San Diego, California is a city that truly has something for everyone. From pristine beaches to world-renowned attractions and museums, San Diego offers a diverse range of things to see and do. Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing vacation, San Diego has it all. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the best attractions and things to do in San Diego, so you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city. From the famous San Diego Zoo to the charming Gaslamp Quarter, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and explore the best of San Diego!
The 10 Best Activities in San Diego
- Drink Ride Sing and Dance Sd Bar Tour
- San Diego Californian Tall Ship Adventure Sailing Trip
- San Diego Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
- San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Segway Tour
- 90 Minute San Diego Seal Tour
- Old Town San Diego Hop on Hop Off Narrated Tour
- San Diego Citypassr Save 42 at 5 Top Attractions
- San Diego Go San Diego Explorer Pass
- 244872120168 Hour Go San Diego Card
- Go San Diego Explorer City Pass Choose Any 3 4 5 or 7 Attractions
The 10 Best Activities in San Diego
1. Drink Ride Sing and Dance Sd Bar Tour
Explore the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego and have a fun-filled evening on the Drink Ride Sing and Dance SD Bar Tour. You’ll visit four pre-arranged bars, each with discounted drinks for tour participants. Show off your singing skills with a karaoke session, and bust some moves on the dance floor with new friends you make along the way. This four-hour tour is suitable for wheelchair access and starts at The Double Deuce at 9:00 PM, with the tour ending at American Junkie. Join the tour for an unforgettable evening of drinks and entertainment in the Gaslamp Quarter.
2. San Diego Californian Tall Ship Adventure Sailing Trip
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind adventure at sea aboard a replica of a gold rush era revenue cutter, the Californian – the Official Tall Ship of the State of California. Immerse yourself in life aboard a tall ship during an adventure at sea. Experience sailing a traditionally rigged tall ship alongside the crew and help man the helm as you journey back in time. Learn from the Californian’s crew about historical facts and tales during the trip. You can also explore the Maritime Museum of San Diego with included admission either before or after your sailing experience. The tour includes food and drinks onboard. Please note, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.
3. San Diego Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
See the famous landmarks and icons of San Diego on a fully-narrated 2-hour or 1-hour sightseeing cruise on San Diego Bay. Enjoy the educational and informative commentary from the crew as you pass by Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and Cabrillo National Monument while taking in beautiful skyline views. Admire the Coronado Bay Bridge from the water and learn about current habitat restoration for the bay’s marine life. Don’t miss spotting the ships of the U.S Navy Surface Fleet docked along the shore. This tour includes the captain, crew, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and drinks or snacks are available for purchase onboard. Join this San Diego Harbor Sightseeing Cruise for an unforgettable experience.
4. San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Segway Tour
Explore San Diego’s top landmarks on this comprehensive Segway tour through the bustling Gaslamp Quarter. With a professional guide leading the way, cruise past Balboa Park, the Inez Grant Parker Rose Garden, and the USS San Diego Memorial, while taking in spectacular views of San Diego Bay. Your Segway tour includes a 30-minute orientation, safety equipment rental, and refreshments along the way. Choose between morning or afternoon tours, and enjoy hassle-free pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Book your San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Segway Tour now for an unforgettable experience of this iconic city.
5. 90 Minute San Diego Seal Tour
Splash into San Diego Bay with the 90 Minute San Diego Seal Tour and experience the city like never before. Board a unique hybrid bus and boat, journey to San Diego Bay’s Shelter Island and sit back to enjoy amazing views of the city’s most interesting sights. Traverse through San Diego’s picturesque streets before the vehicle splashes into the water for a cruise of San Diego Bay. Pass by the Embarcadero and San Diego International Airport and learn about the importance of the military in San Diego along with other local icons from your guide. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience San Diego by both sea and land. Your package includes an informative guide, transportation in an amphibious vehicle, and tips. Join the most unique sightseeing tour in San Diego and make the most of your trip.
6. Old Town San Diego Hop on Hop Off Narrated Tour
Join the fascinating Old Town San Diego Hop-on Hop-Off Narrated Tour and embark on a memorable journey through San Diego and Coronado. With more than 100 points of interest to see, you’ll experience the city’s finest attractions at your own pace. Travel in style aboard an authentic trolley and listen to the live guide’s narration and insightful commentary.
You’ll start the day at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you’ll explore original Mexican settlements and see some of the earliest adobe homes and artifacts that shaped the city’s cultural history. As you make your way along the scenic coastline, you’ll marvel at the stunning luxury resort in Coronado.
