San Diego Attractions and Things to Do
From the golden beaches of La Jolla and Coronado to the cultural heart of Balboa Park and the historic charm of Old Town, San Diego is a city made for discovery. This guide showcases its must-see attractions, family-friendly adventures, and hidden local gems. Explore world-class museums, dine and shop along the waterfront, experience thrilling theme parks, and enjoy scenic outdoor escapes that offer something unforgettable for every traveler.
Balboa Park🡭
📞 (619) 239-0512
Balboa Park is San Diego’s 1,200-acre cultural oasis, featuring world-class museums, gardens, theaters, and historic landmarks. Explore art, science, history, lush trails, and seasonal events at one of the city’s top destinations for families and culture lovers.
SeaWorld San Diego🡭
📞 (619) 222-4732
SeaWorld San Diego is a premier marine adventure park with thrilling rides, Orca Encounter, Bayside Aquarium, and dolphin & sea lion experiences. Enjoy family fun, seasonal shows, and marine life encounters while supporting conservation and rescue efforts.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park🡭
📞 (619) 525-8213
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park spans 68 acres along Point Loma’s coast, featuring dramatic bluffs, sea caves, and sweeping Pacific views. Popular for sunsets, whale watching, and weddings, it offers scenic overlooks like Ladera Street and Luscomb Point.
Museum of Illusions San Diego🡭
📞 (619) 391-3791
The Museum of Illusions San Diego offers mind-bending exhibits, optical illusions, and interactive installations in the Gaslamp Quarter. Perfect for families, groups, and events, it delivers unforgettable photo ops and a world where nothing is as it seems.
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)🡭
📞 (619) 232-3821
The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) in Balboa Park highlights Southern California’s biodiversity with exhibits like Coast to Cactus, hands-on programs, guided hikes, and immersive films—perfect for curious minds and families.
San Diego Free Walking Tour🡭
📞 info@sdfreetour.com
The San Diego Free Walking Tour offers fun, pay-what-you-want guided walks through the city’s top sights, including the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway, Old Town, and Seaport Village. Tours run daily at 10 AM in English and Spanish.
San Diego Air & Space Museum🡭
📞 (619) 234-8291
The San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park showcases aviation and space history with rare aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits. A Smithsonian Affiliate, it features family programs, rotating exhibitions, and hands-on STEM learning.
Old Town San Diego Visitors Center🡭
📞 (619) 228-9340
The Old Town San Diego Visitors Center & Chamber of Commerce is your go-to hub for exploring California’s birthplace. Find maps, local tours, historic sites, dining, shopping, and year-round cultural events in the heart of Old Town.
San Diego Zoo🡭
📞 (619) 231-1515
Explore the San Diego Zoo, home to 12,000+ animals across 650 species. Ride the Skyfari Aerial Tram, enjoy wildlife shows, and meet pandas, koalas, and elephants. A must-see family-friendly San Diego attraction.
San Diego Museum of Art🡭
📞 (619) 232-7931
Discover the San Diego Museum of Art, the region’s oldest and largest art museum. Explore Spanish and Italian masters, South Asian art, modern works, rotating exhibits, and enjoy the popular Panama 66 restaurant and sculpture garden.
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum🡭
📞 (619) 232-2721
Stroll through koi ponds, bonsai, and cherry blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum in Balboa Park. This 12-acre cultural oasis is a peaceful destination for weddings, photography, and learning about Japanese traditions.
Fleet Science Center🡭
📞 (619) 238-1233
Ignite your curiosity at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. Explore hands-on exhibits, family-friendly STEM activities, and catch immersive shows at the Giant Dome Theater, including astronomy nights and community events.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance🡭
📞 (619) 231-1515
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit leading worldwide conservation. As caretakers of the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, they connect people with wildlife and protect ecosystems so animals and humanity can thrive together.
Seaport Village🡭
📞 (619) 530-0704
Experience Seaport Village, a lively waterfront destination with 50+ shops, restaurants, and galleries. Enjoy bayfront dining, live music, and stunning harbor views, just steps from downtown San Diego hotels and the convention center.
