Things to do in San Diego

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do

LEGOLAND® California Resort

LEGOLAND® California Resort

￥13,748
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® California Resort
Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

￥9,117
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures
San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

￥9,117
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
San Diego Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise

City Cruises San Diego: Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise

￥17,662
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
City Cruises San Diego: Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise
San Diego: 3 Hour Whale Watching Cruise

San Diego: 3 Hour Whale Watch Cruise with Legacy Whale Watch

￥5,438
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
San Diego: 3 Hour Whale Watch Cruise with Legacy Whale Watch
San Diego City Lights Night Tour

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

￥7,838
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Diego City Lights Night Tour
Speed Boat Adventure Tour: Thrills on the Bay

Speed Boat Adventure Tour: Thrills on the San Diego Bay

￥15,166
per traveler
96% of travellers recommend
Speed Boat Adventure Tour: Thrills on the San Diego Bay
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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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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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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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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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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What to do in San Diego

Stay near popular San Diego attractions

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San Diego Zoo

9.2/10 (15,439 reviews)
Home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals across 100 acres of immersive habitats. Explore the African Rocks exhibit or join a guided tour to witness the zoo's pioneering conservation work.
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Where to stay in San Diego

Find the best San Diego areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Diego
Learn more about San Diego
A theater marquee with ornate designs and the name "Gaslamp Quarter".

Gaslamp Quarter

Fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few of the things travelers enjoy most about Gaslamp Quarter. A visit to Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House or Spreckels Theater is also recommended, and you can jump aboard the metro at Gaslamp Quarter Station to get around town.

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Pacific Beach

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

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Mission Valley

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Snapdragon Stadium and Mission Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

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Little Italy

Little Italy is popular for its captivating waterfront views. Explore top sights like Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay, and you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

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Mission Beach

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

Popular day trips from San Diego

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Tijuana

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Coronado

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El Cajon

A valley with a town nestled between hills, a winding road, and distant mountains.

Santee

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Solana Beach

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Chula Vista

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Poway

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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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