Choose from 63 Fun Things to Do in San Diego
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San Diego Little Italy
Once home to generations of Italian families who who made their living in San Diego’s flourishing fishing industry, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood packed with restaurants, patio cafés, craft brewpubs, urban wineries, and little plazas with fountains and views of the bay. The trendy, walkable neighborhood—in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter—also has upscale boutiques, art galleries, chic shops, boutique hotels, and live music venues, so there is far more to experience here than just the delicious food.
The Basics
At 48 square blocks, San Diego’s Little Italy is the largest in the United States and is best seen on foot. The eclectic neighborhood’s charming sidewalk cafés and one-of-a-kind specialty stores are reasons enough to head to this district, with locals and visitors alike strolling the streets to get a feel for the mom-and-pop restaurants, art galleries, and retail shops that make the northwest end of downtown San Diego so famous. On Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm, the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market draws crowds to its stalls offering fresh, California-grown produce, trendy foods, and crafts. Many visitors choose to eat and drink their way through this Old World slice of San Diego—a Little Italy food tour is a great way to explore the area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Travelers into food and fun will enjoy Little Italy’s culinary and entertainment options.
- The heart of Little Italy is the one-way India Street, with cars able to travel only south-to-north. Most people enter Little Italy from the corner of Ash and India streets.
- Look for the landmark Little Italy sign arched over India Street at the corner of India and Cedar streets in the heart of Little Italy.
- Little Italy is a pedestrian-friendly area prime for walking tours.
How to Get There
Little Italy is located on a hill in the northwest end of downtown San Diego, a few blocks away from the Embarcadero. The district’s geographic boundaries are Union Street on the east, Harbor Drive on the west, Ash Street on the south, and Laurel Street on the north. The San Diego Trolley stops two blocks from the heart of Little Italy.
When to Get There
Little Italy is a city neighborhood, with varied opening times for the different businesses contained within it.
Festivals in San Diego’s Little Italy
Little Italy in San Diego is known for several fun festivals, including Little Italy Festa! in the fall and the Mission Federal ArtWalk every spring. Halloween time brings out the trick-or-treaters, and during the holiday season there’s a tree lighting and a Christmas village.
Address: Little Italy, San Diego, CA, USA
From $ 15
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
In the middle of San Diego’s most beautiful park lies what may be its most beautiful patch of land — a three-acre world renowned rose garden with over 180 varieties of the flower. Gardeners introduce new varieties each year, with 2,400 roses in bloom for most of the year.
The rose garden is a lovely place to take a stroll, and is meant to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Paths wind throughout the various plants, with a variety of colors and sizes of roses is remarkable to see. Fountains, gazebos, tiles, and columns act as backdrops for the colorful flowers.
The number of roses also creates a wonderfully scented experience. Maintained by volunteers, it has a community feel while still being one of the most elegant places in San Diego. The garden has won multiple awards for excellence, including being named an Outstanding Rose Garden in the USA.
Practical Info
The garden is located on the eastern side of Balboa Park and is free to enter. It is beautiful year-round but sees its peak bloom season in April and May. There’s an adjacent desert garden in the park that’s also worth a visit.
Address: 2125 Park Blvd., San Diego, California 92104, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours
From $ 49
Museum of Man
In the 18th century, when Spanish settlers arrived here on San Diego’s shores, a band of Kumeyaay Native Americans already inhabited the coast. Though little remains of their settlements today, one of the best places to learn about the Kumeyaay is here at the Museum of Man. Here in San Diego’s only museum devoted entirely to anthropology, artifacts from many of the of the world’s ancient cultures are intriguingly displayed inside. Look at mummies that have been removed from their tombs in the sandy deserts of Egypt, or artwork and pottery from Mayan tribes from modern day Guatemala. Learn about the brutal history of torture and tools of the morbid trade, or peruse a collection of thousands of skulls that date to the origins of man. Some exhibits—like the history of beer—are only on temporary display, whereas collections on the Maya, Egyptians, and Kumeyaay are permanent exhibitions. When finished reading about Mayan monuments and hieroglyphic writing, climb seven stories up a hidden stairwell to the top of the California Tower. Re-opened to the public in 2015 for the first time in 80 years, the tower offers panoramic views of downtown San Diego.
Practical Info
The San Diego Museum of Man is open from 10am-5pm daily. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $8 for youth, $6 for children, and is located inside of Balboa Park.
Address: 1350 El Prado, San Diego, California, USA
Hours: Open from 10am-5pm daily
Admission: Adults: $12.50, Youth: $8, Children: $6
From $ 48
Petco Park
Petco Park is an open-air stadium in downtown San Diego located just minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter. In bygone days, you might have heard people refer to this as Qualcomm Stadium, but no more. Since 2004, the San Diego Padres have called Petco Park their home and it’s here you’ll be able to catch a game during baseball season. Known for its comfortable seating, diverse restaurant selection, and even a mini play area for kids before a game, Petco Park is the stadium of choice for anyone visiting the San Diego area.
