15 Fun Things to Do in San Diego for Your Bucket List
San Diego has a knack for making visitors happy, thanks to its year-round sunshine and attractions that live up to the hype.
These 15 fun things to do in San Diego will have you planning your days from sunrise to sunset.
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1. Explore Balboa Park and Its Gardens
Balboa Park is 1,200 acres of pure magic; this cultural gem is packed with museums and Spanish Colonial Revival buildings.
The real stars are the stunning gardens scattered across the park; there are over a dozen, each with its own vibe–desert plants, roses, and more.
Free activities are everywhere, so you can wander for hours without spending a dime. Pack a picnic, grab a shady spot, and just soak it all in.
2. Visit the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is home to over 12,000 animals across 100 acres of beautiful terrain. You’ll spot everything from giant pandas to polar bears in habitats that don’t feel like the usual zoo cages.
The Skyfari aerial gondolas give you a bird’s-eye view and help you zip between areas—especially handy when your feet need a break.
Kids can burn off energy in the variety of play areas scattered throughout. Between animal exhibits and interactive zones, boredom doesn’t stand a chance.
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3. Relax at La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is the go-to spot for calm waters and gentle waves. The bay makes it perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The wide stretch of soft sand means there’s always room to sprawl out. Families especially appreciate the shallow, kid-friendly water.
The scenic coastline and marine life lure snorkelers. Rent some gear nearby and explore the kelp forests just offshore.
4. Stroll Through Old Town San Diego
It’s easy to feel like you’ve time-traveled to the 1800s here. Historic adobe buildings line the streets, now home to Mexican restaurants and quirky shops.
The area hosts plenty of activities: museums, parks, and live music venues that highlight San Diego’s Mexican heritage.
The Whaley House (said to be America’s most haunted building) is a must for the brave. And the fresh tortillas and margaritas are worth every calorie.
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5. Discover the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum floats on San Diego Bay as one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers. There are over 60 exhibits and 30 restored aircraft to explore across this massive ship.
Climb into real cockpits or try the flight simulator for a hands-on aviation fix. The audio tour features stories from Midway veterans, adding a personal touch to the experience.
From the flight deck, the views of downtown San Diego and Coronado Bridge are unbeatable. Fighter jets and helicopters are displayed just as they were during active duty.
6. Enjoy the Sunset at Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park serves up some of San Diego’s most jaw-dropping ocean views. The rugged coastline is a prime spot for golden hour magic.
Drive west on Interstate 8 until it ends, then take Sunset Cliffs Boulevard for easy access. Street parking goes fast during peak sunset times, so plan ahead.
The cliffs have multiple viewing spots, each with its own angle on the Pacific and those dramatic rock formations.
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7. Kayak in La Jolla Sea Caves
Paddle through crystal-clear water to explore seven sea caves carved into dramatic sandstone cliffs. The La Jolla Ecological Reserve is where you might spot leopard sharks, sea lions, and bright orange Garibaldi fish.
Guided kayak tours visit famous spots like Sunny Jim’s Cave and Arch Cave, bringing you up close to the sandstone formations.
The waters are calm enough for beginners, but the marine life keeps things interesting for everyone.
8. Visit the Birch Aquarium
Sitting on a hilltop with a killer view of the Pacific, Birch Aquarium at Scripps houses over 3,000 marine animals in over 60 habitats.
At the hands-on tidepool plaza, you can touch sea stars and anemones. The outdoor deck is perfect for soaking up ocean views.
This La Jolla attraction features over 380 species, making it a hit with curious kids and adults alike.
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9. Walk the Historic Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter’s Victorian buildings tell San Diego’s colorful past in every brick. Sixteen blocks of preserved architecture date back to the 1800s, mixing old-school charm with modern buzz.
Take a walking tour and explore at your own pace. Restored buildings that once housed saloons and gambling halls now play host to something entirely different.
The area comes alive after dark with restaurants and nightlife. Rooftop bars, street-level cafes, and plenty of people-watching opportunities await.
10. Explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Head out to 2,000 acres of sandy beach and coastal bluffs at one of San Diego’s largest nature reserves. Dramatic cliffs and windswept trails offer up some seriously good ocean views.
Hiking at Torrey Pines is a local favorite, with trails winding through rare Torrey pine forests found nowhere else.
The reserve sits between La Jolla and Del Mar, so you can easily tack on some beach time. Bring water and sturdy shoes.
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11. Check Out the San Diego Museum of Art
In beautiful Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Art brings together art from five millennia. You’ll find ancient artifacts, contemporary pieces, and everything in between.
Rotating exhibitions keep things fresh, while permanent collections cover European paintings, Asian art, and American works. Each gallery has its own surprises.
12. Attend a Padres Game at Petco Park
You can catch home games during the regular season from spring through early fall. The ballpark food scene is next level, with local favorites and gourmet options.
Even if baseball isn’t your thing, the atmosphere and San Diego weather make it worth your time. There are plenty of attractions throughout the stadium to check out between innings.
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13. Tour the Cabrillo National Monument
On Point Loma’s cliffs, Cabrillo National Monument offers sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Learn about the story of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s 1542 landing, the first European exploration of the West Coast.
The tide pools are a treasure trove of sea anemones, hermit crabs, and starfish during low tide.
Tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse for panoramas stretching from downtown San Diego to Mexico.
In winter, you might even spot migrating gray whales from the monument’s whale watching station.
14. Taste Tacos in Barrio Logan
Some of San Diego’s best tacos are tucked away in Barrio Logan’s hole-in-the-wall taquerias. The neighborhood puts authentic Mexican flavors front and center.
Head to Tacos el Trompo in Barrio Logan, where the flavors hit just right. The adobada and fish tacos here have a reputation—locals can’t seem to keep quiet about them.
If you’re feeling extra hungry, their chilaquiles are a must. Messy, spicy, and so satisfying.
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15. Little Italy Food Tour
Skip the usual tourist traps and get a taste of real Italian flavors on a guided food tour through Little Italy.
Local guides tend to know exactly where to steer you for the good stuff; no more guessing which spot is actually worth your appetite.
The walking tour blends tasty bites with a bit of architecture and history as you wander through lively piazzas.
