The Top 10 Things To Do In San Diego, CA 2023
With its beautiful weather and beaches, bustling downtown life, relaxing aura of Seaport Village, and the many attractions at Balboa Park, San Diego has it all. Take a ferry to Coronado, hop aboard the USS Midway, enjoy the marine life at SeaWorld, and take in a game at Petco Park. SD is one of California’s top cities!
The Gaslamp Quarter sign over 5th Avenue near the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego.
#10 - Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego is home to a plethora of restaurants, bars, hotels, and shopping. We would highly recommend booking a hotel in this area, as you can walk, ride a bike or scooter, and/or take the San Diego Trolley to almost everything on this list. 5th Avenue is lined with restaurants and bars of all Read Morevarieties. There are specialty shops, bowling alleys, arcades, clubs, rooftop bars, axe-throwing venues, and a premium movie theater, if you can name it, it’s in the Gaslamp District. Some of our favorite food spots here are Lou & Mickeys (a nice steakhouse), Rockin’ Baja Lobster, Barley Mash, for a great place to have lunch/watch a game, Meze, for some Mediterranean cuisine, and for dessert, Ghirardelli’s or Crunchtime Popcorn and Ice Cream (get the ice cream sandwich). This is also home to the Convention Center and the San Diego Padres baseball stadium. It is our home away from home and we still haven’t done everything! There truly is something for everyone.
The presentation of the National Anthem when Petco Park hosted the 2016 MLB All-Star Game.
#9 - Petco Park
Home of the San Diego Padres, Petco Park, more than any other MLB stadium, feels like a part of its hometown. They do an amazing job of incorporating aspects of their city into their ballpark. Most of their eateries are local restaurants, they do a great job of paying homage to their military roots (offer Read Moregreat discounts to those who have served), and have a wide-open park in the outfield for the kiddos to run around in. It is located right in the heart of the Gaslamp District close to hotels and sports bars! We like to enter the ballpark early, allowing us to try to catch some home runs during batting practice and then enjoy something delicious like Pizza Port!
#8 - Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
When some of you think “Torrey Pines” you probably think golf, as the Torrey Pines Golf Course hosts an annual PGA tournament and even hosted the 2008 U.S. Open (won by Tiger Woods). But, we’re not talking about golf. The natural reserve is a huge coastal park with eight gorgeous hiking trails overlooking the Read MorePacific Ocean. The trails range in length and difficulty, so make sure to follow one fit for you and yours. But, any trail you pick will lead you on a beautiful path with opportunities to see wildlife and coastal plants. Of all the things mentioned on this list, it’s the furthest away from the Gaslamp Quarter at 20ish miles, so a car would be necessary. Parking is convenient at the reserve for a fee.
The Rose Garden at Balboa Park in bloom.
#7 - Balboa Park
For almost 150 years, Balboa Park has been a popular locale for both visitors and residents of San Diego. It is a huge, wide open space that homes museums (15!), gardens (17!), and attractions/venues, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. It’s a great place to spend some time with the family, walking around, Read Moreenjoying the beautiful gardens and architecture, and popping into a museum or two (some are even free to enter). Be sure to check out their calendar when you’re in town, as they host many festivals, parades, and special events. We tend to start at the rose and cactus garden and then walk our way through the main concourse which contains the museums, Japanese Friendship Garden, Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Botanical Building, and Lily Pond. Parking is easy along the roads and you can even ride a bike. Definitely a great stop on your trip.
The photogenic Seaport Village sign.
#6 - Seaport Village
If you’re looking for the quintessential San Diego shopping experience, this is it. Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining destination full of unique shops and gorgeous views. It’s a great place to walk around in without any preconceived plans. Pop into the unique and touristy shops, such as the Hot Read MoreLicks hot sauce shop or a year-round Christmas store, or stop in one of the restaurants for a meal with a view of the water. Hop on the carousel or even do some wine tasting. Buskers and knick-knack sellers set up shop here to add to the charm. And for the sweet tooths out there, you’ll have so many options that it might be tough to decide! Nice spot for any type of group and it is conveniently located between the Convention Center and U.S.S. Midway near the Gaslamp District. We tend to come here around 11 am, walking through a few of the stores before grabbing a bite for lunch. This is also a great place to rent bikes, take in the boats at the harbor, and catch a ride on Seal Tours. If you are staying in the downtown Gaslamp area, this is super walkable! If you are driving, don’t forget to validate!
The Kissing Sailor statue and the historic USS Midway.
