Things to do in Central San Diego

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Central San Diego Travel Guide

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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What to do in Central San Diego

Discover the most popular places to visit in Central San Diego

San Diego Zoo

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

Balboa Park

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

Hotel Circle

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? Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Finally made it here, too bad they lost...

Snapdragon Stadium

Catch an event at Snapdragon Stadium during your trip to San Diego. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Fashion Valley Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Fashion Valley Mall during your stay in San Diego. Take in the fascinating museums and beautiful sunsets in this walkable area.

Westfield UTC

You can do some window-shopping at Westfield UTC during your stay in San Diego. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

San Diego Natural History Museum

From ancient artifacts to rare gemstones to stunning artwork, learn about the natural world, past and present, in Balboa Park’s exceptional museum.

Convoy District

After visiting Convoy District, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in San Diego. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Let your imagination take flight with a simulated trip to the moon or a browse through exhibits dedicated to flying machines.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central San Diego

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bankers Hill

If you're spending some time in Bankers Hill, Mo'olelo Performing Arts Company and Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden are top sights worth seeing.