Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Rancho San Diego

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in Rancho San Diego from other articles such as Free Fun Guides, Lonely Planet, Sparks Gallery, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Rancho San Diego

Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
4.8 (11036 ratings)4.5 (3514 ratings)
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkState parkNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Seaport Village
Seaport Village
4.6 (18125 ratings)4 (4366 ratings)
Waterside complex with shops, eateries, entertainment & relaxed grounds featuring fountains & ponds.
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Shopping mallShoppingPiers & BoardwalksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego
4.7 (2737 ratings)4.5 (1598 ratings)
Waterfront venue showcasing many types of restored vintage ships & historical exhibits.
1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkMaritime museumOutdoor activity organiserShipsSpecialty Museums
Petco Park
Petco Park
4.7 (13150 ratings)4.5 (4116 ratings)
Opened in 2004, this prominent outdoor stadium features seasonal sporting events & concerts.
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
StadiumSights & LandmarksEvent venueArenas & StadiumsSports Complexes
Mentioned by 10Best
10 Best Things to Do with Kids in San Diego
"If it's major league baseball time, why not grab some tickets to a Padres home game at PETCO Park, when they're in town. Not only does PETCO Park have the best sight lines in baseball, there's also great views of San Diego from some parts of the park. Innovative design features provide an a intimate environment for viewing sports and there are also state-of-the-art amenities to suit fans of any budget."
Mentioned by sealtours.com
30+ Must See Attractions in San Diego | Top San Diego Attractions
"The San Diego Padres have been San Diego’s Major Baseball League Team since 1969. They have a large following of fans that include both San Diego residents and baseball enthusiasts around the country. Their stadium, PETCO Park, is known for its architecturally attractive design and for capturing the spirit and natural beauty of the city."
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
4.6 (19180 ratings)4.5 (5262 ratings)
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
State parkSights & LandmarksParkHistoric Walking Areas
Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
15 Absolutely Free Things to Do in San Diego
"Trek through the history of California’s birthplace at Old Town, San Diego’s first downtown. There is a distinct feeling of Old Mexico within this 6-block, 12-acre park, with historical sites covering shops, restaurants, museums, preserved adobe buildings and more. It’s easily one of the most authentic free things to do in San Diego."
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
5-Day Best of San Diego Itinerary
"Spend a long morning in Old Town State Historic Park, exploring the adobe buildings and browsing the many gift shops. You’ll be tempted to sit down for a Mexican lunch at one of the tourist restaurants, but save your appetite for a more genuine experience at El Indio, just up the street in Mission Hills."
Mentioned by y Travel Blog
16 Awesome (& Free) Things to do in San Diego With Kids
"Looking for historic places to visit in San Diego with kids?. Old Town is one of the top San Diego points of interest. San Diego County is not just about the amazing beaches and delicious food."
Legends Gallery
Legends Gallery
4.6 (77 ratings)4 (13 ratings)
1205 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Art gallerySights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff State Beach
4.7 (66 ratings)4.5 (75 ratings)
Protected beach in state park system popular with surfers with a state-run campground nearby.
Encinitas, CA 92007, USA
BeachNature & Parks
Mercado El Popo
Mercado El Popo
4.4 (862 ratings)4 (96 ratings)
22000, Calle Benito Juárez 2da 8053, Zona Centro, 22000 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Grocery storeSights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
4.7 (8377 ratings)4.5 (4496 ratings)
This historic lighthouse & national monument offers a storied history & views all the way to Mexico.
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksAttractionEntertainment and recreationHistorical placeMonumentMonuments & Statues
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
San Diego – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
"If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, head over to Cabrillo National Monument. You can check out the vintage Point Loma lighthouse and take in gorgeous views of the city harbor. Try to time your visit with low tide, because you’ll be able to check out the tide pools for creatures."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in San Diego
"This 160-acre preserve marks the site of the first European visit to San Diego, made by 16th-century explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo…"
Black's Beach
Black's Beach
4.7 (420 ratings)4.5 (298 ratings)
Famed, scenic & clothing-optional beach beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines.
California 92037, USA
BeachNature & Parks

Churches and Cathedrals in Rancho San Diego

Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church
Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church
5 (11 ratings)4 (2 ratings)
959 C Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Presbyterian churchSights & LandmarksHistoric SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
Immaculate Conception Church
Immaculate Conception Church
4.6 (180 ratings)4.5 (30 ratings)
2540 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Catholic churchSights & LandmarksChurchPlace of worshipChurches & Cathedrals
First Baptist Church of Coronado
First Baptist Church of Coronado
5 (9 ratings)4.5 (2 ratings)
445 C Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Baptist churchSights & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals

