Best Things to Do in San Diego in 2024 – Ultimate Guide by A Local
There are so many things to do in San Diego that it is hard to narrow down your list of must-sees and dos when you plan your trip to San Diego. So here is our list of top things to do in San Diego – from the world-famous to the hidden gems.
Why should you listen to us? We are San Diego locals and want to share our favorite San Diego attractions, local hangout spots and favorite things to do in San Diego with you and help you make the best San Diego itinerary for you, whether you visit for a day, a weekend, or longer.
So lets explore San Diego – Southern California’s Finest City – if not the finest city in the United States!
Also read:
- Unique Things to do in San Diego
- Adventurous Things to do in San Diego
- Free Things to do in San Diego with Kids
Top 10 Things to do in San Diego
1. San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is the touristy heart of downtown and right by the convention center. Walking up and down 4th and 5th Ave will give you ample of options for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is also one of our favorite spots for people watching – best done from one of the many restaurant patios, with a taco in one hand and an IPA in the other.
The bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter are quite diverse, whether you are in the mood for a fancy cocktail, catch the game in a sports bar, enjoy a tropical cocktail in a tiki bar, or a beer at a dive bar. There are also a lot of great brunch spots to check out. Just walk down the street and see what appeals to you.
Walk along the waterfront to Seaport Village and explore the cute shops and restaurants there as well. And if you are a baseball fan, check out Petco Park and see if you can get tickets to a game!
On the weekend, it can be quite busy, so if you are traveling with kids or want a quiet getaway, we recommend staying not in the heart of the Gaslamp. But if you are ready to go paint the town red and enjoy the nightlife, this is where you want to be. Take a look at our favorite Gaslamp Quarter Hotels here>>
Location: Click here for directions on Google Maps
Tags: nightlife – restaurants – shopping – couples – fun with friends
Best Gaslamp Quarter Tours:
2. USS Midway
The USS Midway Museum is an aircraft carrier/museum that is one of San Diego’s top attractions. You can access almost the whole ship and learn about the life of the sailors during their missions out at sea. It is a very hands-on and interactive museum that is perfect for history buffs and families, but also everyone else who wants to experience something new.
The USS Midway records over 1 million visitors annually. Especially in the summer months and weekends, it can be a bit crowded, so we highly recommend going in the offseason, during the week, and as early in the day as possible. We also recommend getting tickets in advance (click here to buy tickets). If you purchase the Go San Diego Card, you get free admission.
Read our full guide on the USS Midway visit here.
Location: Click here for directions on Google Maps
Tags: history buffs – couples – family-friendly
3. San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo is known as one of the best Zoos in the world. And we have to agree – it is pretty awesome. We live within walking distance to the Zoo and we have had annual passes several times thanks to some awesome Christmas love by the inlaws (great gift idea for locals by the way).
What makes the San Diego Zoo so special? Well first off, its size. It stretches over 100 acres and has its own bus tour that takes you around to see the 650 species and over 3700 animals. And second its curation. You really learn a lot about the various animals, where they live and because of authentic landscaping, you really feel like you are watching the animals in their natural habitat.
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Tickets
- Skip the Ticket Line: San Diego Zoo Ticket
- Skip the Ticket Line: San Diego Safari Park Ticket
- Skip the Ticket Line: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Combo Tour Ticket (Cheaper!)
- San Diego Go Card
Read our San Diego Zoo Tips by a former Employee here.
Location: Click here for directions on Google Maps
Tags: family-friendly – couples – animals/wildlife – picturesque
4. Balboa Park & Balboa Park Museums
Balboa Park is a 1200-acre park in the heart of San Diego, home to the famous San Diego Zoo and dozens of amazing museums and exhibits. No matter your interest, you will find a fun museum at Balboa Park.
Here are the Balboa Park Museums:
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- San Diego Museum of Man
- Museum of Photographic Arts
- Timken Museum of Art *always free
- San Diego Museum of Art
- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
- Mingei International Museum
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- San Diego Art Institute
- San Diego Automobile Museum
- International Cottages
- San Diego History Center
- Veterans’ Museum and Memorial Center
- Centro Cultural de la Raza
Extra Tip: If you are a resident of San Diego County or Active Military (plus dependents), the Balboa Park museums are free on a rotating basis every Tuesday.
Balboa Park Gardens
If you like flowers and gardens, there are a variety of different gardens you can visit at Balboa Park, showcasing various native and non-native plants and landscape designs that are simply stunning.
