21 Best things to do in San Diego

La Jolla Cove on a late afternoon | things to do in san diego
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San Diego is one of the best destinations to visit with family or friends.

Its wonderful spring weather all year round, beaches, hills, and other fun activities makes it great to visit at any time. This city is also well known for having some of the friendliest people in the country!

San Diego is the eighth largest city in the U.S and the second largest in California. It’s located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California and is directly adjacent to the Mexican border.

Most people who visit this city never regret it and actually end up visiting it more than once! Indeed, the city has things to do that you can enjoy.

Listed below are 21 of the best things to do in San Diego:

1. San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is among the world’s most famous and largest zoos that’s full of entertainment. This zoo covers an area of approximately 1,800 acres and features over 3,500 plant species and 2,600 animals of at least 300 different species.

Photo of Orangutan at San Diego Zoo | things to do in san diego

Photo of Orangutan at San Diego Zoo | Photo by Chris Gotz via Shutterstock

Apart from small exhibits, animals are free to roam in huge enclosures. Also at the zoo, you will find animals from arid environments, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Some of the animals you will find here are leopards, anacondas, arctic cox, babirusas, bonobos, camels, condors and many more! If you want even more adventure, you can consider hand-feeding the giraffes.

However, this activity has a limitation since the zoo only sells one hundred tickets each day. Make sure to buy your ticket before all the tickets are sold out. It’s also recommended that you arrive at the zoo early enough (around 9 to 10 am) so that you get the chance to visit and enjoy the panda exhibit. (At this time, the panda line lasts for an hour.)  The zoo is large so be ready to walk for an extended period of time.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and a good sunblock. Parking is $15 per vehicle and $20 for RV’s.

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Admission: Ticket price start at $48-58 
Ph: +1 619-231-1515
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Lion’s Share (4.7/5 stars, Eclectic, $$$)
• Juan Tequila Bar & Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Mexican, $$)
• Metl Bar & Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near San Diego Zoo in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near San Diego Zoo based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

2. Sea World

If you want to enjoy thrilling water rides and marvel at some the most majestic ocean creatures, consider visiting San Diego’s Sea World.

Killer Whales show at SeaWorld | things to do in san diego

Killer Whales shows at Sea World | Photo by Antoine Taveneaux via Commons Wikimedia

At Sea World, there are killer whales, sea lions, and dolphins that have been trained to perform some of the best animal water choreography shows. Near to closing, you’ll get to see a great fireworks show that will light up the entire city every night at exactly 10 pm.

Sea World
500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Admission: $70.99 per person
Ph: +1 619-222-4732
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Grass Skirt (4.6/5 stars, Asian Fusion, $$$)
• Baci Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Italian, $$)
• The Mission Mission Beach (4.7/5 stars, Breakfast, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Sea World in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Sea World based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Hotel Circle/SeaWorld Area (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

3. LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND offers a ton of colorful, inspirational, and fun experiences to parents looking to have a nice day out with their kids.

Colorful LEGO bricks in the Miniland attraction at Legoland California | things to do in san diego

Colorful Lego bricks in the Miniland attraction at LEGO Land California | Photo by EQRoy via Shutterstock

This park is located about 30 minutes north of San Diego and one hour south of Anaheim. It has over 60 rides, shows and attractions that are interactive for kids! Legoland is known for having the best hands-on theme park experiences for families with children of 2 – 12. LEGOLAND is large and has been split into nine sections as follows: The Beginning, Fun Town, Dino Island, Miniland USA, Pirates’ Shores, Explore Village, Castle Hill, Land of Adventure and the Imagination Zone.

There’s also a life aquarium that’s directly adjacent to the theme park, which has made the San Diego LEGOLAND the only one with a water park right within its grounds. 

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LEGO Land
1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Admission: $89.99 ticket cost
Ph: +1 760-444-5601
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Campfire (4.5/5 stars, New American, $$$)
• Paon Restaurant & Bar (4.6/5 stars, French, $$)
• Beach Plum Kitchen (4.5/5 stars, Breakfast, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near LEGO Land in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near LEGO Land based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Best Western Plus Beach View Lodge (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

4. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

The Old Town San Diego, established in 1968, is located in the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego. This place is actually considered a state protected historical park in San Diego.

