THE 15 BEST Things to Do in San Diego - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in San Diego

Things to Do in San Diego, CA - San Diego Attractions

Things to Do in San Diego

Say hello to SoCal living. First stop is the beach. Then, tour the Gaslamp Quarter on a Segway, or hang with wildlife at La Jolla Cove or the world famous San Diego Zoo.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Diego.

Top Attractions in San Diego

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • AussieJulesW
    Melbourne, Australia512 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is so interesting. Largely staffed by veterans of the actual ship, it certainly provides an insight into life in the navy, both in and outside of wartime.

    The flight deck has an array of vintage planes and helicopters, many of which you can go into. The other levels show how and where the mariners lived and worked. It gives you a new appreciation for sailors.

    I think I inadvertently perplexed one veteran when in the engine room. Given our location, I asked him if this was where he had worked. He looked shocked then explained he’d been a pilot, but knew all about the ships engines - that he then explained in great, great detail. Thanks Ron!

    A must when you’re in San Diego.
    Written April 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CLS1108
    Calgary, Canada37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pretty cool zoo! Lots of hills but the kangaroo bus can help you get around if you get tired. If you plan your route well, you can end up taking the Skyfari tram back to the entry/exit. Lots of shady, well kept pathways. Lots of gift shops, food wasn’t great though (including Alberts, which we thought was awful). Would return for sure.
    Written March 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wanderer
    Holbeach, UK401 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely cove to sit up and watch sea lions and seals from in the natural habitats, watching them dive, play and sunbathe was a special experience.
    Written April 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jemlnlx
    Bronx, NY4,790 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely massive park centrally located in San Diego.

    No addmission or parking fees to the park itself.

    Lots of free parking lots throughout the park. Be sure to look at a map and choose the one closest to your target destination. (i.e. zoo/museum/attraction) The zoo lot being the understanaby the largest lot in the park.

    Lots of attractions throughout the west side of the park, including the San Diego Zoo which is located in the northwest corner of the park as well as lots of museums. Although we did enjoy the zoo...we found some of the museums to be a bit overpriced. If you are interesting in seeing a few (or all) of them...their Explorer Pass may be of interest to you. Also look out for other discounts including Resident, AAA, EBT or ASTC discounts for any attraction you decide to visit.

    The east side of the park contains some recreational complexes and areas as well as a large golf course.

    There are also lots of small shops and vendors throughout the park. A great way to spend a nice day...combine an attraction or two with a walk through the park.
    Written April 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nfmeijer
    Assendelft, The Netherlands152 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited a Padres game. Stadium is a well oiled machine. Good seats and view on the pitch. One point down for the que's at the foodstands.
    Written April 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle T
    New York City, NY673 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited Torrey Pines on the drive back from Anaheim to San Diego. It was such a lovely stop. I had done some research when I was trip planning, but after 2 days where we spent 14+ hours in the Disney parks, we were beat. I did not think our original trail was going to work. We asked some volunteers for the park for their recommendation and they sent us to the Guy Fleming Trail, which they said was probably the easiest one. It is a ⅔ mile loop with 2 scenic overlooks with panoramic views and the greatest variety of wildflowers, cacti, and ferns. It was perfect. The trail was easy, not too elevated, and gave us fantastic views. We were there in time for wildflower full bloom so we saw a lot of beautiful flowers. If you have more time - and more stamina, their other trails are fantastic as well.

    Pro tip: You do pay for parking in the park when you enter, so ignore all the signs that tell you that you need to pay to park again!
    Written April 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Clarence And G
    San Diego, CA172 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the Cabrillo National Monument this weekend, and it was beautiful. It was a brilliant day.

    We're members, and we were visiting on our last month of our membership, April 2024.

    After we passed through the gate, we drove down to the lower level. BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL VIEWS!!!

    We love to see the sea lions and pelicans, and hear the crashing of the waves.

    We then drove up to the top, to the what you would call the Visitors Center. We went to the lookout, then the Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo Statue.

    After that, we split up. Gonzalo headed up to the Cabrillo Lighthouse, and I headed to the theater for the film. It was all about the discovery of San Diego by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and his crew.

    It was another brilliant day at the Cabrillo National Monument.
    Written April 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wennitiong
    Kuching, Malaysia161 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are many people come to this place for sunset viewing. Very romantic!

    As tourists, we were not so prepared. But I am sure that if we know about this place earlier, we can pack a picnic mat, blanket and find a good spot to enjoy the sunset view with loved one. :)
    Written March 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Terri Defilippi
    Reno, NV3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This monument is beautiful. It is so nicely maintained. We were lucky enough to speak with a docent who showed us all the well known people on the plaques. The 360 degree views are breathtaking. I highly recommend it.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wanderer
    Holbeach, UK401 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do drive whilst in San Diego, although even in a big car you don't get the most magnificent views for a lot of the journey, but when you do manage to see some there are some great views of the city.
    Written April 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • April M
    San Diego, CA1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The pilot was experienced and I felt very comfortable. It was a beautiful day, it was peaceful and beautiful. The take-off and landing were so smooth, and I appreciated the entire process. The views were breathtaking.
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • brutus313
    Virginia Beach, VA85 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Views, wonderful place to get a total view of San Diego. Beautiful scenery and educational too. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. And have your camera ready.
    Written April 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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