want to try surfing, take the kids to theme parks, or do your own craft beer–tasting tour, you have plenty of options, all paired with lovely weather and views. Here are the top ways to start your trip.
1. Soak up the Sun at a Local Beach.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: There are 70 miles of coastline in San Diego County, with beautiful beaches, ample waves for water sports, and some of the most epic ocean sunsets you'll ever see.
Since you're never far from a beach in San Diego County, you have your choice of settings, depending on what activities or vibe you are seeking.
If you're looking for the party crowd, head to Pacific Beach. Park yourself near Crystal Pier, where you’re also mere steps from a variety of trendy waterfront and rooftop bars that line the beach boardwalk. (No drinking on the beach though—it’s against the law.) For a more family-friendly feel, head to Mission Beach, which also has easy access to Belmont Park’s roller coaster and carnival rides. There's also Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, with easily accessible amenities for families including restrooms, bonfire pits, a playground, and a snack bar. If you want kid-friendly with a dash of Old Hollywood glam, take your entourage to Coronado Beach, with nice surf waves and the historic Hotel del Coronado in the background.
Looking for a beach to take your pup? Check out Del Mar's famous Dog Beach. As the name suggests, dogs are more than welcome to roll in the sand and frolic in the waves. They can even try water sports like surfing and paddleboarding. If you're a surfer or a water sports enthusiast, take yourself to Tourmaline Surf Park, La Jolla Shores, Windansea Beach or Black's Beach to catch some epic waves and meet other surfers. If you're seeking seclusion, spread out your blanket at La Jolla Cove, where you can take a dip or go for a leisurely kayak excursion.
2. Spend a Day Wandering Through Balboa Park.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: This sprawling, 1,200-acre urban park is home to so many San Diego attractions, you could easily spend your whole vacation here and have no regrets.
The epicenter of San Diego's green space and cultural institutions, Balboa Park has 18 museums, 65 miles of trails, and the renowned San Diego Zoo, which is home to almost 4,000 creatures, from orangutans to anacondas.
There's a museum here for everyone, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Theater and movie buffs will delight in some time spent at the Old Globe Theatre, where visitors can take in an outdoor, film, play or concert—and if you're there in the summer, you won't want to miss the annual Shakespeare Festival.
Balboa Park offers a multitude of picture-perfect opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and bicycling, too. Check out the more than 130 varieties of roses at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Gardenand the gorgeous koi pond at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Watch butterflies flit around at Zoro Garden (fun fact: it's a former nudist colony) or soak up some shade under one of the 450 trees in the Palm Canyon. Then, check out one of Balboa Park’s iconic landmarks, the California Tower, a showstopper of different architectural styles built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
3. Go Out for a Night on the Town.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: San Diego is as vibrant at night as it is during its signature sunny days. From the Gaslamp Quarter to Pacific Beach, America's Finest City has a wide variety of waterfront lounges, rooftop bars, open-air dance clubs, and nightlife experiences. Whether you're in the mood for a rowdy bar, a fancy cocktail, or a turn on the dance floor, you'll find a venue in San Diego's neighborhoods.
One of the hottest areas for nightlife is the historic 16-block Gaslamp Quarter, located downtown. For a creative cocktail on a rooftop, start with The Nolen, and for a more uniquely themed bar hop, don't miss Trailer Park After Dark, where customers can hang out in vintage trailers and slurp Jell-O shots served on TV trays. If you're feeling competitive, play the night away at the adults-only arcade Coin-Op Game Room. If you want a little bit of everything, head to The Tipsy Crow, where the three-floor layout blends a bar, a lounge, and a dance club.
About 15 minutes north of downtown, Pacific Beach (known just as “PB” to locals) is another hot spot, where most bars and clubs are within steps of the beach and boardwalk. The popular Maverick's Beach Club boasts five indoor/outdoor bars, while PB Avenue gets the crowd going with house music all night and Thrusters Lounge draws dive bar enthusiasts. If you're seeking a calmer vibe, stop by the oceanfront Waterbar or catch a sunset at El Prez Beach Bar & Cocina.
You can also join a San Diego Nightlife tour that takes you through a lineup of bars and clubs in both the Gaslamp Quarter and Pacific Beach.
