San Diego is a destination with year-round sunshine and an endless coastline. With parks, beaches, unique neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, and historic landmarks, this Southern California gem has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a local looking for an adventure or a visitor ready to explore, we have the top things to do and see. Make your visit to San Diego unforgettable. You’ll want to come back again and again.
1. Balboa Park
Balboa Park is considered San Diego’s 1,200-acre backyard. It has a rich history since being placed in reserve in 1835. Visitors can enjoy museums, theaters, recreational facilities, restaurants, the Fleet Science Center, and the San Diego Zoo.
One of the park’s many historical landmarks is the Cabrillo Bridge, built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The 1,500-foot-high bridge features stunning arches and welcomes visitors to the park’s historic district.
Once there, tour the iconic California Tower, which houses the Museum of Us. The beautiful building has many different architectural details and is reminiscent of the Spanish-Colonial churches in Mexico.
Explore the outdoors by walking through pocket gardens and interpretive hiking trails. Living displays feature native and low-water plants and other wildlife. Stroll through Palm Canyon, which has over 450 palm species, or see the butterflies at Zoro Garden.
2. Mission Bay
Mission Bay is located right outside of downtown San Diego. Visit the aquatic playground at Mission Bay Park or soak up the sun at Mission Beach. The park offers endless watersports, including kayaking, paddle-boarding, jet skiing, surfing, and sailing. You can even go on a whale-watching tour.
This area is also home to SeaWorld San Diego, Belmont Park, and San Diego Mission Bay Resort, which offer tons of family-friendly activities. SeaWorld delivers unforgettable animal encounters, rides, and other theme park fun.
Belmont Park is an oceanfront historic amusement park that has been entertaining visitors since 1925. When visiting the resort, purchase a Day Pass to access their expansive pool, a kiddie pool, private poolside cabanas, beach games, and more.
3. Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum of San Diego boasts a world-class collection that visitors are sure to enjoy. It’s located near Little Italy on the San Diego Bay.
Among its impressive fleet of historic vessels is the Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship in the world. It has sailed the seas since the 19th century. The museum is dedicated to restoring, maintaining, and operating these historic ships and providing unique and immersive experiences.
Public tours offer a deep dive into San Diego’s maritime heritage. The museum also features engaging exhibits from the Art Of Navigation to the San Diego’s Navy. Recognized as one of the top three maritime museums worldwide, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is a must-visit.
4. La Jolla
Getaway to the upscale seaside village of La Jolla and experience the Jewel by the Sea. This beachside destination is north of San Diego and features coves, beaches, and endless activities.
Visit La Jolla Cove, where cliffs surround the beach. The area is a protected part of the marine reserve, and snorkelers, swimmers, and scuba divers enjoy exploring. Drive down to La Jolla Shores to enjoy one of nine sandy beaches. It’s close to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve.
When you’re ready for dry land, walk around The Village, which has casual eateries, high-end shops, and excellent hotels and resorts. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps and Torrey Pines State Reserve are also nearby. You can easily fill a few days with fun adventures in La Jolla.
5. San Diego Resorts
San Diego has numerous luxurious resorts that cater to every type of visitor, from families to couples. Top resorts like the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, San Diego Marriott Del Mar, Town and Country San Diego, and Hotel del Coronado provide exceptional amenities in stunning locations.
Thanks to ResortPass, you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy these hotels. You can access outdoor pools, hot tubs, lounge chairs, cabanas, and more.
Guests can expect towel service and poolside food and drink service. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or spend the day splashing in the pool with your kids, San Diego’s resorts offer the perfect daycation escape.
6. USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is located at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego. It was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century and offers an interesting glimpse into naval history.
The ship was decommissioned in 1992 and became a museum in 2004. It stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who served on board and provides an educational experience for all visitors.
The spectacular ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California. Visitors get a unique opportunity to explore the aircraft carrier and learn about naval aviation and its military history.
Guests can even book an overnight stay on the ship if they want to feel like a true Midway Sailor. It’s truly one of the most unique San Diego museums.
7. Old Town
Old Town San Diego is just minutes from San Diego International Airport. It offers a blend of history, culture, and convenience. The area is perfect for families, offering family-friendly activities and great shopping at nearby Fashion Valley and Mission Valley malls.
There are also quaint boutiques, delicious restaurants, and vibrant art galleries. Mexican food reigns supreme in Old Town, with authentic cuisine served at many restaurants. Grab a taco and enjoy the sounds of local mariachi bands while watching traditional folkloric dancers.
When you want to sightsee, book an Old Town Trolley Tour. It’s an easy way to explore “America’s Finest City.” The two-hour is narrated and covers approximately 25 miles. Guests can also get on and off at a few stops along the way if they want to tour at their own pace.
8. Seaport Village
Seaport Village is adjacent to San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego. The waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex opened in 1980.
There are over 50 shops and 20 restaurants to explore. The village has four miles of cobblestone pathways and a quarter-mile slate boardwalk by the San Diego Bay for visitors to soak up the scenery.
Seaport Village has a brewery offering craft beer when it’s five o’clock somewhere. For the kids (and adults), there is a historic carousel, which was hand-carved in 1895. Go on the weekend to enjoy free live music.
The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is open every Saturday morning. Visitors can also go on a seal tour to learn about San Diego’s rich military history and cruise through the waters of the California seals and sea lions.
9. Cabrillo National Monument
Take a trip to San Diego’s “only” National Park to see incredible views. The state park features an Oceanside Trail with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and vibrant tidepools. The park’s whale watch overlook is a must-visit spot for nature lovers. This overlook provides an incredible vantage point for spotting Gray Whales during their migration.
The park also offers a chance to learn about the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, a historical structure built in 1855, and the area’s military history exhibit, highlighting Point Loma’s role in WWI and WWII. It’s a great place to spend time outdoors and learn about the area’s history.
10. Torrey Pines
Ocean views surround the 1,750-acre Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which is dedicated to preserving the Torrey Pine tree and other indigenous wildlife. The oceanside views feature sandstone canyons, cliffs, and pine forests. Walk along various well-kept trails to enjoy the stunning views.
There are easy paths that are great for children and more advanced trails for experienced hikers. The visitors center offers guided tours to explore with an expert. Leave the reserve to enjoy the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which is situated atop cliffs, or go hang gliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport.
11. Petco Park
Visit America’s number one ballpark with a trip to Petco Park in downtown San Diego. The Padres’ home stadium holds games, concerts, special events, and guided tours. The tour will teach guests about the history of the San Diego Padres and Petco Park. The tour ends with an opportunity to watch Padres batting practice from the outfield.
Even when the Padres are off or away, Petco Park is open for group and private tours on non-game days. Additionally, they offer educational tours that provide students with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the park.
During game days, enjoy one of the best dining experiences in all of Major League Baseball. There are a variety of places offering local favorites, including An’s Gelato, Barrio Dogg, Blue Water Seafood, and more. There are also countless beer options from local breweries available. A trip to Petco Park is one you’ll never forget.
Visit San Diego
San Diego is a city full of stunning views and exciting activities that cater to all interests and ages. From exploring the historic Old Town to climbing aboard the USS Midway Museum to unwinding at one of the city’s top resorts, there’s no shortage of things to experience.
ResortPass can give you access to various hotels and resorts around this vibrant city.
