Top 5 Things to Do in San Diego
As the second-largest city in the great state of California, San Diego is known for its pleasant climate, array of attractions, and miles of unsullied beaches. Thanks to the numerous museums, art galleries, and botanical gardens, San Diego attractions are not hard to find.
Our insider’s guide will help you plan your next trip to San Diego, ensuring you don’t miss any of the four must-do things in what has been deemed, “America’s Finest City”:
Balboa Park: Urban Cultural District
Spanning 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is a historic, urban cultural district located in San Diego. Called San Diego’s ever-changing yet always amazing 1,200-acre backyard, there are an abundance of ways to enjoy a visit to Balboa Park.
Guests can tour various attractions within Balboa Park with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass. This gives access to various museums, including the Museum of US, the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego History Center, and more. There are also performing arts locations like the Old Globe, the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, and the Starlight Bowl within the district.
Standing tall as Balboa Park’s most famous and visited attraction is the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, which is home to over 4,000 fascinating and rare animals. Guest experiences include observing the animals, with some interactive experiences available. The San Diego Zoo makes up the park’s center, and surrounding the zoo there are many additional attractions, like the Balboa Park Carousel, the Miniature Railroad, and the Spanish Village Art Center. This is to say nothing of the gardens, which include the Alcazar Garden, Trees for Health Garden, Zoro Garden (a former nudist colony turned butterfly garden), Palm Canyon, and many others
Dining options ranging from a quick snack stop to a four-course meal are available within Balboa Park. From dining and museums to zoos and botanical gardens, Balboa Park has a bit of something to offer every guest.
To ensure that you see it all, you will likely have to spend more than one day exploring all the many offerings within the park. Therefore, in most cases, the Explorer Pass is the best option. This is, of course, unless you have limited time available and want to purchase tickets for single events, attractions, gardens, or museums.
As an expert tip, check before visiting to ensure that the museums and event venues within the park will be open during your visit. Sometimes, they have to close temporarily for exhibit installation or maintenance or there simply isn’t anything on the schedule.
Mission Beach Boardwalk: Classic Boardwalk Beachtown
Situated parallel to the beloved Mission Beach, Mission Beach Boardwalk is a 2.3-mile boardwalk that creates an ideal setting to watch a San Diego sunset, thanks to the oceanfront walk. Mission Beach is known as San Diego’s take on the classic boardwalk beach town, complete with its own boardwalk amusement park originally constructed in 1925 (since restored). Mission Beach Boardwalk is also home to the historic Belmont Park.
In addition to the fun amusement park area, including the famous Giant Dipper Roller Coaster (wooden roller coaster also known for its other Santa Cruz location), there are countless shops, delicious dining establishments, rock climbing, an arcade, miniature golf, and even bumper cars. Mission Beach also boasts a better-than-expected nightlife, making it a hot scene for the younger crowd.
Although the bars and nightlife likely appeal to younger visitors, families will also appreciate the Mission Beach Boardwalk throughout the day and into the evening and even into the early night by enjoying whale-watching, beach volleyball, kiteboarding, biking, boogie boarding, sport fishing, surfing, roller skating, and scuba diving.
Be aware that parking on Mission Beach Boardwalk itself can be a bit tricky as the area is densely inhabited by residential homes. The best spots for parking include public lots around Belmont Park, South Mission Beach Park, and Santa Clara Point. If you don’t want to have to worry about parking, you can always visit either via bus or bike. The much-beloved San Diego Sea World is also located nearby and makes a great addition to a visit to the boardwalk, especially for a family.
La Jolla Beach: Jewel by the Sea
Known as the “jewel” of San Diego, La Jolla Beach is a mile-long beach consisting of pristine sand, 300-foot sea cliffs, coves, perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, surfing, body surfing, biking (along nearby boardwalks), boogie boarding and more. This immensely popular strip of beach is considered one of the top beach destinations in the entire world.
La Jolla Beach is surrounded on three of its sides by the sea and then backs up to the cliffs and steep slopes of Mt. Soledad. The natural beauty, along with the surrounding upscale village and abundance of activities, makes La Jolla a must-visit beach when in San Diego.
It’s worth noting that throughout the summer and autumn, the water is warm and relatively gentle, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. When visiting the cove, you can even opt for a guided tour or rent gear on your own to explore the beauty of this setting. There are also guided kayak tours available that will give you unparalleled access to the rugged coastline and views of the surrounding caves.
La Jolla Shores Beach features restrooms and shower facilities. Restroom facilities are also available at the Children’s Pool, which is a great place to observe sea lions and seals. Lifeguard stations are set up at the Children’s Pool, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla Shores, all of which are staffed year-round. Parking can be difficult, especially in the summer. Come early to enjoy the beach or late for a San Diego sunset. Parking options include street parking in neighborhoods and designated spots.
Interested in a different beach? Check out the Windansea Beach in the area! This beach is known for its reef breaks and hard-breaking surf, making it the perfect spot for experienced surfers who want to make the most of their time in San Diego!
SeaWorld San Diego: Marine Life, Rides & Shows
Located in the heart of Mission Bay, SeaWorld San Diego is a top family attraction that combines exciting rides, marine life exhibits, and fun-filled shows. It’s one of the most well-known theme parks in Southern California and has been a favorite for both locals and tourists for decades.
The park is home to dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sharks, and more. Guests can enjoy interactive exhibits, feed stingrays, and learn about the park’s ongoing rescue and conservation work. Daily animal presentations give you a closer look at how these creatures live, play, and are cared for. For thrill-seekers, SeaWorld also has several rides including the Emperor dive coaster, Journey to Atlantis, and the Electric Eel.
Families with younger kids will love the Sesame Street Bay of Play, a bright and playful area with water features and rides designed just for little ones. Between the exciting roller coasters, hands-on animal encounters, and family-friendly entertainment, SeaWorld offers something for everyone. Dining options and shaded rest areas make it easy to spend the whole day exploring. If you're looking for a mix of education, fun, and marine magic, SeaWorld is a can’t-miss part of any San Diego trip.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Birch Aquarium is a top attraction in La Jolla, especially for families and anyone who loves the ocean. It is part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, one of the world’s leading centers for marine research. The aquarium features over 60 marine habitats, showcasing everything from local Pacific Coast species to tropical reef fish. You’ll see seahorses, jellyfish, eels, and even small sharks.
One of the most popular areas is the tide pool plaza, where you can touch sea stars, hermit crabs, and other small creatures while enjoying a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Outdoor decks and scenic walkways make the aquarium just as enjoyable for sightseeing as it is for learning. Seasonal exhibits, interactive displays, and special programs for kids make it a spot you can spend several hours exploring.
The aquarium is only a short drive from La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores, so you can easily combine your visit with time at the beach. Parking is available on-site, and mornings are generally less crowded. If you want a relaxing visit with a view, come in the late afternoon to watch the sun start to set over the ocean.
We hope you have enjoyed the top five things to do in San Diego! Of course, there are many other options to consider, but this gives you a scope of the options within this fabulous city, ranging from relaxing to more adventurous.
Be sure to ask our local experts, Bluewater Vacation Homes for extra insights and tips on the area. Regardless of what you choose to do, a visit to San Diego is a great idea!