4. Go for a Coastal Hike.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: Natural wonders abound for adventure-seekers and casual hikers alike in the county's plethora of oceanside state and local parks.
With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego County offers lots of hikes with incredible ocean views.
Head down to Point Loma's northwestern edge, where you'll find Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Set along a jagged stretch of sandstone cliffs, it's embedded with sea caves and secret beaches. As the name suggests, this is an epic spot to watch the sun set over the ocean. (Find more amazing San Diego sunset spots here.)
While you're on the Point Loma peninsula, make your way south to the Cabrillo National Monument, where you can pick up the 2.2-mile Bayside Trail. It follows the curve of the peninsula around to face the San Diego Bay, where you can take in Instagram-worthy views of Coronado and downtown San Diego—and possibly catch views of the distant Cuyamaca Mountains.
Venture north to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for another super-scenic hike. Named for the Torrey pine, a rare and endangered species of tree found almost exclusively in San Diego County, this state park has miles of hiking trails across a beachy landscape of sagebrush, ragged cliffs, and otherworldly sandstone canyons.
5. Catch a Game.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: World-class sporting events plus perfect weather is always a win.
The San Diego Padres are the main draw for sports fans in San Diego, as the only big-league team in the region. Their home field at Petco Park is consistently lauded as one of the best Major League Baseball parks in the country (for one thing, its concession stands feature a greatest-hits assortment of San Diego restaurants and breweries).
There are no bad seats in the stadium, but be sure to venture over to the green space at the stadium’s Gallagher Square to catch a unique view from center field. If you're thirsty, head to left field and the Western Metal Supply Building's roof deck bar. The stadium was built around the landmark 115-year-old building in 2004, offering great views of the game and giving Petco a historic feel.
The Padres aren’t the only game in town, either. You can catch the San Diego Loyal PC play soccer at Snapdragon Stadium, or head to Pechanga Arena in Point Loma to watch the San Diego Sockersindoor soccer or minor league hockey team San Diego Gulls. If you're in town during the summer or fall, you can also head up to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to take in some thoroughbred racing at one of the world's most famous racetracks.
6. Go on a Brewery Tour.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: The craft beer scene in San Diego is one of the best in the nation, with brewers all over the county producing award-winning pints.
With more than 100 breweries throughout the county, it's not hard for both beer snobs and casual drinkers alike to find a good pint. Classic IPAs and extra hoppy flavors are what the region is known for, but San Diego brewers also aren't afraid to be innovative and experimental with their concoctions. Depending on when you're in town, you might be able to try brews flavored with watermelon, chai, or even Mexican chocolate and peanut-butter.
Start with an award-winning IPA at Ballast Point Brewing Company in Miramar or Little Italy, or go for the barrel-aged stout at San Diego's largest tasting room at AleSmith Brewing (careful though, it's strong). Venture out to Point Loma where you can find 36 beers on tap and a meal to go with it at Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens at Liberty Station. Stone Brewing is consistently rated one of the best in the nation by beer enthusiasts. And don't miss Karl Strauss Brewing Company, which is credited with initiating the craft beer movement in San Diego when it launched in 1989.
If you want to go beyond sipping and get a first-hand look at how the magic is brewed, many breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours of their facilities, and chances to meet the brewers themselves.
7. Visit a Museum.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: Art, science, and creativity are on display in more than 90 museums and galleries throughout San Diego County.
In Balboa Park alone, there are 18 museum and cultural centers. In addition to the ones mentioned above, you can take in indigenous art at Centro Cultural de la Raza or folk art at the Mingei International Museum. Delight your inner nerd at the Comic Con Museum, marvel at the photos and graphic art at the Museum of Photographic Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego, or explore locomotive history at both the San Diego Automotive Museum and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.
If you can't pick just one, consider purchasing an Explorer's Pass, which covers admission to most of the museums, as well as discounts on special events and exhibitions.
The museum fun doesn't stop at the borders of Balboa Park. Over in Old Town San Diego, you can step back into city history at the (possibly haunted) Whaley House. Take the kids to the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido, or downtown’s New Children's Museum, where they can enjoy hands-on, educational fun. For the naval history buffs, head to the Embarcadero for both the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
8. Hit the Theme Parks.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: From SeaWorld San Diego to LEGOLAND California to Sesame Place San Diego, the county’s theme parks are a top destination for families and fans of pop culture.
