Looking for 10 great things to do in sunny San Diego, California? You’ve come to the right place! Just a short drive from Los Angeles, San Diego is a beautiful coastal city with something for everyone.
San Diego has that special and calm vibe that you’ll want yourself to immerse in. While being immersed, you can enjoy yourselves on long walks on the beaches, site seeing, and eating delicious foods, there are many things that you can do in this beautiful city.
From world-class museums and unique attractions to outdoor activities and perfect weather, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego.
So whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic getaway, here are 10 of the best things to do in San Diego:
1. Visit Balboa Park
Home to 15 major museums, numerous art galleries, gorgeous gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Diego.
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park in San Diego, California. Named after Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the park was developed by city planner John Nolen and architect Bertram Goodhue in the early 20th century.
The park contains museums, gardens, theaters, and other entertainment venues, and is also home to the San Diego Zoo.
The park has a long history dating back to 1868 when city leaders set aside land for its creation. In 1915, the Panama-California Exposition was held in Balboa Park to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal.
The exposition left behind many structures that remain in the park today, including the California Tower and Cabrillo Bridge.
The park is also home to several museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Museum of Man, and the Timken Museum of Art.
There are also a number of gardens in Balboa Park, such as the Botanical Building and Lily Pond, the Cactus Garden, and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
There are a number of things to do in Balboa Park, making it a great place to visit for both locals and tourists alike.
2. Take a Harbor Cruise
A harbor cruise is a great way to see the sights of San Diego from the water. You’ll get stunning views of the city skyline, Coronado Island, and the USS Midway Museum.
The harbor cruise is one of the 10 best things to do in San Diego California. You can take a harbor cruise from many different locations, but the best place to take one is from the San Diego Harbor. The cost of the harbor cruise will be around $25 per person.
3. Explore Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
This state park is home to some of San Diego’s oldest buildings, including the first courthouse and jailhouse. Wander through the cobblestone streets and learn about the history of this vibrant area.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the perfect place to learn about the early days of California. This large living history museum offers walking tours, stagecoach rides, and other fun activities that will give you a taste of what life was like in this part of the world during the early days of American settlement.
One of the best things to do in Old Town San Diego is to take a walking tour. These guided tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will tell you all about the history and culture of this area. You’ll get to see some of the original buildings that date back to the 1800s, and learn about the people who lived and worked here during that time.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, you can also take a ride on one of the park’s stagecoaches. These horse-drawn vehicles offer a unique way to see the park, and you’ll get to hear interesting stories about the area’s history from your driver.
No matter what you do while you’re here, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is sure to give you a taste of California’s rich history.
4. Visit Seaport Village
Located on San Diego Bay, Seaport Village is a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. Stroll along the boardwalk, stop for a bite to eat, and enjoy the beautiful views.
Seaport Village is a historic waterfront mall located in downtown San Diego. The shopping center was built in 1980 and is modeled after an old-fashioned California coastal town.
It features over 50 shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as a carousel and a fountain. The village is also home to the San Diego Maritime Museum and the San Diego Convention Center.
5. See the San Diego Zoo
The world-famous San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,700 animals and 800 species. It’s one of the largest zoos in the world and a must-see for animal lovers of all ages.
San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the United States and has been open since 1916. The zoo is home to over 3,700 animals and is a major tourist attraction in San Diego.
Some of the most popular attractions at the San Diego Zoo include the Gorilla Tropics Exhibit, the Tiger River Exhibit, and the Polar Bear Plunge. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs, such as behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and keeper talks.
6. Visit SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld is a marine-life theme park, oceanarium, and animal theme park all rolled into one. See Shamu perform, watch thrilling shows, and get up close and personal with the animals.
SeaWorld San Diego is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. The park first opened its doors in 1964 and since then, it has been providing visitors with an up-close and personal look at some of the most amazing creatures on earth-from orcas to dolphins to sharks. SeaWorld is also home to one of the largest collections of marine life in the world.
