Best Things to Do in San Diego: Top Attractions, Free Things to Do, and Family-Friendly Spots

San Diego Is Perfect For Outdoor Activities

San Diego’s temperate climate makes it an ideal vacation destination year-round. It’s rarely too hot or particularly cold here, and while January and February are the wettest months, showers rather than soaking rains are much more common. If you’re looking for day after day of sunshine, visitors to San Diego from May through October can leave their rain gear at home. Temperatures are super comfortable during the peak summer months with the kids out of school, typically topping out along the coast in the low to mid 70s in June, July, and August, with overnight lows only dipping into the 60s. Inland temperatures range from the low to upper 80s during the summer, and when the Santa Ana winds are blowing there can even be a few days that approach 100.

Average winter high temperatures are usually in the 60s with cool evenings and overnight lows dropping into the upper 40s and low 50s. Cool breezes along the coast are refreshing, and most days are sunny and comfortable. Rest assured that no matter what time of year you visit, snow won’t be in the forecast. Ocean swimming may be a bit cool during the winter, but most hotels pools are heated so that you can take a dip anytime you wish.

As you might expect, California’s second largest city (only Los Angeles is larger) with a population of 1.4 million in the city proper and 3.3 million in the metro area has become a melting pot over the years. In fact, nearly 50 percent of the residents are of Hispanic/Latino or Asian ancestry. This includes large numbers of Mexican, Central, and South American immigrants and their families, as well as large communities of Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese originating residents.

A “best things to do in San Diego” list can be quite lengthy, so plan ahead for what your personal interests are. Here are some recommendations based on our many visits to this wonderfully scenic area:

“Let’s hit the beach”

It's a commonly heard in San Diego, indicating a desire to spend a couple of hours or a full day on the beautiful and wide sandy shores at Mission Beach (two miles long) or Pacific Beach (three miles long). These laid-back areas on the Pacific Ocean offer true Southern California vibes with boardwalks for strolling and shopping, join a game of beach volleyball, rent a bike, take surfing or paddleboarding lessons, swim, rent a kayak, choose a casual dining spot to relax, or just hang out while enjoying some incredible people watching.

Mission Beach is also known for Belmont Park’s Giant Dipper roller coaster and admission free, pay-as-you-go amusement area. Of course, the sunsets here are also spectacular. KID FRIENDLY!

Seaport Villag

Seaport Village is a fun spot for a relaxing stroll, checking out some local shops, or for a bite to eat in downtown San Diego. Relax and view the beautiful ships, more shops and dining options at the adjacent Embarcadero. KID FRIENDLY!

Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter/This downtown entertainment area is highly walkable and filled with beautiful Victorian-era and early 20th century buildings, a plethora of shops and restaurants, plus fun nightlife. PETCO Park and the beautiful waterfront are just a short walk away. Visit during the day or in the evening for guaranteed fun.

You may want to ride one of the popular Old Town Trolley Tours that features 11 stops in San Diego and across the bridge in Coronado. This educational and scenic narrated excursion offers single and two-day passes. If just want to ride and see the sights from the trolley, figure on an hour of 45 minutes from start to finish. The Quarter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

GREAT FOR EVERYONE!

Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum of San Diego/Located on the downtown Embarcadero, the museum is home to the Star of India, built in 1863 and is the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Comprised of numerous ships docked on San Diego Bay that are open to exploration, visitors can see how sailors lived and worked during long sea voyages. We were particularly in awe of the 18th century Royal Navy frigate, the HMS Surprise, and the USS Dolphin Navy research submarine.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo/Considered by many to be one of the world’s great zoos, this Balboa Park 100-acre mainstay is home to more than 12,000 animals. Featuring natural surroundings without cages, visitors stroll through the Lost Forest, Elephant Odyssey, Polar Bear Plunge, Panda Ride, and the Africa Rocks exhibits.

A SAN DIEGO MUST FOR EVERYONE!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park/Located in suburban Escondido 32 miles north of downtown San Diego, this enormous 1,800-acre wildlife park is nothing like its inner city relative. Featuring an open-range environment, the resident animals live in natural habitats that almost feel like you’re in Asian grasslands and African savannahs.

