What to do in San Diego, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego

Places to Visit in San Diego

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in San Diego, 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 San Diego attractions from NZ$14, 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 San Diego tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 346 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 San Diego. 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. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Petco Park

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.
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Petco Park

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

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What to do in San Diego


Discover the most popular places to visit in San Diego

Explore areas of San Diego

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Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter featuring a bar, street scenes and a city

Gaslamp Quarter

The historic heart of San Diego has a fascinating history, and today is a thriving hub for food, retail and entertainment.

Gaslamp Quarter
Pacific Beach Park featuring a beach

Pacific Beach

5/5(9 area reviews)

Relax in beachside cafés in the morning, surf clean breaks in the afternoon and dance with a youthful club crowd at night at this coastal San Diego strip.

Pacific Beach
Belmont Park which includes a garden and rides

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Mission and Pacific Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Beach
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Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ocean Beach Pier and Dog Beach.

Ocean Beach
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Point Loma

3.5/5(24 area reviews)

Seaside views a bustling port and top sights from Shelter Island to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – discover Point Loma, a destination also famous for its island views.

Point Loma

 

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 San Diego

Frequently asked questions

Is San Diego worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are loads of great things to do in San Diego. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Diego?
Begin your day with a visit to San Diego Zoo and Mission Bay. Then, explore other parts of San Diego for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Diego?
The top tourist attraction in San Diego is San Diego Zoo, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in San Diego?
You can easily tour popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, Mission Bay and Coronado Beach with a three-day break in San Diego. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and check out San Diego County.
Is San Diego a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Diego is a great destination to tour on foot. Wander between San Diego Zoo and Coronado Beach. Then take a stroll around Downtown San Diego, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Columbia, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in San Diego with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in San Diego with kids.

What to do in San Diego for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in San Diego for adults including Bay City Brewing Co. And Hotel Circle.
Are there free things to do in San Diego?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San Diego is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Mission Bay is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.