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$73
Historical Toursfromper adult$32- fromper adult$119
Adventure Toursfromper adult$65
On the Waterfromper adult$150
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 DVancouver Island, Canada4 contributionsOne of the best museums I have ever been to and I have seen museums all over North America and Europe. It was very interestingWritten May 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Julie D9 contributionsWhat 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DePereDe Pere, WI473 contributionsArrived at La Jolla Cove at 10:00 A.M. on May 8 and were lucky enough to find free street parking. Saw lots of sea lions, harbor seals, brown pelicans, nesting Brandt’s cormorants, and ground squirrels. Seals and sea lions were active both in and out of the water. Viewing is excellent from the sidewalk that follows the coastline. Access to walk on one section of the beach was permitted but further down the beach/break water access is prohibited until May 15.
Cormorants are currently nesting and many of the nests are on the cliffs adjacent to the sidewalk.
We spent approximately 2.5 hours at the cove and surrounding area.Written May 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AshleeMadison, WI194 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 Netherlands152 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.
- DePereDe Pere, WI473 contributionsSpent the afternoon at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Admission was $15 for the car. Upon entering the reserve, we drove up the hill and stopped at the Visitor Center. The docent at the Visitor Center gave us information about the trails and reserve. We then proceeded to the trailhead area directly across from the visitor center and discussed with another docent the trails that we were considering. We hiked the 2.3 miles Beach Trail Loop, the 0.66 miles Guy Fleming Trail, and half of the Razor Point trail (1.3 miles)
From the Visitor Center the Beach Trail Loop descends steadily to the beach The trail was well marked and easy to follow. At the beach we turned right and walked along the ocean for perhaps 0.50 miles. Our timing coincided with low tide which according to the docents is an important consideration when doing this trail as a loop. The final section of the trail was uphill and much of the trail is adjacent to the road that we drove on earlier to reach the Visitor Center, so we knew what to expect. On the hike to the Visitor Center, we passed the trailhead of the Guy Fleming Trail and opted to do this trail as well.
We would have liked to completed the Razon Point Trail but simply ran out of time as we had commitments for that evening.
We completed these hikes on May 8th. The weather was perfect and the cacti and wildflowers were blooming.
We are not local to the area and really enjoyed our time in the park.Written May 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, CA178 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, NY4,790 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, NV4 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.
- D&SDES PERES29 contributionsWonderful 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 lighthouseWritten May 4, 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.
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
- Mexican Street Food: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego
- 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