San Diego is situated at the southern tip of California, right on the Pacific Ocean and next to the USA-Mexico border. Known as the “Birthplace of California,” this beautiful city offers a wide range of attractions to explore. From stunning beaches and delicious tacos to fascinating wildlife and breathtaking sunsets, there’s always something to enjoy. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in San Diego.

Lo Jolla Cove

Visit La Jolla Cove, a charming beach nestled among cliffs in the La Jolla area of San Diego. This cove is well-known for its large population of sea lions, providing a fantastic opportunity to observe these playful animals.

You can also explore a sea cave accessible from the Cave Store. This adventure involves a short tunnel that leads you through the sandstone cliffs to Sunny Jim’s sea cave. The self-guided tour lasts about 15 minutes and is an affordable, unique experience. Alternatively, consider taking a kayak tour to see the sea cave from the water.

Balboa Park

Spanning 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is a must-see destination in San Diego, offering the perfect mix of nature, culture, and history. With its beautiful gardens, impressive Spanish Revival architecture, and world-class museums, the park provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

• Comic-Con Museum: Explore exhibits featuring comics and pop culture from the Comic-Con universe.
• House of Pacific Relations International Cottages: Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of the world through this collection of charming cottages.
• Institute of Contemporary Art: For those who appreciate modern art, this museum offers a fascinating look at experimental works.
• Museum of Photographic Arts: Photography enthusiasts will enjoy this museum, which is part of the San Diego Museum of Art.

With so many attractions to discover, you could easily spend several days in the park. To make the most of your time, consider reviewing the options in advance or joining a guided tour to experience the park’s top highlights.

Old Town

If you’re a history enthusiast or appreciate old-world charm, a visit to San Diego’s Old Town is a must. This area transports you back in time with its well-preserved historic buildings and museums.

• Serra Museum: Explore this iconic museum, located on one of the most significant historical sites of the first permanent European settlement in California.
• Whaley House: For those intrigued by the supernatural, don’t miss America’s Most Haunted House. Take a guided tour to uncover its dark history and reports of paranormal activity.

In addition to its rich history, Old Town is known for its unique shops offering one-of-a-kind items, such as unique jewelry, distinctive art pieces, and memorable souvenirs.

Ocean Beach

San Diego is home to many stunning beaches, and one of the most famous is Ocean Beach, celebrated for its relaxed, vintage vibe. Art lovers will enjoy the vibrant murals throughout the area. Don’t miss a stroll along the Ocean Beach Pier, and be sure to try San Diego’s famous burgers at Hodad’s on Newport Avenue.

Admire Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

After exploring Ocean Beach, drive south along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to reach Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, this spot offers some of the best panoramic views in San Diego, with rugged cliffs dropping directly into the ocean. Given the length of the coastline, arrive early to secure a good spot for your group to enjoy one of San Diego’s stunning sunsets. Be sure to bring a beach mat to sit on as you take in the views—it’s the perfect spot to relax while the sky changes into a stunning display of colors.

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is one of San Diego’s most popular and lively beaches, known for its vibrant party atmosphere. Stroll along the boardwalk, where you can enjoy performances from talented street musicians, jugglers, and rollerbladers.

Relax with a drink at one of the beachfront rooftop bars while taking in the stunning views of the crashing waves. For dining, there are plenty of options, but if you’re craving delicious yet affordable Mexican food in a casual setting, don’t miss Oscar’s Mexican Seafood. Everything we tried there was fantastic!

For Tom Cruise fans, you can also visit the iconic Victorian-style “Top Gun” house in nearby Oceanside, California, to relive memories from the classic movie.

Whale Watching

San Diego’s coastline is renowned as one of the best whale-watching spots in California. If you haven’t experienced whale watching yet, this is a perfect opportunity to check it off your bucket list. You’ll need to book a tour with one of the local vendors to see various types of whales and dolphins.

When heading out, be sure to pack a jacket, as it can get chilly on the water, along with sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sunglare, and sunscreen to keep your skin safe during the trip.

We went on a trip in September, but unfortunately, we didn’t spot any whales. While San Diego is known for its excellent whale sightings throughout the year, it’s important to remember that you’re observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, so there’s always a chance you might not see them.

The good news is that most companies offer a whale-watching guarantee. This means if you don’t see any whales on your first tour, you can go on another tour for free. If you’re a local or have several days to spare, take advantage of this opportunity!

San Diego Zoo

For animal lovers, the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is a must-visit. Home to over 12,000 animals representing more than 650 species from around the globe, it’s an incredible place to explore. To enhance your experience, consider taking a guided bus tour or an aerial tram ride. You can also book special experiences that offer unique encounters with the animals, making your visit even more memorable.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Another unique attraction is the San Diego Safari Park, located in Escondido, about a 45-minute drive from the San Diego Zoo. Here you can get up close to animals while riding in a safari vehicle. The park offers a variety of exciting safari options, making it a great choice if you want to experience a taste of an African safari right in California.

Coronado Island

In San Diego, you can easily reach the paradise of Coronado Island by crossing a bridge from downtown. This beautiful island features sparkling sandy beaches, charming historic mansions, and a variety of shopping and dining options. You can explore the island or simply relax on the beach while enjoying a meal. The iconic Hotel del Coronado is also located here, where you can stay, dine, or book activities. It’s a fantastic spot for snapping picturesque photos for your Instagram!

San Diego offers an incredible range of activities that cater to every type of traveler, whether you’re a beach enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, culture lover, or foodie. No matter how long you stay, the best things to do in San Diego will create lasting memories and leave you eager to return. Be sure to plan ahead, customize your itinerary by mixing and matching the activities suggested in this guide to fit your interests, and take full advantage of everything this sunny Southern California paradise has to offer!