Things to do in San Diego

Top Things to Do in San Diego

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Things to Do in San Diego

Say hello to SoCal living. First stop is the beach. Then, tour the Gaslamp Quarter on a Segway, or hang with wildlife at La Jolla Cove or the world famous San Diego Zoo.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Diego.

Top Attractions in San Diego

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • dena f
    California305 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a great day here...and plan to spend a good chunk of your day! There's so much to see and tour. It's a great experience for the whole family. The docents were passionate and knowledgeable resources that are eager to help. The tours are a unique experience just make sure your group is good with stairs and ladders.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Immyness
    San Antonio, TX147 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hands down an excellent Zoo with amazing exhibits! We purchased the 2-Day Zoo pass to make sure we had ample time to see everything. Collectively, we spent 5-6 hours walking through and enjoying the animals. One thing we all enjoyed was the variety of habitats and we saw some animals never seen before. We do make it a point to visit zoos whenever we travel and we would not hesitate to return here!
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carrie D.
    Cleveland, OH1,987 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It wasn’t my first time visiting the La Jolla Cove, but every time I’m dazzled by the views and by the playful seals & sea lions. I could literally watch them for hours. Parking was tough late on a Saturday afternoon, a couple of hours before sunset, but we circled a few times and eventually got lucky. The only thing about the La Jolla Cove that bothers me is how irresponsible people can be with the wildlife. It’s always both shocking and disappointing to me that so many people let their kids run right up to the seals & sea lions, or throw food to them. It’s just so disruptive to the environment, as well as dangerous for the kids. If you can put that aside, it was a great place to spend a couple of hours on our first night in southern California.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • torin211
    Philadelphia, PA19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Balboa Park is a treasure of San Diego. It has something for everyone. We spent all day, walking around, visiting museums and gardens. All the buildings are beautiful and designed very well.
    We took a free tram to get around the park at the beginning of the day for the orientation.
    We really enjoyed the Spanish Art Center and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Claire K
    Hove, UK1,289 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You do have to pay a few bucks to park the car near the State Beach, but the trails around Torrey Pines are completely worth it. You can walk as much as you fancy-a couple of hours or all day, & the views you are rewarded with are breathtaking. Orange rocks, cacti & the turquoise Pacific….heavenly.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Natalie H
    San Diego, CA6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Listen, the food options here are craaazzzyyy! lots of great san diego restaurant favorites have a spot in Petco- from açaí bowls to tri tip nachos, you can really have it all at the ballpark!
    Written 27 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carrie D.
    Cleveland, OH1,987 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a beautiful National Monument! We enjoyed the film on the migration patterns of the gray whales. We walked up to see the lighthouse and the views from up there, which were as lovely as we expected. We loved the coastal trail and the tide pools. Cabrillo was an absolutely gorgeous place to spend a few hours in the morning—we’re just a little bummed that in the few hours we were there we didn’t spot any gray whales off the coast as we’d hoped.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wennitiong
    Kuching, Malaysia161 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are many people come to this place for sunset viewing. Very romantic!

    As tourists, we were not so prepared. But I am sure that if we know about this place earlier, we can pack a picnic mat, blanket and find a good spot to enjoy the sunset view with loved one. :)
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Terri Defilippi
    Reno, NV3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This monument is beautiful. It is so nicely maintained. We were lucky enough to speak with a docent who showed us all the well known people on the plaques. The 360 degree views are breathtaking. I highly recommend it.
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • April M
    San Diego, CA1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The pilot was experienced and I felt very comfortable. It was a beautiful day, it was peaceful and beautiful. The take-off and landing were so smooth, and I appreciated the entire process. The views were breathtaking.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Denise T
    Mississauga, Canada82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took this to get to Coronado island on the trolley tour.
    Beautiful bridge with beautiful sights. It is a bridge.
    Not much else to say about it
    Written 4 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian M
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you wanna live on the beach in total security the bottom of the cliffs are the spot you can just put a tent and the cops will let you stay there for months and you can catch lobster on the reef at nightime by going out on the reef fingers with shrimp for bait or those shell things on the rocks you can use a treble hook and fishing line and a light to spot the lobsters they come in at night with the high tide you can cook them at your tent also you can park your 35 footer right on front of a mansion all day and night and everyone is used to it also there is a town nextdoor called ocean beach the cops will let you live in a 35 footer full of your gangsters right on the Sand forever you can park at dog beach there's plenty of parking for your gigantic motorhome no problem and the cops will never even bother you plus there is a huge excess of beautiful homeless girls I know I lived there and had seven girl freinds In five months The password the friendly locals say it burkurt if a nice local says this to you say it back and they smile and wave and they might even buy you a drink at the sunshine company also if your straight up homeless all the hippies will take you into there open arms and let you sleep and party all night at a bonfire you go to a bon fire and your already Invited so I highly recommend ob and sunset cliffs I had the best time of my life there
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego



The most popular things to do in San Diego with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in San Diego on Tripadvisor