- Botanical Building and Lily Ponds
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Alcazar Garden
- Old Cactus Garden
- California Native Plant Garden
- Casa del Rey Moro Garden
- Australian Garden
- Desert Garden
- Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
- EthnoBotany Children’s Peace Garden
- Florida Canyon Native Plant Reserve
- Marston House Garden
- Palm Canyon
- Trees for Health Garden
- Veterans Memorial Garden
- Zoro Garden
- San Diego Zoo Botanical Collection
- San Diego Floral Association
- San Diego Botanical Garden Foundation
On the weekends and in the summer, you find lots of artists and booths on the main street, El Prado. For some reason, there are always a collection of various religious groups, that are eager to share their viewpoint. It is a great place for people-watching and going for a stroll through beautiful gardens.
Balboa Park is also one of the most popular spots for wedding/quinceanera/prom photo shoots that are fun to watch. It is really pretty and picturesque and definitely one of the most Instagram-able spots in San Diego.
Balboa Park Tours:
Location: Click here for directions on Google Maps
Tags: family-friendly – couples – nature/outdoors – museum – architecture – picturesque
5. San Diego Breweries
San Diego has some of the best breweries in the world. It is a craft beer lover’s paradise. With over 155 breweries in San Diego County, I can’t list them all here, and neither have I tried them all. But if you love beer, especially West Coast-style IPAs, you will be in heaven in San Diego.
There are a few brewery tours that you can book that will take you to some of the most iconic breweries (with a few up-and-coming and exotic ones thrown in). But you can also plan your own route and use a ride-share to get from one brewery to the next, or simply walk. In Downtown San Diego are quite a few breweries that are all within a short walk from each other. The same goes for North Park, Ocean Beach, and other neighborhoods.
San Diego Brewery Tours
- San Diego Brewery Tour
- San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour
- San Diego: Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings
- The San Diego North County “Hops Highway” Craft Brewery Tour
Read our full guide on the best San Diego Brewery Tours here>>
Tags: beer – couples – fun with friends – nightlife
6. La Jolla
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most beautiful and exclusive neighborhoods. It is a neighborhood of villas, designer boutiques, great restaurants, artsy galleries, and sweeping ocean views. Depending on your budget, you can have a wonderful time gallivanting and (window) shopping, or simply take a stroll along the cliffs and watch the La Jolla seals and look out on the Pacific ocean.
If you are more adventurous, you can go kayaking around the caves and cliffs of La Jolla. You can even plunge yourself off of them at one of the top hang gliding spots in California.
For couples, you should definitely plan to spend sunset in La Jolla. The cliffs turn bright orange as the sun bids you good night. It is magical. Walk along the walkway overlooking the ocean, watch the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions and soak up the atmosphere.
La Jolla Shores as one of the best family-friendly beaches. If you are into wildlife and animals, add a visit to the Birch Aquarium by the Scrips Institute of Oceanography to your list. During whale watching season, you might also be able to spot some whales from there.
And if it’s warm enough, I highly recommend checking out the tide pools. It is so much fun for kids and adults alike to watch wildlife and learn about tides and ocean life. But you will most likely get wet as you are playing around in the pools and puddles. Make sure to wear some sturdy footwear, as the rocks can be slippery.
For more outdoorsy adventures, check out Torrey Pines State Park. This is one of my favorite nature parks in San Diego with stunning ocean views. The Torrey Pines trails there can be a bit treacherous, so if you want a paved walkway, but an equally stunning view, head to Ocean Beach and walk along Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
>>Also read our List of Free Things to do in San Diego with Kids
La Jolla Tours and Activities
- La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour
- Surf Lessons in La Jolla
- La Jolla Segway Tour
- Yoga on the Beach
- La Jolla Sidecar Tour
More articles about La Jolla:
Best brunch places in La Jolla
Best Hotels in La Jolla
Amazing La Jolla Vacation Rentals
Location: Click here for directions on Google Maps
Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – nightlife – picturesque – restaurants – shopping – adventure
7. San Diego Beaches
San Diego has some incredibly stunning beaches. Whether you love rocky cliffs and tide pools, sandy white beaches, or family-friendly bays, San Diego has it all. Here are some of our favorite beaches in San Diego, but we recommend you read our detailed San Diego beach guide here:
Ocean Beach: Ocean Beach is a hippie beach town and the vibe is very chill and relaxed. On the northern end, you also have a great dog beach that is lots of fun.
Mission Beach: Perfect for active beachgoers. You can lounge on the beach, play volleyball at the many volleyball courts, or bike/run/stroll along the boardwalk. When you need a break, head to one of the many beachfront bars and restaurants and grab a bite, a beer or some tacos. Belmont Park is also a fun place to hang out and the screams from the rollercoaster really give you that summer vibe.
Mission Bay: Mission Bay is more a park vs a beach, but you’ll find some sandy beaches there as well. This is a great spot, if you have small kids who are afraid of waves, want to run around in the grass and maybe have a BBQ.
La Jolla Shores: Wide open beaches, not a lot of people and usually a calmer atmosphere, makes La Jolla Shores perfect for a quiet day on the beach.
