Things to do in Central San Diego

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Balboa Park featuring aircraft and interior views
Balboa Park featuring interior views and a city
Balboa Park featuring military items and interior views
Balboa Park showing landscape views, rides and a garden
San Diego Museum of Art featuring art and interior views

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Most popular activities in Central San Diego

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What to do in Central San Diego


Discover the most popular places to visit in Central San Diego

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central San Diego

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Mission Valley

4/5(4,999 area reviews)

Boasting major shopping malls like Fashion Valley Mall and Westfield Mission Valley, this area offers entertainment and historic sites such as Mission San Diego de Alcalá and Presidio Park. Easily accessible via the San Diego Trolley system's Green Line.

Mission Valley
Old Town San Diego State Park showing signage

Old Town San Diego

4.5/5(877 area reviews)

The ample dining options and beautiful seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Town San Diego. A stop by Old Town San Diego State Park or Whaley House Museum might round out your trip.

Old Town San Diego
Try the tamale eggs Benedict!

North Park

4/5(78 area reviews)

North Park is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Natural History Museum.

North Park
Loads of Loafs

Hillcrest

3.5/5(53 area reviews)

Visitors to Hillcrest enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Marston House is worth a stop.

Hillcrest
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Clairemont

4/5(512 area reviews)

Restaurants, beaches, and shopping are some highlights of Clairemont. You might stop by Mission Bay or Fashion Valley Mall while you're in the area.

Clairemont
Where it all started!

Founded in 1996 by Jack White in San Diego, California. Ballast Point Brewing Co. started in the back of Home Brew Mart, a homebrew supply store White founded in 1992. As of 2015, it was the second largest brewer in San Diego County and the 17th largest brewery in the country based on sales volume. 

Ballast Point is also the first microdistillery in San Diego since Prohibition. They currently produce 14 spirits: Old Grove Gin, Old Grove Barrel Rested Gin, Three Sheets White Rum, Three Sheets Barrel-Aged Rum, Three Sheets Spiced Rum, Opha Herbal Liqueur, Fugu Vodka, four flavored Fugu Vodkas

Miramar

4/5(168 area reviews)

Restaurants, beaches, and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Miramar. Make a stop by Marine Corps Air Station Miramar while you're exploring.

Miramar

Popular day trips from Central San Diego