Do you like the beach lifestyle? Then pack your bags and head to the best places to visit in San Diego, CA. Whatever you’re after, you name it, and the city’s got it. This Pacific oceanside haven boasts a plethora of activities that are sure to please families, adventure travelers, animal lovers and history buffs, just to name a few. It’s also got history and natural beauty, and its location also means that it also lands some of the highest number of sunny days and gorgeous weather in the United States. Here are 10 of the best places to visit in San Diego, CA while you’re in town:
| Name | Location | Description |
| San Diego Zoo | 2920 Zoo Drive | You can’t take a trip to San Diego without visiting the zoo — it’s one of the world’s best. From the pandas to the lemurs to the California Condors, there are thousands (yes, thousands) of endangered animals to encounter. And about those pandas? Visit with them on a special tour two hours before the zoo officially opens. |
| Balboa Park | 1549 El Prado | Within 1,200 acres of this park you’ll find 17 museums, botanical gardens, walking trails, public arts performing spaces, and more than enough activities to enjoy and experience. You could plan your whole trip to San Diego here, and never leave this historic park. Be sure to stop by the San Diego Natural History Museum or take a walking tour. |
| San Diego Zoo | 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido | Even if you breezed by the main zoo, you’ve also gotta make a trip to this place. Safari is the key word — the animals hang out in as close-to-natural conditions, and there are a variety of experiences to choose from, including a van trip that also boasts a giraffe-feeding experience. |
| Coronado Island | 1100 Orange Avenue, Coronado | Okay, so it’s not really an island (it’s a peninsula) but this is one of the most enjoyable areas to visit in San Diego. Its Central Beach has been rated the best beach in the country several times, and there are plenty of restaurants, resorts and shops to enjoy, too. Rent a bike or a kayak, or if you’re traveling with Fido, check out the Coronado Dog Beach. |
| La Jolla | This little oceanside town not only boasts the beautiful La Jolla Cove, but it’s also got some of the area’s best beaches. Not to mention beachfront restaurants, shops and plenty of things to do, including visiting the Birch Aquarium (which offers guided snorkeling tours to leopard sharks when they’re in mating season). | |
| U.S.S. Midway Museum | 910 N Harbor Dr. | This aircraft carrier museum isn’t just for history buffs, it’s a really amazing experience for everyone. It’s basically a “floating city” with more than 60 exhibits, plus nearly 30 restored aircraft (i.e., planes and such). Oh, and it’s got some flight simulators, too. |
| Torrey Pines State Reserve | 12600 North Torrey Pines Road | Torrey Pines is a state park located within a big city. How cool is that? It’s go stunning views, gorgeous trails, and miles of stunning beaches. Besides the rare Torrey Pine, you can also enjoy one of southern California’s only salt marshes and wildlife refuges. |
| Cabrillo National Monument | 1549 El Prado | In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo became the first European to set foot on the West Coast. Besides the historical significance, which is explored in depth here, there are also tide pools to experience and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. |
| Belmont Park | 3146 Mission Blvd | This beachfront amusement park boasts free parking and admission. But to enjoy the amusement park, you’ll need an all-day activity pass for unlimited rides, Laser tag, mini golf and rock climbing, or you can just pay for each individual activity. If you get hungry, there are also plenty of waterfront restaurants, too. |
| SeaWorld | 500 SeaWorld Drive | A trip to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Seaworld. Roller coasters, water rides and spin-around-teacup rides come with animal shows and up-close animal encounters, like visiting with penguins, beluga whales and dolphins. |
For more on the best places to visit in San Diego, CA, also see:CHEAT SHEET:
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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