What to do in San Diego, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal area with buildings on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
A landscaped garden with a winding path, various shrubs, and a large tree with reddish leaves.
A crowded beach with waves crashing onto the shore and people enjoying the water.
A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.
A busy urban street with cars, street signs, and illuminated storefronts.

Things to do

USS Midway Museum with Skip-the-Line Entry

USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate

Rp658.997
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate
LEGOLAND® California Resort

LEGOLAND® California Tickets

Rp1.618.918
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® California Tickets
San Diego Whale Watching Tour

San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

Rp1.267.989
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
San Diego Signature Dinner Cruise

City Cruises San Diego: Signature Dinner Cruise

Rp1.923.771
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
City Cruises San Diego: Signature Dinner Cruise
Discover San Diego Guided Walking Tour

Discover San Diego: Self-Guided Walking Tour

Rp142.083
per adult
Discover San Diego: Self-Guided Walking Tour
San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50 Percent - Includes USS Midway

San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50 Percent - Includes USS Midway

Rp2.214.516
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50 Percent - Includes USS Midway
San Diego Scenic Tour

San Diego Scenic Tour

Rp1.643.028
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
San Diego Scenic Tour
See all activities in San Diego
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. San Diego Zoo

Prepare to be amazed and enchanted by the diversity of animal life on display at San Diego Zoo, which welcomes 5 million visitors a year. The 100-acre (40-hectare) site is home to around 4,000 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies. Most exhibits are open air, and designed to be as close to the natural habitats of the animals they house as possible.
Learn more
A zoo entrance with a panda sculpture, ticket booth, and people.

2. Mission Bay

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.
Learn more
A beach with sailboats, people relaxing, and a 'Boat Rentals' sign.

3. Petco Park

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.
Learn more
A large, empty baseball stadium with tiered seating and a green field.

4. SeaWorld

SeaWorld® San Diego, located in trendy Mission Beach, has been pleasing crowds ever since it opened in 1964 and is a must for anyone traveling with children. Kids and adults alike flock to the many exhibits offering opportunities to interact with marine animals. Touch, feed and give training signals to the performing bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Point. With prearranged permission, you can even don a wetsuit and jump into the water with the majestic beluga whales.
Learn more
An orca performing a jump in a pool.

5. Mission Beach

People have been coming to Mission Beach to top up their tans since the 1920s, when the first holiday homes were built along its shores. Development increased in the 1960s and today this is a thriving, affluent oceanfront suburb. Thankfully, though, it hasn’t lost its old-fashioned charm. Stroll along the boardwalk that runs the length of the beach and enjoy the relaxed, carnival atmosphere courtesy of street performers, roller bladers and skateboarders, and the occasional artist selling jewelry or other crafts.
Learn more
A beach with palm trees, boats, and a clear blue sky.

6. Balboa Park

This is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and one of the most diverse in the world. You could spend a week exploring its 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of walking trails and gardens, museums and galleries, theaters, restaurants, and world-famous zoo. This wealth of year-round entertainment makes it a popular location for both locals and tourists.
Learn more
A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.

7. USS Midway Museum

Climb aboard the USS Midway and stand on a colossus of U.S. military history. Before its reincarnation as a museum in 2004, this was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, in operation from September 1945 right up until Desert Storm in 1991. Today, the 972-foot (296-meter) craft is home to over 60 exhibits and welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year.
Learn more
A naval ship docked at a port with a city skyline in the background.

What to do in San Diego

Stay near popular San Diego attractions

A zoo entrance with a panda sculpture, ticket booth, and people.

San Diego Zoo

9.2/10 (15,439 reviews)
Home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals across 100 acres of immersive habitats. Explore the African Rocks exhibit or join a guided tour to witness the zoo's pioneering conservation work.
See properties

Where to stay in San Diego

Find the best San Diego areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Diego
Learn more about San Diego
A theater marquee with ornate designs and the name "Gaslamp Quarter".

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Spreckels Theater – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A beach with surfers and swimmers during sunset.

Pacific Beach

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

A white church with a cross on top and a curved roof against a clear blue sky.

Mission Valley

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

A street with a 'Little Italy' sign, parked cars, and buildings with Italian flags.

Little Italy

Visitors to Little Italy love its captivating waterfront views, and you can check out Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

A roller coaster under construction with scaffolding and a ticket booth in the foreground.

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Beach and Mission Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from San Diego

A modern building with a unique triangular design, a Ferris wheel, and a street with pedestrians.

Tijuana

A sunset over a mountainous landscape with a town in the foreground.

El Cajon

A valley with a town nestled between hills, a winding road, and distant mountains.

Santee

A harbor with multiple sailboats and a bridge in the background.

Chula Vista

Dixon Lake, Escondido CA

Escondido

A sunset over a mountainous landscape with scattered clouds.

La Mesa

A residential area with houses, roads, and surrounding greenery.

Rancho Santa Fe

A long pier with lights extending into the water at sunset.

Imperial Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is San Diego worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are loads of great things to do in San Diego. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Diego?
Begin your day with a visit to San Diego Zoo and Mission Bay. Then, explore other parts of San Diego for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Diego?
The top tourist attraction in San Diego is San Diego Zoo, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in San Diego?
You can easily tour popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, Mission Bay and Coronado Beach with a three-day break in San Diego. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and check out San Diego County.
Is San Diego a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Diego is a great destination to tour on foot. Wander between San Diego Zoo and Coronado Beach. Then take a stroll around Downtown San Diego, located 0.32 kilometers from the centre, and Columbia, which is about 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in San Diego with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in San Diego with kids.

What to do in San Diego for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in San Diego for adults including Bay City Brewing Co. And Hotel Circle.
Are there free things to do in San Diego?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San Diego is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Mission Bay is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia