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.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Diego.
On the Waterfromper adult$85
Historical Toursfromper adult$54
Kayaking Toursfromper group (up to 2)$109
Day Cruisesfromper adult$33
Climbingfromper adult$57
Historical Toursfromper adult$32
Historical Toursfromper adult$73
Historical Toursfromper adult$99
On the Waterfromper adult$150
Food & Drinkfromper adult$89
Other Top Attractions around San Diego
*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
- AussieJulesWMelbourne, Australia510 contributionsThis 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CPaM68Texas676 contributionsThis great zoo is located near downtown San Diego in Balboa Park. The 100-acre zoo contains many rare and endangered animals that you can view in their natural habitats. This is one of the largest zoos in America, and you can see just about every animal that exist, including some I had never even heard about. I would suggest taking the Guided Bus Tour upon your arrival to acquaint yourself with the various areas where you would like to spend more time. The tour bus, which winds through about three quarters of the zoo, has a guide who will help you learn more details about the animals. You can also take a ride on the Skyfari gondola lift, which will carry you from one side of the park to the other while you get to see the park from above. There are also some special tours and educational experiences you can book that will make your visit even more interesting. Wear good walking shoes and expect some steep inclines and a lot of foot traffic. There is enough to see that it will take the whole day, but at least plan to spend half a day to get the full experience. (PaM)Written May 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JemlnlxBronx, NY5,286 contributionsBreathtaking sunsets!
Bonus views of the seabirds, seals and sea lions.
Arrive early and explore the area...particularly the shops and restaurants along Prospect Place...it really is a lovely setting in the late afternoon.
Arriving early is also a great way to snag an early parking spot...as it gets really busy as sunset approaches. We ended up getting street parking toward Prospect Place and Torrey Pines Road...there seemed to be a decent amount free street parking in that area..not too far from the cove.Written April 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AshleeMadison, WI229 contributionsThis park is huge, over 1200 ares of land! I checked out the cactus and rose gardens, but left wanting to view more of the park. The cactus garden was neat and the rose garden was beautiful. It was very well kept and there are signs to advise viewers of the various types.Written May 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nfmeijerAssendelft, The Netherlands174 contributionsVisited 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michelle TNew York City, NY658 contributionsWe 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Clarence And GSan Diego, CA267 contributionsWe 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JemlnlxBronx, NY5,286 contributionsSpectacular sunsets!!!
Parking can be tough...especially as your approach sunset time.
The limited lots fill up quickly but there is a decent amount of street parking along Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and nearby side streets.
We arrived to the area about 30 minutes before sunset and although the lots were full, we got parking on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. I would expect it may be a little tougher on the weekends or during peak vacation times.
Be sure to give yourself some time to walk along Sunset Cliffs Blvd. as there are multiple cliffs and coves offering a variety of views throughout sunset.
As expected...once th sun has set...traffic to leave the area is a bit rough.Written April 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Terri DefilippiReno, NV3 contributionsThis 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WandererHolbeach, UK396 contributionsA 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- April MSan Diego, CA1 contributionThe 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- brutus313Virginia Beach, VA109 contributionsGreat 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego
- The top attractions to visit in San Diego are:See all Things to do in San Diego
- The best outdoor activities in San Diego according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in San Diego on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from San Diego according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- San Diego: The Most Extensive City & Beach Tour
- Taco Tuesday Hop to Tijuana from San Diego
- Guided Temecula Wine Tour from San Diego
- The San Diego to LA in A Day Tour
- San Diego Life at the Beach Tour
- The most popular things to do in San Diego with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in San Diego on Tripadvisor