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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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

  • Mike D
    Vancouver Island, Canada4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the best museums I have ever been to and I have seen museums all over North America and Europe. It was very interesting
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Julie D
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a beautiful zoo. Free bus trips, kangaroo bus is fun. Aviaries are our favorite! Food is a little outrageous for quality but gift stores are awesome.
    Written May 5, 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
    Breathtaking 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ashlee
    Madison, WI194 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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, 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 â…” 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, CA178 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.
  • Jemlnlx
    Bronx, NY4,790 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spectacular 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Terri Defilippi
    Reno, NV4 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.
  • D&S
    DES PERES29 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful views of ocean and of Coronado Island and naval base. Tide pools are interesting to explore, as well as the Cabrillo Monument area and the lighthouse
    Written May 4, 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.
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