With 12 convenient boarding points to choose from, you can join the tour at any time of day and discover all the best attractions in San Diego. For those interested in the history of the city and its cultural heritage, this tour is an unmissable experience. Choose your own adventure and hop off to explore any attraction that catches your eye, then hop back on the trolley and continue your sightseeing journey.
7. San Diego Citypassr Save 42 at 5 Top Attractions
Book your San Diego CityPASS® and enjoy entry to five of the city’s top theme parks, attractions and tours, and save up to 42% compared to purchasing the same tickets separately. With instant delivery of mobile tickets, you can space out your visits over 9 days at your convenience. Choose to visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego or cruise in the harbor, or marvel at a 3D holographic movie at the USS Midway Museum. This incredible package also includes entry to SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND California (or both), San Diego Zoo and ride the Skyfari Aerial Tram. Reservations may be required at some attractions and you can visit my.citypass.com for attraction information, including hours of operation and helpful visit tips. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the best attractions and things to do in San Diego, while saving significant amounts of money!
8. San Diego Go San Diego Explorer Pass
Experience San Diego’s top attractions and tours at a discounted price with the San Diego Go San Diego Explorer Pass. This pass allows you to choose 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 top attractions from over 45 options to visit at your own pace within 60 days from first activation.
The pass includes access to renowned museums such as the Natural History Museum and Birch Aquarium, as well as top attractions like the San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum. Additionally, there are opportunities to explore the city with a hop-on hop-off trolley tour or to kayak and snorkel in beautiful La Jolla. The options are limitless.
There is no need for a physical pass as your pass will be fully digital. Simply download the pass directly to your smartphone or print it at home for easy access. Show your pass at each attraction and begin exploring San Diego’s best attractions and tours while saving up to 55% compared to buying separate attraction tickets.
9. 244872120168 Hour Go San Diego Card
The San Diego All-Inclusive Pass offers visitors to the area an all-access pass with ultimate convenience and savings. With instant delivery of the pass to your phone or the option to print it off at home, you can enjoy free admission to over 50 San Diego-area activities, attractions, and tours. The included digital guide provides comprehensive attraction information to help you decide what to do and where to go. Choose between a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7-day pass and save up to 45% off compared to buying separate attraction tickets. The pass includes admission to over 55 top San Diego-area activities, attractions, and tours. Get ready to explore San Diego in style with the San Diego All-Inclusive Pass.
10. Go San Diego Explorer City Pass Choose Any 3 4 5 or 7 Attractions
Save money on San Diego’s top attractions with a San Diego Explorer Pass. This pass allows you to choose any 2 to 7 attractions of your choice at discounted rates. The pass remains valid for 60 days from the first use, providing ample time to explore the city’s top destinations.
With this pass, you have the freedom to select any attractions and activities of your choice, such as the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, speedboat tours, bike rentals, and many others. The pass comes with a digital guide that provides useful information about each attraction.
You don’t have to worry about additional expenses such as parking fees, food and drinks, and gratuities, as they are all covered by the pass.
Get ready to explore San Diego’s best attractions and create unforgettable memories. Book your San Diego Explorer Pass today and start planning your itinerary.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego
San Diego is a vibrant city located on the Pacific coast of California. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, high-quality museums, and diverse culture. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world visit San Diego to experience the unique charm of this city. However, like any travel destination, there are questions that are commonly asked. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about San Diego, along with their answers.1. What is the best time to visit San Diego?
San Diego has a mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year, which makes it an ideal place to visit at any time. However, the best time to visit San Diego is from September to November or from March to May, when the weather is warm, and the crowds are thinner. The peak tourist season is from June to August, when the city is packed with tourists, and hotel prices are at their highest.2. What are the top tourist attractions to visit in San Diego?
San Diego has a lot of attractions. Below are some of the must-visit attractions in the city:- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- USS Midway Museum
- La Jolla Cove
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Coronado Beach
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
3. What is the best way to get around San Diego?
San Diego has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trolleys, and trains. The best way to get around San Diego is by using the trolley system or renting a car. The trolley system is cheap, efficient, and covers most of the tourist attractions in the city. If you want to explore the city’s outskirts or nearby attractions, renting a car is the best option.4. What is the legal drinking age in San Diego?
The legal drinking age in San Diego, as in the rest of California, is 21. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Bars and restaurants are required by law to ask for ID to verify the age of customers.5. What are the best beaches to visit in San Diego?