Historic Wells Fargo at San Diego State Historic Park | things to do in san diego

Historic Wells Fargo at San Diego State Historic Park | Photo by State Historic Park via Facebook

Visiting this place will take you back to the early days of the City of San Diego! You’ll see many interesting historic buildings from the period 1820 to 1870.  Come experience the famous working blacksmith shop, enjoy music, check out the park’s burros, and participate in activities that represent early San Diego. There are free walking tours every day at 11 AM and 2 PM.

San Diego State Historic Park
4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 619-220-5422
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Casa Castillo (4.8/5 stars, Mexican, $$$)
• Phil’s BBQ (4.7/5 stars, Barbecue, $$)
• Baci Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Italian, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near San Diego State Historic Park in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near San Diego State Historic Park based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

5. Mission Beach

Mission Beach is among the world’s most popular beaches. It has an excellent reputation due to its tremendous swimming waters. In fact, it’s always fully packed with people from all over throughout the year.

Pacific beach and the surrounding Mission bay | things to do in san diego

Pacific beach and the surrounding Mission bay | Photo by Creative Family via Shutterstock

Mission Beach is a great place for playing beach football, volleyball, and other beach games. Mission Beach also features the Wave house where you can grab a drink and even ride some wave machines. Furthermore, there is a boardwalk where people can ride wooden roller coasters and also play glow-in-the-dark miniature golf.

When visiting Mission Beach, make sure that you come equipped with swimsuits since the local shops sell them at relatively high prices.

Mission Beach
San Diego, CA 92109
Admission: Free Beach
Get directions

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Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Mission Mission Beach (4.7/5 stars, Breakfast, $$$)
• La Playa Taco Shop (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Amplified Ale Works Kitchen + Beer Garden (4.5/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Mission Beach in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Mission Beach based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

TOWER23 Hotel (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

6. Coronado Island

Coronado Island has recently been voted as the best beach in the entire United States. It’s located just off the San Diego coast and offers a delightful village, gentle surf, and pristine sand.

Dawn arrives at Coronado Island | things to do in san diego

Dawn arrives at Coronado Island | Photo by emerge via Shutterstock

In order to get there, you’re required to use the Coronado Ferry or the Coronado Bay Bridge. Coronado Island is also the home to the famous and historic Hotel Del Coronado that supported Marilyn Monroe and her entourage during a film. On the island, you’ll get to see beach weddings taking place since most locals like to tie the knot in this beautiful area.

You’ll also come across many elegant gardens, unique shopping experiences, old world mansions, and top-notch dining locations. You can relax on the sand or even rent a bike to tour the beachfront boardwalk on the island. Lastly, you can spend time at Hotel Del Coronado, which came into existence in 1888. It’s a historical landmark with many legends about ghosts, royalty, celebrities, politicians, and scandals.

Coronado Island
1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118-3407
Admission: Free
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Il Fornaio Coronado (4.5/5 stars, Italian, $$$)
• The Lion’s Share (4.7/5 stars, Eclectic, $$)
• The Mission (4.6/5 stars, Mexican, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Coronado Island in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Coronado Island based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

The El Cordova Hotel (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

7. Balboa Park

This is the largest urban cultural park in the US that has many smaller parks, play areas, trails, and seventeen museums.

Tourists in Balboa Park | things to do in san diego

Tourists in Balboa Park | Photo by meunierd via Shutterstock

Balboa Park offers many fun things you can do with your family members. For instance, you can look for bicycle rentals and street entertainers. There are also many fantastic restaurants where you can eat your favorite dish. With numerous pass options, you can see everything in this park for less. You can even pick up a multi-day Balboa Park pass that includes one-day zoo access for all tourists.

This way, you’ll be able to visit Balboa Park on any day of your choice within the seven days and see the zoo once. In some cases, Balboa Park museums can be included with the pass. Balboa Park is a cultural and botanical park that has an area of approximately 1,200 acres. It’s located in downtown San Diego. It has numerous attractions, including natural history museums, art museums, gift shops, theaters, restaurants, and botanical gardens.

This site was reserved for recreational use for the public in 1835 and is the oldest park of its kind.

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Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101-1660
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 619-239-0512
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Ironside Fish & Oyster (4.6/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• The Crack Shack – Little Italy (4.5/5 stars, Chicken, $$)
• CUCINA urbana (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Balboa Park in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Balboa Park based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Abpópa Hillcrest (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

8. USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is found on the harbor that’s located in downtown San Diego. It’s a historical museum that’s dedicated to United States’ military history.

