San Diego is most famous for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. People visit this impressive coastal city for its great beaches. It's also known for museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and hiking. And many travelers come for the resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, as well.
Here you'll find everything you need to plan a trip to San Diego. With tickets, tours, things to do, accommodation, transportation, and food ideas, we're here to help you plan the perfect trip.
What Should You Book in Advance in San Diego?
San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise
Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline
Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion
La Jolla Sea Cave Tandem Kayak Tour
San Diego Gaslamp Food Tour with 6 Modern Californian Tastings
Do I Need to Book Ahead?
Many top attactions will sell out during high season, so booking ahead is a good idea. It can also save you money and time.
Best Things to Do in San Diego by Category
Must-See Attractions
Balboa Park
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
4 hours
Highly Rated
San Diego Zoo
Most Popular
Cost: $65
Kid-friendly
4 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
USS Midway Museum
Most Popular
Cost: $26
Kid-friendly
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
La Jolla Cove
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Coronado Beach
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
San Diego Zoo 1 Day Pass Any Day Ticket
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Rating: 4.5
Budget Friendly
San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
Best Free Things to Do
Balboa Park
Famous for its combination of cultural museums, gardens,…
La Jolla Cove
Famous for its stunning ocean views, abundant sea…
Coronado Beach
Visited for its sparkling mica-laden sand and stunning…
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Known for being home to the rare Torrey pine and offering scenic coastal hiking trails with ocean vistas The cost is free.
Mission Beach
Famous for its wide sandy beach, vibrant boardwalk,…
Gaslamp Quarter
Visited for its vibrant nightlife, historic Victorian architecture,…
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Famous for its well-preserved…
Seaport Village
Visited for its charming waterfront setting with eclectic shops, dining options, and live entertainment The cost is free.
Top Museums
USS Midway Museum
Most Popular
Cost: $26
Kid-friendly
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date
Most Popular
Skip the Line
On the Water
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Rating: 4.5
Budget Friendly
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour For Two (Tandem Kayak)
San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise
Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion
City Cruises San Diego: Scenic 90-Minute Narrated Harbor Tour
Rating: 4.5
Budget Friendly
Food & Wine
San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise
San Diego Gaslamp Food Tour with 6 Modern Californian Tastings
Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour
Most Popular
Skip the Line
Best For Kids
Balboa Park
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
4 hours
Highly Rated
San Diego Zoo
Most Popular
Cost: $65
Kid-friendly
4 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
USS Midway Museum
Most Popular
Cost: $26
Kid-friendly
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
La Jolla Cove
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Coronado Beach
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
Mission Beach
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
4 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Birch Aquarium
Cost: $19.50
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Free
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
For Couples
Balboa Park
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
4 hours
Highly Rated
La Jolla Cove
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Coronado Beach
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
Mission Beach
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
4 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Gaslamp Quarter
Free
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Seaport Village
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
San Diego Botanic Garden
Cost: $18
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion
Outdoors
Balboa Park
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
4 hours
Highly Rated
San Diego Zoo
Most Popular
Cost: $65
Kid-friendly
4 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
USS Midway Museum
Most Popular
Cost: $26
Kid-friendly
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
La Jolla Cove
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Coronado Beach
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Most Popular
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
Mission Beach
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
4 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Birch Aquarium
Cost: $19.50
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Free
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Recommended Tours & Tickets
San Diego Zoo 1 Day Pass Any Day Ticket
San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date
San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour For Two (Tandem Kayak)
Day Trips to Explore Further
Intro to Mexico Walking Tour: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego
Crossing Borders: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego