- 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 or maybe a brunch cruise of San Diego Bay with City Experiences 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.
- Ways to Play 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
- 14 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
More Resources
Find More Things To Do
Events In:
San Diego LGBTQ+ Getaways
Enjoy sun, surf, and a vibrant community across San Diego County
Old Town San Diego
Soak up the city’s Spanish and Mexican history with a visit to Old Town’s fascinating museums, festive cantinas, and colorful shops
San Diego County Craft Breweries
The sunny south becomes a magnet for lovers of craft beer
Fall 2024 Deals in California
Score free hotel nights, gift cards, spa treatments and more when you know where to book
How to Toast the 2019 Holiday Season in California
Taste Christmas-themed cocktails, seasonal brews, and more at these Golden State locales
5 Awesome Ways to Spend the Holidays in California in 2017
Where to see Santa go surfer style, get Disney candy canes, and see the Golden State’s take on holiday lights
2019's Stunning Holiday Lights Displays
Marvel at these huge installations, twinkling boat parades, and a record-breaking Christmas tree
2018's Great Holiday Lights Displays in California
The season twinkles at hotels, boats, missions, and more
2021 Only-in-California Holiday Gift Guide
Find something for everyone on your list with this collection of Golden State gifts from every region of the state
How to Experience the Ultimate Veganuary in California
Luxury Minute
Pendry San Diego: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa: California Luxury Minute Resorts
California Dreamers
Comics, Art and Culture Collide at Comic-Con® San Diego
California Dream Eater
Del Mar’s Creamy Cuatro Leches Cake
California 101
San Diego County Resorts
California 101
San Diego County’s Best Beaches
California 101
San Diego: 5 Amazing Things
California Dream Eater
San Diego’s Decadent Charred Bone Marrow
California Dream Eater
San Diego’s Gourmet Grown-Up Donuts
California Dream Eater
San Diego’s Unforgettable Fish Tacos
Craft Spirits, California Cheese Trail, Asian Cuisine
41min
California’s Fascinating History
43min
Anderson Valley, L.A. Music Venues, Family Travel
35min
The Pacific Ocean and California Coast
43min
Fascinating Road Trips
37min
Southern California's Greatest Hits
40min
Road Trip: Searching for Stars
39min
Exploring San Diego
47min
California Theme Parks Summer 2024
53min
California Theme Parks Summer 2023
1hr3min
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get weekly travel inspiration, offers, contests, and more!
Plus, receive communications from California Grown and their exclusive ebook 'Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month' FREE.