If visiting both zoos is too much animal time for you or the family, you may want to consider that many online posters say that Safari Park was the most enjoyable part of their visit to San Diego. Be sure to ride the free Africa Tram Safari trolley where you’ll see herds of rhinos, antelope, giraffes, water buffaloes, zebras, and many other beautiful animals. Taking a walk along the Tiger Trail is another favorite activity of visitors, as is seeing the park from above via the hot air Balloon Safari.

AN AMAZING WAY TO SPEND A DAY.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park/San Diego’s cultural center located just east of downtown, this incredible 1,200-acre park is home to 17 museums including the San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Timken Museum of Art, Mingei International Museum, Fleet Science Center + IMAX, Museum of Us, and for train enthusiasts, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

If you prefer to spend your time at Balboa enjoying the outdoors, there are lovely gardens well worth seeing. There’s the Rose Garden, Cactus Garden, Palm Garden, Japanese Friendship Garden, and a building filled with botanicals plus a lily pond.

Designated a National Historic Landmark District, Balboa Park retains several architectural structures from the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. Be sure to see the Spanish Colonial Revival-style El Prado promenade, the California Tower, and several Case del Prado buildings. Last but certainly not least, Broadway-style shows are regularly performed at the Old Globe Theatre, along with a variety of events held outdoors ranging from concerts to cultural gatherings, and holiday events.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Sea World

Sea World San Diego in Mission Bay is a theme park based on marine life featuring animal presentations, educational exhibits, and rides for the entire family to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include the Orca Encounter, Dolphin Adventures, a family-friendly show about sea lions and otters, and displays with penguins, sharks, walruses, beluga whales, sea turtles, and polar region animals.

Beyond the exhibits are fun rides including the Emperor, a fast diving roller coaster, the Manta coaster with twists and plenty of dives, and the Arctic Rescue coaster based on animal rescue. Kids of all ages (and their parents) will enjoy the Journey to Atlantis big splash flume ride and Shipwreck Rapids, a white-water ride on a highly active raft.

PREPARE TO GET WET!

San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres Major League Baseball at PETCO Park (39,860). The 81-game home schedule runs from late March through September.

FAMILY FRIENDLY!

San Diego FC

San Diego FC Major League Soccer at Snapdragon Stadium (35,000), SDSU campus in Mission Valley. The 17-game home schedule runs from early March to November.

FAMILY FRIENDLY!

USS Midway Museum

USS Midway Museum/One of the most population attractions in San Diego, this maritime museum is a favorite of first-time visitors to San Diego. Build aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier that is permanently moored at the downtown Embarcadero/Navy Pier, guests can explore the massive ship inside and out.

From the flight deck to the hangar deck and the multitude of fascinating inside spaces, the longest-serving U.S. Navy carrier (1945-92) will open your eyes to the life at sea experienced by more than 200,000 sailors that served on the vessel. A highlight of the museum, especially for kids, are the more than 30 restored Navy aircraft on the flight and hangar decks, including helicopters and fighter jets.

A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS AND ADULTS!

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park/From the coastal bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean, visitors flock here to see the magnificent sunset night after night. Views are unobstructed, so many visitors an hour or more before sunset to follow the sun’s descent into the waters below.

MAGNIFICENT FOR EVERYONE!

Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve/Incredible wide-ranging views of the Pacific Ocean are the main attraction from the hiking trails atop the coastal bluffs here. Depending on who’s in your travel party and your determination, there are short and easy walks to consider, as well as moderate hikes that include changes in elevation along the way.

Passing through rare Torrey pine forests is a terrific way to experience the native vegetation (think beautiful wildflowers) and geology, with some trails descending from the bluffs to the beach. The views from the beach skyward to the tops of the bluff are magnificent but remember, if you walk down to the beach, you will have to make the upward climb to the top of the bluffs to reclaim your car.

La Jolla

La Jolla/There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful town 12 miles north of downtown San Diego. The upscale community is located in San Diego County but feels like a world apart from nearby city life. The Mediterranean-style coastline is ideal to view and hear the local sea lions at La Jolla Cove, considered by some to be the most beautiful beach anywhere on the California coast. Other local activities include snorkeling and kayaking, browsing the side variety of local shops that cater to tourists as well as affluent locals. You will no doubt be awed by the amazing nearby cliffs and beaches and the colorful sunsets. Be sure to see the elusive little blue penguins, octopus, ocean fish habitats, coral reefs, and many other kinds of marine life at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (managed by UC San Diego). Scripps also houses one of the world’s largest seadragon and seahorse habitats that visitors rave about.

The Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is situated above the beaches on bluffs overlooking the ocean, within easy walking distance of La Jolla Cove. The highly regarded facility features paintings, sculpture, photography, and other art forms in rotating and permanent exhibits focused on 1950 until today. Hint: Whether you are touring the museum or not, you may dine at The Kitchen at MCASD, an ocean view full-service restaurant featuring a Mediterranean menu for lunch and dinner.

Coronado Island

A visit to Coronado Island, directly across San Diego Bay from downtown by bridge instantly transforms your location from a busy city to a slow going beach town vibe. With wide sandy beaches, fabulous views looking back at downtown, and its own residential feel with historic charm, Coronado is well worth a visit. You can drive here on your own or take an Old Town Trolley Tours excursion where you can hop off and back on when you are ready. Be sure to stroll through the grounds and public areas of the stunning circa 1888 Hotel Del Coronado, as well as the adjacent beach.

San Diego Is One Of The Best Food Cities In The U.S.

Whatever kind of food you’re looking for, you will find it in San Diego. The city’s food scene has been strongly influenced by its close proximity to Mexico, but San Diegans are a diverse collection of people from around the world who have thankfully brought their native cuisines to this sun-drenched locale.

Gaslamp Quarter:

The area can be touristy depending on where you choose to dine, but with rooftop dining, steakhouses, and an abundance of local restaurants with strong track records, the Quarter offers plenty of options for solo diners, couples, and families. It is especially busy at night in what is definitely an energetic urban area, making it a good lunch to and mid-afternoon choice.

North Park:

A favorite area with the locals. Discover trendy, chef-driven restaurants, creative cocktails, craft beers, and global dishes in this artsy, easy-going neighborhood. The area is especially popular with the young professionals crowd.

Downtown San Diego:

The bay and marina views along the waterfront make dining downtown worth considering. There’s no shortage of seafood spots, and some of them are actually casual and affordable. The Embarcadero is popular with first-time visitors who haven’t yet discovered the city’s other neighborhoods, and families with younger and toddler kids. Overall, better food can be found elsewhere, but the views are stellar.

Little Italy:

Casual and upscale dining options in a walkable neighborhood. You’ll find old-style Italian meals, modern takes on Italian recipes, with plenty of seafood and wine to make for a wonderful experience. The area is busy from morning to evening with outdoor patios with fabulous people watching, coffee shops, and of course, Italian bakeries where you can pick up a supply of amazing breads and desserts for home.

La Jolla:

Come for the ocean views, stay for the upscale California-style dining with seafood and tapas at the bar especially popular. La Jolla is also a great area to find a brunch to your liking. This is the place for a relaxed evening meal on the coast.

Pacific Beach:

Casual, fun, and less expensive than the trendy food neighborhoods, Pacific Beach is the place for a savory breakfast, tacos, fried fish, and fun bars to make your day at the beach complete. A younger crowd gives the area a distinct energetic feeling.

Different Strokes For Different Folks

Deciding where to stay in San Diego can be a challenge, with so many enticing areas to consider. San Diego is not an inexpensive hotel town, but by doing your research and being a bit flexible, finding the right place for you and your family or a traveling companion can be made easier. And made to fit your budget.

What we recommend is making effective use of the hotel booking website, Travelated. While not a household name, I’ve successfully found numerous times that Travelated’s hotel selection is second to none, and that includes all of the big name booking sites. Their pricing is also incredibly competitive, and navigating the site is super easy.

You can find hotels in whatever location you prefer including La Jolla, the Gaslight Quarter/downtown, or you may want to consider any of the 200+ San Diego area hotels that Travelated offers. You’ll find upscale properties in the swankiest neighborhoods and middle-of-the-road hotels that are comfortable, often with a free breakfast and swimming pool. Whatever your preferences, Travelated can fill your needs at the right price.

Good Day Sunshine

As one of the sunniest coastal cities in the U.S., a vacation in San Diego is something you may want to repeat several times. Comfortable temperatures with little rain, palm trees, wide sandy beaches, beautiful bluffs, fantastic attractions, superb dining, and beautiful sunsets are here for your year-round enjoyment. Make your plans soon for a memorable San Diego vacation.