Where to Go in San Diego California

14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego

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Located in Southern California, not far from the Mexico border, San Diego is the oldest town in California. It has an enchanting natural beauty and a mild Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine — perfect for outdoor adventures. Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions are the museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial-style architecture found in Balboa Park; the globe famous San Diego Zoo; and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.

For a piddling history and shopping, you lot tin stroll the streets of One-time Boondocks San Diego State Historic Park or wander through the Gaslamp Quarter. If you want to soak upwardly some of the famous year-round sunshine, San Diego beaches are some of Southern California's all-time, with more than 68 miles of coastline in and around the metropolis for sunning, swimming, and surfing.

Program your sightseeing in this beautiful SoCal urban center with our list of meridian attractions and things to do in San Diego.

Encounter besides: Where to Stay in San Diego

Annotation: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.

one. Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a one-finish wonderland for tourists. This ane,400-acre site encompasses historical buildings, numerous museums, gardens, and green space. The park was created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-1916, and most of the buildings remain from that event. The predominant compages is Spanish-style, with low-rise buildings that blend in with the natural environs.

Amongst the highlights of the park are the botanical gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Homo, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Even if you never go into a building, the park is simply a cute place to visit.

Accost: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California

Official site: http://world wide web.balboapark.org/

2. San Diego Zoo

A superlative tourist attraction in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the Usa. Visiting this family unit-friendly attraction is also ane of the superlative things to practise in San Diego with kids. Programme at to the lowest degree a whole twenty-four hours hither to really become the most out of your visit.

Y'all can see all kinds of exotic animals here, just perhaps its most famous residents are the giant pandas, which have been successfully bred here. Other favorite animals include gorillas, grizzly bears, koalas, leopards, bonobos, polar bears, rhinos, and sloths, and all the fauna enclosures are designed to recreate natural settings for each species.

Want to have more time with your favorite animals? You can upgrade your experience past signing upward for behind-the-scenes and close-up animate being experiences.

Spread out forth a beautifully landscaped canyon, the zoo also displays an impressive botanical collection — more than 700,000 plants from around the globe grace the grounds.

If your feet get sore from walking around the park, you lot can always hop on the Kangaroo Limited Bus or glide over the exhibits in the Skyfari Aeriform Tram. Better still, purchase a Skip-the-Line San Diego Zoo ticket , which includes admission, also equally unlimited rides on the motorcoach and tram. You'll also avoid any long lines at the entrance.

The non-profit San Diego Zoo Global runs the zoo; conservation organizations; and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which lies about a 40-minute bulldoze north of downtown San Diego. Truthful to its name, the safari park offers more of an African-style wildlife-watching feel, with gratuitous-roaming animals on large acreage. It'southward a good option if you have older children who don't mind walking longer distances. Insider'south Tip: Bring binoculars!

Address: 2920 Zoo Bulldoze, Balboa Park, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/

3. Gaslamp Quarter

Adjacent to Petco Park and the Convention Center, the Gaslamp Quarter National Historic Commune is the hub of the urban center'south nightlife. It's a great place to visit if you're looking for things to do in downtown San Diego — especially after dark.

Restored belatedly-19th- and early-20th-century Victorian buildings business firm buzzing entertainment venues, trendy shops, fine art galleries, and restaurants serving every kind of cuisine you can imagine, from Persian food to pizza. This is a great place to catch some live jazz, one-act, or theater performances.

The commune runs for virtually 16 blocks, from Broadway to San Diego Bay, and it's easily walkable, but you tin also hop on bike taxis if your feet need a break.

Thanks to its bully location in the heart of the city, the Gaslamp Quarter is also a great identify to stay. Loftier-end hotels range from boutique backdrop like the Pendry San Diego to big-brand properties like the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego , a short stroll away from all the activeness.

Official site: http://gaslamp.org/

iv. Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Walking along the San Diego waterfront on the Embarcadero, you might be surprised when you come across one of the United states military's largest ships. The decommissioned USS Midway is permanently berthed at Navy Pier.

The highlights of a visit to the USS Midway Museum include more than lx exhibits and 25 restored aircraft. More than than 225,000 military service personnel served on the ship, and you tin can have a cocky-guided audio tour to learn all about its history. For an additional fee, you lot can too try a flight simulator on lath.

To salve time on your busy sightseeing calendar, consider purchasing a Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket . This volition let yous to bypass the crowds at the archway, and then you have more time to visit other top San Diego attractions.

Address: 910 North Harbor Bulldoze, San Diego, California

Official site: http://world wide web.midway.org/

v. Seaport Village

San Diego's Seaport Village is a delightful place to stroll around and spend an afternoon. Located right on the waterfront, this surface area of unique shops and restaurants is ane of the city'due south must-sees. Picnic tables, benches, and waterfront patios are sprinkled throughout the area, and weekends can be very busy. Eclectic performers have to the outdoor stage regularly in the afternoons. Kids love riding the historic carousel with hand-carved wooden horses.

The area is easily attainable on human foot from many of the nearby attractions, including the USS Midway. Since at that place is limited and expensive parking at Seaport Village, it might be best to park a petty distance away and enjoy the stroll along the waterfront to the site.

Accost: West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.seaportvillage.com/

6. San Diego Beaches

Year-round sunshine and miles of beautiful surf-washed coastline make San Diego a perfect place to visit for a beach vacation. No affair what you like to do, San Diego'due south best beaches offer conditions for every type of activeness.

For basking in the sunshine and people-watching, head to Mission Beach with its buzzing beachfront boardwalk and seaview cafés. Ocean Embankment delivers a dose of hippy chic, and pet owners can let their pooches run off-ternion here at the aptly named Dog Embankment. Surfing is likewise pop at these famous beaches.

If surfing is your superlative priority, Del Mar is 1 of the about consistent locations. Other popular surf spots include Pacific Beach, Trestles, Swami's, and Blackness's Beach, and beginner surfers should caput to Oceanside or La Jolla Shores.

Desire to accept the kids for a twenty-four hours of sun, sand, and bounding main? The best family-friendly beaches are Del Mar, Silver Strand, Coronado Embankment, and La Jolla Shores. And if you prefer a wild and rugged slice of coastline, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve fits the bill, with scenic hiking trails and soaring body of water cliffs.

Wondering about the best fourth dimension to visit San Diego for a embankment holiday? It depends on your chosen activity. If you lot're a surfer, winter storms bring big swells. If you're a swimmer, summer is the best fourth dimension to have a dip, and if you lot're headed to the coast to soak upwards some sunshine or stroll along the shore, you can exercise that at any fourth dimension of the year.

7. Old Town State Historic Park

At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in fourth dimension 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 store, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the fine art studios, enjoy alive Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at ane of the atmospheric restaurants. Many of the celebrated buildings, including five original adobe structures, have been repaired, and others accept been added in the same historical architectural style.

The Erstwhile Boondocks State Historic park is 1 of the near visited state parks in California. In that location is no admission fee, and many of the attractions are complimentary. Yous can also sign up for complimentary walking tours offered twice daily.

Address: 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663

8. Indicate Loma and Cabrillo National Monument

Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument

Breathtaking views out over San Diego and the Pacific Body of water make Point Loma one of the best places to visit in this beautiful urban center. You lot tin can starting time soaking upward the vistas on the scenic road up to Bespeak Hill. On a clear day, y'all can run into all the manner to Mexico, and you might fifty-fifty be lucky enough to spot dolphins or whales.

This is where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo get-go landed on the due west coast of the Usa in 1542. You can learn virtually the history of his incredible "Voyage of Discovery" through a variety of displays and exhibits at the Cabrillo National Monument. A big statue dedicated to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo gazes out over the land he discovered.

Also located on Point Hill is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1858. Visitors can tour the refurbished lighthouse building.

Hiking the scenic trails is another popular thing to exercise hither. If you take children in tow, take the i-mile Bayside Trail to the tide pools.

Official site: http://world wide web.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm

ix. Mission Beach

The seaside neighborhood of Mission Beach epitomizes San Diego's sunny Southern California lifestyle. The beautiful blonde-sand beach is the focal indicate hither. Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball are popular things to do, and a three-mile scenic boardwalk skirts the shore. Come up here on a sunny day, and you'll see locals rollerblading, skateboarding, strolling, and cycling along here, or dining at one of the many beachside cafés or restaurants.

A highlight of Mission Embankment is Belmont Park, an East-Declension-style seaside amusement park complete with a historic roller coaster, first-class restaurants, fairground eateries, and street performances. Information technology'south a favorite San Diego attraction for kids.

10. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to visit is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the bounding main panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues.

During the greyness whale migration season, the Dusk Cliffs Natural Park offers a chance to spot these graceful creatures as they migrate to Baja California in Mexico.

11. San Diego Harbor Cruises

San Diego sits right on the water, and boat tours are a great manner to do some sightseeing and soak up some sunshine and fresh air at the same time. Hopping aboard a San Diego harbor cruise besides gives you lot a fresh perspective of this cute seaside city. On this 1- or two-60 minutes narrated cruise, you can learn a picayune history, see the city skyline, and perchance spot some seals and sea lions basking along the rocky shore.

