Things to Do in San Diego

Are you looking for fun things to do in San Diego? America’s finest city and home to San Diego Padres have so many family-friendly things to do, you’ll never get bored!

LaJolla CovePhoto bybigstock

Places to Stay in San Diego

For those traveling with young children, we recommend staying in either Mission Beach or La Jolla in San Diego. These areas are located near numerous family-friendly attractions and provide a relaxed vacation atmosphere for parents. Moreover, San Diego provides different types of accommodations suitable for various budgets.

Kona Kai Resort and Spa

Our family vacation at Kona Kai Resort & Spa at Shelter Island was amazing! We spent most of our time enjoying the pool and dining at the restaurant which was very peaceful. However, the kids were eager to go out and discover.

The Hotel Del Coronado

If you're looking for an iconic hotel in San Diego, The Hotel Del Coronado is a great choice. This Victorian-style hotel is situated on Coronado Island and offers close proximity to the city's main attractions. Additionally, there are numerous shops and restaurants in the area.

Best Restaurants in San Diego

Point Loma Restaurant District

District Point Loma is a charming peninsula that boasts a rich history with over 20 restaurants, bars, and pubs. It's an ideal spot to unwind with dinner or drinks after a long day. Make sure to try out our top pick, Mitch's Seafood!

Mtch’s Seafood Restaurant

The seafood restaurant situated in Point Loma is an excellent spot to relish locally caught seafood. It offers a variety of delicious dishes such as fried local fish, crab cakes, and clam chowder! It's amazing!

avocado toastPhoto byLucee Santini

Entertainment and Shopping in San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a downtown San Diego neighborhood that's famous for its energetic nightlife, diverse dining options, and variety of shops. Additionally, several people admire the Victorian-style architecture present in the area. The San Diego Convention Center, Horton Plaza shopping center, and Petco Park baseball stadium are also situated in the Gaslamp Quarter. There are numerous attractions to explore in this dynamic community.

Check out their True Crime Tour.

Oceanside Harbor

We loved visiting Oceanside and Oceanside Harbor! We had lunch at The Lighthouse, stopped for coffee at a local coffee shop, and shopped for fun items. We even took a boat ride around the harbor and watched the sea lions.

Seaport VillagePhoto byLucee Santini

Seaport Village

Seaport Village, which is situated right on the harbor, is an excellent destination for shopping, dining, and sightseeing with a wide array of shops and restaurants to choose from.

Museums in San Diego

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

The waterfront USS Midway Museum is a great place for families to visit. You can go on submarine tours, try out the flight simulators, and see different types of airplanes. The audio tour is very informative, and you can also enjoy beautiful views of the city from the deck.

Space Museum

If you're interested in aviation and space exploration, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is a must-visit spot. They have over 60 aircraft on display, making them one of the world's largest collections. Plus, you'll find lots of dining options nearby.

Maritime Museum

If you're interested in maritime history, be sure to visit the San Diego Maritime Museum. It features a collection of over 100 ships, making it one of the largest in the world. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options located near the museum.

The Natural History Museum

If you want to learn about the natural history of the area, the ideal place to visit is the Natural History Museum. The museum features exhibits on animals, plants, geology, and much more. You can easily spend hours exploring everything the museum has on display. Additionally, there are several food and beverage options in the vicinity of the museum.

Point Loma Lighthouse

Point Loma Lighthouse is located on a hilltop and it offers spectacular views of the city from all around! You can choose to hike up or there are also trolley tours available here. The lighthouse is open for public visits, but you will need to climb 228 steps to get inside the tower.

Wild Animal Park (The San Diego Zoo Safari Park)

The San Diego Zoo, also known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park, is a large and popular zoo with over 3,700 animals from more than 650 species. If you're looking for a fun and educational experience for kids, this is a great place to visit. They offer various educational programs, shows, and exhibits. It's recommended to plan for a full day to enjoy all the attractions. You can choose between regular tours or Zoo Lights (at an extra cost), but seeing these exotic animals up close is definitely worth it.

Search for a variety of animals such as polar bears, camels, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, baboons, grizzly bears, hippos, jaguars, and others! Language Output Code: EN-US

koala bear at zooPhoto byLucee Santini

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is situated half an hour from downtown, provides an opportunity to observe creatures in their natural setting. However, you can also opt for a jeep safari or zip line adventure to get a closer look at them.

Oceanside

If you're looking for a beach vacation, Oceanside is a wonderful option. There are gorgeous beaches and excellent surf spots, as well as many dining choices in the surrounding area. This delightful beach town is only an hour drive from San Diego, making it perfect for a day trip.

Carlsbad

If you are looking for a beautiful beach town in San Diego, you should consider visiting Carlsbad. This charming coastal city has many golden sand beaches, fun outdoor activities such as surfing and kayaking, and a variety of dining options. You can also find many shops that sell everything from local artwork to souvenirs.

LEGOLAND California Resort

LegolandPhoto byLucee Santini

LEGOLAND® is the ultimate theme park for kids (and adults too!) in California. You can build, ride, and race through some incredible attractions there! (Language code: EN-US)

Downtown San Diego

Downtown is a great place to visit for everyone! You can find art galleries, shops or just some nice places to eat. There are also many fun activities like Seaport Village, Balboa Park and more!

You can see magnificent views of the downtown skyline from the harbor cruise as well as a ferry ride that takes you back and forth to Shelter Island.

Shelter Island

Shelter IslandPhoto byLucee Santini

Kona Kai Resort and Spa is an ideal place to unwind and recharge. You can indulge in luxurious lodging that includes access to a range of amenities such as a spa, marina offering water sports, pools, and 6 tennis courts for the sport enthusiasts.

