Things to do in San Diego CA

If you are looking for things to do in San Diego CA, you have come to the right place. San Diego is situated in Southern California, near the Mexico border. San Diego was founded in 1769, is the oldest town in California. It has an enthralling natural beauty and a lovely weather, with soft temperatures and loads of sunshine. Some of the city’s most famous attractions include the gardens, museums and Spanish Colonial style structure located in Balboa Park, the world-class San Diego Zoo, and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. Visitors can walk the streets of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park or stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego also has over 68 miles of beaches in and around the city for sunning and surfing.

Here are some of the top things to do in San Diego CA.

Top Things to do in San Diego CA

1.) San Diego Zoo

San Diego is located in Balboa Park. The San Diego Zoo is among the biggest and most popular zoos in the United States. The zoo has all sorts of exotic animals. It includes pandas also which are successfully bred here. It is stretched out along a narrow valley. It has many hills which can sometimes be testing for visitors traveling through the site. The park swanks on the Animal enclosures which are built to recreate a natural environment.

2.) Balboa Park

Balboa Park is spread over a 1400 acre space. It has numerous museums, gardens, several historical buildings and green space. The park was designed for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-16. Many of the buildings in the park remain from that event. The major architecture is Spanish-Mexican style, low-level buildings which match up with the natural background. The Botanical Gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Man, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo are among the highlights. The park is simply a gorgeous place. Visiting here is among the best things to do in San Diego CA.

3.) Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is situated on the southern tip of Point Loma. The statue represents Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. He was the first European explorer to find the Californian coast. This statue is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown San Diego. It is not only a memorializing figure. From the monument, you can enjoy an astonishing view of the Pacific Ocean and all the Naval Base activity. Hiking trails surround the monument. When you are here, you can also tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and visitor center. It provides insight into the San Diego’s military and maritime history.

4.) Torrey Pine State Reserve

Torrey Pine State Reserve is spread on 1,700-acre space. It houses and preserves several types of flora, especially the Torrey Pine. It is among the America’s rarest pine trees. There is also a lot of hiking and bird-watching opportunities available to visitors. Trails present spectacular views of the coastline. It also provides a wide range of hiking. So, remember to keep hiking boots and binoculars handy. Plus, don’t forget your swimsuit as the reserve is also home to 2 fine secluded shorelines, Black’s Beach on the southern edge and Torrey Pines State Beach on the far north.

5.) USS Midway Museum

USS Midway Museum is situated around half a mile south of the Maritime Museum on the North Harbor Drive. If you’re keen to know that what life is like on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, this is the place you should come to. Hop this 20th-century longest-serving American aircraft carrier. Here, you can explore 60 different exhibits and 29 refurbished aircraft. In the self-guided audio tour, you can see the engine room, crew’s sleeping quarters, the ship’s jail and the primary flight control room. Along with the exhibits, the museum also boasts two flight simulators. Though it’s a unique experience, recent visitors say there’s no need to fork over the extra coin for a simulator ride since there’s already so much to see and do at the museum.

6.) SeaWorld

SeaWorld San Diego is among the city’s main attractions, especially for families. SeaWorld is situated along the waterfront in Mission Bay. SeaWorld has been a long time family tradition for many American’s. It has been around since the 1960s. Myriad of shows presenting sea lions, killer whales, dolphins, and other sea life are among the highlights. There are all sorts of rides from roller coasters to more sedate carnival type rides. SeaWorld is an aquarium which allows visitors for close up looks at sharks and other sea animals. They can be seen through an acrylic tunnel.

7.) Mission Beach

Mission Beach is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Mission Bay. It is among the most famous shorelines in the city. Although it’s not as immaculate as Coronado Beach, but it’s as busy as Coronado. Credit goes to all the surrounding attractions. Enjoying in this 2-mile stretch of white sand is one of the things to do in San Diego CA. Throngs of surfers and bikini-clothed sunbathers crowd the coast every summer. The boardwalk nearby is usually occupied with skaters and bicyclists. The Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park on the northern edge of the beach is a hit among both children and adults. For a lunch, head to one of the many beachside food joints.

8.) Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

You might need a car to reach Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. This natural park is located around 7 miles due west of downtown San Diego. This area spans across 68 acres and stretches 1½ miles along Point Loma peninsula’s western coastline. The spectacular sandstone cliffs and primate vegetation make for an amazing hike.

As the name suggests, Sunset is an ideal time to visit the park. If you want to avoid the rush at dusk, plan a mid-week trip instead of a weekend visit. Past visitors suggest bringing along a sweatshirt as sometimes, ocean breeze gets a little chilly. Watching the sunset from here is one of the top things to do in San Diego CA.

9.) Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District is located in the downtown San Diego. It is an area having 19th and 20th century restored Victorian buildings. At present, the Gaslamp Quarter is a stylish area with restaurants, shops, and galleries which attract both locals and tourists. The area spans around 20 blocks and runs about from Broadway to San Diego Bay. There are also a huge number of fine hotels, which are famous with both tourists and business travelers because of its great position in the city. In 1970, this area underwent restorations that ultimately led to it being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

10.) Seaport Village

San Diego’s Seaport Village is a wonderful place to walk around and spend an afternoon. It is located right on the waterfront. There are several unique shops and restaurants which is one of the city’s must-see attractions. Benches, Picnic tables, and waterfront patios are dotted all around the area. Outdoor performers take the stage in the afternoons regularly, some of them can be pretty eclectic. The area is easily reachable on foot from most of the nearby attractions. There can be parking issue at Seaport Village, so park a little distance away for the convenience and enjoy the stroll along the waterfront to the site.