Things to do in San Diego

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Ocean Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Ocean Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Japanese Friendship Garden which includes a park
San Diego which includes swimming and a sunset as well as a small group of people
Balboa Park which includes a pond
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San Diego must see attractions

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 which includes 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. 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 which includes a bay or harbor, a beach and landscape views

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. 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

7. USS Midway Museum

Climb aboard the USS Midway and stand on a colossus of U.S. military history. Before its reincarnation as a museum in 2004, this was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, in operation from September 1945 right up until Desert Storm in 1991. Today, the 972-foot (296-meter) craft is home to over 60 exhibits and welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year.
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Mighty USS Midway - an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, the lead ship of its class. Commissioned a week after the end of World War II it is now a museum ship

What to do in San Diego

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Diego

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

San Diego Zoo

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

During your trip, find out what's happening at San Diego Convention Center, a top convention center in San Diego. Experience the area's entertainment choices and fascinating museums.

San Diego Convention Center
Bayside Skyride at Sea World, San Diego, CA

SeaWorld

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

SeaWorld
Mission Bay featuring a sandy beach

Mission Bay

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
Mission Beach featuring tropical scenes, street scenes and a beach

Mission Beach

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

Mission Beach
Petco Park

Petco Park

Purchase a hot dog and watch the San Diego Padres, California’s southernmost Major League Baseball team, play on their home field.

Petco Park
Disney Wonder Cruise Ship. Halloween on the High Seas. #lifeatexpedia #golden

Port of San Diego

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
Balboa Park which includes a pond

Balboa Park

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

Balboa Park
USS Midway Museum which includes military items

USS Midway Museum

Experience the thrills and hardships of Navy life at this waterfront museum which has become a San Diego landmark.

USS Midway Museum

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Diego

US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(8,497 area reviews)

Cultural and financial hub, Downtown San Diego boasts the Symphony, Opera, theaters, museums, and historic sites like Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy diverse shops, dining, nightlife, and convenient public transport options.

Downtown San Diego
Pacific Beach Park showing a beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(1,422 area reviews)

Boasting a lively nightlife scene, Pacific Beach offers miles of sandy shores, a bustling 3.2-mile boardwalk, and attractions like Crystal Pier and Kate Sessions Park. Enjoy local shops, bars, and eateries along the vibrant walkway.

Pacific Beach
Fun facts: ✔️San Diego imports 168 million gallons of water a day. ✔️San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States. #LifeAtExpedia #HitTheBeach #JulyTheme

Mission Beach

Spanning nearly two miles of oceanfront, this sandbar community offers sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball, with nearby attractions like Belmont Park's Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and SeaWorld in Mission Bay Park.

Mission Beach
Gaslamp Quarter showing signage, night scenes and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown San Diego's historic district boasts Victorian-era buildings, now housing vibrant restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Stroll from Broadway to Harbor Drive, and 4th to 6th Avenue, admiring the newly installed gaslamps at Market Street.

Gaslamp Quarter
Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

4/5(290 area reviews)

Ocean Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Ocean Beach and Dog Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of San Diego.

Ocean Beach
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Mission Bay

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

Mission Bay

Popular day trips from San Diego

Tijuana which includes street scenes and a city

Tijuana

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

Coronado

Clustered rocks in El Cajon, California

El Cajon

Panoramic view from Mesa Trail overlooking Santee, with dry hills and distant mountains under a clear sky

Santee

Solana Beach Sunset

Solana Beach

Aerial view of residential subdivision houses

Chula Vista

Wide Scenic Panoramic Landscape View of Lake Hodges and San Diego County North Inland from summit of Bernardo Mountain Peak in Poway California

Poway

Sunset at the Del Mar beach of California

Del Mar

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Columbia, which is about 2 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Mission Bay is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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