Historic aircraft carrier, USS Midway | things to do in san diego

Historic aircraft carrier, USS Midway | Photo by f11photo via Shutterstock

The museum features many real-life stories that engage all visitors, irrespective of their age. However, it’s more welcoming for younger audiences. All children who visit here are encouraged to touch everything they see.

USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Admission: $12.00-26.00 Ticket range
Ph: +1 619-544-9600
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Lion’s Share (4.7/5 stars, Eclectic, $$$)
• The Taco Stand (4.7/5 stars, Tacos, $$)
• Taka Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Japanese, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near USS Midway Museum in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near USS Midway Museum based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Hotel Z – A Staypineapple Hotel (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

9. La Jolla Underwater Park

Many people, even those who live in San Diego, aren’t aware of La Jolla Underground Park. It takes up an area of approximately 6,000 acres.

Sunny afternoon at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, CA | things to do in san diego

Sunny afternoon at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, CA | Photo by jessica.kirsh via Shutterstock

The park generally represents four habitats, which include sand flats, kelp beds, rocky reefs, and a submarine canyon. These habitat combinations make the place ideal for learning how to kayak and surf. The park also has kayak tours to guide you when diving. In addition, there are kayak rentals. Meanwhile, just at the border of La Jolla Underwater Park are seven sea caves, although only one, known as Sunny Jim’s Cave, is accessible by land.

The marine life here includes leopard sharks, sea lions, shovel nose guitar fish, and Garibaldi, among others.

La Jolla Underwater Park
8302 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 619-525-8213
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Bernini’s Bistro (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$$)
• Public House La Jolla (4.6/5 stars, American, $$)
• La Dolce Vita Ristorante (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near La Jolla Underwater Park in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near La Jolla Underwater Park based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Pantai Inn (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

10. Embarcadero

This is quite another amazing place to visit while on your trip to San Diego. The harbor is full of impressive lights that provide a clear view across the bay.

North Embarcadero construction phase 1 | things to do in san diego

North Embarcadero construction phase 1 | Photo by Port of San Diego via Flickr

Neatly maintained walkways make Embarcadero beautiful for taking photos as you walk along the bay and enjoy the sweet ocean breeze. You may also decide to sit along the harbor as you watch the ships load and offload cargo. Mercury Rising is something that your children will probably not want to miss out on. These splash fountain formations are quite impressive, and you will definitely want to stop here to take many pictures to share with your friends who couldn’t make the trip.

Embarcadero also holds different events, including a New Year’s party. Overall, this is a great place where people come together to have fun and forget about their daily struggles.

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Embarcadero
Harbor Drive between Market and Grape streets Broadway Pier, San Diego, CA 92101
Admission: Free
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Top of the Market – San Diego (4.6/5 stars, Fine Dining, $$$)
• Queenstown Public House (4.6/5 stars, New Zealand, $$)
• Buon Appetito Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Italian, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Embarcadero in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Embarcadero based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

InterContinental San Diego (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

11. Point Loma

Point Loma is located on the west side of San Diego Bay. This attraction is in a rather isolated region, yet visiting the area may be suitable if you want to access great history sites, land topographies, and views that stay in your mind for quite a long time.

Photo of Point Loma Lighthouse | things to do in san diego

Photo of Point Loma Lighthouse | Photo by PH2 DUTKIEWICZ via Commons Wikimedia

Years ago, Point Loma was used as a landing spot for European expeditions. This region currently features more than 100,000 homes of highly respected people in the US government. Recordings of unusual accidents or occurrences are also kept in the Point Loma Lighthouse. For instance, a recording of an accident that instantly claimed about 66 lives in 1905 is held there. From Point Loma, you can quickly make your way to the marina to enjoy an exciting experience of watching whale expeditions.

You may also join climbers who scale the mountains at very high elevations that you normally couldn’t imagine.

Point Loma
San Diego, CA
Admission: Free
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• OB Noodle House & Sake Bar (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• The Joint – Award Winning Sushi-Tapas-Craft Beer-Wine-Sake (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Mike’s Taco Club (4.6/5 stars, Mexican, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Point Loma in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Point Loma based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Pearl Hotel (8.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

12. La Jolla Shores

The name La Jolla refers to the fine escalated cliffs at the ocean offshore where seals and sea lions rest before they go back into the water. If you love the experience of a cool ocean breeze, this place is worth making a stop at.