Book your trip now and experience the thrill of riding cruiser bikes along the coast. You can also unwind at the local beaches. You won't be disappointed!

Coronado Island

Coronado Island is a fantastic destination that you can enjoy for a day trip or even for a weekend getaway. You can have fun at the sandy beaches, admire the breathtaking views of the skyline, and explore the numerous shops and restaurants. There is always something exciting to do here!

You can also take a ferry from downtown San Diego which is a great way to see the city from the water.

Beaches in San Diego

Solana Beach

Solana Beach is a small coastal town located in the northern region of San Diego County and can be reached within 30 minutes by car from downtown.

The community can be accessed through Interstate 5, Highway 101, Lomas Santa Fe Drive, and Via de la Valle. Additionally, a train station in the City serves both Amtrak and the Coaster, making it one of only three in San Diego County.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a popular tourist destination that boasts a long boardwalk, lively pier, and sandy beach. Visitors can engage in various activities like swimming, surfing, fishing, sunbathing, and more. Moreover, there are many shops and restaurants around the area for visitors to explore and enjoy.

San Diego Bay

When you visit San Diego, be sure to make a stop at The Bay. Numerous companies offer tours, or you can rent a boat for the day. Additionally, there are plenty of dining and drinking establishments around the bay, so you can easily spend the whole day there.

Newport Beach

If you're seeking a beach destination for some enjoyable activities in the sun, Newport Beach is a great option. You can engage in activities like beach volleyball, surfing, kayaking, fishing, among others. Also, you can take a cruise around the harbor to admire the stunning homes along the coast.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego offers a variety of activities such as rides, the Shamu Show, and the Animal Adventure where you can interact with animals. There are also many dining and drinking options throughout the park.

Parks in San Diego

Coronado Tidelands Park

Coronado Tidelands Park, situated on Coronado Island, is a stunning park that provides ample open space, gardens, and walking trails. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of the San Diego skyline from the park. Moreover, you can find a wide range of dining and drinking options in the vicinity of the park.

Petco Park

Petco Park is a great spot to see a Padres game or a concert with a bonus of downtown views. Additionally, it is situated in the heart of the city making it easily accessible by foot from many San Diego hotels.

Belmont Park

You can have a fun-filled day with your kids at Belmont Park, which is a historic amusement park situated right on the beach in Mission Beach. Since 1925, Belmont Park has been entertaining visitors with rides, and you can also access shops and restaurants nearby. Don't miss the chance to bask under the sun while taking part in various activities.

Botanical Gardens, San Diego

The Botanical Gardens is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in worldwide plant life. With more than 50 acres of gardens, there's an abundance of things to see and do here. Additionally, you can find a variety of dining and beverage options located near the gardens.

Balboa Park, San Diego

Mineral and Gem societyPhoto byLucee Santini

Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US and is located in San Diego. It spans over 1,200 acres and offers a wide variety of activities including hiking, biking, picnicking, and visiting museums and galleries that are situated within the park.

Casa Del Prado

There are many art galleries, theater performances, and concerts in Balboa Park that cater to different interests. Additionally, there are parking facilities available at the location.

Casa Del Prado Theater

Located in the heart of Balboa Park, Casa Del Prado is a live-performance theater that hosts several onsite events. Visitors can experience an array of plays and performances here with a trip to this venue.

Central Library of San Diego

The San Diego Central Library, which is situated downtown, is an ideal destination for individuals who are fascinated by exceptional architecture or those who wish to spend some peaceful time reading books. Moreover, the library serves as a fantastic spot for both adults and children as it provides a range of lectures, including family storytimes.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido

If you have an interest in arts, the California Center for the Arts located in Escondido is a must-visit place. You can explore numerous galleries and watch various theater performances. Additionally, there are art camps available for kids that focus on teaching them about art.

Whale Watching

Whale watching in San Diego is fantastic! Several companies offer tours, or you can venture out on your own. Once you're done, there are plenty of great dining and drinking options in the area to make it a complete day.

Tide Pools

You can see various sea creatures up close in many tide pools. However, the tide pools located in La Jolla, Coronado, and Pacific Beach are particularly popular. Additionally, there are plenty of nearby shops and restaurants, so you can enjoy a full day out.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

This area is renowned for being a great spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. However, during low tide, you can also explore some fantastic tide pools. You will find hundreds of sea anemones, small crabs, and fish in these pools.

Sunset CliffsPhoto byLucee Santini

Please note that the descent to the Beach from the sandstone cliffs might be challenging due to its steepness.

Many people hike on the rugged trails by the cliffs to see the breathtaking sunset views, but these paths are not well-maintained and can be dangerous. Sadly, some people have been seriously injured or killed from falling from the cliffs.

Dike Rock Tide Pools

You can find the tide pools to the north of Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores Beach within the La Jolla Underwater Marine Park. On the volcanic rock bench in this area, you'll have the chance to spot a variety of sea creatures such as starfish, limpets, mussels, anemones, and octopuses.

Kearny Mesa

The Kearny Mesa community is home to a significant Vietnamese population, and you can discover a diverse range of shops and restaurants selling authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is a spacious bay situated in San Diego where people often go for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Additionally, there are numerous shops and restaurants available in the vicinity.

Old Town San Diego

Old Town is a historic district with buildings dating back to the 18th century. It's a great place to experience the past and explore various shops and restaurants. If you're looking for things to do in San Diego this summer, or just for a fun weekend activity, let me know where you end up going.

With so many options, you're bound to have a great time in San Diego!