Tours include a cruise under the Coronado Bridge, and you tin choose to sit either indoors or out on deck. Snacks and beverages are likewise bachelor for purchase.

12. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was California'southward first mission. In 1769, the Spanish Franciscan Father from Majorca, Junipero Serra, founded the mission stations, the first of which was built in San Diego. A few years afterwards information technology was founded, however, it was moved vi miles inland because disputes had arisen between the Castilian troops and the Indians.

In 1775, the Indians fix fire to the new mission, the Fathers sought refuge with the ground forces, and it wasn't until 1777 that they built a new mission station with the help of the Indians.

Today, the mission is a National Historic Landmark, and it'southward a wonderful identify to learn about San Diego's early history. Highlights include visiting the former church with a bell tower, alleged a basilica in the 1970s; strolling around the peaceful gardens; and browsing the fascinating exhibits in the small museum. Yous can take a self-guided tour or book a guided bout in advance through the website.

Address: 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, California

Official site: https://www.missionsandiego.org/

13. San Diego Museum of Art

Art lovers looking for a dose of civilization should head to the San Diego Museum of Art. Its distinctive facade is a copy of the 17th-century University of Salamanca, in the then-called plateresque style, with finely-chiseled terra-cotta work. Busts of Castilian painters beautify the entrance, and their artworks are among the many eclectic exhibits displayed here.

The museum's collection covers a broad spectrum of works from around the earth, including pieces that date dorsum 7,000 years. Highlights include works by Castilian and Italian old masters, along with Southward Asian paintings and art from the Americas, including 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures.

Accost: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, California

Official site: http://www.sdmart.org/

xiv. San Diego Whale Watching Cruises

San Diego is one of the best places in Southern California to spot migrating whales. Blue whales, gray whales, humpbacks, and minke whales swim these waters at different times of year, and y'all likewise take the take chances to spot seals, dolphins, and even orcas. Whale watching trips are one of the top things to exercise in San Diego in December through Apr, when the gray whale migration kicks into gear. Blue whales usually migrate during the summer months, from mid-June through September.

The best fashion to run into these gentle giants up close is aboard a San Diego whale watching prowl . This 4.five-60 minutes cruise takes place aboard a replica of the old sailing schooner that won the 1851 America's Cup. In improver to an exhilarating sailing experience, y'all'll likewise learn about the different species of marine life, too equally US Navy sites you pass along the way. Drinks, snacks, and a whale sighting guarantee are all included in the tour.

Where to Stay in San Diego for Sightseeing

In San Diego, the prime number tourist attractions are spread out over a large surface area. Even so, staying downtown affords like shooting fish in a barrel access to many of the top sites, including the Gaslamp Quarter; Balboa Park; San Diego Zoo; the harbor; Horton Plaza shopping; Lilliputian Italia; and Petco Park, where the Padres play. From downtown, information technology's about a x-infinitesimal bulldoze to the quieter shores of Coronado, a popular weekend escape. Here are some highly rated San Diego hotels in a convenient, central location.

Luxury Hotels: In San Diego, luxury-seeking travelers don't have to sacrifice body of water views for a primal location. The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego overlooks the sparkling San Diego Bay, a short hop from Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the USS Midway Museum.
In the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter, The US Grant is steeped in historic elegance, while the Omni San Diego Hotel is connected to Petco park via a pedestrian skywalk. Both besides sit central to other top attractions, such as Balboa Park and Fiddling Italy.

Mid-Range Hotels: In the Gaslamp Quarter, with views over Petco Park, the hip Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is a pet-friendly holding with an eco-friendly roof garden.
Also in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Courtyard past Marriott San Diego Downtown resides in an evocative 1920s banking concern building.

Not far from hither, The Bristol Hotel - A Greystone Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel within walking distance of all the downtown action, equally well as the USS Midway Museum and Horton Plaza.

Upkeep Hotels: Travelers watching their wallet but nonetheless seeking a central location should consider the Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center , in the heart of its namesake district, and the Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego , five minutes by car to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Another affordable, good-value option is Old Town Inn , a 10-minute walk from Old Boondocks, with easy access via the trolley to Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the harbor.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to San Diego

Sightseeing Tours: To encounter all the meridian sights in San Diego, the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour is the manner to go. With the city's year-round mild climate, this is the perfect bout in any season, and information technology allows for complete flexibility. Become off and explore the areas that interest you or but stay on to run across the city at a leisurely step without having to worry most driving or parking. One or two day passes are available.