20 Things to Do in San Diego California

San Diego is a vibrant coastal city in Southern California known for its beautiful beaches, parks, attractions, and great weather. Here are 20 of the top things to do when visiting San Diego:

1. Spend a day at the beach. San Diego has over 70 miles of beautiful coastline. Popular beaches include La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Coronado Beach. Swim, surf, build sandcastles, or just relax and soak up the sun.
2. Visit Balboa Park. This massive urban park is home to 17 museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens, and the historic San Diego Zoo. It’s one of the top attractions in San Diego.
3. Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Located north of La Jolla, this park has unspoiled beaches and hiking trails through rare Torrey pine forests and coastal chaparral.
4. Go whale watching. From mid December to mid April, you can spot gray whales migrating right offshore on boat tours leaving from San Diego Harbor.
5. Tour the USS Midway Museum. Walk the immense flight deck and see vintage aircraft aboard this historic aircraft carrier docked in San Diego Bay.
6. Spend a day at SeaWorld San Diego. See shows, marine animal exhibits, and amusement rides at this world famous marine theme park.
7. Visit Cabrillo National Monument. This memorial park at the tip of Point Loma has tide pools, hiking trails, and sweeping bay views from the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
8. Go craft beer tasting. With over 130 breweries, San Diego is considered one of America’s top craft beer cities. Popular brewery stops include Stone Brewing, Ballast Point, and AleSmith.
9. Browse Little Italy. This charming neighborhood is loaded with art galleries, shops, pizzerias, cafes, and some of San Diego’s hottest new restaurants.
10. Take a harbor cruise. Cruises around San Diego Bay and beyond depart daily. Watch aircraft carriers, submarines, tall ships, and harbor seals.
11. Go surfing. With its great waves, San Diego is one of America’s top surf spots. Rent a board or take lessons at La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, or Ocean Beach.
12. Visit Old Town San Diego. Wander this free state historic park full of historic buildings, unique shops, and Mexican restaurants.
13. Stroll along Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Walk winding trails along these scenic sandstone cliffs overlooking the Pacific on the west side of Point Loma.
14. Tour Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. California’s first mission, founded in 1769, is located in what is now Mission Valley.
15. Go cycling. The mild climate makes San Diego ideal for cycling year-round. Bike along the waterfront, Mission Beach boardwalk, Coronado to Imperial Beach, or Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
16. Go hiking at Torrey Pines or Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Both parks offer scenic trails that wind through canyons, forests, mountains, and desert.
17. Take a foodie tour through Little Italy, North Park, or Gaslamp Quarter. Sample tacos, craft beer, desserts, and more on walking food tours.
18. See pandas at the San Diego Zoo. It’s one of the few zoos outside China to house the endangered giant pandas.
19. Attend a Padres baseball game at Petco Park downtown. San Diego’s MLB team plays games in one of the most picturesque ballparks.
20. Visit La Jolla Cove. Admire sea lions, seals, and tide pools at this protected marine area with cliffs and caves.

With epic beaches, bays, parks, neighborhoods, and attractions, San Diego offers something for everyone. Use this list to make the most of your San Diego trip!