San Diego is famous for its beautiful beaches. Below are some of the top beaches to visit in San Diego:- Coronado Beach
- La Jolla Cove
- Del Mar Beach
- Carlsbad State Beach
- Imperial Beach
6. What are the best neighborhoods to visit in San Diego?
San Diego has many neighborhoods that are worth visiting. Below are some of the neighborhoods that are popular among tourists:- Gaslamp Quarter
- Little Italy
- North Park
- Hillcrest
- La Jolla
7. What is the food culture like in San Diego?
San Diego has a diverse food culture. The city is famous for its Mexican cuisine, seafood, and craft beer. Some of the must-try dishes in San Diego include:- Fish tacos
- California burrito
- Carne asada fries
- Seafood platter
- Craft beer
8. What is the best way to save money while visiting San Diego?
San Diego can be an expensive city to visit, but there are ways to save money. Below are some tips for saving money while visiting San Diego:- Visit free attractions, such as Balboa Park and the beaches
- Eat at local food trucks and restaurants instead of expensive touristy places
- Use public transportation or walk instead of renting a car or taking a taxi
- Look for hotel deals and discounts online
- Visit during the off-season when hotel prices are lower
9. Is San Diego a family-friendly destination?
San Diego is a very family-friendly city. There are many attractions and activities that are suitable for families with children, such as the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Legoland, and Balboa Park. The beaches in San Diego are also great for families, with many of them featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and lifeguards.10. What is the nightlife like in San Diego?
San Diego has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are many bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are perfect for a night out. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife in San Diego include Gaslamp Quarter, North Park, and Pacific Beach. The city also has a thriving craft beer scene, with many breweries offering tours and tastings.How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in San Diego
San Diego, California is a city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and incredible weather year-round. It is home to multiple attractions, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a fun and memorable experience. However, with so many things to do and places to see in San Diego, it may be overwhelming to decide where to start. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in San Diego.Step 1: Visit the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Diego, attracting visitors from all over the world. The zoo houses over 650 species of animals, making it the largest zoo in California. The zoo is designed like a park, and you can spend the entire day admiring the animals while immersing yourself in nature. There are multiple dining options within the zoo, and you can even take a guided tour.Step 2: Check out the Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a massive cultural and recreational complex located in the middle of San Diego. The park is home to 17 museums, multiple gardens, and a theatre. The museums in Balboa Park are diverse, ranging from art museums to science museums. The gardens are spread across 1200 acres of land, and each has unique features like the Japanese Friendship Garden and Botanical Building. If you want to relax, you can sit and watch a play at the outdoor theatre, which is one of the most recognized theatres in the country.Step 3: Hit the Beaches
San Diego has some of the most beautiful beaches in California. The beaches offer an array of water activities, including surfing, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. One of the most popular beaches in San Diego is La Jolla Cove, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear water surrounded by stunning cliffs. Another beach worth visiting is Coronado Beach, which is known for its white sand and backdrops of the historical Hotel Del Coronado.Step 4: Visit the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is a unique attraction located in the heart of San Diego’s harbor. The museum is housed on the USS Midway aircraft carrier, which was in service from 1945 to 1992. The museum offers unforgettable experiences such as climbing into military jet aircraft, navigating your way through the engine room, and exploring the bridge of the ship.Step 5: Indulge in San Diego’s Food and Craft Beer Scene
San Diego is known for its diverse food and craft beer scene. You can take advantage of the wide variety of cuisine to awaken your taste buds. San Diego has a lot to offer, ranging from street vendors to Michelin-star restaurants. Some of the best food options are Mexican street tacos, seafood, and Asian cuisine. You can also check out the local craft breweries, which offer unique beer flavors and hosting tours.Step 6: Visit Seaport Village
For those who love shopping and strolling around, Seaport Village is a must-visit destination. Seaport Village is located in the heart of San Diego’s bay, making it accessible from many attractions in San Diego. This village hosts over 50 specialty shops offering unique merchandise from local artists, and it also has multiple restaurants.Step 7: Catch a Game at Petco Park
Petco Park is a baseball stadium in San Diego and is home to the San Diego Padres. It is located in downtown San Diego, which makes it an easy place to get to after a day of touring the city. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, you should attend a game and experience the atmosphere.Book Your Tour Now
San Diego is a city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to people of all ages. With this guide, you can prioritize your itinerary to make the most of your time in San Diego. Remember, no matter what you decide to do in San Diego, you are guaranteed to have fun in the sun.Table of Contents