Lovers of LEGO will delight in a trip to LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, which features classic rides as well as 30,000 LEGO models in the shape of everything from your favorite Star Wars characters to a mini version of the Golden Gate Bridge.
San Diego is home to the original SeaWorld too. The 200-acre park in Mission Bay features thousands of sea creatures, from majestic sea turtles to charming penguins to enormous beluga whales. The park has also become a hotbed for roller coaster fans, with thrillers like the Emperor.
Head over to Chula Vista’s Sesame Place San Diego to experience a life-sized version of the famous neighborhood from the award-winning children's television program. It's also designated a Certified Autism Center that offers sensory guides and trained staff to help guests with special needs enjoy the park.
If you're looking for a smaller theme-park experience, go to Belmont Park in Mission Bay, where you can ride the old-school Giant Dipper roller coaster and more than a dozen other carnival rides, including a tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars, and a carousel. You can also race go-karts, play laser tag, climb a rock wall, and catch a great view of Mission Bay from a zip line.
Whichever theme parks you visit, don't forget sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and be sure to dress in a few light layers, since mid-day in San Diego can be much warmer than late afternoon. For tips on budgeting your day, check out this page on how to save money at California theme parks.
9. Spend an Afternoon at Liberty Station.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: This trendy arts and culinary complex, located in a former naval training facility in Point Loma, offers food, drink, and shopping destinations that appeal to both visitors and locals.
Come hungry to Liberty Station—this is a great place to sample San Diego’s foodie scene. Start at Liberty Public Market, a food hall with more than 30 food and beverage vendors. Think fish tacos, fried oyster po-boys, empanadas drenched in chimichurri sauce, squid ink pasta, artisanal cheeses, French crème puffs, and more. Don't forget to sample some local craft brews, wines, and cocktails as you stroll (the Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens is next door). Time your visit for happy hour if you can, when most vendors offer a food or drink special.
Liberty Station is also home to a variety of art galleries and museums. Check out the San Diego Comic Art Gallery, The Women's Museum of California, and the New Americans Museum, or the Visions Museum of Textile Art, where you can check out an impressive collection of contemporary quilts.
Head over to Liberty Station’s Arts District to see the work of local artists and artisans, including jewelry makers and designers. Take your time as you walk through—historic buildings and art installations abound throughout this district, including a rotating selection of public art.
10. Hop the Ferry to Coronado.
Why it’s a top thing to do in San Diego: Coronado a postcard-perfect island with some major old Hollywood vibes just across the San Diego Bay. Between the pristine beaches, water sports, restaurants, posh lodgings, and charming shops, Coronado makes for a lovely family day trip or a relaxing getaway.
You can always drive across the bridge to Coronado, but taking the Coronado Ferry is extra fun. The ferry runs to the Coronado Ferry Landing from two locations in downtown San Diego, and is about a 15-minute ride each way (for $7, or $14 round trip). The two routes run daily every hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Once you arrive in Coronado, you can hop off right at the ferry to start exploring the boutiques, wine bars, and coffee shops at the landing. Or, grab a bit to eat and take in the magnificent views of the bay and city skyline from one of the waterfront restaurants, like Peohe's, Costa Azul, or Il Fornaio.
No trip to Coronado would be complete without a visit to the beach. There's a small one next to the ferry landing if you're short on time, but the most iconic stretch of sand is Coronado Beach, with the famous Hotel del Coronado in the backdrop. The hotel, which opened in 1888, is a National Historic Landmark and has played host to everyone from Marilyn Monroe to U.S. presidents.
Plan Your Trip to San Diego
These top 10 things to do are just the beginning of a great San Diego vacation. Check out more components for a trip, such as the best beaches, great paddleboarding, excellent boutique hotels, and the craft beer scene. Another great way to experience San Diego is to see it by boat: Go for a sightseeing tour, or try whale watching, especially if you're there from December to March.
Of course, no one knows San Diego better than the people who live there. Check out some San Diego insider secrets to fill out your trip.
