Things to Do in San Diego That Will Make You Never Want to Leave

Sunshine, beautiful beaches, and warm weather year-round. These are a few of the many reasons over 35 million people visit San Diego each year.

Known as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego is tucked away at the bottom left-hand corner of the United States. In addition to tourism, the city has an extensive military history and home to the world’s largest Naval Fleet.

With such a large variety of things to do in San Diego, a visit might make you never want to leave. Read on for some of the top places to check out.

Beaches

If you’re wondering what to do in San Diego, the beaches are a great place to start! With nearly 20 miles of shoreline the coastal atmosphere is perfect for water sports and scenic photo opportunities. Popular sites include La Jolla Beach, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach.

San Diego Zoo

Whether you’re just visiting or moving to San Diego, the zoo is a must-see attraction. Located in Balboa Park, its hundred acres are home to thousands of animals with exhibits ranging from gorillas to polar bears. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the United States.

Gaslamp Quarter

For those seeking a vibrant nightlife scene after a day of fun in the sun, the Gaslamp Quarter has many San Diego attractions. Its downtown location with plentiful bars and restaurants make it a popular destination. The district also hosts many events and festivals throughout the year.

USS Midway Museum

Enriched with a deep naval history, San Diego is home to one of the most unique military museums located on an aircraft carrier. The USS Midway was notoriously the military’s hardiest ship and served the entire Cold War. The museum offers flight simulators to experience what life was like at sea.

Petco Park

Just a few steps away from the Gaslamp Quarter you can catch an MLB baseball game. The San Diego Padres have been around over 50 years and play 81 games at Petco Park each season. Bonus, even if you’re not a sports fan the stadium features a public dog park open year-round.

Hotel del Coronado

Even if you’re not staying here, Hotel del Coronado is one of the most world-renowned resorts worthy of a visit. Located across the bay, many celebrity guests have stayed at the famous beachfront hotel since the 1800s. It’s currently undergoing a $200 million renovation project.

Belmont Park

Amusement parks are common all over the country. San Diego’s Belmont Park, however, is an authentic park with original rides still intact from its opening in 1925. The Giant Dipper is one of the last remaining iconic wooden roller coasters and is a designated national historic landmark.

Finding Things To Do In San Diego

As one of the largest cities in the United States, San Diego offers a large variety of activities for its residents and guests. Whether you’re interested in exhibits or just want to lay in the sand, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego.

Don’t forget to check out the delicious cuisine while you’re there. Fish tacos are a major delicacy.

While travel rates will vary throughout the year, San Diego’s warm climate make it a tourist destination just about any day of the year.

Browse our online magazine for some more travel tips!