From sandy beaches to world-class attractions, San Diego has something for every traveler. This list highlights our top picks for first-time visitors and return adventurers alike—covering unforgettable things to do, great places to stay, delicious ea...
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Things to Do
Places to Stay
Places to Eat
Great Tours
Things to Do
Discover iconic San Diego experiences—from strolling through Balboa Park and meeting animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo to relaxing on the beach or catching a sunset at Sunset Cliffs. This section covers the top attractions and local favorites...
Great zoo, great way to spend the day
San Diego Zoo
Great open safari for visiting animals in a more natural setting
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
One of our favorite ways to spend a day
SeaWorld San Diego
Lots of great things to do at night throughout the year at the San Diego Zoo
Exploring the Magic of San Diego Zoo at Night
One of the best zoos in the world. We love visiting here!
The Best Time to Visit the World-Famous San Diego Zoo
Yes, San Diego does have a Chinatown. Its not large but worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood.
Chinatown San Diego: Exploring the Vibrant Culture and History
If you are visiting just for the day from the cruise port in San Diego, here are several things you can do during your visit.
San Diego Cruise Port: Exploring San Diego from a Cruise Ship
If you have a car and have time to drive up north, this place is worth your time. A beautiful garden on a cliff overlooking the pacific ocean.
Are the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas Worth Visiting? Self Realization Fellowship Temple & Gardens
Beautiful place to visit and see the seals and pelicans. Also beautiful for sunset.
La Jolla Cove | City of San Diego Official Website
Great baseball park, also great for concerts!
Petco Park
Beautiful park, with museums, concerts and the zoo.
Balboa Park
One of our favorite beaches, with a park, boardwalk to walk along the beach, shops, restaurants and a roller coaster!
Guide to Mission Beach & Nearby Beaches | Official San Diego, Ca. Travel Resource
Places to Stay
Whether you’re looking for luxury beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly comfort, this section has top recommendations across San Diego’s best neighborhoods. We’ve included great options near downtown, the beach, and family-friendly ...
If you are staying downtown check out the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Great location and great hotel.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego CA Hotel Review
Great location overlooking San Diego Bay
San Diego Marriott Marquis
Across from the cruise port, usually a little less expensive than the other downtown San Diego Hotels
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Nice location next to Petco Park, Gaslamp Quarter and the convention center
Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel - Official Site
Great location across from Seaport Village and near the Midway
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
Near the Trolley, Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park and the convention center
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
One of the most iconic hotels in the area. Great place to stay, but on the expensive side.
Hotel del Coronado
Excellent location and great value for the money
Tower 23 Hotel at Pacific Beach
Located in Mission Beach, this is a casual, affordable option right on the boardwalk with ocean front rooms and a pool.
The Wayfarer San Diego | San Diego Beach Hotel | Official Site
Places to Eat
San Diego’s food scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. This section features the best spots for fresh seafood, unforgettable tacos, and local favorites—from casual beach bites to elevated dining with a view.
If you are visiting Seaport Village there are a lot of great restaurants from casual to more upscale
23 Best Restaurants Near Seaport Village in San Diego
Great fast food. Burgers, fries and shakes are freshly made.
In-N-Out Burger
Local hangout and available at petco park!
Hodad's Ocean Beach
I'm not vegetarian but my husband is and this place is yummy!
Sipz Vegetarian Kitchen | Vegan | San Diego | La Jolla
Looking for a hole in the wall place worth the search, this is it. Food was great and affortable.
Turmeric Thai Garden - La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Great Bunch place, can't beat the french toast!
The Cottage
Great ocean views, especially perfect at sunset.
Georges at the Cove
If you are looking for a place in little Italy for date night, this is it!
Born and Raised
Its been here since 1933, cash only but totally worth it!
Las Cuatro Milpas - 1857 Logan Ave, San Diego, California
This place is great for bunch. Nice views of Ocean Beach while you eat. Get a reservation or be prepared to wait!
OB Surf Lodge
Great Tours
Make your trip extra special with a curated tour—from harbor cruises and historic walking tours to whale watching or day trips to nearby wineries. These hand-picked tours give you a deeper look into what makes San Diego so unique.
Great way to spend an hour or two seeing San Diego from the water.
7 Best San Diego, CA Harbor Cruises: City Tours
One of the unique things to do in San Diego is to go whale watching. Lots of fun out on the water and usually you see sea lions and dolphins too
A Private Whale Watching Adventure in San Diego
We loved this tour and have heard nothing but great things about it.
Hop On Hop Off Old Town Trolley Tours in San Diego
Buy your tickets before you go and save some money and time in line.
SeaWorld San Diego
If you want a tour by land and sea then the SEAL tour is the one for you.
San Diego Seal Tour
Great park for all the lego fans!
LEGOLAND® California Admission Tickets
The sunsets are stunning, so if you like sailing this is the tour for you.
Sunset Sail On A Charming Vintage Yacht - Beer &. Wine Included
Get you tickets online and save time from standing in line when you get there.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
One of the few places in the US to see pandas. This zoo is amazing!
San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
Enjoy getting out on the water to see whales and other sealife!
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Great tour to see San Diego by water. You get great views of downtown, the naval base and Coronado Bridge!
San Diego Harbor Cruise
If you love touring military ships you can't miss the Midway.
USS Midway Museum Admission- Valid any date!
Italian food at its best in San Diego. Great tour for the foodies or if you just love Italian food!
Taste of Little Italy in San Diego
Get your tickets online and join at any stop
San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
If you like speed and a bit of an adrenaline rush then this is the way to see San Diego Bay
San Diego Bay Jet Boat Ride
Want to visit Mexico while you are in San Diego, here's a chance to cross over and enjoy Tijuana
Crossing Borders: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego
Great fun night tour!
Haunted San Diego: The Only Ghost Tour with Exclusive Entry
Skip the big tour boat and enjoy a tour on a catamaran around San Diego Bay
San Diego Harbor Cruise on the largest Catamaran in San Diego!