La Jolla Cove on a late afternoon | things to do in san diego

La Jolla Cove on a late afternoon | Photo by Jay Yuan via Shutterstock

You can enjoy watching the amazing waves as they approach the shores. You can also visit the beautiful cafés that provide a wide range of seafood that you probably have never come across before. Beautiful boutiques on the Pacific offshore area offer quality fashion designs at affordable prices that you may need to try out. However, most of the clothes are sea outfits, and you should not expect much of the official attire in these fashion shops.

If you are visiting during the evening hours, you can take in an open-air concert at the ocean offshore area and view amazing fireworks as people hold many different events at the shores.

La Jolla Shores
8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 619-221-8899
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Cusp Dining & Drinks (4.5/5 stars, Californian, $$$)
• Shore Rider Bar (4.5/5 stars, Grill, $$)
• The Marine Room (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near La Jolla Shores in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near La Jolla Shores based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

La Valencia Hotel (8.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

13. Food and Drinks

If you want to enjoy the most delicious Spanish foods, then San Diego is indeed a place for you to pay a visit. You can dine on the best fish tacos and carne asada meals, among other dishes.

Tacos in Mexico, Mexican food, Tacos al pastor | things to do in san diego

Tacos in Mexico, Mexican food, Tacos al pastor | Photo by Marcos Castillo via Shutterstock

Fresh ingredients, including avocados, tomatoes, eggplant, and different varieties of fruits, are served along with other mouthwatering dishes. There are many food and drink establishments that you can try. These include the best kinds of seafood and feature the craft beer scene, such as Toronado Pub and Ballast Point Production Breweries, among other top locations.

Simply get your family or your friends dressed up in some comfortable outfits for a great experience at the top clubs where you can access delicious sea dishes. And don’t forget to take photos to save your memories as you enjoy your meal.

14. Surfing

San Diego has some nice beaches for surfers. The open Pacific Coastline spreads for about 70 miles, which is good enough for all surfing activities.

Windansea beach in San Diego | things to do in san diego

Windansea beach in San Diego | Photo by Sebastien Burel via Shutterstock

These locations will give you the opportunity to interact with new friends in the city and also improve your surfing skills. Some of the places where can have a great time surfing include LA Jolla Shores, Point Loma, and the Del Mar Coastline. On the other hand, LA Jolla and Point Loma may not be perfect for land surges due to risky sections along the coastline. Along with these surfing spots, there are several nearby shops where you can stop to get a drink or some chips.

If you not interested in surfing yourself and just want to watch other people surf, then you might consider visiting the Windansea in La Jolla for a great view of some significant surfing action.

15. San Diego Harbor Cruise

If you want a great view of San Diego City, then taking a cruise may be the best strategy. You can take in a view of the city from different angles in the water.

Cabrillo Ferry, San Diego Harbor | things to do in san diego

Cabrillo Ferry, San Diego Harbor | Photo by Tomás Del Coro via Flickr

You will also have a chance to see the great San Diego-Coronado bridge from the water. And of course, you can observe the sea animals, including sea lions, herons, and pelicans. For this reason, you need to carry your cameras with you to take photos and videos. You may need to save some of the memories of these amazing sights that you see on your trip in San Diego.

You will have about four hours on the cruise, so you should have a great time enjoying the cool ocean breeze and watching whales as they migrate from Northern Alaska to California in the months of December and April.

San Diego Harbor Cruise
990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 800-442-7847
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Eddie V’s Prime Seafood (4.7/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• Buon Appetito Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Italian, $$)
• Animae (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near San Diego Harbor Cruise in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near San Diego Harbor Cruise based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

16. Little Italy

Little Italy is a popular area that neighbors San Diego. Little Italy has grown over time due to the commercial activities in San Diego City. Make a stop at this amazing region for some amazing dishes in its Italian restaurants.

"Taco

You can also shop for beautiful fashion outfits in the various design shops and get some drinks in Little Italy’s classy city clubs. The city has a beautiful look, so this is a great place to take some photos to share with your friends who didn’t make the trip.

Little Italy
1668 Columbia St From Laurel south to West A Street, San Diego, CA 92101-2502
Admission: Free
Get directions

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17. Petco Park

If you are a great fan of baseball, then Petco Park might be the ideal place for you. This baseball stadium is right on the southern side of San Diego, so you only need to make a 10 minute drive to get to the park.

