Essential San Diego (The Touristy Stuff)
Here’s our list of some of the most popular attractions and destinations in San Diego. From Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo to Legoland and the USS Midway, we think everything on this list is worth seeing at least once. And if you’ve been to San Diego before, you’re a local, or you’re just looking for something different to do, we suggest you check out our other list on unique and less visited attractions in San Diego.
Scroll the full list of attractions below:
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego was California's first settlement and has multiple museums and historical buildings to explore. Several shops and restaurants line the streets, and the Whaley House is also located in Old Town and is considered one of the most haunted houses in America.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre wildlife park and home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals, representing more than 650 species and subspecies. Located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the Zoo is also an accredited botanical garden, caring for more than 700,000 individual plants, including a prominent curated assemblage of close to 13,000 specimens, representing 3,100 species. [Photo by Jim1138]
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre cultural oasis in San Diego. With more than 15 museums, extensive gardens and attractions, there's no shortage of things to do, see and explore.
Coronado Island
Home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado Island should be on anyone's bucket list of places to visit in San Diego.
San Diego Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an 1,800 acre zoo in the beautiful San Pasqual Valley of San Diego County. It houses a large array of wild and endangered animals. It is also plenty of attractions and shows. If you're into animal parks, this is a must-see. [Photo by RuggyBearLA]
Little Italy
Little Italy is an iconic neighborhood in downtown San Diego, where some of San Diego's best bars, coffee shops, and restaurants are located. It is a few blocks away from the San Diego Bay and there are numerous events and festivals held here throughout the year. [Photo by JoelInSouthernCA]
Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An oceanographic museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps Oceanography scientists on climate, earth, and ocean science and includes interactive elements. [Photo by koadmunkee]
Seaport Village
A 14 acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex recreating a harbor side setting of a century ago. Includes 54 one of a kind shops, 13 casual dining eateries, 4 fine dining waterfront restaurants, and located in close proximity to local hotels. Opened in 1980. Open 10AM to 10PM daily. [Photo by Jeffrey Tucker]
USS Midway Museum
I lived in San Diego for years before finally visiting the USS Midway and it's absolutely worth checking out! There is so much to see once onboard that it's difficult to do in one visit. I've since been back multiple times and recommend it now to visitors from out of town.
Petco Park
Petco Park, known as the home of the San Diego Padres baseball team, is located in downtown San Diego, across the street from the San Diego Convention Center. The stadium was designed by world renowned architect Antoine Predock and opened in 2004. [Photo by @megaanmarie]
Coronado Beach
Located on Coronado Island, Coronado Beach consistently rates as of one the best beaches North America has to offer. From the wide beaches with gorgeous golden fine sand, to the mansions that line the beach, you will be able to indulge in the California sunshine all day long. Coronado Beach is super family friendly and downtown Coronado has no shortage of amenities from shopping to restaurants and don’t forget, the famous Coronado Brewing Company. If you’ve never been to San Diego, or haven’t been to this beach yet, we can’t recommend it enough.
[Photo by @manuelweber]
La Jolla Cove & Children’s Pool
La Jolla Cove is one of the most scenic spots in San Diego. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, visitors can take a stroll past sea lions, see the iconic Children's Pool Beach, and pop into the La Jolla Village for some excellent dining and shopping.
Del Mar
Del Mar, a small city north of San Diego, was establish on the coast in 1885. It's known for cute shops, eateries, a great beach, ocean views, and the famous Del Mar Fairgrounds and Race Track. [Photo by Ryan Leighty]
Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State National Reserve is 2,000 acres of coastal land that's bordered by the famous Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. There is plenty of great hiking and beach walking available while viewing the Pacific Ocean.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is home to some of the most gorgeous views and awesome adventures available in San Diego. It is home to hang gliding, paragliding, radio-controlled model sailplanes, and full-scale man-carrying sailplanes. Take a paragliding ride or just come watch!
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach, otherwise known as PB, is home to one of San Diego's more developed nightlife scenes, with a variety of great eateries, bars, and shopping. You can take a casual stroll along the boardwalk or get some sun on one of San Diego's famous beaches. [Photo by PaulB]
The Embarcadero
The San Diego Bay Waterfront is a fantastic place to take in the gorgeous views of San Diego Bay, Downtown San Diego, and Coronado. You will pass multiple maritime museums, the Waterfront Park, and see the home of the Rady Shell, the amphitheater for the San Diego Symphony. [Photo by Mick Chester Photography]
