Top 50 Best Things to Do in San Diego
left-leaf
trip-best

Top 50 Best Things to Do in San Diego

right-leaf
Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
2026 Global 100
2026 Global 100 image
Innovation Award
Innovation Award image
Contact Us
facebook icon
instagram icon
tiktok icon
󰴉
Theme filters
District
Theme filters
District
  • USS Midway Museumtop_1
    󰺂8.6
    50.56
    San Diego.Downtown San Diego1.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoUSS Midway Museum 2025 "Jingle Jets" Holiday Light Show | Nov 28, 2025-Dec 30, 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    In-depth tours with guides in 6 languages
    󱨜Explore inside USS Midway Museum
    󱨠Saved by 212 users󱨠878 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It's worth a visit. Parking is charged at $10 for two hours. The second floor, the flight deck, and the hangar are open to the public. Many veteran volunteers are available for conversation and photo opportunities. Various retired fighter jets are parked on the first floor, some of which you can board and experience. Free headsets are available for tour guidance, but please specify in advance that you want a Chinese-language tour. After disembarking, walk about 10 minutes to the other side to see the Kiss of the Century.

  • Port of San Diegotop_2
    󰺂8.6
    San Diego.Balboa Park2.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSan Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Dec 14, 2025-Dec 21, 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󱨜Navy base & seal habitat cruise
    󰀆360° view of harbor city
    4.7/5
    chenweiwenchenweiwen

    San Diego is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the United States. It is located on the San Diego Bay at the southern end of the state, 20 kilometers south of the Mexican border. The urban area covers an area of ​​829 square kilometers and has a population of more than 1.37 million, with many Mexican and Spanish descendants. According to statistics from 2015-2016, white people accounted for 64% of the population, Latin Americans and Mexicans accounted for 32%, and Asians accounted for 10%. The metropolitan area includes nearby beaches and highlands, with an area of ​​11,020 square kilometers; the metropolitan area includes 18 small cities with a total population of more than 2.8 million, most of whom live in areas not far from the coast. San Diego County is famous for its natural landscape. You can see beaches, forests and deserts of different styles in a day's drive. There are more than 60 golf courses, many national parks and the Columbus National Forest. San Diego's famous tourist attractions include the Harbor Village, Convention Center, Cypress Park, Art Museum, Zoo, Spanish Village, etc.

  • SeaWorld San Diegotop_3
    󰺂8.2
    94.63
    San Diego.Misson Bay / Loma Heights8.5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSeaWorld San Diego: Arctic Rescue Is Now Open
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Dolphin & sea lion show
    󱨜Interact with manta rays inside
    󱨠Saved by 260 users󱨠322 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    182***09182***09

    Overall, this place is pretty good. But compared to Hang Lung, it might be a little different. Generally speaking, there are fewer people on weekends or holidays, and there are fewer performances. Some facilities will not be open when it rains or the weather is bad. In short, it's up to you to choose.

  • San Diego Zoo
    4
    󰺂7.4
    93.6
    San Diego.Balboa Park2.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Elephant shows & bird flights
    See China's star pandas up-close
    󱨠Saved by 175 users󱨠112 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M27***85M27***85

    Very good zoo. The pandas are quite fat and worth seeing. The other animals are also very lively. The parking lot is free. There are also many things to eat and drink inside. Different shops have different characteristics. You must leave enough time, otherwise you will not be able to finish the tour.

  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park
    5
    󰺂7.0
    93.6
    San Diego45.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSan Diego Zoo Safari Park Announces Opening Date for All-New Elephant Valley | Mar 5, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Multiple animal shows ongoing
    󰀆Interactive bird feeding in Nairobi
    󱨠Saved by 105 users󱨠59% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    ElbikElbik

    If your kids have a fascination with animals, this park is a good place to immerse them in a world of wildlife and adventure. While parking can occasionally present a challenge, the walk to the main entrance is quite manageable and convenient.To enhance your experience, I highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance, as this can save you valuable time and spare you the hassle of waiting in line. Additionally, the park is accommodating for families.

