Top Things to Do In San Diego

What to Do in San Diego


So, you are in San Diego for either a weekend, a week and you just moved here and are trying to explore this beautiful city. San Diego is, in my opinion, one of the best cities in the country. I might be biased but who can beat the amazing weather, beach waves and colorful sunsets?
I have created a list with the best things to do in San Diego!

1) Go to Torrey Pines Glider port.
This is one of my favorite places. World class hang-gliding and paragliding spot but even if you are not up for the thrill of flying through the dramatic views of the cliffs, it is still a great place to grab a coffee and admire all the dare devils and thrill seekers.
Pro Tip: If you are interested in hang gliding or paragliding, I would call them beforehand and make sure they are actually flying that day. The wind conditions have to be very specific in order to go out there.

2) Hike Torrey Pines State Reserve

If you like hiking like me this is one of the best hikes in San Diego. It is also really short and easy, so it is perfect for those who want to see more but do not have enough time. The views are incredible and you can take the stairs and go down to the beach, enjoying a relaxing long walk.

3) Hang out with Seals in La Jolla

La Jolla Cove is one thing you cannot miss in San Diego. The cove and beach is filled with seals and sea lions so go hang out with them or grab a kayak and go explore.

Pro tip: You can also snorkel but I would not recommend it just because the water is not too clear and we didn’t really see too much to be honest.

Also, PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL TO THE ANIMALS. DO NOT USE FLASH AT NIGHT AND DO NOT GET TOO CLOSE. Remember to pick up your trash! Leave it better than you found it!

4) Balboa Park

Balboa is an urban park filled with culture, science and nature. There are numerous trails and museums that you can visit. In the summer enjoy Balboa after Dark, where multiple food trucks gather for some amazing food. I definitely recommend the Air and Space Museum, the Fleet Science Center and the Museum of Natural History. These are the ones I have been to so far but they are all amazing. If you do not enjoy museums, walking around is a good way to explore the park. There is always something going on around Balboa. You can also visit the zoo. It is one of the best in the country! Definitely a must!

5) Little Italy

I love Italian food, coffee, gelato, pizza, cannolis. What’s there not to love? Going to Little Italy is one of my favorite things to do. I would definitely try Salt and Straw for ice cream. They have some crazy flavors and the line is out the door, but it is worth it! Every Saturday, you can also enjoy the farmers market and sample some great locally grown fruits, vegetables, hummus, peanut butter, you name it, they have it.

6) Hang out in Coronado

This little island is gorgeous. I love the beach there and they also have a dog beach too, so bring your dog! Grab some food, get some wine and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of this gem.

Pro Tip: Go to Hotel Del for some fancy brunch.
Rent a bike and go around the island. It doesn’t take long and you get the full 360 view!

7) Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

I really don’t need to explain this one. Sunset cliffs has some of the most amazing sunset views I have ever seen

8) Gaslamp Quarter

Go out at night in Gaslamp and grab a drink. It is full of rooftop bars and great clubs for a night out. Rent a Bird/Lime bike and just explore downtown. Some fun places to go are ALTITUDE, the tipsy crow and Barleymash. Don’t miss out on the Donut Bar, it is amazing.
Pro Tip: Do NOT Drink and Ride, trust me it can be very dangerous

9) USS Midway

If you love history head down to the Bay and go tour the USS Midway and learn more about WWII. The statues around the area are amazing. You can also take a harbor cruise, which can be really fun. My favorite is the Patriot ride, a fast, highly maneuverable boat for all those who need some thrill.

10) Pacific Beach (PB)

 The best place to go for a beach vibe and awesome beach bars. You can spend the day in the water or go surfing and then head over to the bars and grab a drink. PB has a younger crowd scene so it’s a lot more relaxed than the Gaslamp night scene.

Additional Things to do:
San Diego has so much to offer. Weather you love hiking, food, and adventure or just love the beach, San Diego has it all. I have created a short list of the top 3-5 things to do in each category.

Best Hikes:

Potato Chip Rock (5.5 miles)

Cowles Mountain (3 miles)

Mission Trails (Varies)

Best Adrenaline/Adventures:

Skydive San Diego

Hang-gliding / Paragliding

 Surfing

Best Food:

Asian: Convoy Street

Hispanic: Everywhere but especially Old Town

Italian: Little Italy

Best Beaches:

La Jolla Shores

Coronado Beach

Pacific Beach

Ocean Beach is good too

Mission Beach and go to the iconic Belmont Park and ride the Giant Dipper!

Best Night Life:

Gaslamp – usually more expensive, every bar has a cover

Pacific Beach – laid back, beach feel

North Park/ Hillcrest – fun, most bars don’t have a cover charge but some do, mostly LGBTQ community

Best Full Day things to do:

San Diego Zoo

LEGOLAND

San Diego Safari Park

Short Drives Away:

Los Angeles

Palm Springs

MEXICO

Temecula - wine country

Julian – best pie in the world! (My opinion)

Salvation Mountain

Big Bear Lake

Las Vegas

Disneyland

Best National Sites

Cabrillo National Monument

Joshua Tree National Park

Channel Islands National Park

San Diego Bucket List:

Surf in the morning and then head to Big Bear and ski/ snowboard

Let me know if I missed something and if you need help planning your visit let me know! I can definitely help you out!