What to do in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Rancho Santa Fe

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Rancho Santa Fe, California while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Rancho Santa Fe attractions from NZ$18, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Rancho Santa Fe tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 40 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Rancho Santa Fe. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. LEGOLAND® California

Kids will see the famous click-and-build toy in a whole new scale when they visit the magical LEGOLAND® California Resort. Over 60 rides, shows and attractions celebrate the colourful LEGO blocks that have found a home in toy boxes all over the world for nearly 65 years.
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Legoland California showing rides

2. San Diego Zoo

Get your explorer’s hat on when you visit the San Diego Zoo! Situated in Balboa Park, this 40-hectare site houses almost 4,000 animals from across 650 species and sub-species. Roam through the park past the open air exhibits showcasing natural habitats from all over the world, and you’ll understand why this zoo attracts 5 million visitors a year.
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San Diego Zoo featuring zoo animals

3. SeaWorld

SeaWorld® San Diego has been one of the area’s top attractions for adults and children alike, ever since it first opened in 1964. Spend the day here, and you’ll be treated to spectacular marine life shows, thrilling adventure rides, and even the chance to get right up close to some of the most intelligent creatures from the ocean - an amazing experience that will stay with you forever.
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beautiful creatures

4. Mission Bay

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.
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Mission Bay featuring a beach

5. Balboa Park

Balboa Park in the centre of San Diego is one on the largest urban parks in the United States, covering 485 hectares of grounds. Its size is matched by the incredibly broad range of attractions held within its perimeter. With museums and galleries, theatres and restaurants, not to mention beautiful gardens and even a world-famous zoo, it is no wonder that Balboa Park is extremely popular with tourists and locals alike.
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Balboa Park which includes a pond

6. Mission Beach

Mission Beach has been a popular seaside destination for nearly 100 years, with the earliest holiday homes dating back to the 1920s. Nowadays, after the development drive in the 1960s, this affluent suburb is the perfect mix of lively attractions and good old-fashioned charm.
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Mission Beach featuring general coastal views, a bay or harbour and a sandy beach

Recommended things to do in Rancho Santa Fe

Number of things to do
40
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Discover UCSD: A Self-Guided Tour for Students, Parents and Staff: NZ$18
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Rancho Santa Fe

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rancho Santa Fe

Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery during your travels in Rancho Santa Fe. Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area or seek out the surfing spots.

Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery

Ranch Santa Fe Golf Course

Play a round of golf in Rancho Santa Fe at Ranch Santa Fe Golf Course, and enjoy other activities such as surfing. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.

Ranch Santa Fe Golf Course

Explore areas of Rancho Santa Fe

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Covenant

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Covenant and surrounding area, you can visit Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery and Belly Up.

Covenant
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Bridges

Though Bridges may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like La Costa Golf Courses - North and South and Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery.

Bridges

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rancho Santa Fe

San Diego

San Diego

Photo by Cyn Hop

Solana Beach

Escondido

Escondido

Photo by Marcel Fuentes

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Frequently asked questions

Is Rancho Santa Fe worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are loads of fun things to do in Rancho Santa Fe. Don't forget to experience the area's blend of awesome sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Rancho Santa Fe?
Moonlight State Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Rancho Santa Fe while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rancho Santa Fe?
Moonlight State Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Rancho Santa Fe and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Rancho Santa Fe?
You can easily tour top attractions like Moonlight State Beach, San Elijo State Beach and Del Mar North Beach with a three-day escape to Rancho Santa Fe. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to San Diego County.
Is Rancho Santa Fe a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Rancho Santa Fe is a great place to visit on foot. Have fun wandering between Ranch Santa Fe Golf Course and Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery. Then take a stroll around Covenant, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Bridges, which is about 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Rancho Santa Fe with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all ages, take a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Rancho Santa Fe with kids.

What to do in Rancho Santa Fe for adults?
Stone Brewing and Bernardo Winery are just two of the things to do in Rancho Santa Fe. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Rancho Santa Fe?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Rancho Santa Fe. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Moonlight State Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travelling adventures.