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

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in San Diego from other articles such as Lonely Planet, La Jolla highlights, aaa.com, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in 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 Condé Nast Traveler
17 Best Things to Do in San Diego
"The San Diego Padres' home is one of the few stadiums in America with a water view. And the non-baseball-related appeal doesn't stop there. Local craft brew options are stellar, with more than 40 varieties of poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium, which include the Stone Brewing Company beer garden on the upper deck, and more than 50 dining options."
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 planetware.com
14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego | PlanetWare
"At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants."
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary – What to See and Do
"In 1968, the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation established Old Town State Historic Park to preserve the rich heritage that characterized San Diego during the 1821 to 1872 period. Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began."
Kellogg Park
Kellogg Park
4.7 (1383 ratings)4.5 (24 ratings)
Besides a playground with swings & slides, this beachfront park offers grassy areas & sunset views.
8277 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
ParkNature & ParksPlaygrounds
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"I often point out that a perk of staying in the beachfront La Jolla hotels is access to the adjacent Kellogg Park. It’s steps from the sand of La Jolla Shores Beach but also has a large grassy area for picnics, yoga, pocket kites, and some outdoor park fun. It will soon be even more interesting when “The Map of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla Educational Plaza” (a.k.a “The Map”) is finished."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
20 FREE Things to Do in La Jolla | San Diego Attractions
"T his lovely little playground provides a nice space for kids to run and play steps away from La Jolla Shores Beach. Bring a picnic (or take away from one of the nearby La Jolla Shores restaurants like the Cheese Shop) and even exercise on the huge grassy area. This playground perfect for the times that you want to go to the beach and not without the sand."
Mentioned by LaJolla.com
The Top 5 Parks in La Jolla
"This is a little park lining the back of La Jolla Shores Beach. It’s very family-friendly due to its vast green space, playground and restroom & shower facilities. The playground is quite new, with one area geared towards babies and toddlers and another part made for older children."
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave
4.3 (135 ratings)4 (183 ratings)
La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature & ParksCaverns & Caves
Spanish Landing Park
Spanish Landing Park
4.6 (782 ratings)4 (21 ratings)
Waterfront park boasting retro picnic pavilions, paths & a playground, plus a bell tower.
3900 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksHistoric Sites
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"
Mentioned by California Beaches
San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."
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
Mission Bay
Mission Bay
4.5 (555 ratings)
Centered on its namesake waterway, the Mission Bay neighborhood is more than 50% water and known for SeaWorld, which has rides, aquariums, and animal shows. A huge manmade water sports zone, popular for sailing and kitesurfing, occupies the western bay. Stand-up paddleboarders ply the calm waters off Fiesta Island, a peninsular park with a long beach. To the north, salt marsh preserves attract wading birds.
San Diego, CA, USA
Nature & ParksBeaches
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in San Diego
"San Diego's monument to sports and fitness, this 4,600-acre aquatic park has 27 miles of shoreline including 19 miles of sandy beaches."

