Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego
Discover the Zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, & Plenty More
San Diego is the ideal place to spend a day, a weekend, or longer. Picture-perfect weather, one of the world’s best zoos, stunning sandy beaches, and a host of cosmopolitan dining and drinking options welcome visitors to the region year-round.
Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego:
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
With an annual attendance of more than 435,000, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is one of the west coast’s premier places to view aquatic life in its many fascinating forms. The Birch showcases more than 3,000 animals representing 380 species.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is home to a huge variety of marine animals, including dolphins, stingrays and sea lions – all of which visitors are allowed to feed and see up close. The park offers traditional fan favorites like Shamu and the Penguin Encounter, and pulse-pounding rides like Shipwreck Rapids, making it a true destination for all ages.
San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Consistently rated as one of the world’s foremost zoos, the San Diego Zoo is home to several hundred different animal species and interactive activities including guided bus tours, the Balboa Park miniature railroad, art classes, and summer camps. Visitors can view more than 1,900 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, including eucalyptus and bamboo. Particularly notable to animal lovers is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, an 1,800-acre area near Escondido that houses an array of wild and endangered species from around the globe.
Balboa Park
This beautiful area is the largest urban green space in the United States. Balboa Park encompasses the San Diego Zoo, 15 acclaimed museums, several performing arts venues, and a host of expansive gardens. Experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Southern California by visiting a cultural institution and a local food truck on a warm, sunny afternoon. Our all-suite hotel near Balboa Park offers comfortable guest rooms, free breakfast, and more.
Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego’s most modern – and most historic – district is the Gaslamp Quarter. Home to more than 125 restaurants, bars, art galleries and coffee shops, the quarter is a dynamic place best explored on foot and with plenty of hunger, thirst and ambition for exploration.
USS Midway Museum
Revisit the history and relive the adventure of American military history at the USS Midway Museum, which pays tribute to the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history. Visitors can view interactive docents and numerous interactive exhibits at the museum, which showcases the living history of a craft that served from WWII to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991.
Live the adventure and honor the legend of the longest-serving aircraft in U.S. Navy history. The USS Midway was in service from the end of WWII to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. Amazing tours, interactive docents and numerous exhibits are all a part of the experience.
Whale Watching (Hornblower Cruises)
Enjoy an exciting day of whale-watching on a comfortable, fast, and stable Hornblower vessel. The boats, which feature live narration by captains and trained naturalists, launch from the San Diego Harbor (near the USS Midway Museum). Creatures you might see include whales, sea lions, dolphins and harbor seals.
Seaport Village
This 14-acre waterfront development offers a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options. With 54 one-of-a-kind shops, 17 dining destinations (casual and upscale) and unlimited Pacific panoramas, Seaport Village is the perfect place for a family outing, shopping trip, or just an adventure to the oceanfront.
Coronado Island
One of the most affluent – and beautiful – sections of the San Diego area is Coronado Island. Located across the bay from Downtown San Diego, the historic town-turned-upscale modern community is home to major resorts, along with several other hotels and inns. The downtown district, centered on Orange Avenue, features local shops, restaurants and theaters.
Ocean Beach
This eclectic beach community – known by locals simply as “OB” – is located on the scenic Point Loma peninsula. This relaxed neighborhood feels like a trip back to the ‘60s, with hippie-style culture and a distinctly laid-back atmosphere. Visit the longest concrete pier on the West Coast, a dog beach, and one of the most vibrant oceanfront strips in SoCal.
