What to do in San Diego, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal area with buildings on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
A pier extending into the ocean with people walking and surfing nearby.
A landscaped garden with a winding path, various shrubs, and a large tree with reddish leaves.
A crowded beach with waves crashing onto the shore and people enjoying the water.
A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.

San Diego Tourist Attractions & Activities

You’re ready to point your compass in a different direction. Perpetually prepared for expanding your horizons and innovative ways to get inspired, you’re prepared to check out new territory from top to bottom. Up next: San Diego! It’s not difficult to fill your days, because Expedia Australia makes it a breeze to book lots of things to do. Find and book your activities now, and all you'll have left to do is count the days until your trip and start daydreaming.

  • Book your favourite adventures on Expedia Australia for a great price, and you'll still have enough cash for a top hotel or upscale dinner while you’re travelling. The activities in San Diego are not only topnotch, but they won’t break the bank. We have 430 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$5.
  • San Diego is a favourite among travellers suchlike yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next holiday to this cityto get a taste of local culture and find the top activities. The top activities can get the enthusiasm of even experienced globetrotters, and that includes savvy visitors like you. Our list includes an impressive array of culturally themed outings and opportunities for fun. With one-of-a kind ways to explore the best this area has to give like a Sepilok Orangutan Sactuary & Memorial Park to unique ways to discover the best this area has to provide like a Sepilok Orangutan & Sandakan City Tour, there are plenty of active options to choose from when you review the top-quality tours and excursions here at Expedia Australia.

It takes a bit of planning to make the most of a trip to San Diego, especially when you long to include trips to museums and outdoor activities. And it's clear that you don't plan to sleep all day—you're excited to get out and take it all in. You're excited to sign up for the top activities around, and an afternoon walk through charming neighbourhoods is always time well spent. Our activities are the ideal way to organise your trip. Book professionally guided tours on Expedia Australia, and you’ll never need a map.

Activities


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Top places to visit

1. San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo welcomes around 5 million visitors every year, and it’s easy to see why. Spanning a huge site, the zoo houses about 4000 animals from over 650 different species and subspecies. All of these creatures live in realistic habitats, with most exhibits out in the open air.
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A zoo entrance with a panda sculpture, ticket booth, and people.

2. SeaWorld

Ever since it first opened in 1964, SeaWorld® San Diego in Mission Beach has drawn kids and big kids alike. Visitors come here to get closer to the amazing marine animals on show. Why not head over to Dolphin Point where you can feed and even train the performing bottlenoses—these intelligent mammals love to do tricks. It is even possible to arrange to get into the water with the impressive beluga whales, but make sure you book in advance.
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An orca performing a jump in a pool.

3. Mission Bay

Mission Bay is great for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, Jet Skiing, cruising, wakeboarding… and the list goes on. This natural lagoon is surrounded by endless sandy beaches and you can skate, cycle or jog along the famous Mission Beach Boardwalk. Or how about walking, sunbathing and picnicking in the bay’s many seaside parks? Reserve one day for SeaWorld, Mission Bay Park’s huge aquarium with theme park. Fiesta Island has sporting events, bonfire rings and dog parks.
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A beach with sailboats, people relaxing, and a 'Boat Rentals' sign.

4. Petco Park

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.
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A large, empty baseball stadium with tiered seating and a green field.

5. Mission Beach

The first holiday homes were built along the shore at Mission Beach all the way back in the 1920s. The resort boomed in the 1960s with new developments re-invigorating the place. And ever since then the visitors have not stopped returning to lounge beneath the West Coast sun and wander along the boardwalk by the beach where street performers and artists, rollerbladers and skateboarders keep the atmosphere lively.
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A coastal residential area with houses, a sandy beach, and boats.

6. Balboa Park

Spanning a vast space of 486 hectares, the huge Balboa Park contains an incredible and eclectic wealth of attractions. Home to gardens and trails, museums and galleries, theatres and restaurants—not to mention its own world-famous zoo—the park is a popular spot, frequented by visitors and locals alike.
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A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.

What to do in San Diego


Stay near popular San Diego attractions

Our guide on where to stay in San Diego

Find the best San Diego areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Diego
Learn more about San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Harlem of the West Sites – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Pacific Beach

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

Mission Valley

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

Little Italy

Visitors to Little Italy love its captivating waterfront views, and you can check out Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Beach and Mission Bay are top sights worth seeing.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from San Diego

Frequently asked questions

Is San Diego worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are loads of great things to do in San Diego. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Diego?
Begin your day with a visit to San Diego Zoo and Mission Bay. Then, explore other parts of San Diego for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Diego?
The top tourist attraction in San Diego is San Diego Zoo, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in San Diego?
You can easily tour popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, Mission Bay and Coronado Beach with a three-day break in San Diego. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and check out San Diego County.
Is San Diego a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Diego is a great destination to tour on foot. Wander between San Diego Zoo and Coronado Beach. Then take a stroll around Downtown San Diego, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Columbia, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in San Diego with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in San Diego with kids.

What to do in San Diego for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in San Diego for adults including Bay City Brewing Co. And Hotel Circle.
Are there free things to do in San Diego?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San Diego is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Mission Bay is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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