San Diego’s nickname is “America’s Finest City,” and I am so happy to report that the city lives up to its name!
With its beautiful beaches, amazing weather year-round, good food, and many attractions, it is easy to see why so many people have San Diego on their bucket lists.
Here are ten of the best things to do in San Diego!
If you’re staying longer than a weekend, I’ve also created a 5-day San Diego itinerary, to make the most of your vacation.
1. Visit The World-Famous San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo has been considered one of the best zoos in the world!
The zoo is MASSIVE and has so many rare animals in large natural habitats. It’s a fun attraction for families and animal lovers, and something you shouldn’t rush through.
I had planned to spend 3-4 hours at the zoo and then a few hours at Balboa Park (since the zoo is inside the park), but I ended up spending 6 hours instead! And I honestly could have spent more time exploring the zoo.
If possible, make your trip to the zoo an all-day event instead of trying to rush through the animal exhibits.
Tip: Because of the size and layout of the zoo (uphills and downhills), there will be a lot of walking, so bring comfy shoes!
2. Explore Balboa Park
Just outside the San Diego Zoo, you will find the prettiest park ever – Balboa Park! It has 18 museums, theaters, multiple gardens, Spanish-inspired architecture, and hiking trails.
It’s also the perfect place to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic in the park.
Although some may tell you that you can see both on the same day, I don’t recommend cramming the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park all in one day. In my opinion, they each deserve a full day!
Check out the Balboa Park website and plan ahead to not miss out on anything.
3. Visit The Seals & Sea Lions in La Jolla
Set aside time in your vacation to explore the beautiful seaside community of La Jolla.
Aside from its amazing coastline scenery, La Jolla is a popular place to see seals and sea lions! The best place to see them is along the Coast Blvd.
I recommend starting at the Children’s Pool to check out the La Jolla seals.
Then, continue walking along Coast Blvd to reach La Jolla Cove, to see where the sea lions live. You will see hundreds of sea lions near the cliffs!
READ MORE: 10 Photos to Inspire Your to Visit San Diego
4. Watch a Sunset
It would be a shame to visit San Diego and not see its beautiful sunsets, so it’s a must-do in my list of things to do in San Diego.
Grab a blanket and some snacks, and head to Torrey Pines Gliderport to witness a magical sunset from the top of a cliff!
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Torrey Pines Gliderport is also a popular spot for paragliding and hand gliding!
5. Wander through Coronado Island
Coronado Island is a charming little town offering beaches, shops, restaurants, and a historic resort. It’s easily accessible from downtown San Diego, making it a fun day trip.
On Coronado Island, wander through Orange Ave to see the cute town’s shops and restaurants.
Tour the famous wooden Victorian-style Hotel Del Coronado, where many celebrities and presidents have stayed since its opening in 1888. Guests have included Marilyn Monroe, Thomas Edison, Frank Sinatra, and so many others.
You don’t have to be a guest to walk around the grounds, eat at the restaurant, have drinks at the bar, or access the beach in front of the hotel.
After checking out the beautiful lobby and gift shops, head straight to the sand! Bring your beach towel or rent a beach chair for the day, and relax!
Fun Fact: Pay attention to the sand on Coronado Beach because it sparkles like gold due to a mineral inside the sand called mica!
6. Hit the Beach
With gorgeous weather year-round, hitting the beach is one of the best things to do in San Diego.
There are so many beach communities to choose from. La Jolla, Imperial Beach, Coronado, and many others offer cute shops, restaurants, and beautiful sandy beaches perfect for those sunny days in San Diego!
7. Catch a Padres Game
Petco Park is a must-visit for San Diego Padres fans, baseball fans in general, or anyone who wants to watch a baseball game and take in the beautiful San Diego skyline.
8. Have a Fun Night in Gaslamp Quarter
After a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park, walk to Gaslamp Quarter for more fun!
Gaslamp Quarter is a neighborhood in San Diego well-known for its nightlife, so it is a fun area to bar-hop and find good food.
Barleymash restaurant had a fun atmosphere with tasty food and drinks. Order their delicious duck empanadas and burgers with a side of mac and cheese!
9. Eat in Little Italy
The Little Italy neighborhood is also known for its amazing nightlife. Stroll through this neighborhood if you are in search of good Italian eateries.
Try Filippi’s Pizza Grotto for a classic spaghetti and ravioli combo in meat sauce. You gotta do the meat sauce! They have a little Italian grocery store in the front, and the restaurant is in the back.
They also have a few tables outside, so in the evening, you can enjoy al fresco dining surrounded by the twinkling lights in Little Italy.
10. Stroll Through Seaport Village
This seaside shopping center in downtown San Diego has tons of shops and eateries by the water. It’s a little touristy, but it’s a cute place to walk, maybe buy a few souvenirs, and then sit and enjoy the views of the boats sailing by out on the water.
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