Best Dinner Places to Eat in San Diego

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
4.4 (1346 ratings)
Huge, hip gastropub & brewery with international eats, craft beers, bocce games & outdoor tables.
2816 Historic Decatur Rd UNIT 116, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
BreweryBarBeer storeEvent venueGift shopRestaurant
Mentioned by Thrillist
The Best Patios for Eating and Drinking Outside in San Diego
"Both Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens locations have massive outdoor spaces filled with towering shade trees, winding stone paths, still ponds filled with koi, babbling brooks, waterfalls, and plenty of gargoyles to go with your Scorpion Bowl IPA. How to order: Reservations for Escondido or Liberty Station can be made via OpenTable."
Mentioned by San Diego Moms
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in North County San Diego
"Sitting outside in the gardens and letting the kids run around while drinking an ice cold craft brew is simply the best!. If you order at the bar, you can bring your food out to the gardens, so there is no waiting for a table!. View this post on Instagram"
Epic Wings
Epic Wings
4.3 (535 ratings)
Counter-serve local chain that offers boneless & bone-in Buffalo wing combo meals.
3194 Midway Dr, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Chicken wings restaurantRestaurant
Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant
Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant
4.6 (1335 ratings)
Vegetarian renditions of Thai dishes, offered with wine & Asian beer in polished, modern environs.
4661 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116, USA
Vegetarian restaurantRestaurantThai restaurantVegan restaurant
Mentioned by Thrillist
San Diego's Legitimately Great Vegetarian- and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants
"Upscale in decor but modest in price, Plumeria sits just at the very north end of Park Blvd. Featuring a menu based around South Asian cuisine, with an emphasis on Thai food, it’s the perfect place for a savory, spicy meal with menu items that eschew fish sauce and other animal products, save for an optional egg in a few instances. As with most South Asian food, Plumeria leans heavily on the spices, though these are adjustable to your taste."
Mentioned by The Dana on Mission Bay Blog
The Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego | The Dana on Mission Bay
"Located in University Heights, Plumeria offers a Thai-inspired menu of high-quality vegetarian and vegan foods (egg can be added to some dishes as an option). 4661 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116 (7 miles away)http://www.myplumeria.com/. View this post on Instagram"

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in San Diego

Heritage Park
Heritage Park
4.6 (75 ratings)
San Diego, CA 92118, USA
Park
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Attractions in San Diego
"At 8 acres (3ha), Heritage Park is smaller than some of San Diego’s vast wilderness reserves. But, this green grassland features six Victorian homes, all of which have been restored and moved here especially for public viewing. The park also contains San Diego’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel."
Mormon Battalion Historic Site
Mormon Battalion Historic Site
4.8 (1815 ratings)4.5 (959 ratings)
Interpretive center commemorating a group of Mormons in the Army during the Mexican-American War.
2510 Juan St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Historical landmarkSights & LandmarksHistorical societyReligious organizationTourist information centerHistoric Sites
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave
4.3 (135 ratings)4 (183 ratings)
La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature & ParksCaverns & Caves

Best Lunch Restaurants in San Diego

Northside Shack - North Park
Northside Shack - North Park
4.7 (27 ratings)
3773 30th St UNIT H, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Juice shopBreakfast restaurantCafeCoffee shopFruit parlorHealth food restaurantLunch restaurantSalad shopVegan restaurantVegetarian restaurant
HOB Coffee on Park
HOB Coffee on Park
4.5 (386 ratings)
Chic coffee shop with a large outdoor patio serving an array of beverages, plus crêpes & toast.
3752 Park Blvd #104, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
CafeBrunch restaurantCoffee shopCrêperieDessert restaurantLunch restaurantRestaurant
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe - Scripps Ranch
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe - Scripps Ranch
4.3 (58 ratings)
10755 Scripps Poway Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92131, USA
CafeBakeryBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantCake shopCookie shopLunch restaurant
Mentioned by Your North County
Best Coffee Shops in San Diego North County (Master List) | YNC
"Situated in an unassuming strip mall in Sabre Springs (west of Poway), Nutmeg has racked up its healthy share of local fans. Serving Caffe Calabria coffee, seasonal foods (breakfast, brunch, and lunch), gluten-free and vegan menu items, and sweet delights from its vast pastry case, Nutmeg makes culinary and coffee magic happen in an industrial-like, open space with bar seating, booth areas, and tables situated next to outlets. If you’re looking for an office away from home, Nutmeg is it."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near San Diego

4.5 (276 reviews)
Villa Capri by the Sea
Hotel
$179 /night
View deal
BRAND NEW HOME - BLOCK TO OCEAN! OCEAN VIEWS!
Guest Suite · 2 Guests · 4 Bedrooms
$1200 /night*
View deal
Mission Beach Delight I
House
$502 /night
View deal
* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.