What to do in San Diego, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal area with buildings on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
A pier extending into the ocean with people walking and surfing nearby.
A landscaped garden with a winding path, various shrubs, and a large tree with reddish leaves.
A crowded beach with waves crashing onto the shore and people enjoying the water.
A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.

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$6, 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 427 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.

Activities

USS Midway Museum with Skip-the-Line Entry

USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate

NZ$62
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate
San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

NZ$130
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
the hydra terra amphibious vehicle entering the water from the shore in San Diego

San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea

NZ$84
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea
Ship with city view on cruise in San Diego California

San Diego's City Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

NZ$62
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Diego's City Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

NZ$95
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
San Diego City Lights Night Tour

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

NZ$74
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Diego City Lights Night Tour
San Diego Whale Watching Tour

San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

NZ$119
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour

NZ$132
per traveller
84% of travellers recommend
La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
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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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A zoo entrance with a panda sculpture, ticket booth, and people.

2. 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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An orca performing a jump in a pool.

3. 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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A beach with sailboats, people relaxing, and a 'Boat Rentals' sign.

4. 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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A large stadium with the sign "Cobo Park" and palm trees around it.

5. 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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A coastal cityscape at dusk with a prominent amusement park, including a roller coaster and Ferris wheel, and a modern building complex.

6. 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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A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.

What to do in San Diego

Stay near popular San Diego attractions

A zoo entrance with a panda sculpture, ticket booth, and people.

San Diego Zoo

9.2/10 (15,439 reviews)
Home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals across 100 acres of immersive habitats. Explore the African Rocks exhibit or join a guided tour to witness the zoo's pioneering conservation work.
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Our guide on where to stay in San Diego

Find the best San Diego areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Diego
Learn more about San Diego
A theater marquee with ornate designs and the name "Gaslamp Quarter".

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Lyceum Theatre – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A pier at sunset with people sitting and standing, waves crashing below.

Pacific Beach

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

A white church with a bell tower and a cross on top, surrounded by greenery and palm trees.

Mission Valley

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

A street with a 'Little Italy' sign, parked cars, and buildings with Italian flags.

Little Italy

Visitors to Little Italy love its captivating waterfront views, and you can check out Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

A coastal cityscape with a long sandy beach, a pier, and dense urban buildings.

Mission Beach

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

 

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

A modern building with a unique triangular design, a Ferris wheel, and a street with pedestrians.

Tijuana

A beach volleyball game with players in red and blue shorts. In the background, there is a large white building with red roofs and a flagpole with an American flag.

Coronado

A sunset over a mountainous landscape with a town in the foreground.

El Cajon

A beach at sunset with a cliff and a lifeguard tower.

Solana Beach

A harbor with multiple sailboats and a bridge in the background.

Chula Vista

A panoramic view of a mountainous landscape with a river, a bridge, and a town.

Poway

A beach with people, palm trees, and houses along the coastline.

Del Mar

A residential area with houses, a swimming pool, and a mountainous backdrop.

Escondido

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.

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