San Diego is nicknamed ‘America’s Finest City’ – and when you’ve spent even a short amount of time among its spectacular streets, beaches and bays, it’s easy to see why. This Californian jewel is a laid-back surfing haven boasting both towering skyscrapers and beautiful sunsets.
Glide from the surf to the Old Town, from the picturesque parks into the glamour of the Downtown district, and plan a first-rate itinerary worthy of this fun-filled city.
Here we’ll take you through all the main attractions, from the perfect surfing spots to elegant hideaways and historical wonders. Experience everything this West Coast wonder has to offer with the best things to do in San Diego.
Downtown sights
Downtown San Diego and its surrounding districts form the beating heart of the city. This is where you’ll find some of the most exciting things to experience, from vibrant bars to cultural attractions and great dining options.
Snap a photo of the iconic Unconditional Surrender Statue, wander along the waterside or dive into the action. This neighbourhood is also home to the San Diego Civic Theatre, so there’s plenty to keep artsy minds occupied. The House of Blues San Diego, meanwhile, is an intimate music hall that serves traditional Southern dishes alongside rock and blues music.
Step away from the sky-high lounges to find some of the city’s best cultural highlights, including the Museum of Contemporary Art – filled with the provocative and boundary-pushing works you might expect from such a colourful city, and currently showcased at 1001 Kettner Blvd.
If you’re travelling with the family, visit the New Children’s Museum for an attraction with a difference – here, play is combined with immersive art and interactive programs to create a truly thrilling experience.
Surfing life
San Diego is a great place for riding the waves thanks to its smooth waters and golden sunshine.
Oceanside, just a short drive out of the city, is one of the best beaches for surfing, since its soft break stretches for miles. This resort is also home to the California Surf Museum – a haven for anyone with a love of the sport – where you can see artifacts and displays that celebrate the quintessential West Coast pastime.
There are other star surfing sports closer to town, though – try Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach if you prefer a lively destination with a pier. Mission Beach is perhaps the most convenient of all, since it is located on the gulf of Mission Bay. Here, white sand stretches along a glimmering shoreline and there are plenty of land-based sports like golf and volleyball to enjoy too.
Old Town wonders
When you’ve had your fill of bright lights and sunshine, head to the historic quarters of San Diego Old Town – known as the birthplace of California.
This marks the first Spanish settlement on the West Coast, and it has a long and storied past drenched in many cultural layers. There are historical Spanish churches, live music venues and lush gardens to discover. Whether you love delving into the past, or modern-day fun, this iconic spot is well worth a visit.
The Old Town State Historical Park has a preserved collection of 19th-century buildings, providing a window into the commercial and domestic lives of California’s ancestors.
The area is rumoured to be haunted too, so brace yourself for spooky goings-on before visiting Whaley House Museum – a former family home and court house said to play host to troubled spirits, including an executed Wild West robber known as ‘Yankee Jim’ – and even phantom dogs.
The Old Town has many colourful stores selling hand-crafted trinkets – especially at Bazaar del Mundo, where each purchase comes with folklore and flavours of the past.
Balboa Park
Do you love nature? What about culture and science? Balboa is more than just your standard city park – it is a sprawling open-air cluster of attractions spread over almost five square kilometres of excitement.
San Diego Zoo is perhaps the most significant attraction, with an on-site Safari Park and a global outlook. The zoo has helped to release dozens of species back into the wild and numerous rhinos have been born within its quarters.
Balboa Park can chart its charms back generations – its earliest museums date to 1874. If you’re travelling with little ones and they love science, there are many great options, from the San Diego Air & Space Museum to the Automotive Museum and the Natural History Museum. If you prefer something more alternative, why not try the Comic-Con Museum, or head to the Japanese Friendship Garden for serene tranquillity?
Culture vultures won’t be bored either: there are regular dance classes and even a puppet theatre here.
Mission Bay
Visitors gravitate to San Diego because of its dry and mild climate, but they stay for the good times. At Mission Bay, you’ll find an idyllic lagoon and the largest man-made aquatic centre in the United States, so there is plenty to experience.
Belmont Park is a thrilling yet traditional amusement park experience, where you can enjoy the speed of the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
If you prefer to chase the lesser-known spots, catch a beach bonfire event at Ski Beach or head to Quivira Basin for scuba diving opportunities.
Gaslamp Quarter
The neon-lit Gaslamp Quarter is perhaps the most enticing district of them all – a real city playground that has been one of the West Coast’s most outrageous and quirky corners since the 19th century.
The Gaslamp Museum is a great place to catch a glimpse of the area’s past, as is Spreckels Theatre which has stood since 1912. Don’t miss the Chuck Jones Gallery either if you love classic animations – including the likes of Bugs Bunny.
Petco Park
At Petco Park, you can see the San Diego Padres in their home baseball stadium. From the top seats, you’ll have incredible views over the city along with the lively atmosphere of America’s favourite sport. It has been dubbed the world’s best ballpark by USA Today, and it certainly lives up to that title.
The stadium is set in a prime location near parks and all the Downtown sights. The neighbouring Maritime Museum also offers a great sense of local seafaring life, with treasures dating as far back as 1542.
When you’re exploring the sights and taking in the attractions, car rental in San Diego can transform your trip into something truly spectacular – allowing you to see more of the city and the wider wonders of California with ease.
