- Summary
- Official Resources
- Gallery
- Events
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
As if all that sunshine weren’t enough, San Diego is a waterfront city with top-notch restaurants, beautiful ocean-sprayed vistas, neighborhoods that are steeped in history and culture, and a centrally located urban park. Whether you’re spending a few days indulging in the city’s myriad of beaches and surf spots, visiting the aquatic attractions SeaWorld San Diego and Mission Bay Aquatic Park, or exploring the inland offerings of the city, San Diego will not disappoint.
What to Do in San Diego
Perhaps the best place to start is in Balboa Park, 1,200 acres of pristine emerald green in the heart of the city, home to 17 museums, the most populous koala colony outside of Australia, and the largest outdoor instrument in the world. Get a sense of this oasis’ many wonders by beginning the day at the San Diego Zoo. Next, stop for a photo at the stunning Botanical Building, overlooking a lily pond, and venture inside the free-entry Timken Museum next door. Enjoy a peaceful sushi lunch at the Japanese Friendship Garden before strolling to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion (on Sunday afternoons, you can hear the 5,017 pipes come to life). Or check out one of the many exceptional museums like Fleet Science Center or Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man).
Explore can’t-miss shops and hangouts in key neighborhoods such as the Gaslamp Quarter, the East Village, North Park, Old Town, and others, and learn how you can leave your car—and parking worries—out of your daily plans and get around via the extensive system of trolleys, light rail, trains, buses, and water taxis.
Restaurants in San Diego
When eating in San Diego, seafood and Mexican—and sometimes both, as with its famous fish tacos—often take center stage. From food trucks to super casual eateries to bucket-list fine dining, dozens of delicious options dot the city. When the craving for fresh fish served dockside strikes, hit Coasterra, Mitch’s Seafood, or Royal Rooster. For unbeatable views of the La Jolla surf coupled with world-class California fare, book a rooftop table at George’s on the Cove. If you can’t get enough tacos, you really can’t go wrong in this town—but for creative, elevated options, head to Puesto (multiple locations) or Lola 55 (downtown). (There’s more taco exploration where that came from on this Southern California Taco Tour road trip.)
Not every culinary experience that San Diego offers is in a restaurant, of course. Get a rundown about the annual Latin Food Fest, and the year-round foodie extravaganza that is Liberty Public Market, a former naval complex that now houses over 30 high-end food and drink vendors. And don’t forget to check out the Maritime Museum, San Diego County’s famous slew of craft breweries, and Torrey Pines Gliderport.
Cities Near San Diego
A visitor could spend weeks within San Diego and not run out of things to do, but San Diego County is also home to numerous other cities that offer amazing Southern California experiences. The two farthest, around 40 miles up the coast, are Oceanside and Carlsbad, which are home to a postcard-worthy marina and LEGOLAND California, respectively. The boutiques and surfside restaurants of La Jolla, the surfing mecca of Encinitas, and the island community of Coronado are all magical in their own ways, and also not to be overlooked are Chula Vista, Escondido, home of San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, and Del Mar, home of blissful beaches and the world-famous horse racetrack.
In short—if you’re a fan of amazing weather, exceptional dining experiences, unbeatable outdoor recreation and cultural options, and great shopping, you’ll find yourself smiling in San Diego.
- So You Think You Know San Diego?
- San Diego: Craft Beers
- Balboa Park
- San Diego LGBTQ+ Getaways
- Dining in San Diego
- San Diego Culture: Comic Books, Vegan Food, and Sweet Soul
- A Visitor’s Complete Guide to Pacific Beach in San Diego
- 15 Amazing Taco Shops in San Diego County
- San Diego’s Little Italy
- 5 Spectacular San Diego Beaches
- Elexia de la Parra Doles Out Great Area Advice
- Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego
- A Visitor’s Guide to Point Loma, San Diego
- Barrio Logan
- A Complete Guide to Liberty Station, San Diego
- San Diego’s Best Rooftop Bars
- San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
- A Visitor’s Guide to Ocean Beach, San Diego
- A Complete Guide to San Diego’s Seaport Village
- Kerry Dunne: Foodie Finds and Sunny Day Adventures
More Resources
Find More Things To Do
Events In:
Take a Barbiecore Tour Through California
See the Golden State through rose-colored glasses with this list of 18 pink places to visitMichelin Adds 27 Newly Starred Restaurants in California
Inspectors also recognized 45 new Bib Gourmand honorees, underscoring the Golden State’s culinary bountyDrew Barrymore Shares Her Favorite Things to Do in California
The Hollywood veteran and host of The Drew Barrymore Show dedicated a week of programming to the Golden StateGet Inside Tips from Golden State Locals
From hole-in-the-wall fruit stands to hidden vista-filled hikes, California locals are happy to dish on their favorite spots10 California TikTok Accounts Every Traveler Should Know
Get a fun, firsthand glimpse of everything from hidden trails through the Sierras to secret San Diego sushi spotsMake Up for Missed Milestones with ‘Dreaming On in California’
If you had to postpone your travel dreams in 2020, you could win a once-in-a-lifetime do-over this summerWinter 2024 Deals in California
Beat the chill by enjoying discounts on hotels, lift tickets, and theme park funWays to Play in San Diego
No matter how you define playtime, you’ll find it in this SoCal hubCyber Monday Deals for California Fun
This year’s savings apply to future hotel stays, wine tastings, and moreCalifornia Named Most Fun State—Again
WalletHub’s rankings put the Golden State in first place for entertainment, nightlife, and national parks
San Diego Zoo, Bishop, Mt. Shasta
38min
Whale Watching, Dog-Friendly Travel, Ironstone Vineyards
30min
Travel Tips from California Locals
49min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
Bucket Lists, Craft Beer, San Andreas Fault
25min
California’s Fascinating History
43min
Local Food Tours in California
46min
Balboa Park, Wellness Travel, Wide Open Walls
37min
Antonia Lofaso’s L.A. Guide
48min
3 Award-Winning California Authors
47min
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up and get weekly travel inspiration and ideas
Thank you for signing up
Get ready to Dream Big!