San Diego is the oldest city in California, with lots of sunshine and beaches for an ideal vacation.
This city by the bay offers all kinds of entertainment – history, wildlife, art, thrill, and nature. It is a perfect family destination.
San Diego is an easy city to explore via bicycle or on foot.
Don’t forget to mingle with the locals at Balboa Park during your San Diego holiday.
Discover the top tourist attractions in this balmy city with our list of the things to do in San Diego.
USS Midway Museum
USS Midway is an aircraft carrier that served in the United States Navy for 47 years, and till 1955, it was the largest ship in the World.
Today, the USS Midway is a museum in San Diego, a tribute to the Battle of Midway in June 1942.
Inside the USS Midway Museum, visitors see more than 60 exhibit areas painstakingly restored to their glory days.
From high up on the ship’s bridge to the main engine room below, the USS Midway has 10 acres of exhibits and displays, including 30 restored aircraft.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is spread over 100 acres and has more than 3,500 animals.
Many consider it one of the best zoos in the country for its 700+ unique species, conservation programs, excellent visitor facilities, and friendly staff.
Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is very kid-friendly. With more than 4 million visitors annually, it is the most visited zoo in the USA.
Since the San Diego Safari Park is also nearby, people wonder, “Should they visit the San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park?”
San Diego Safari Park
Image: Lajollamom.com
The 1,800-acre San Diego Safari Park houses more than 2,500 animals of 300 species in open field enclosures.
The San Diego Zoo’s sister is often called the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Animals in the San Diego Safari Park are divided into 11 primary habitats, each unique to the animals.
Besides the free 30-minute African Tram Safari, the Safari Park offers 13 other paid safaris.
Find out everything about San Diego Safari Park’s safaris so that you can get closer to wildlife.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is an aquatic theme park with many animal interactions, exciting shows, and some of the world’s most thrilling rides.
This family-friendly attraction gets around five million visitors annually.
Most visitors check out the animal encounters, attend animal shows, and then head to SeaWorld San Diego’s rides for their adrenaline rush.
SeaWorld has five high-thrill rides, four of which are roller coasters.
San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise is the best way to explore the San Diego Bay area, a natural harbor and a deepwater port.
These cruises are professionally narrated tours that take you under the Coronado Bridge, past military ships, waterfront landmarks, etc., for an in-depth look at San Diego’s scenic beauty.
Visitors can choose from numerous options – dinner cruises, champagne cruises, speed boat rides, drive-your-own speedboats, and more.
Whale watching in San Diego
Tourists love whale-watching cruises in San Diego, which are both entertaining and educational.
Guided by marine biologists, these tours are an excellent way to explore the beautiful marine ecosystem of San Diego.
Legoland California
Over 60 million LEGO plastic bricks make up Legoland California, popular with kids and adults.
Visitors can explore miniature Lego cities, scenes from several Star Wars movies, more than 60 rides, two water parks, and a SeaLife aquarium.
Located in Carlsbad, to the North of San Diego County, this tourist attraction is referred to by many names – Legoland California, Legoland California Resort, Legoland California Theme Park, Legoland Park, etc.
San Diego Seal Tour
San Diego SEAL tours are a great water and land activity for enthusiasts.
The activity honors the Navy, which often refers to itself as SEALs, an acronym for Sea and Land, just like in the Navy.
Speedboat in San Diego
The San Diego Speedboat tour is an exhilarating ride where you explore the San Diego Harbor in a thrilling boat ride.
The San Diego harbor is considered one of the best natural harbors on the West Coast, and a visit there promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
The experience is both riveting and spontaneous, with plenty of laughter along the way.
Patriot Boat in San Diego
If you like adventure, water, and the waves, the Patriot Jet Boat thrill ride experience in San Diego is an ideal activity for you.
The San Diego Patriot Boat takes you on a journey along the coast of San Diego and gives you a thrilling experience.
Fleet Science Center
Science comes to life at The Fleet Science Center, San Diego, a paradise for kids and adults alike.
Since 1973, this science museum has been a wonder for science enthusiasts, throwing exploration, learning, and fun into the mix.
San Diego Automotive Museum
Fuel your engines and course through an automobile enthusiast’s dream destination at the San Diego Automotive Museum.
Established in December 1988 as the San Diego Premier Transportation Museum, it is a tribute to the automobile industry and its culture, providing visitors with an immersive experience.
The museum aims to highlight the automobile industry’s evolution and the countless milestones achieved over the years.
Belmont Park
Belmont Park San Diego is the place to be if the sound of a beachside amusement park sits well in your ears.
Belmont Park has been an iconic attraction since 1925, perfect for thrill-seekers and family fun enthusiasts.
Balboa Park
San Diego’s Balboa Park is 1,200 acres wide, with over 15 significant museums, theatres, and parks.
Since its creation in 1868, the park has been a major tourist destination for residents and visitors.
Beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture can be seen all across Balboa Park, including the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and the California Building and Tower.
San Diego Natural History Museum
The San Diego Museum of Natural History boasts over 8 million specimens in its collection, which is a lot of natural history to explore!
Unlike regular museums with static displays, the Natural History Museum, affectionately known as the Nat, has an array of interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to get hands-on with them.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is widely recognized for its outstanding efforts in preserving historic vessels, making it a must-visit attraction.
There is no better waterfront attraction than this for kids and adults!
The exhibits and galleries await you to wipe off the splash of water and learn about the countless stories associated with historic ships.
iFly San Diego
At iFly San Diego, you can experience the unparalleled thrill of skydiving without jumping from a plane.
An ultimate indoor skydiving experience, it is a unique and safe way for all ages to live out their daring dreams.
GoCar in San Diego
GoCar in San Diego is a special and enjoyable way to see San Diego.
It is a tiny, three-wheeled vehicle with a bright yellow exterior resembling a cross between a scooter and a car.
Valentine’s Day in San Diego
Visitors to San Diego love its harbor, beaches, cruises, food, and history, making it a compelling destination for couples in love. Young and old couples, visitors, and locals love spending their Valentine’s Day in San Diego.