Coronado: Lovely beaches and the stunning Hotel Del as your backdrop. Grab a bite at these fantastic Coronado restaurants. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but it is worth circling around for a spot. At the northern end, you also have a dog beach.
La Jolla Cove: This is a tiny beach and not great for sports or lounging, but it is perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can swim to the rocks and see beautiful fishes, leopard sharks and other wildlife.
San Diego Beach Tours
These tours are perfect, if you don’t have a car and want to check out several of the many beautiful beaches in San Diego.
Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – picturesque – nature/outdoors
8. Old Town
Old Town is San Diego’s historic neighborhood. This is where it all began. The Old Town San Diego Historic State Park really gives you that Wild West feeling. You can check out an old school, a cigar shop, an old saloon and of course the famous Whaley House.
Another must-do in Old Town San Diego is lunch or dinner at one of the fabulous Mexican Old Town restaurants. Casa de Reyes is a fun spot for some Quac, Margaritas, and a heaping helping of sizzling fajitas in a fun environment. Fred’s Mexican Cafe has really good food as well, but no outdoor seating.
Read our full guide on Old Town San Diego here>>
San Diego Old Town Tours
- San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour
- San Diego Scavenger Hunt: Old Town Charms
- San Diego Ghosts and Gravestones Tour (read our full review here)
- Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Culinary Tour of San Diego
Location: Click here for directions on Google Maps
Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – nightlife – history buffs – restaurants – shopping
9. Eat
San Diego has some incredibly good eateries, so eating deserves its own spot on your San Diego itinerary. From fresh seafood to street tacos (check out our guide for the best taco shops in San Diego), gourmet steakhouses, and scrumptious Italian fare, foodies will be in heaven in San Diego. Take a look at some of the MUST TRY foods in San Diego and if you can’t decide on where to go, maybe you can take one of these San Diego Food Tours to show you the best of the best?
San Diego’s food scene is still underrated and, almost curse-like, no major awards like Michelin stars or James Beard awards have found their way to San Diego… yet! But that doesn’t mean the food is not good or you can’t find fine dining options in San Diego. There are plenty to choose from, no matter what your dining style, favorite cuisine, or budget.
San Diego Food Tours
- Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour
- Taste of Little Italy in San Diego
- San Diego Taco Crawl – A Curated Tour of San Diego’s Best Tacos – Public Tour
- La Jolla Food and Drink Walking Tour
- Walking Food Tour in Coronado
- San Diego Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours
Also read our guide to the best restaurants in San Diego – sorted by neighborhood.
Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – restaurants
10. Coronado Island
Coronado not technically in San Diego. It is an independent city. But nonetheless, every San Diego visitor should put Coronado on their “Must – See” list of what to do in San Diego.
Coronado is a peninsula that is located right between San Diego and the Pacific. You can get there via three routes: the stunning Coronado Bay Bridge, the San Diego Coronado Ferry, or the Silver Strand.
Coronado is an affluent beach town with lots of great restaurants, cute little shops and cafes. For touristy stuff, nicknack and shops, check out the Coronado Ferry Terminal. You can also enjoy a stunning view of downtown from there. For a bit more classy and upscale shopping, stroll along Orange Avenue and check out the boutiques and art galleries there. Oh and don’t forget to read up on these fantastic Coronado restaurants before you go.
Another must-see in Coronado is, of course, the Hotel Del Coronado. Featured in Marylin Monroe’s Some Like It Hot, it is worth a visit, even if you only enjoy lunch or cocktails there.
Coronado Tours
- GPS Talking Electric GoCar: 2 Hour Coronado tour
- Walking Food Tour in Coronado
- Coronado Island Segway Tour
- Fat Woody Beach Cruiser Experience – Coronado Island Electric Bicycle Tour
- The Famous Coronado Tour
Also, read our other Coronado articles here:
San Diego Ferry to Coronado
Best Coronado Hotels
Best Things to Do on Coronado Island
Location: Click here for directions on Google Maps
Tags: family-friendly – couples – fun with friends – nightlife – picturesque – restaurants – shopping
11. San Diego Bay Cruise
A bay cruise is a fantastic way to see a different side of San Diego. There are a multitude of choices and you will find one for any budget. I highly recommend going at sunset, so you can see the stunning San Diego skyline with a beautiful sky and admire the sparkling lights of the city – the perfect way to end the day, whether you are on a romantic date or a family vacation.
Read more:
Best Flagship Bay Cruise
San Diego Catamaran Cruise
San Diego has a lot to offer and there are even many free things to do in San Diego. I hope this list helps you plan your trip to San Diego and find the perfect itinerary.
San Diego Things To Do was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer.
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Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Maria Haase
The post Best Things to Do in San Diego in 2024 – Ultimate Guide by A Local appeared first on San Diego Explorer.
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