Things to do in San Diego

People say this cruise offers stunning views of the bay and city, with many opportunities to see whales, dolphins, and sea lions. They also highlight the friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff, who provide excellent service and informative commentary. Guests mention the cruises are a great value, with options like delicious buffet food and bottomless mimosas on brunch tours

Floating museum and former aircraft carrier devoted to the Navy. People say this maritime museum offers a unique experience exploring a historic aircraft carrier, with a variety of aircraft, helicopters, and flight simulators. They highlight the self-guided audio tour, the opportunity to sit in cockpits and walk through helicopters, and the knowledgeable and friendly staff, many of whom are veterans. They also like the family-friendly atmosphere and the stunning views of San Diego Bay from the flight deck

Built in 1912, this hidden suspension footbridge provides views of the serene valley below. People say this pedestrian bridge offers stunning views of the canyon and lush vegetation below. They highlight the bridge's gentle sway, creating a thrilling and peaceful experience, and its hidden gem status, making it a unique and memorable adventure. They also like the safe and well-maintained environment, with a security guard enforcing closing hours.

Balboa Park's Japanese gardens have koi ponds, bonsai trees, garden tours & more. Picturesque botanic garden featuring koi ponds, waterfalls, and bonsai trees. People say this garden offers beautiful scenery, koi ponds, waterfalls, and bonsai trees. They highlight the peaceful and serene atmosphere, and the well-maintained trails and water features. They also like the photo opportunities and the chance to experience Japanese culture.

Scenic spot offering ocean views, a cave, and sunsets, plus free admission. People say this tourist attraction offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and golden sands, and a magical sunset. They highlight the peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding, and the opportunity to watch the waves and enjoy the natural beauty. They also like the hiking trails and the chance to explore the beach and tide pools.

Sailboat and submarine collection at this floating museum, also offering tours. Visitors say this museum offers an amazing collection of well-maintained historic ships, including the Star of India and a submarine, providing an immersive and interactive experience. They also highlight the reasonable admission price and the option to add a worthwhile harbor boat tour for an extra charge. Guests mention the staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share information, making it enjoyable for all ages

Colorful community with Spanish-style buildings & studios with works by local artists, plus classes. Charming village featuring colorful galleries and studios for local artists producing all kinds of artwork, plus a café. People say this art center offers a wide variety of art studios, including glass blowing, jewelry, paintings, and pottery, showcasing the work of local artists. They highlight the unique and handmade gifts, and the opportunity to watch artists at work and talk to them about their craft. They also like the vibrant and colorful atmosphere, and the convenient parking.

Ice cream shop serving up gelato, sorbet, and other treats, some vegan. People say this gelato shop offers unique, creative, and delicious rotating flavors, including vegan options, and provides a complimentary "flavor tour" to sample everything. Visitors also highlight the exceptional service, with staff being friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate. They mention the fun, quirky dry cleaning theme and inviting atmosphere

Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society. Large zoo known for its conservation efforts, plus a playground, food options and animal exhibits. People say this zoo offers a huge variety of animals in spacious, naturalistic habitats, and highlight the included bus tour and Skyfari aerial tram for great views and easy navigation. Visitors also appreciate the clean, well-maintained grounds and numerous shaded areas. They also mention the friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

Supposedly haunted, this museum in an 1850s house offers day & night tours, plus a cafe. Built in 1857 and now a museum, this former home is said to be the most haunted house in America. Visitors say this museum offers a fascinating blend of history and paranormal intrigue, with many highlighting the engaging storytelling and well-preserved artifacts. They also appreciate the knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, who often provide interactive experiences like using ghost-hunting equipment. Guests mention the tours are a unique and memorable way to learn about San Diego's past, even for skeptics.

Entertainment venue offering high-speed electric go-kart racing on a professional track, plus an arcade. People say this go-karting venue offers fast electric karts and a well-designed indoor track, providing an exhilarating experience for all ages. Visitors also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, who ensure clear instructions and a smooth check-in process. Guests mention the clean and organized facility, ample parking, and the fun atmosphere, making it a great spot for parties or team-building events

Bayside eatery for seafood and steaks, plus a cruise ship and pool. Visitors say this private club offers breathtaking marina views, a pool, hot tub, and various courts for tennis and pickleball. They also highlight the immaculate grounds and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests mention the exceptional and professional staff, who are attentive and go the extra mile.

