11 Things to Do in
San Diego
Written/Edited by: Northern Latitudes Editorial Team
Updated: 7/9/2026
As one of the biggest towns in the state of California, San Diego is also one of its major destinations. Thanks to its location and history, the city of San Diego offers to visitors a large range of activities going from museums to parks, and of course world renowned zoos. Let us present to you a list of the best things to do in San Diego.
1 - San Diego Zoo
Considered by many as the best zoo in the world, the San Diego zoo houses a great variety of species (around 680 species for over 12000 animals) as well as great attractions for young and old. Come to see your favorite animals and enjoy some of the rides offered by the zoo, including the Skyfari – gondolas allowing you to see the zoo from above – or the Safari Park, a completely separated park focusing on the animals from arid environments. If we had to retain one attraction in San Diego, the Zoo would be the one.
Directions:
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The Zoo of San Diego houses the endangered Red Panda like in this picture (not one of the zoo's animals above).
Good to Know
"We encourage you to reserve your tickets online as this tends to be slightly cheaper. It's a nice save!" - Editors
The zoo is located within Balboa Park and features paid parking ($16 per day for automobiles). The parking is first come, first served. If the main parking lot is full. You may park at one of Balboa Park surrounding parkings. Find information on transportation here.
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
2 - La Jolla
The coastline of California is easily recognizable, thanks to its yellowish rock cliffs, bright blue water and great biodiversity. It’s in this environment that La Jolla (name believed to come from the Spanish for “Jewel”) can be found. In this coastal neighborhood, relaxation and dynamism go hand in hand.
The neighborhood’s main attractions are the numerous beaches that frequently welcome the local fauna (sea lions, seals, etc…), as well as the museum of contemporary art. You may also walk around the University of California San Diego.
Directions:
La Jolla is located about 25min away from the center of San Diego via car. The ride generally takes between 45min and 1H15 using public transit.
Good to Know
“During our visit, we noticed that parking around the beaches tends to be limited. To find some parking spots, you might need to get a little bit more inside the town.” - Editors
3 - Explore Balboa Park
Balboa park is to San Diego what Central Park is to New York. The park was built in 1868 (one of the oldest public parks in the USA) and welcomes many of San Diego’s attractions. This includes the gardens of the park, the museum of natural history and the zoo. In addition to these activities, the park offers many trails and recreational areas that people can access for free.
Joined is a picture of the San Diego Botanical Building. The building is part of a collection of gardens within Balboa Park, the "Balboa Park Gardens". The access to the gardens is completely free to visitors.
Other attractions in the park include but are not limited to:
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The Japanese Friendship Garden
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The San Diego Zoo
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San Diego Natural History Museum
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San Diego Automotive Museum
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San Diego Air & Space Museum
Good to Know
"If you plan on visiting multiple museums in Balboa Park, we highly encourage you to check the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. This pass give access to multiple venues under one fee. You can find more information here." - Editors
Directions:
Balboa Park is located in the area of downtown. Several bus stops can be found in the park. There is no trolley stops directly next to the park. The closest is the "City College" stop (Blue & Orange Lines).
4 - USS Midway Museum
Whether fan of history or not, aircraft carriers often impress people by their size and roles in tactical operations. If you have ever wondered how things look within one, the USS Midway can answer your questions. This retired aircraft carrier is a museum where visitors can learn how sailors live in this environment, and see a large collection of aircraft.
Directions:
Parking is available at the adjacent Navy Pier (Rates between $10 and $20). Public transit nearby include the bus, flagship ferry and trolley which is located few blocks away.
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
5 - Mission Bay
Mission Bay is the biggest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Featuring protected swimming areas, water sports areas and SeaWorld San Diego, Mission Bay mixes the peace of nature with the fun of thrill rides. The area is separated into different areas including:
Mission Beach - Coastal Neighborhood with sand beaches, a boardwalk and a roller coaster.
Mission Bay Park - 27 miles of coastline with bike paths and other recreational activities.
Fiesta Island - Vast open spaces with sand beaches and calm water for swimming.
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Picture of Mission Beach by Josh Hild.
Directions:
Transit and parking options will be different based on the area of the bay you visit. Bus stations are present in all the area, the blue line of trolleys has a stop near the eastern-most portion of the bay. When it comes to parking, most parkings are free but limited in spots - especially in Mission Beach.
6 - Cabrillo National Monument
You might know it or not, but San Diego was the first place Europeans set their foot in the American West. Led by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a crew of sea-faring men landed in San Diego in 1542, claiming the area for the Spanish empire and opening the way for the future city of San Diego. Today, this historic heritage and Cabrillo’s travels are highlighted in Cabrillo National Monument.