  • Balboa Park
    6
    󰺂6.7
    San Diego.Balboa Park2.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBalboa Park December Nights Celebration unveils | Dec 5, 2025-Dec 6, 2025
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cross-century treasures at SDMA
    󱓊Spanish Revival architecture from 1915
    󱨠Saved by 125 users󱨠31% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    chenweiwenchenweiwen

    Balboa Park: Balboa Park, covering an area of ​​4.9 square kilometers, is a famous cultural park in the center of San Diego, USA. It is named after the Spanish explorer Vasco de Balboa. Balboa Park is the former site of the 1915 World's Fair in California. The city of San Diego built many magnificent museum buildings for the World's Fair. The complex castle buildings not only reflect the characteristics of the Spanish colonial Renaissance period that was popular at the time, but also reveal a strong Gothic, Baroque and Rococo style. There are 14 museums, four theaters, a complex sports field, a rose garden and a Japanese garden in the park, adding brilliant colors to the park. The famous San Diego Zoo is also located in the park. Most of the venues in the park have been demolished, leaving only a few to be preserved forever, so that future generations can imagine the grand occasion of the year. In 1977, Balboa Park was rated as a national historic landmark.

  • Old Town
    7
    󰺂6.1
    San Diego.San Diego Old Town5.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Perfect for a relaxing walk
    󱓊Free live shows & theater interaction
    4.6/5
    yangdg8838yangdg8838

    We drove from Los Angeles to San Diego and stayed at the Marriott Coronado Resort. We mainly visited the zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and Coronado Beach. On our way back, we visited Old Town San Diego, which has a Spanish-Mexican feel. We also had a meal at a large restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, and of course, some tequila. It was a wonderful time and a wonderful trip to San Diego.

  • Unconditional Surrender
    8
    󰺂5.9
    San Diego.Marina District1.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThis route covers all the best of Santiago
    Highlights:
    Victory Kiss sculpture & USS Midway
    󰀆Iconic WWII victory photo sculpture
    󱨠77% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    M31***33M31***33

    It was interesting to learn about the story behind the huge statue next to the Midway aircraft carrier. The scenery was also very good, and the California sun was shining on the sea, making it hard to open your eyes.

  • La Jolla Cove
    9
    󰺂5.7
    La Jolla18.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Kayak & surf in clear bay
    󱓊Watch wild seals play & rest
    󱨠151 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Bobby-CBobby-C

    La Jolla Cave Coast is the most beautiful beach in San Diego. The beach here is crystal clear, the blue sky and the azure blue sea are breathtakingly beautiful. When the tide is out, you can clearly see caves of various sizes and shapes, providing a different view.

  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
    10
    󰺂5.2
    San Diego9.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Boardwalk sunset & coastline views
    󱨜Panoramic sea & city views
    4.4/5
    小思文小思文

    San Diego is one of the border cities on the U.S. coastline. It is very close to Mexico and has many port resources. This cliff park is a very steep place where you can enjoy the sunset show in the evening.

Best things to do in San Diego (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in San Diego? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, San Diego offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in San Diego

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full San Diego experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

USS Midway Museum

• San Diego.Downtown San Diego | 1.7 km from downtown

• : In-depth tours with guides in 6 languages,Explore inside USS Midway Museum

Port of San Diego

• San Diego.Balboa Park | 2.9 km from downtown

• : Navy base & seal habitat cruise,360° view of harbor city

SeaWorld San Diego

• San Diego.Misson Bay / Loma Heights | 8.5 km from downtown

• : Dolphin & sea lion show,Interact with manta rays inside

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near San Diego

If you want to explore attractions just outside San Diego, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of San Diego, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in San Diego special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in San Diego

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in San Diego

Ready to explore the best of San Diego? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in San Diego?
These are all Best Things to Do in San Diego:USS Midway Museum, Port of San Diego, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Diego?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Diego include:USS Midway Museum:4.8, Port of San Diego:4.7, SeaWorld San Diego:4.6, San Diego Zoo:4.7, San Diego Zoo Safari Park:4.7
At what locations in San Diego can Best Things to Do in San Diego be found?
The Best Things to Do in San Diego are mainly located in:USS Midway Museum:San Diego, Port of San Diego:San Diego, SeaWorld San Diego:San Diego, San Diego Zoo:San Diego, San Diego Zoo Safari Park:San Diego
󰴉