One of the best things to do at SeaWorld is to watch one of the many shows that they offer. The Shamu Show is a must-see, where you can learn all about killer whales and their incredible abilities. Other popular shows include Dolphin Days, where you can see dolphins doing tricks, and Sea Lions LIVE, where you can see California sea lions interacting with their trainers.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals at SeaWorld. You can feed sharks, pet stingrays, or even swim with dolphins! There are also Behind the Scenes tours available that will give you an inside look at how the park operates.
No matter what your interests are, SeaWorld San Diego is sure to have something for everyone. So come on down and check it out.
7. Take a Day Trip to Coronado Island
Just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is a beautiful place to spend a day. Visit the historic Hotel del Coronado, stroll down Orange Avenue, and enjoy the views.
Coronado Island is a small, unique island located just off the coast of San Diego in Southern California. The history of Coronado Island is a fascinating one that dates back centuries.
The first people to inhabit the island were the Kumeyaay Indians who lived there for over 10,000 years. They were a peaceful tribe that survived by fishing and gathering food from the land.
In 1542, the first Europeans arrived on the island when Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed there. He named the island “Isla de Los Coronados” or “Island of the Crowned Ones” because he thought he saw men wearing crowns on the shoreline.
The next few hundred years were marked by a series of changes for the island. It changed hands between the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans a few times before finally becoming part of the United States in 1848.
During the American Civil War, Coronado Island was used as a base for the Union Army. And in the early 1900s, it became a popular vacation spot for Hollywood celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe.
Nowadays, Coronado Island is best known for its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and upscale shops and restaurants. But there’s much more to this small island than meets the eye.
8. Explore La Jolla
La Jolla is a picturesque seaside community with plenty of things to see and do. Visit the La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions, explore the tidal pools, or take a walk along the scenic coastline.
One of the best things to do in San Diego is to explore the history of La Jolla. This beautiful coastal town has a rich history dating back to the early days of California’s settlement by the Spanish. Visitors can learn about this fascinating history by taking a walking tour of La Jolla’s historic sites or by visiting the La Jolla Historical Society Museum.
Another great way to learn about La Jolla’s past is to take a stroll down its iconic Coast Boulevard. This scenic drive offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and passes by some of the most historic homes and buildings in town.
Be sure to stop at the Windansea Beach lookout point for a breathtaking view of the coastline.
For those interested in art and architecture, La Jolla is home to a number of world-class museums and galleries. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is a must-see for art lovers, and the Timken Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of European paintings and sculptures.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to do in La Jolla. The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a beautiful place to hike and see native plants and wildlife.
Kayaking and snorkeling are popular activities in La Jolla Shores, where visitors can explore the underwater kelp forest.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder La Jolla is one of California’s most popular tourist destinations.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or nature, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in this beautiful coastal town.
9. Visit Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in all of California. The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of the best places to enjoy this scenery.
The cliffs offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the sunset. There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore.
Sunset Cliffs is a 68-acre park located on the Point Loma Peninsula. With its dramatic cliffs, tidepools, and hiking trails, it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
10. Watch a Show at The Old Globe
The Old Globe is a Tony Award-winning theater that produces Shakespearean plays and musicals throughout the year. It’s one of San Diego’s most popular cultural attractions.
The Old Globe is a historic theatre in San Diego, California. It is said to be one of the first theatres in the United States to produce Shakespearean plays.
The theatre has been rebuilt three times and has been closed for renovation several times. It is currently home to the Old Globe Theatre Company, which produces both Shakespearean and modern plays.
Thoughts and Conclusion
San Diego is a beautiful city in California and will give you breathtaking views and will provide you with so many things to do in this city.
Whether it’s eating in a fancy restaurant or going for long walks on the beach, there are plenty of activities to do while enjoying your stay in sunny San Diego.
If you’re venturing out to California for more days, you can also check out some of the best places to visit in California.
