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Things to Do in San Diego

Top Things to Do in San Diego

Things to Do in San Diego

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Top Attractions in San Diego

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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Kyle G
    6 contributions
    Review of: USS Midway Museum
    great trip
    lots of fun to do with the kids, big lots of walking and experiences flight simulator for older kids. great value
    Written 8 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kyle G
    6 contributions
    Review of: La Jolla Cove
    unique experience
    like going to the zoo but you can walk up to the animals and take pictures. not a lot of parking get there early Hawaiian restaurant nearby is expensive
    Written 8 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tigcokie
    Marlborough, MA33 contributions
    Review of: San Diego Zoo
    love their message
    great zoo with a message of helping animals ok so they are in cages but zoo is clean our bus driver gave a great tour and the polar bears were not out but the red pandas adorable sorry to have missed the panda
    Written 5 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Trish Masena
    Nags Head, NC20 contributions
    Review of: Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
    Highly recommend
    Absolutely awesome memorial in a perfectly peaceful location with stunning 360 degree views. We spent almost an hour there looking at all the memorial plaques which included photos of veterans living and deceased who have served in any branch of service since the Revolutionary War. Teens enjoyed it too.
    Written 15 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • phil-the-badger
    Thornbury, UK325 contributions
    Review of: Balboa Park
    Amazing architecture
    There is a lot to see and do here.
    Japanese garden (entry fee) is worth visiting - beautifully done.
    Palm Canyon was very pretty.
    All of the building are really interesting architecture.
    Spanish village has really interesting local craft shops.
    Fountains galore.
    Cactua garden. Rose garden.
    The huge organ was a bit of a disappointment as it was covered up.
    Loads upon loads of museums to visit.
    You can easily spend a full day here if you are museum goers and still not see everything.
    Written 6 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Armando R
    el paso89 contributions
    Review of: La Jolla Shores Park
    This is the beach to go to if you want waves, don't go to la jolla cove for waves
    This beach is public, so there are restrooms and showers. We went on a Friday, and the beach was packed. Waves were awesome, but it wasn't the nicest looking beach. Coronado is the best looking beach in San Diego, but not sure if it's public (restrooms).
    Written 16 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kevin M
    Northwest, MI5 contributions
    Review of: Torrey Pines Gliderport
    Experience of a Lifetime!
    Paragliding was definitely one of the most awesome experiences ever! Well worth the cost. Remember the paragliding is dependent on the wind conditions (preferred to be over 10 mph out of the west), so plan ahead. We called the office and they texted us the next day when the conditions were right. May want to plan closer to the beginning of your trip so you don't miss out on this amazing ride!
    Written 5 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bobej
    Litchfield Park, AZ409 contributions
    Review of: Children's Pool
    Seals visible from La Jolla Beach
    Wanted to see the seals and sea lions do we drove over to the park early morning and found parking on the street. Not a lot of animals on the beach but it was nice seeing a few pups. We were told they come to the beaches in larger numbers from February through May so we were a little late.
    Written 14 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lifeisanadventureboo
    Roseville, CA35 contributions
    Review of: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
    Sun, Ocean and Whales!
    Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, located within the school campus, is public and a cool place to watch the sun set. Overlooking to coast with cliffs and sea caves, it's a great spot to explore or even see migrating California gray whales.
    Written 6 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheExplorerFamily
    Somerset, NJ6,333 contributions
    Review of: Birch Aquarium at Scripps
    A Good Place for Kids
    Having visited several Aquariums prior to this, we found this one to be a lot smaller than we had expected. But it turned out to be just perfect for the little toddler we had with us. There really are just two large rooms on either side of the main entrance, plus an outdoor Shark Tank, a Touch Area and a Patio. We examined all the areas and were done in an hour and a half.

    The Sea Horse Exhibit was mostly for the older kids and the adults, but our baby was absolutely mesmerized with the beautiful Jelly Fish. The Sharks in the Tank outside were a little hard to see because of the glass glare, but luckily the Sting Rays swam near the bottom, and thrilled our baby immensely, because they were at eye level to him.

    The fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean from the deck were magnificent and stunning.

    The Staff were all very friendly, well informed, and patient with the children. We loved the fact that the place was not overly crowded on the week day that we came.

    Worth a visit if you live in the area, and are looking for something to do with kids.
    Written 2 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PatriciaPhillips33
    Sterling, VA10 contributions
    Review of: La Jolla Caves
    Fantastic Swim-through
    January 2022 I made a dive to the La Jolla Caves through SCUBA San Diego. It was great. As an older, east coast boat diver, who had never done a shore entry in surf conditions, I had a wonderful time in a completely new environment (and temperature).

    Shore entry in surf was new to me, and I had a free-flow from my second reg. The life guards immediately notified me of the situation -- nice to have over-watch. The dive was shallow, about 25-30 feet max, but it's a great experience having seals zipping around you as you enjoy the other underwater life. The "caves" are really a swim-through. We had lots of surge, but I wouldn't have missed it.

    SCUBA San Diego provides good service, a great guide, and were very flexible.
    Cole (my guide) is an accomplished diver and a great guide. I enjoyed the kelp, sea lions, fish, and everything else along with the caves. I had scheduled a follow-on night dive with Cole at La Jolla Canyon, but a last minute conflict I forced me to call the dive. Ron (the owner of SCUBA San Diego) had no problems sending me a certificate for full credit for the next time (soon, I hope) I come out. Being in business since 1968, I felt very comfortable accepting the certificate. All-in-all, a great experience. The Caves make for a great dive and I highly recommend SCUBA San Diego! And HIGHLY recommend Cole.
    Chris P.
    Written 2 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tigcokie
    Marlborough, MA33 contributions
    Review of: Petco Park
    thank you
    the park is beautiful and thank you to the security guard who let us park at game time to get my son a special team shirt
    Written 5 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SouthernBelle
    New Orleans, LA596 contributions
    Review of: Windansea Beach
    Beautiful beach
    This beach has everything you could ask for! Bluffs, rocks, sandy beach, big waves and even a seal or two! Very much a neighborhood feel versus tourist area.
    Written 13 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christopher D
    Fairfield, Australia32 contributions
    Review of: San Diego Factory Outlet Center
    Plenty of bargains!
    I visited here during a one week stay in San Diego. The location isn’t exactly right next to the tram station, however, is within walking distance for those who are relatively fit and can stand the heat. There are a large variety of retailers here including major brands such as Nike, Adidas, Footlocker, Asics, Nautica and others. It’s a great location for having so many outlet stores in one spot and the prices are generally great! There were some food and drink options available though some of these had shut for the day (I did visit on the 2nd January though) or didn’t open at all. Overall a good experience and next time I’m in San Diego I’d happily visit again to snap up some bargains!
    Written 13 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sammie-Jo69
    North West England, UK253 contributions
    Review of: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
    Great views
    Small charge to enter and park at the top of the reserve, this is where the toilets are but bear in mind they're pretty grim - go beforehand and then hold it in! Plenty of trails to choose from, all of them are well manageable for even the occasional walker and all give good views of the ocean... you might even see the dolphins! That said, it's a bit samey and unless you're a serious naturalist, spending the whole day might be a stretch
    Written 19 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego
The most popular things to do in San Diego with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in San Diego on Tripadvisor