This salt marsh refuge is home to endangered birds & offers trails for visitors & seasonal tours. Spacious, clean habitat housing endangered animals, reptiles and ray-touching pools, plus walking, skating and biking trails. People say this nature center offers beautiful stretches of wetlands, bay views, and calm trails, along with a variety of animals like fish, sharks, and sea turtles. Visitors also highlight the free parking and convenient shuttle service to the building. They also mention the passionate staff and the suitability for field trips or family visits.

Indoor & outdoor miniature golf course with a tropical island theme, plus wall climbing & laser tag. Two courses (one for kids) with varying levels of challenge, friendly service and an arcade. People say this miniature golf course offers a fun and engaging experience with a variety of obstacles and a tropical theme. They also highlight the long and challenging course, the enjoyable atmosphere, and the opportunity to purchase drinks. Some reviews mention the props can be in need of repair.

Visitors say this VR experience offers immersive gameplay with impressive graphics and a variety of exciting games like Deadwood Phobia and Squid Game. They also highlight the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff who enhance the fun. Guests mention it's a great activity for friends, family, and special occasions, offering good value despite the price

An open-air historic park with adobe buildings, museums, shops, and performances. It suits visitors who want history, food, and browsing in one place, with a mix of exhibits and casual stops around the site. It is useful if you want a full visit rather than a quick stop.

Visitors say this park offers stunning architecture, diverse pop-ups, and live music, along with numerous museums and gardens. They also highlight the free pipe organ concerts, guided tours, and various kid-friendly attractions like the Model Railroad Museum. Guests mention the helpful and friendly staff at the welcome center and gift shop

Gastropub cuisine and cocktails served in a lively spot with live music and a collection of American folk art. People say this concert venue offers excellent sound quality and a great stage height, with some areas providing an intimate viewing experience. Visitors also highlight the professional and friendly staff, along with the availability of food and drinks. Some reviews mention the sound quality can be inconsistent

Belt-sushi restaurant known for its fresh fish and innovative ordering system. Diners like this restaurant's fresh, delicious sushi and wide variety of offerings, including nigiri, ramen, and udon, with the option to order from a tablet. They also highlight the fun, unique revolving sushi experience, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Some reviews mention there can be long wait times

People say this Korean barbecue restaurant offers high-quality meats, including Wagyu, and a variety of banchan and side dishes. They highlight the unique experience of grilling meat on a sot, the generous portions, and the attentive service.

A casual restaurant known for birria tacos, burritos, ramen, and a salsa bar. It is a practical stop if you want something filling late at night and do not need a formal sit-down meal. Expect a straightforward, busy counter-service setup.

Diners like this restaurant's flavorful birria tacos, quesadillas, and Cali burritos, noting the tender meat and generous portions. They also highlight the excellent salsa bar with a wide variety of options and the clean, welcoming atmosphere. Guests mention the friendly and efficient staff, providing quick service even during busy times

A compact Thai restaurant with familiar dishes such as Pad Thai, curries, and Drunken Noodles. It is a practical option for a casual dinner or takeout after a long day. Limited seating makes it better for an easy meal than a long evening.

Dinner theater featuring live music and a rotating roster of shows, including drag. People say this dinner theater offers a lively drag show with talented performers, delicious food, and bottomless mimosas. They also highlight the friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and great value for the price

A dueling-piano venue with food, drinks, and crowd-led sing-alongs. It works well for groups and anyone who wants a louder, social evening rather than a quiet bar. Make a reservation if you are going on a weekend.

A Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant serving kebabs and mixed grills. It suits a relaxed lunch or late meal in the centre, with generous portions and a comfortable setting. The menu is straightforward if you want a straightforward meal between indoor stops.

An all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant with a broad selection of meats and sides. It works well for groups that want a fun, filling dinner and do not mind a busy setting. The robot servers are part of the experience, but the main draw is the barbecue spread.

A large park with museums, gardens, and Spanish-style architecture. It suits a flexible day that can be as active or slow as you like, with space for walking, picnics, and cultural stops. It works well if you want one place that covers several interests.

