Top 20 Things to Do in San Diego

Welcome to MapFinds.com, where we help you "Make the Most of Your Journey." San Diego, with its perfect blend of stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scenes, and family-friendly attractions, offers something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 20 things to do in San Diego based on top-rated attractions.

1. Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a cultural oasis with museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. It’s a perfect spot for a day of exploration and learning. Go deeper into the park's many museums, gardens, and attractions on a guided walking tour that will help you plan where you want to go and appreciate how Balboa Park came to be. Plus, stay energized with an included coffee drink along the way.

2. San Diego Zoo

Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and is renowned for its conservation efforts and naturalistic exhibits. Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos.

3. USS Midway Museum

Explore the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway, which has been converted into a museum with interactive exhibits and restored aircraft. This enormous ship, known as the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, now offers a range of interactive exhibits, a self-guided audio tour and numerous restored aircraft across its 4-acre (1.6-hectare) flight deck and sections below. It’s an essential piece of San Diego’s, and America’s, military history.

4. La Jolla Cove

A picturesque cove offering stunning ocean views, snorkeling opportunities, and the chance to see sea lions up close. Explore La Jolla Ecological Reserve's sea caves during a 90-minute kayaking tour. Follow your experienced guide through several diverse ecological habitats, home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life in California.

5. Gaslamp Quarter

This historic district is known for its nightlife, dining, and entertainment options, featuring Victorian architecture and modern venues. Learn all about San Diego’s food scene in the Gaslamp District in the downtown area of the city. Your guide will take you to five different places to try five different large-size portions of local foods. You’ll learn about the history and culture of the area, too, and how that relates to food.

6. Old Town San Diego 

Step back in time and experience the history of early San Diego at this state park, which offers museums, shops, and restaurants. Soak up the Old World elegance of the mansions and Hotel Del on Coronado Island, and find peace in the urban oasis of Balboa Park. Wind through downtown and Old Town San Diego, learning about the city’s history along the way.

7. Whale Watching 

Enjoy the quintessential Southern California ocean experience with whale watching. Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 2–3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open ocean and looking for animals in just 10 short minutes. Marine biologists onboard help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their life in the deep blue sea.

8. San Diego Air & Space Museum

Located in Balboa Park, this museum showcases aviation history with a collection of aircraft and spacecraft. Dedicated to the preservation and education of air and space technology and history, the San Diego Air & Space Museum (SDASM features a variety of aircraft and aerial vessels, as well as artifacts and photos that depict the past, present, and future of aviation. 

9. Petco Park - Home of the San Diego Padres

This modern ballpark offers great views of the city and a fun atmosphere for baseball fans. This behind-the-scenes tour gives you access to areas of the park that you wouldn't be able to get if just visiting to watch a game. See exclusive areas such as the Press Box, the Private Luxury Suite, and the Major League Dugout, and learn about past players as your walk past the Hall of Fame areas.

10. Coronado Beach

Famous for its wide, sandy beaches and the historic Hotel del Coronado, this beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Your guide will show you and a small group all around the island, stopping at the Glorietta Bay Promenade, Coronado Beach, and the Coronado Ferry Landing. Your guide will take photos for you and share insights about Coronado's past.

11. San Diego Beach Tour

Feel the good vibes of the California coast as you stroll the sands of San Diego’s best beaches on this 4-hour tour. Sip a refreshing iced tea at the historic Hotel Del Coronado before checking out iconic strips of sand including Ocean Beach, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, where you’ll stop for lunch. Finish your day amidst the postcard-perfect views of La Jolla Cove, admiring the resident sea lions, seals and pelicans that call the area home.

12. Legoland California

A short drive from San Diego, this theme park is perfect for families with young children, offering rides, shows, and Lego-themed attractions. Let your imagination run wild during a day of fun with tickets to LEGOLAND ®California Resort. Build, play and explore among the park’s range of over 60 rides, shows and attractions. Visit LEGO MOVIE WORLD with a host of new rides and attractions based on the hit movies.

13. Little Italy

This charming neighborhood is known for its excellent Italian restaurants, boutique shops, and lively farmers’ market. With an abundance of restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy, it can sometimes be hard to differentiate between the tourist traps and the authentic local gems. Avoid the guesswork and get great local advice with this guided food tour. As well as having delicious tastings along the way—the tour is also a great way to learn about the architecture and history of the local area.

14. San Diego Natural History Museum

Discover the natural wonders of Southern California through exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and regional wildlife. Follow your guide to historic sites like the Hall of Justice and Pantoja Park, then make your way through Little Italy and the expansive grounds of Balboa Park. In the park you glide past destinations including Founder’s Plaza, the San Diego Museum of Natural History, and the Inez Parker Memorial Rose Garden.

15. La Jolla Shores

This beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. La Jolla is an affluent neighborhood full of art galleries, beautiful boutiques, and great local restaurants. The history of this area is full of exciting characters who were big dreamers and have paved the path for this neighborhood to flourish in the arts, sciences, and sport. Take a guided food and drink walking tour.

16. Point Loma

Visit Point Loma for its historical sites, including the Cabrillo National Monument, and stunning views of San Diego Bay. Drive a GoCar around San Diego's Point Loma area on this self-paced tour. No need for a tour bus or a taxi; you and your party aboard a touring car will follow a GPS route designed to show you the highlights. Depart Old Town and head for Liberty Station, the Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma ecological preserve, Sunset Cliffs, and the Ocean Beach neighborhood.

17. Seaport Village

A waterfront shopping and dining complex, Seaport Village offers unique shops, restaurants, and beautiful harbor views. Embark on a 3-hour food tour from Seaport Village, savoring local delights at four restaurants and enjoying a carousel ride—all with waterfront views. A knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating details about San Diego throughout the journey.

18. Maritime Museum of San Diego

Explore historic ships, including the Star of India, at this museum dedicated to maritime history and culture. Enjoy one of the world’s biggest collections of historic ocean vessels, including five ships and one submarines. You’ll view the USS Dolphin research submarine, the iconic Star of India and the HMS Surprise (star of the ‘Master and Commander’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean films’) among others. A fun collection kid-friendly exhibits, plus an on-site maritime research library, round out the experience.

19. Liberty Station

A former naval training center turned into a cultural hub, Liberty Station offers art galleries, eateries, and a public market. If you want an inside look into San Diego’s military scene, this small-group tour is for you. Learn about the former Naval Training Center and what a sailor’s life is like and pay your respects to 52 submarines lost during World War II. You also visit the former Command Center and detention camp as well as the former Camp John Paul Jones. After a day full of learning, be rewarded with a certificate of completion and a beer.

20. Belmont Park

This historic amusement park on Mission Beach features the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster, arcade games, and fun rides. Come see a sunset, touch the Pacific Ocean in Mission Beach or walk the famous boardwalk. Belmont Park has everything you want from a day in Southern California, all in one place. Get a ride and play pass here.

San Diego is a city that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly activities, these top 20 attractions will help you make the most of your journey. Enjoy your stay in San Diego!