The New Children’s Museum🡭
📞 (619) 233-8792
Inspire creativity at The New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego. Enjoy interactive art installations, rotating exhibits, and hands-on programs like Toddler Time and Artopia Studios. Perfect for families, kids, and curious minds of all ages.
Living Coast Discovery Center🡭
📞 (619) 409-5900
On San Diego Bay in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium featuring sea turtles, sharks, rays, owls, and eagles. Explore Raptor Row, hands-on programs, and conservation exhibits for a fun, educational day by the bay.
Maritime Museum of San Diego🡭
📞 (619) 234-9153
Home to one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, the Maritime Museum of San Diego features the Star of India, HMS Surprise, and San Salvador. Enjoy exhibits, bay cruises, tall ship adventures, and 500 years of seafaring history on the bay.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum🡭
📞 (619) 696-0199
Explore 27,000 sq. ft. of model trains, tracks, and trestles in Balboa Park. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum features historic layouts, a Toy Train Gallery, and fun for all ages. Kids 12 and under enjoy free admission.
San Diego Ghost Tours🡭
📞 (619) 940-5914
Uncover San Diego’s haunted history on ghost tours through the Gaslamp Quarter. Explore tales of restless spirits, scandals, and haunted landmarks. Tours run nightly and are family-friendly, with pub crawl options for adults.
LEGOLAND California Resort🡭
📞 (760) 918-5346
Just north of San Diego, LEGOLAND California offers 60+ rides, shows, and attractions plus a Water Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and two LEGO-themed hotels. A hands-on adventure designed for families with kids ages 2–12.
Liberty Public Market🡭
📞 (619) 487-9346
Located in Point Loma’s Liberty Station, Liberty Public Market offers 30+ local food, drink, and retail vendors. Enjoy daily eats, craft beer, desserts, and unique shopping in a lively market setting. Open daily 9am–8pm.
WNDR Museum San Diego🡭
📞 (619) 537-8820
Named one of 2025’s Best Immersive Art Experiences, WNDR San Diego blends art, technology, and play in interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity, connection, and creativity. A journey into wonder for all ages.
The Cave Store – Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave🡭
📞 (858) 459-0746
Explore La Jolla’s historic bootlegger tunnel leading to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. Since 1905, this landmark offers a 15-min self-guided tour down 145 stairs to a one-of-a-kind ocean view.
Balboa Park Botanical Building🡭
📞 (619) 239-0512
An icon of Balboa Park, this 1915 lath conservatory overlooks the Lily Pond and formal gardens. See tropicals, ferns, orchids, and seasonal displays in and around the building, a classic photo spot and peaceful retreat.
Whaley House Museum🡭
📞 (619) 273-5824
Step inside America’s Most Haunted House®. Explore San Diego’s historic Whaley House by day, join eerie evening tours, or take part in after-hours paranormal investigations.
San Diego Automotive Museum🡭
📞 (619) 231-2886
Explore classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and exhibits that celebrate California’s car culture. Located in Balboa Park, the museum also hosts events, programs, and sweepstakes for auto enthusiasts.
Spanish Village Art Center🡭
📞 (619) 233-9050
Discover over 200 local artists in historic working studios at Balboa Park. Enjoy free admission, live art demos, hands-on classes, and special events celebrating San Diego’s creative community.
Belmont Park🡭
📞 (858) 488-1549
Celebrate 100 years of beachfront fun at Belmont Park in Mission Beach! Ride the Giant Dipper, enjoy oceanfront dining, shop, surf, and join the Centennial festivities with giveaways, events, and more.
Comic-Con Museum🡭
📞 (619) 231-1211
Celebrate comics, film, TV, video games, cosplay, and pop culture at Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. Explore rotating exhibits, hands-on activities, panels, screenings, and special events year-round.
Birch Aquarium🡭
📞 (858) 534-3474
Explore ocean wonders at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. Discover Pacific habitats, seadragons, coral reefs, hands-on science, and stunning views. Daily programs, events, and family-friendly marine adventures await.
USS Midway Museum🡭
📞 (619) 544-9600
Step aboard the USS Midway Museum, a historic aircraft carrier on San Diego Bay. Explore flight deck and hangar exhibits, restored aircraft, simulators, interactive displays, docent-led tours, and family programs, plus special events year-round.