Best Things to See, Do in San Diego, CA
The best things to see and do in San Diego, CA are hugely popular: In fact, thousands of people visit every year and find themselves in awe of the home of outdoor malls and scenic vistas. You’ll find plenty to keep you busy here, like checking out the famed La Jolla Cove or taking a trip across the water to Coronado Island – so much, in fact, that it’s often hard to cram it all in. Happily, from enjoying scenic views at Sunset Cliffs to grabbing top-notch eats at Liberty Public Market, we’ve compiled at cheat sheet to many of the best things to see and do in San Diego that can help you make any trip an occasion to remember.
2920 Zoo Dr
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous venues in the country and should a first stop on any traveler’s list. It features over 100 acres of land to explore and one of the finest collections of animals in the country including koalas, polar bears, and giant pandas. The exhibits are separated by different trails, like The Monkey Trail or The Hippo Trail, so wear comfortable shoes when visiting and be ready to walk a lot throughout the day. Alternately, you can opt for a guided bus tour of the grounds that runs about 35 minutes and showcases main highlights.
La Jolla Cove
This scenic cove right off the beach is rich in marine life and a favored spot for recreational scuba divers and snorkelers. If you hang out long enough, you may even get to see some sea lions coming close to the shore in addition to a killer view, and even if you don’t want to get in the water, exploring the cave formations will prove a welcome diversion. Among the best things to see and do in San Diego, this is a well-visited spot and therefore can get pretty crowded, but don’t worry. It’ll be worth the wait, especially for the kayak tour.
1350 El Prado
The workout required to reach the top of the California tower is balanced by the amazing views of downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, and the bay you can enjoy here. Climb up 125 steps to reach the 360-degree view from the observation deck that opened to the public in 1915, but closed shortly after. A recent renovation has brought the spot back on the radar as one of San Diego’s important landmarks, and to guarantee everything goes smoothly we suggest making a reservation.
2820 Historic Decatur Rd
Liberty Public Market is located in a renovated navy building in Liberty Station. There’s plenty of room for you to just leisurely stroll and explore all the bars, cafes, and trendy restaurants that are located on the premises, and even space to sprawl out for a picnic. Pop-up restaurants are always rotating here and you can easily kill a day just trying street food and browsing through wares from all the craft and antique vendors. From burgers, to empanadas and homemade pasta, jewelry, vintage furniture, and other goods, you’ll find it all here.
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr
On certain days, you may even catch an accurate reenactment at this historic lighthouse. It’s one of San Diego’s earliest monuments, since it was created barely five years after it had joined the Union, and the inside also doubles as a museum. Learn more about the history of the city and check out artifacts like log books, service equipment, and an original Fresnel lens here. You can also explore the keeper’s quarters, and the lighthouse itself is located within Cabrillo National Monument, a vast state park.
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr
If you’ve never tried hang gliding or paragliding, then this is your moment. First time flyers will take comfort in the welcoming staff at Torrey Pines and the tandem flights that are available to people of all ages. No reservations are accepted, so be sure to show up early. Happily, there are many seating options from which to watch others glide up and down the picturesque coast, and on the back patio of the place there’s even an on-site cafe with food ready-to-order. For paragliding, a tandem flight costs about $175, and flight school options are also available.
849 W Harbor Dr
This shopping center may be crowded with tourists, but it’s still worth a visit. All of the restaurants here, like Harbor House and Margarita’s Kitchen and Cantina , offer amazing views of the waterfront, and you’ll also find over 50 shops that sell souvenirs, art, books, and clothing, among other things. Take a tour around the property to appreciate all the Victorian architecture and make sure to look out for the 100-year old carousel. You may even catch a one-off event happening, like an antique car show, and other attractions like the balloon and caricature artists are what make this place a perfect stopover for family-friendly fun.
Coronado Island
Take the ferry across the bridge to visit Coronado Island, located just downtown of San Diego. There’s plenty to do and see here, like the Museum of Art or the historic Coronado Hotel. You can make traveling easier by reserving a ticket for the Old Town Trolley Tour, which has a convenient hop-on-hop-off policy, or, you could rent a Segway, another equally cool way to get around. The sights on offer here, including the beach and the Naval Base, are worth leaving the mainland for at least once.
910 N Harbor Dr
This former U.S. Navy aircraft carrier now houses a whole museum devoted to educating the public. It’s extremely interactive, and guests are encouraged to touch things, sit on the captain's chair, or flip switches in the cockpit. The entire thing is self-guided, and, if you have time, you can wait for the “Island Tour” that lets you have access to the control areas. Throughout the exhibits, you’ll also find people in “yellow hats” waiting and happy to give you more information on the U.S. Navy and its operations.
Point Loma
No San Diego itinerary is complete without ending the day at Sunset Cliffs. If you travel here by car, you’ll be amazed with the scenery between Adair and Ladera street, and once arrive you won’t ever want to leave. If it’s between December and April, there’s also a good chance you’ll spot some grey whales during your visit. During the summer, the pink and blue sunsets will definitely blow you away.
CHEAT SHEET
To read more about the best things to see and do in San Diego, CA, also see:
· Conde Nast Traveller – 18 Best Things to Do in San Diego
· U.S News – 32 Fun Things to Do in San Diego