Free Museums in Rancho San Diego

The New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum
4.6 (1971 ratings)4 (174 ratings)
From creative classes to climbable sculptures, contemporary art for kids, in a bright, modern space.
200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Children's museumMuseumsArt museum
Mentioned by TravelMamas.com
15 Best San Diego Attractions for Kids | Family Activities in San Diego
"With 17 museums at Balboa Park, it’s easy to miss this fun spot for children in the heart of San Diego’s downtown Gaslamp Quarter. Some areas of The New Children’s Museum are age-specific, like Sketch Aquarium for ages 2+ and Reconnecting to Home for ages 6+. Meanwhile, other spaces engage children across age groups."
Mentioned by PMCAOnline
6 Best Museums in San Diego 2020
"This museum is concerned with developing children’s creativity and imagination. It originally opened in 1983, and it has been one of the favorite places of the youngest visitors in San Diego ever since. The vision of this museum is to engage children in developing numerous skills through contemporary art."
Wells Fargo Museum
Wells Fargo Museum
4.5 (96 ratings)4 (49 ratings)
2733 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
History museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The Wells Fargo Museum, located inside the Colorado House, features one of the company’s original 1867 Concord stagecoaches. The recreated and historically-furnished former hotel also houses actual historic telegraph machines and a variety of other memorabilia related to the banking and transportation company. Photo Courtesy of Historic Old Town Community Foundation"
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
4.2 (101 ratings)4.5 (34 ratings)
Open since 1996, museum celebrating Chinese-American culture & art in a restored mission building.
404 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
History museumMuseums
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Literally The Only List of San Diego Attractions You Need 2020-21
"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."

Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Rancho San Diego

Amalo Brew Coffee
Amalo Brew Coffee
4.9 (19 ratings)
640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Coffee shopCafeDonut shopHot dog stand
Copa Vida
Copa Vida
4.6 (603 ratings)
Spacious, modern locale for expertly brewed coffee & tea with a well-rounded cafe menu.
905 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Coffee shopCafe
Mentioned by Megan & Aram | Travel Blog
10 Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
"We start this list of best coffee shops in San Diego with Copa Vida because their shop on West Broadway Street is exactly what we described in this article’s introduction. It is right in the city center but secluded from the main street, so you will be able to watch the crowds go by and let waves of San Diego’s energy wash over you from a safe distance. Apart from many excellent types of coffee, however, you can choose between numerous varieties of tea too if you fancy something with a bit less caffeine in it."
Mentioned by The Venue Report
25 of the Coolest Coffee Shops in San Diego
"Copa Vida is more than a series of beautifully curated coffee shops, bookable coffee carts and a catering business, it is an authentic, welcoming hub for the neighborhoods it inhabits in both Los Angeles and San Diego. Besides the supremely delicious coffee brewed to suit a wide variety of palettes, the bread is baked in-house and the menu is simple and delicious, served everyday from 7am-11am with a brunch on Saturday and Sundays from 8am-3pm."
Mentioned by Dymabroad
30 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego: Cute Places for Coffee
"Copa Vida is another one of the best coffee shops in San Diego. What's great about this coffee shop is that they want you to feel comfortable at their locations. They say you are a member of their community once you enter their shop!"
Tartine
Tartine
4.5 (713 ratings)
Cozy European spot, with an outdoor patio, serves cafe eats & sweets by day & bistro fare by night.
1106 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
European restaurantCafeFrench restaurantPatisserieRestaurant
Mentioned by The Coronado Real Estate Team
Coronado Restaurants: Our Top Picks I
"A charming restaurant with views of the San Diego Bay from its outdoor patio. It offers pastries and breakfast plates in the morning, superb coffees throughout the day and evening, great salads and entrees at lunch, and fabulous dinner specials in the evening. The café serves wine, and pooches are welcome on the patio."
Mentioned by Eater San Diego
20 Essential San Diego Breakfast Spots
"A staple for Crown Islanders since 2001, quaint neighborhood spot Tartine does a superb selection of European style fresh pastries, croissants, and scones — plus bistro classics like a slice of Ham and Gruyère cheesequiche, orcharcuterie and pâté plates for mid-morning."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Rancho San Diego

3.4 (186 reviews)
Motel 6-La Mesa, CA - San Diego
Hotel
$70 /night
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Chula Vista-Eastlake
Hotel
$461 /night
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3.5 (748 reviews)
Holiday Inn La Mesa, an IHG Hotel
Hotel
$98 /night
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