A waterfront public artwork near the USS Midway Museum. It suits a short stop for photos and a walk by the bay, with open surroundings that make it easy to pair with nearby sights. It is a brief stop rather than a full outing.

Popular park with rocky cliffs and tide pools offering scenic ocean views. People say this natural park offers breathtaking ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and stunning sunsets, making it a perfect spot for people and photographers. Visitors also highlight the peaceful atmosphere, walking trails, and the opportunity to explore tide pools during low tide. They also appreciate the free and accessible street parking, though it can be limited, especially around sunset

Stunning garden showcasing 130+ varieties of roses, as well as a desert garden area. People say this garden offers a stunning array of roses in a wide spectrum of colors, with many varieties labeled. They highlight the free admission, the well-maintained grounds, and the peaceful atmosphere perfect for strolling and taking photos. They also like the convenient parking and accessibility, with nearby restrooms and a bus stop

Nature preserve offering diverse hiking trails and a visitor center with natural-history exhibits. People say this park offers diverse hiking and biking trails suitable for all levels, with stunning views and a well-maintained habitat. Visitors also highlight the informative nature and visitor center, which features interactive exhibits. They also like the convenient on-site parking and the friendly, helpful staff

People say this dog beach offers a large, open space for dogs to run, play, and swim freely, with many appreciating the off-leash freedom. Visitors highlight the friendly atmosphere among both dogs and people, noting the beach is often clean and well-maintained. They also mention that while parking can be tight, spots are usually found with a little patience

Visitors say this scenic spot offers stunning ocean views, dramatic coastal bluffs, and a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful sunsets in San Diego. They also highlight that it's a great place to relax, watch surfers, and enjoy the salty ocean breeze

Cozy theater featuring actors as well as plays and other shows year-round. People say this theater offers a beautiful, modern venue with comfortable seating and excellent views of the stage. They also highlight the spacious restrooms, which reduce wait times during intermissions, and the convenient bar with a good selection of drinks and snacks. Visitors appreciate the easy, free parking and the variety of nearby dining options

Floating museum and former aircraft carrier devoted to the Navy. People say this maritime museum offers a unique experience exploring a historic aircraft carrier, with a variety of aircraft, helicopters, and flight simulators. They highlight the self-guided audio tour, the opportunity to sit in cockpits and walk through helicopters, and the knowledgeable and friendly staff, many of whom are veterans. They also like the family-friendly atmosphere and the stunning views of San Diego Bay from the flight deck

Built in 1912, this hidden suspension footbridge provides views of the serene valley below. People say this pedestrian bridge offers stunning views of the canyon and lush vegetation below. They highlight the bridge's gentle sway, creating a thrilling and peaceful experience, and its hidden gem status, making it a unique and memorable adventure. They also like the safe and well-maintained environment, with a security guard enforcing closing hours.

An underground comedy club with stand-up acts and an intimate room. It suits an after-dinner plan or a low-key night out, with late shows and a small-room feel. Check the lineup before you go, as acts change regularly.

Quirky and enduring eatery featuring classic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salads plus beer and wine. People say this Italian restaurant serves delicious pizza, pasta, and antipasto salad, with generous portions and fresh ingredients. They highlight the authentic atmosphere, the free parking, and the friendly staff. They also like the deli at the entrance where you can buy meat, cheese, and dessert

Kid-friendly, contemporary cafe turning out American classics for breakfast, such as Oreo pancakes and shrimp and grits. People say this restaurant offers delicious and creative breakfast and brunch options, including popular dishes like chilaquiles, shrimp and grits, and various pancakes. They also highlight the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, along with the lively and welcoming atmosphere. The staff are frequently mentioned as friendly, attentive, and providing quick service

Cafe chain offering a standard selection of coffees and teas (including acai bowls and avocado toast) in a bright space featuring a second, mezzanine level. People say this coffee shop offers delicious avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and honey lattes. They also highlight the friendly staff, quick service, and cool vibe. Other reviews mention parking can be difficult

People say this seafood restaurant serves delicious lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fresh oysters. They highlight the fun, nautical atmosphere and the reasonable prices, especially during happy hour. They also like the friendly and attentive staff

People say this Korean barbecue restaurant offers high-quality meats, including Wagyu, and a variety of banchan and side dishes. They highlight the unique experience of grilling meat on a sot, the generous portions, and the attentive service.