San Diego is a vibrant city located on the Pacific coast of California known for its beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage. As the second-largest city in the state, San Diego offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and laid-back coastal charm.
With a history deeply rooted in Spanish and Mexican cultures, the city boasts an array of historical landmarks, world-renowned attractions, and picturesque neighborhoods. From the bustling Gaslamp Quarter to the serene shores of La Jolla, San Diego is a dynamic destination that promises something for everyone.
We’ve created a list of 6 things to do and places to visit in San Diego, so keep on reading and include some of them in your bucket list.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park, often referred to as the cultural heart of San Diego, is a sprawling 1,200-acre urban park that offers a diverse array of attractions and activities. Established in 1868, the park is one of the oldest in the United States and is renowned for its stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, lush gardens, and a rich tapestry of cultural institutions.
Among the park’s most notable features is the world-famous San Diego Zoo, home to thousands of animals and known for its innovative exhibits and conservation efforts.
Balboa Park also hosts 17 museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum, providing a wide range of exhibits that cater to various interests.
The park’s botanical gardens, such as the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Desert Garden, offer tranquil spots to appreciate diverse plant species and serene landscapes.
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous and respected zoos in the world. Opened in 1916, it has set the standard for zoos globally with its innovative approaches to animal care, conservation, and immersive exhibits.
Home to over 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species, the zoo is renowned for its expansive habitats that closely mimic the animals’ natural environments, allowing for more natural behaviors and improved animal welfare.
One of the zoo’s most popular attractions is the Panda Trek, where visitors can see the beloved giant pandas.
Other notable exhibits include the Lost Forest, home to gorillas, hippos, and a variety of exotic birds, and the Northern Frontier, featuring polar bears and other Arctic animals.
The Elephant Odyssey offers a journey through time, showcasing animals from the Pleistocene to the present, including elephants, jaguars, and California condors. Purchase tickets to San Diego Zoo here.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is a renowned marine theme park that offers a blend of thrilling rides, captivating shows, and interactive exhibits. Established in 1964, the park has become a major attraction in San Diego drawing millions of visitors annually.
One of the park’s highlights is its live shows, featuring dolphins, sea lions, and orcas performing impressive tricks and behaviors. These shows aim to educate audiences about marine animals while providing spectacular entertainment.
SeaWorld’s educational exhibits allow visitors to learn about various marine species and conservation efforts. The Turtle Reef and Shark Encounter exhibits, for instance, offer up-close views of these fascinating creatures in environments that simulate their natural habitats.
For thrill-seekers, SeaWorld boasts a variety of rides, including roller coasters like the Manta and the Electric Eel, which combine high-speed thrills with aquatic themes. The park also features family-friendly attractions, such as the Journey to Atlantis water coaster and the Bayside Skyride, offering scenic views of Mission Bay. Book tickets to SeaWorld in San Diego.
The USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum offers a captivating journey through naval aviation history. Housed on the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier, which served the United States Navy from 1945 to 1992, the museum provides visitors with an immersive experience of life aboard a naval vessel.
As the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, the USS Midway played a significant role in numerous military operations, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Today, it stands as a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the U.S. Navy.
Visitors to the USS Midway Museum can explore over 60 exhibits spread across the carrier’s vast 1,001-foot length. Highlights include the flight deck, which features a collection of restored aircraft from different eras, such as fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance planes. The flight deck offers stunning views of San Diego Harbor and the city skyline.
The museum also provides access to various parts of the ship, including the hangar deck, below-deck areas, and crew quarters, giving visitors a firsthand look at the daily life of sailors. Interactive displays, flight simulators, and guided tours led by knowledgeable docents—many of whom are veterans—enhance the educational experience. Buy entrance tickets to USS Midway Museum here.
La Jolla Cove
Nestled within a small, sheltered bay, the cove is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and vibrant underwater ecosystem. One of the main attractions of La Jolla Cove is its exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
The calm, protected waters are home to an array of marine life, including bright orange Garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, sea lions, and colorful sea stars. The underwater visibility is typically excellent, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the diverse aquatic environment.
For those who prefer to stay on the surface, kayaking (click here to join 2-hour kayak tour) and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities. Guided tours are available, offering an insightful way to explore the cove and nearby sea caves while learning about the area’s unique geology and marine life.
La Jolla Cove is also part of the larger La Jolla Underwater Park, a marine reserve that spans 6,000 acres and includes kelp forests, rocky reefs, and sandy flats. The park’s protected status helps preserve its rich biodiversity,
La Jolla Cove is a great place for wildlife observation. Visitors can often see playful sea lions basking on the rocks, and during certain times of the year, the cove becomes a gathering spot for migrating gray whales.
The San Diego Natural History Museum
The San Diego Natural History Museum, affectionately known as “The Nat,” is a prominent cultural institution located in Balboa Park. Established in 1874, it is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Southern California and has grown to become a vital center for natural history education, research, and conservation.
The Nat’s exhibits span a wide range of natural history topics, from the prehistoric past to contemporary environmental issues. One of the museum’s highlights is its extensive collection of fossils, showcasing the rich paleontological history of the region. Click here to buy tickets to Natural Museum.
Visitors can marvel at dinosaur skeletons, fossilized plants, and ancient marine creatures, gaining insights into the life forms that once inhabited the Earth.
In addition to its fossil collections, the museum features exhibits on Southern California’s diverse ecosystems, including deserts, coastlines, and mountains. Interactive displays and hands-on activities make these exhibits engaging for visitors of all ages, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s unique flora and fauna.
One of the museum’s standout attractions is its giant-screen theater, which shows high-definition nature films that transport audiences to some of the planet’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Beyond its exhibits, the San Diego Natural History Museum is actively involved in scientific research and conservation efforts. Its scientists conduct field studies and research projects aimed at understanding and preserving biodiversity, particularly in the California and Baja California regions. The museum’s collections, which include millions of specimens, serve as a valuable resource for researchers and contribute to the global body of scientific knowledge.
