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San Diego’s Greatest Hits
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items A running list of the OG things to do in San Diego. These aren’t secret spots or hole in the wall spots. This is the classic lineup. The places that show up on postcards, make the “best of” lists for a reason, and are still worth your time even if ev...
Sections
3
Museums
Theme parks
Hiking
Museums
For when you want to feel cultured without committing to reading plaques all day. These are the classics. No indie archives or underground galleries. Just the well-known heavy hitters with air conditioning, gift shops, and enough art or science to tr...
For when you want your art with clean lines, confusing titles, and a little existential dread. The La Jolla location gives you oceanside serenity with your intellectual overstimulation, and the building itself is such a flex, like someone’s ultra-ric...
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
This is where you go to learn what San Diego was before it became tacos and marathons. It covers everything from the Kumeyaay people to Spanish colonization to why everyone suddenly cared about Balboa Park. There are photos, artifacts, and a level of...
San Diego History Center
Theme parks
The big ones. Not carnivals or pop-ups or “immersive experiences” that require a waiver. These are the OG destinations with roller coasters, animal encounters, and snacks that cost too much but hit every time. You’ll leave overstimulated, sunburned (...
The pandas are BACK and everyone’s acting like they didn’t ghost us for four years. Still one of the best zoos on the planet: lush paths, chill animals, and enough walking to justify your third overpriced snack. You will absolutely leave with a favor...
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo’s hotter and bigger sister. Be aware that it gets quite hot in these parts. Bonus points if you do the tram ride!
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Boardwalk vibes - don’t expect Santa Monica level boardwalk but it’s still a board walk, complete with greasy food, roller coasters, an arcade, and more. Fun to bring some picnic blankets and picnic or even BBQ in the many grassy areas right next to ...
Belmont Park
Controversial, yes. SeaWorld is that messy friend from high school who’s done some personal growth but still makes you side-eye their choices. The orca show isn’t what it used to be (and that’s for the best), but there are still dolphins flipping, se...
Aquarium, Zoo & Theme Park in California - San Diego
Technically Carlsbad, but we’re claiming it. Good for kids or adults who peaked in middle school robotics. Also: the mini cities are weirdly satisfying.
LEGOLAND California
Hiking
Actual trails. Not a walk around Balboa Park in athleisure. These range from coastal casual to full-body chaos, but they all involve dirt, sweat, and someone with a hydration backpack who takes it too seriously. Good for clearing your head or pretend...
One I haven’t done before (oops), but the rock photo goes hard. You’ll wait in line for the pic and then wonder why you did. There is little shade coverage so make sure you’re going early in the morning especially in the summer’
Potato Chip Rock and Mt. Woodson Summit, California
If you want ocean views and easy trails without driving all the way to Big Sur, this is it. Truly feels like a postcard and the parking lot is cheap - if you’re willing yo test your patience, try to get a public spot right outside the park. Multiple ...
Trails - Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve ®
Short, steep, and filled with people. Peak has decent views if you’re willing to sweat a little. 3mi, out and back, you’ll be in and out for in-n-out in 2 hours ish.
Cowles Mountain Trail, California - San Diego
Switchbacks galore. Prepare to listen to somebody’s speaker blasting some music but hopefully they’re going the opposite direction as you. Bring a hat unless you want to be burnt!
Iron Mountain Trail, California
This is not your casual “hot girl walk” situation. It’s steep, rugged, and includes sections where you’re lowering yourself down a canyon using a rope someone probably installed voluntarily. In the summer it gets brutally hot with zero shade, so unle...
Three Sisters - Hiking San Diego County