#5 - USS Midway Museum
Come aboard this historical aircraft carrier and visit its many fascinating exhibits. Take the time to walk through its decks and get a glimpse into life on this ship that operated from 1945-1992. There are several interactive displays, a flight simulator, and even an educational movie theater. Hit the flight deck to see Read Morevarious helicopters, jet fighters, and attack aircraft. Have fun listening to the veteran volunteers giving tours and answering questions about the museum’s historical treasures. This attraction is great for all ages and is nicely located in the Downtown area near Seaport Village. Purchase tickets online for added value and bonus benefits. Don’t forget to get a picture atop the deck or next to the Unconditional Surrender Statue nearby!
The dolphin show at SeaWorld San Diego.
#4 - SeaWorld San Diego
Entertaining and educating people since the mid-1960s, SeaWorld offers shows and attractions to the millions of people who walk through their gates each year. Since ending their theatrical killer whale shows in 2017, they’ve focused on a more educational presentation about killer whales. On top of that, they pair the Read Moreshowcasing of aquatic animals with rides and roller coasters. Some years, they give free season tickets to teachers! It is a fun place for kids and families and a top theme park!
A yummy restaurant at Old Town San Diego.
#3 - Old Town San Diego
Old Town is a neighborhood whose origins date back to over 250 years old. They’ve done a great job of keeping some of the relics of the past and adding fun and educational experiences. There are a ton of unique shopping and treat spots to explore. Grab lunch at an outdoor Mexican restaurant and then walk around Read Moreand enjoy this great piece of history. Visit the historical school site, Wells Fargo Bank, or the Cosmopolitan Hotel. There are also several small museums you are able to explore! We’ll go out there on day two or three of a trip as a nice way to experience something different. It’s super easy to get to from the Gaslamp Quarter, as the green line of the San Diego Trolley has a stop specifically for Old Town. Another option is visiting on your way in or out of the city if you are driving. You can get a real sense of California's history here and even visit one of its first missions!
A nice beachfront restaurant at Mission Beach.
#2 - Mission Beach Boardwalk
Came to San Diego for its beautiful beaches? Then this is the place for you! Just a short drive from the Gaslamp District, this destination takes you away from the tall buildings and city life and gives you a relaxing and fun beach day! Perfect for couples, families, and people of all ages, you can enjoy a fun day Read Moreplaying fair and arcade games on the Belmont Park boardwalk, cooling off with an ice cream treat, or even riding the rollercoaster. Stop by for lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants, or grab a drink and watch the rollerbladers pass by. San Diego’s beautiful weather makes it easy to put your toes in the sand, splash in the water, or enjoy a good book while laying out here at Mission Beach. We usually start with grabbing lunch at the Draft (be prepared for a wait) before spending a lazy afternoon laying out and playing games on the beach. You can also go for a nice bike ride, play mini-golf, rock climb, or zip-line to add to the fun! Bonus-This is connected to Mission Bay Park which allows all kinds of watersports in its harbors, picnics, camping, boating, and more! There are also many other beaches to visit, such as Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and more!
The Little Italy sign at 1726 India St.
#1 - Little Italy
Yum! Nestled between the gorgeous waterfront and bustling Downtown area, Little Italy is a charming street full of restaurants, bars, and gelato! Take in the culture around you and enjoy an authentic Italian evening. We love to enjoy pasta and wine at Buon Appetito or sip and savor at the M Winehouse. Read MorePappalecco is our go-to spot for some after-dinner gelato. Burn off those calories with a stroll through the friendly neighborhood. Visit its piazzas, fountains, parks, and churches. A must-do experience while visiting!
Check out the top 10 things to do in Los Angeles!
San Diego Travel Frequently Asked Questions
How many days in San Diego is enough? With so much to offer, we recommend a minimum of three full days when taking a trip to San Diego. A family could easily spend a full week by visiting the beach, theme parks, museums, and sporting events.Read More
What is the best way to get around in San Diego? Ideally, a rental car is the best way to get around. If planning to visit the beach, SeaWorld, Safari Animal Park, or Legoland, a car is the best option. Overnight parking will be on the expensive side though. If staying downtown for most of your trip and doing things like Petco Park, Balboa Park, Little Italy, or Old Town San Diego, you can take advantage of the trolley to get around quickly.
What is the best month to visit San Diego? San Diego is a rare city that is a joy to visit all year round. If we had to label the best months, we would say the springtime months: March, April, and May.
How to spend 3 days in San Diego? If properly planned, one can definitely squeeze in a lot of the things on our travel list in three days. For day one, you could eat breakfast in the Gaslamp Quarter, visit a museum at Balboa Park, have a late lunch and do some shopping at Seaport Village, and take in a Padres baseball game that night. Day two could involve Mission Beach or SeaWorld, and day three could be spent walking around Torrey Pines or aboard the USS Midway and having lunch and dinner at Old Town and Little Italy.
Is San Diego a walkable city? If your hotel is downtown near the Gaslamp Quarter, then it is very walkable! One could walk to nearby coffee shops and restaurants and activities like Petco Park, the USS Midway Museum, or Seaport Village.