One thing I get asked a lot is about places to visit and things to do in San Diego. Because I have lived here my whole life, I often forget that San Diego is actually a big tourist city where people come to vacation so it’s no surprise I get asked what to do! Here are some of the “must see” and best things to do in San Diego:
Tour the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
For those of you who don’t know, San Diego is a big Military city and well the USS Midway was the longest-serving U.S. Navy carrier of the 20th century and largest ship in the world from 1945 to 1955, carrying more than 4,000 people. This ship is docked here in San Diego for you all to see.
Visit Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a walkable collection of 15 amazing museums set amid gardens, theaters and cafés. The largest urban cultural park in the United States includes the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the San Diego History Center, and a beautiful Botanical Building. Within the Museum of Man, climb 125 stairs into the 200-foot-tall California Tower—the iconic structure is open for the first time since 1935, and its top deck affords a view that extends clear into Mexico.
Liberty Station
Liberty Station opened in 1923 as the Naval Training Center, and most of its Spanish Revival architecture remains intact. Liberty Public Market is one of my favorite places to go. It pretty much aims to rival Seattle’s Pikes Place and San Francisco’s Ferry Building with its collection of artisan food and drink vendors, including a cheesemonger, a coffee roaster, and a patisserie. It is a popular place for weddings and festivals, features picnic areas, a rose garden, gastropubs, art galleries, imaginative boutiques, and a yoga studio.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is pretty much the “quintessential Southern California vibe.” If you are looking for more of a young crowd, bathing suit type beach vibe, this is it. Everyone here is very laid-back and mostly interested in partying and surfing, so in addition to the main attraction—the ocean itself—there are plenty of brunch spots,, boozy bars, and also a few more sophisticated places, like Tower23, to eat and drink. You can go for a bike ride or walk along the boardwalk if you want as well!
Craft Beer
I’m not a big beer person but I do know that San Diego has become to craft beer what Napa and Sonoma are to wine. With at least 115 breweries, tasting tours can get you to the best ones, including Karl Strauss, Lost Abbey, Ballast Point, and Stone Brewing Co.’s bistro.
Little Italy
Little Italy is probably one of my favorite spots to frequent. It is a historic neighborhood in SoCal that was a landing point for a wave of fishing immigrants from the Mediterranean in the early 20th century. Restaurants are a big deal here and I’m convinced there isn’t a bad restaurant in this area. I love it because it gives a more upscale vibe than PB but still a little less “party” than Gaslamp. Awesome if you are looking for somewhere to go on a date or with friends for some good food and a few drinks. It also has San Diego’s oldest bar – Waterfront Bar.
La Jolla
This is pretty much the “jewel” of San Diego. That means amazing beaches, like La Jolla Shores, waterfront hotels, charming streets, and a lot of great restaurants. It’s a little more of an upscale neighborhood but I feel you truly cannot come to San Diego and not stop by La Jolla. It’s just iconic.
San Diego Zoo
Added this one to the list because of obvious reasons – it is known as one of the best zoos in the world. So if you haven’t visited, it definitely is a must-see.
Coronado Island
To this day, I dream of living in Coronado! It is an island stronghold of hotels, resorts, beach-front restaurants. You have to make a trip over the recognizable Coronado Bridge or you can even take the ferry to get there. The main business district, which hugs Orange Avenue, is filled with shops, restaurants, and is a big draw for families. My favorite though? Of course, the famous Hotel Del Coronado which is a definite show stopper. Also, if you can catch the sunset in Coronado, I am convinced it’s one of the most beautiful spots in San Diego to watch!
Petco Park
The San Diego Padres’ home stadium, Petco Park is one of the few stadiums in America with a water view. I think Petco Park is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, not only for the baseball, but it’s awesome location. Like I said, the stadium is among the few in the nation with a water view—and local craft brew options are awesome. There are more than 40 different varieties of local craft beer poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium, which include the Stone Brewing Company beer garden on the upper deck, and more than 50 dining options.
Hike Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there’s a reason crowds flock here. The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and is stunning. There are short and long hikes that you can take and to be honest they are on the easier end so it’s a great thing to do with the family and not stress too much about. All entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-20 depending on the day.
On another note, I wanted to mention for those of you living in San Diego and looking for adding a new fur member to the family, adoption is definitely a great route to go! I just adopted one of my own and I couldn’t be happier. There are so many great services in San Diego that you could visit to find your perfect furry friend, like Get Your Pet.
Lindsay says
Great recs!! I need Hannah to take me to that Liberty Public Market!!
Monica says
Do you have any recommendations for best places to shop for clothing? Specifically, local small businesses? I’m visiting soon and want to shop but help out small business!!