The area is located at the tip of Point Loma. It features a visitor center, some old military buildings as well as two lighthouses. It's also noteworthy to mention that it is a great spot to see the skyline of San Diego.
Admission (Regular):
For Day-Pass:
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Private Vehicle - $20.00
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Motorcycle - $15.00
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Pass American the Beautiful Accepted
Directions:
The drive from downtown San Diego to Cabrillo National Monument takes about 25min. Once there, you will need to pay at the entrance station. After you have entered, you will be free to move around the site, and park at one of the many parking lots.
Address Visitor Center: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
7 - Hotel del Coronado
With its white walls and bright red roof, the Hotel del Coronado is the 2nd largest wooden structure in the United States. Built in 1888, the hotel has drawn many diplomats, actors and others in the midst of its walls. This mix of history and culture makes the hotel a major sight in San Diego.
The access to the hotel grounds is completely free of access. Visitors can walk around, shop and dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants. A small museum focusing on the hotel’s history can be found in the hotel. The museum titled “Ice House Museum” is free of access (tours are not). The beach in front of the hotel is public as well.
Picture of the hotel by Christy Rice.
Directions:
The hotel is located on the peninsula of Coronado, about 15min away from downtown San Diego. The main way to get there is by driving, although bus stops can be found next to the hotel. At the hotel, those coming with a vehicle can park at the hotel underground parking (See rates here), or others prefer to park in one of the surrounding residential streets for free.
Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
8 - Seaport Village
It only takes a map to see that San Diego is a coastal town. Thanks to this, the city blends high skyscrapers with a more relaxed atmosphere. This can be seen well at seaport village, a small shopping center located in the downtown area. The open air shopping center is popular for its proximity to water and Spanish architecture. It’s not a “topnotch” attraction, but still a nice place to visit if you would like to eat or drink something.
Directions:
The access to the mall is free, but parking is not. The standard rate is $8 per hour (we encourage you to check their website to see the most up to date information).
For public transportation; the green trolley line stops near the mall. A little bit of walking is required from the designated stops.
Good to Know
"If you spend more than $10 at one of the village’s businesses (shops, restaurants, etc..) you may receive a discount on your parking. To benefit from the discount, you will need to ask the merchant for parking validation."
- Editors
Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
9 - Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Natural arches, sea caves and coastal scenery are all part of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. As suggested by the name, the area is a popular spot to watch the sunset. But more than the view, the park is a playground where visitors may see tidepools (specific hours only), sealife and rock formation. Many agree on saying that it is one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Directions:
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Picture by Daniel Freese.
Sunset Cliffs is a public park, meaning that its entrance and parking are both free. Nonetheless, the popularity of the park often results in crowded parking, especially close to sunset hours.
You may park at one of the two public parkings (see addresses below) or on a curbside of Ladera St or Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
Option 1: 701 Cornish Dr, San Diego, CA 92107
Option 2: Point Loma East Parking Lot, San Diego, CA 92107
10 - Old Town State Historic Park
If Cabrillo National Monument reminds of the first Europeans setting their foot on the West Coast, Old Town State Park focuses on what happened some 200 years later. The state park proposes to visitors to explore a collection of buildings from the Mexican California’s Rancho Period. As you walk around the old building of the park and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, you will be taken back to the early days of the Golden State.
Access to the area free of charge. Some attractions may have their own admission fee though.
Directions:
A trolley station is located right next to the park. The blue and green lines pass there and stop at “Old Town Transit Center”. You may also find a train station for the COASTER and Surfliner there. For visitors using a vehicle, they may park at one of the multiple parking lots. All the lots dedicated to the park are free.
Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
11 - Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Although San Diego is a large town with skyscrapers and densely populated areas, it also features plenty of spaces where nature strives. One of them is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. This park offers a handful of hikes with great ocean views. If you’d like a break from the concrete jungle and enjoy this calm coastal scenery.
Admission (Regular):
Day Admission:
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South Beach Lot start at $12.00
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North Beach Lot start at $10.00
Directions:
There are two ways of accessing the reserve. The first is to park at the North Beach Lot and then walk down south to the entrance gate. You will need to pay your fee at the parking lot and not at the entrance gate.
Address (North Beach): Torrey Pines North Beach Lot, San Diego, CA 92121
You may also drive directly to the gate and get in with your vehicle to pay and access the trails within the reserve. With this situation, you will pay at the entrance gate.
Address (South Beach): Torrey Pines South Beach Lot, San Diego, CA 92121
Free Alternative: If you’re there early enough, you might be able to park in the public parking lot along Torrey Pines Rd. This parking is free. Since pedestrians do not need to pay, you will not have to pay anything at all.
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