San Diego's Petco Park, Coronado Bridge in the background | things to do in san diego

San Diego’s Petco Park, Coronado Bridge in the background | Photo by Christopher Penler via Shutterstock

Petco hosts regular-season games with players from different parts of the country who come for friendly baseball games and even the World Series. This stadium can be an exciting place to watch baseball players show off their talents. You may even learn some new strategies to improve your own playing skills. At the park, there is also an entertainment zone to keep the kids busy.

Thus, you will have plenty of time to interact with other fans and learn some baseball history about great players at the new Hall of Fame.

Petco Park
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Admission: Admission range from $15 to $29.50
Ph: +1 619-795-5555
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Cowboy Star (4.6/5 stars, Steak, $$$)
• Maestro Lounge (4.7/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$)
• J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats And Negroni Warehouse (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Petco Park in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Petco Park based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

18. La Jolla Cave

La Jolla Cave is one of the most interesting places that you can see. Indeed, you should not miss out on visiting the cave while you take your trip to San Diego.

Sea Cave in La Jolla California | things to do in san diego

Sea Cave in La Jolla California | Photo by Michael J Magee via Shutterstock

Here, you can get your kids to swim and have a great time playing with friends at the ocean offshore. The caves along the coastline indeed offer a great place for little children to play as you go diving in the deep waters or just enjoy the cool ocean breeze from the offshore area.

La Jolla Cave
La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
Admission: Free
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• George’s at the Cove (4.5/5 stars, Californian, $$$)
• NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Lagom Balanced Food (4.9/5 stars, Health Food, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near La Jolla Cave in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near La Jolla Cave based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Empress Hotel La Jolla (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

19. Belmont Park

Belmont Park was opened in 1925 with a number of rides, front eateries, golf training courses, and a host of other attractions. One of the most amazing things that you will enjoy at Belmont is the Giant Dipper.

Belmont Park Giant Dipper roller coaster in Pacific Beach | things to do in san diego

Belmont Park Giant Dipper roller coaster in Pacific Beach | Photo by Manuela Durson via Shutterstock

On the Dipper, your kids can have a great time riding through the open space in the park. There is also a number of shops where you can get your kids some ice cream as they enjoy the ride.

Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Admission: $46.00-56.00 ticket price range
Ph: +1 858-488-1549
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Amplified Ale Works Kitchen + Beer Garden (4.5/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$$)
• La Playa Taco Shop (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Arslan’s Gyros (4.6/5 stars, Gyro, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Belmont Park in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Belmont Park based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Pacific Terrace Hotel (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

20. Birch Aquarium

The Birch Aquarium is a fantastic place from which to view amazing creatures in the marina. You only need to make a twenty-minute drive to downtown San Diego City to get to the aquarium.

Nemo fish at Birch Aquarium | things to do in san diego

Nemo fish at Birch Aquarium | Photo by Birch Aquarium via Instagram

Then you can have a great experience learning about different sea creatures, including starfish, crabs, and lobsters. You are advised to take some photos here to remember your experiences.

Birch Aquarium
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 858-534-3474
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Marine Room (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Piatti (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$)
• Shorehouse Kitchen (4.6/5 stars, American, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Birch Aquarium in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Birch Aquarium based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com

21. Public Libraries

There are at least thirty-eight public libraries in San Diego. If you’re a fan of reading books or browsing through them, you can escape the heat and relax in any of these libraries.

Vertical low angle view of San Diego Central Library | things to do in san diego

Vertical low angle view of San Diego Central Library | Photo by Conchi Martinez via Shutterstock

Most of the libraries also have free film screenings, among other special events.

Public Libraries
330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 619-236-5800
Get directions

Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Maestro Lounge (4.7/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$$)
• J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats And Negroni Warehouse (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Taco Stand (4.7/5 stars, Tacos, $$)

See the full list of places to eat near Public Libraries in San Diego.

The best hotel to stay near Public Libraries based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:

Stay Alfred on G Street (8.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com


If you are planning a trip to San Diego, then these are some of the top fun things that you can try out.

The city is full of beautiful scenery, and it’s one of the greatest places you can visit to enjoy a nice time with your family or friends.

The numerous and affordable hotels around the city make accommodations easier. Indeed, a single trip to this beautiful city will make you come back again and again.

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