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)$99
Day Cruisesfromper adult$33
Climbingfromper adult$57
Historical Toursfromper adult$32
Historical Toursfromper adult$99
On the Waterfromper adult$150
Historical Toursfromper adult$73
Food & Drinkfromper adult$89
Historic Sites
Veteran's tribute amid a national park with personal plaques, tranquil ambience, and panoramic views. Historical site provides insights and visual splendor from a high vantage point.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Educational sites
Paragliding hub near a coastal neighborhood, providing scenic tandem flights over majestic cliffs and a pristine beach. Includes a snack area and proximity to outdoor trails and a secluded naturist beach.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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. - CLS1108Calgary, Canada37 contributionsPretty 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WandererHolbeach, UK401 contributionsA 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AussieJulesWMelbourne, Australia510 contributionsYes, this place is as good as all the reviews say. Beautiful architecture and buildings, gardens (admission fee for the Japanese version) , museums (some of them free), the Globe Theatre, walks, etc. We wandered around for hours in and between them all.
We tried the restaurant and that was good too.
We also went on the free tram around the grounds, but that largely seemed to be views of the car park (and a way for people to get from there!). The ladies in the info centre were cheerful and helpful.
We thought it was amusing the church bells were playing a Backstreet Boys song.
Bilboa Park is a true credit and ongoing legacy to the people of 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. - Natalie HSan Diego, CA6 contributionsListen, the food options here are craaazzzyyy! lots of great san diego restaurant favorites have a spot in Petco- from açaí bowls to tri tip nachos, you can really have it all at the ballpark!Written November 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michelle TNew York City, NY673 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, CA172 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. - wennitiongKuching, Malaysia161 contributionsThere 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, 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, UK401 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, VA85 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
- The San Diego to LA in A Day Tour
- Guided Temecula Wine Tour from San Diego
- Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food 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
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.