Welcome to the best things to do in San Diego!
I’ve been to San Diego SO many times to visit family.
But it wasn’t until my last visit that I made a point to get out and see all the city has to offer.
From natural beauty to fantastic food, SD has it all!
On today’s post, I’ve put together all the most fun things to do in San Diego.
Let’s dive in.
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San Diego Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In San Diego
Where To Stay In San Diego
How To Get Around San Diego
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1. Explore Balboa Park
First up is the iconic Balboa Park.
This 1,200-acre park houses botanical gardens, museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
You could honestly spend an entire day here!
Make sure to stop by the California Tower, a San Diego landmark since its construction in 1915.
You can admire its ornate architecture from the ground, or climb the 125 steps to the top.
Well worth the workout, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled 360-degree views of San Diego.
Another highlight in Balboa Park is the Botanical Building.
Its famous arch framed by the lily pond is one of the most photographed spots in the park.
For more photogenic (aka Instagrammable) places in the park, head to the Desert Garden which has walking trails and beautiful desert scenery.
Just across the street, make some time for the Spanish Village Art Center, which is full of colorful photo ops and local art galleries.
Related: 161 Best San Diego Captions For Instagram (Puns, Quotes & More)
2. Admire Old Town
As the location of the first European settlement in California, Old Town is considered the birthplace of California!
Founded in 1769, this neighborhood is now the historic heart of San Diego.
It features historical sites and preserved buildings, now filled by colorful shops, vibrant restaurants, and museums.
Some of the cutest stores to stop by are Toby’s Candles and Cousin’s Candy Shop.
I recommend spending a morning exploring the area, before grabbing lunch at one of the local Mexican restaurants.
Cafe Coyote is a festive restaurant that’s been a San Diego staple for over 30 years.
They’re best known for their fresh-made tortillas and wide tequila selection.
Make sure to try an order of tortillas, and (my favorite) a spicy watermelon margarita!
3. Spend the day in La Jolla
La Jolla is my favorite part of San Diego!
This is another place you could easily spend an entire day, or more.
Known as San Diego’s jewel, La Jolla boasts dramatic coastline, sweeping ocean views, and a charming seaside village.
Spend the morning at La Jolla Shores Beach, a large beach with plenty of space for activities.
If you’re up for some adventure, one of my favorite things to do in La Jolla is a Sea Cave Kayak Tour.
On these tours, you’ll kayak out with a guide to sea caves, which are typically only accessible by water.
They’re usually full of seals and sea lions, so you’ll get to see tons of wildlife too.
These tours are so much fun!
If you’re looking for interesting photo spots, head to Scripps Pier or the Salk Institute, some of the most Instagrammable places in San Diego.
While you’re in the area, you might even want to make the quick hike to the Hidden Swing.
After that, I recommend grabbing lunch in La Jolla Village.
For some mouth-watering, retro-style street tacos, head to The Taco Stand.
It garners long lines for a reason!
Once you’ve finished eating, spend some time exploring the village and taking in the views.
Further south, you should definitely check out Children’s Pool, one of the most popular things to do in La Jolla.
Originally created as a safe place for children to swim, the protected cove also started to attract local wildlife.
Since then, harbor seals have moved in and can be spotted here regularly.
A wonderful place to end the day in La Jolla is at WindanSea Beach.
This is more of a local’s spot, as it’s further south than most of La Jolla’s attractions.
The iconic WindanSea Surf Shack has been there since 1946, now a historical landmark and recognizable photo spot.
Head over around sunset to snap some pictures with the shack, and watch the surfers as the sun goes down.
4. Explore Torrey Pines
Just a stone’s throw from La Jolla is another one of San Diego’s best attractions.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve sits atop a bluff, overlooking the ocean.
It boasts 2,000 acres of coastal state park with dramatic cliffs, gorgeous views, and a stunning beach.
Its leisurely hiking trails are also great for all ages.
5. Visit Cabrillo National Monument
This monument is dedicated to the first European explorer to set foot on the West Coast of the United States, in 1542.
It sits at the southern tip of Point Loma Peninsula, and offers spectacular views of the ocean and Downtown San Diego.
Cabrillo National Monument features walking trails, interesting history, tide pools, and the picturesque Point Loma Lighthouse.
6. Admire Sunset Cliffs
Another place in San Diego with dramatic coastal views and beautiful sunsets is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
This 68-acre park is the perfect place to end the day, especially if you’re already in the Point Loma area.
Pappy’s Point, not far from the Sunset Cliffs Parking lot, is one of the best spots to watch the sunset.
If the tide is in your favor, you might even be able to visit some of the sea caves in the area.
Just make sure to do your research before you head out, because apparently they can be dangerous if the tide is too high.
Check tide levels here.
7. Explore Coronado
Coronado is the cutest beach town, nestled against the beautiful Coronado Beach.
To get there, you must drive across the huge Coronado Bridge, which spans the San Diego Bay.
The drive offers beautiful views of the San Diego skyline, and the bay dotted with sailboats.
On Coronado Island, spend some time exploring the boutique shops and restaurants, or relaxing on the beach.
All of the main attractions are located on Orange Avenue, which runs about 1.75 miles down the center of the island.
One of the most popular places to eat here is The Henry, a picture-perfect cafe with a delicious menu.
Also make sure to check out Hotel Del Coronado, the iconic Victorian-style beach resort.
While you’re here, keep an eye out for the “The Sand Castle Man,” an artist that builds wildly intricate sand castles.
8. Visit Liberty Public Market
Liberty Public Market is San Diego’s bustling public market, open 7 days a week.
It’s housed in an old Navy building, now boasting trendy eateries, bars, and local food and craft vendors.
For everything from beer, wine, specialty cocktails, produce, fish, desserts and pastries, pastas, and art, this is the perfect place to sample the best of what the region has to offer.
The market even holds regular events, like trivia nights and pottery workshops!
9. Experience the Gaslamp Quarter
If you’re looking for San Diego’s best nightlife, head to the Gaslamp Quarter.
This lively neighborhood is known for its clubs, bars, and cocktail lounges.
Gaslamp originally earned its name for being the first part of the city to install gas lamp street lights.
These were considered new and modern at the time!
The rest of the city has caught up since then, but Gaslamp has retained its Victorian-era charm throughout the years.
In fact, the neighborhood is even on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, you can visit the Gaslamp Artisan Market, which hosts dozens of local artisans every weekend.
For 360-degree views of the San Diego skyline, head to the The Rooftop by STK, on the seventh floor of the Andaz San Diego.
For a more intimate vibe, head to Prohibition Lounge, a 1930’s-inspired speakeasy.
10. Stroll Ocean Beach Pier
As the longest fishing pier on the West Coast, Ocean Beach Pier is one of the most visited landmarks in San Diego.
It’s the perfect place to take a relaxing morning stroll, fish, or watch surfers.
Located at the end of the pier, Walking On Water Cafe is a great place to grab a snack with an ocean view.
They’re best known for their breakfast, tacos, fish and chips, and clam chowder.
Nearby, the Ocean Beach neighborhood (known as OB) offers a fun, surfer-boho vibe with shops and restaurants.
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