Practical Info
Petco Park acts as a hub for public transport, so feel free to take the Trolley, Coaster, or bus here. If traveling by car, the Pacific Highway, Interstate 5, State Route 163, and the Martin Luther King Freeway all route into downtown San Diego where you’ll find Petco Park. Parking is ample, but prices vary and can be steep. Metered parking is free after 6:00 p.m.
Address: 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Admission: Prices vary per game/seat, or special event
From $ 48
USS Midway Museum
Formerly the US Navy’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century (1945 to 1991), the USS Midway Museum comprises an entire floating city. Aboard the hulking vessel docked in San Diego, California, visitors can now explore more than 60 exhibits as well as peek inside the museum’s impressive aircraft collection.
The Basics
Exhibits in the USS Midway Museum include the engine room, the ship’s brig, machine shops, and the crew’s sleeping quarters. Walk along the narrow confines of the upper decks to the bridge, admiral’s war room, and the control tower. The ship’s flight deck is home to multiple aircraft, including an F-14 Tomcat, F-4 Phantom jet fighter, and an A-7 Corsair. Three flight simulators, music videos, films, interactive exhibits, and the Ejection Seat Theater make a visit to this important part of military history a memorable and kid-friendly experience.
Admission to the museum includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors, available in multiple languages. Guided tours of downtown San Diego frequently include the USS Midway Museum as a stop, along with other area highlights such as Sea World, La Jolla, Balboa Park, or a San Diego Bay cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear proper footwear, as a tour of the ship’s interior includes many stairs and narrow passageways.
- Skip-the-line tours are recommended on weekends and during busy holiday times.
- Several elevators and wheelchair access routes have been added to make the ship about 60 percent accessible.
- Children ages 5 years old and younger, active duty military (including reservists, law enforcement, and firefighters) receive free admission.
How to Get There
The USS Midway Museum is located at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, on Harbor Drive. The Santa Fe Train Depot and MTS trolley station are each a 5-minute walk away. Limited paid parking is available in the Port of San Diego lot, and there is metered parking on neighboring streets.
When to Get There
Allow at least 90 minutes for a visit here. The USS Midway Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last admission at 4pm. It is closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
Special Events and Festivals at the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum holds several festivals throughout the year to honor America’s servicemen and woman, and to celebrate the country’s military history. The Fourth of July Festival enables you to watch the San Diego Bay’s fireworks display from the flight deck, and there is a family Veteran’s Day celebration held every year.
Address: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego 92101, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: US$23
From $ 18
Japanese Friendship Garden
Somewhat of a park inside of a park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a sanctuary of calm inside busy Balboa Park. Symbolic of the friendship between San Diego and the Japanese city of Yokohama, this 20-acre garden has over 200 cherry trees that dot the manicured landscape. In keeping with the tradition of Japanese gardens, the landscape here is methodically arranged so the stones, water, trees, and plants have a natural and calming energy. It’s a place for serene, inward reflection, and also a place where visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture. Stop for a drink at the tea museum and gaze out over the ponds, or wander through gardens that are meticulously planted in traditional Japanese herbs. On weekends, there can be classes in everything from Japanese language to the art of fine calligraphy, as well as a festival for the cherry blossom bloom that takes place every March.
Practical Info
The Japanese Friendship Garden is open from 10am-4:30pm, with the last admission at 3:30pm. Admission to the garden is $6 for adults, $5 for students, and the garden is located off of President’s Way inside of Balboa Park.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road East, San Diego, California, USA
Hours: Open from 10am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults: $6
From $ 48
San Diego Zoo
The world-famous San Diego Zoo presents a stunning variety of nature’s largest, smallest, exotic, and most endangered creatures. The epic zoo has more than 3,700 animals representing over 800 species in a beautifully landscaped 100 acres (40.5 hectares), typically in lush enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. San Diego Zoo is considered to be one of the best and well-known zoos in the world, and is a must-see attraction in sunny Southern California.
The Basics
The San Diego Zoo is nestled in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre (486-hectare) urban park filled with loads of cultural and other attractions. Purchase admission tickets to San Diego Zoo in advance and in conjunction with other Balboa Park sights to avoid lines, or with transportation within San Diego or nearby parts of Southern California. Once inside, travelers typically explore the zoo’s bioclimatic zones and exhibits independently or take the 35-minute guided bus tour for an overview of the space. Free shows and presentations are offered throughout the day, while other experiences, including the 4-D theater and carousel, have additional fees to access. Many visitors combine a visit to the zoo with a trip to the San Diego Safari Park, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) away.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most visitors spend three to four hours at the zoo.
- The zoo offers services such as fee-based wheelchair rentals and free shuttle bus service for travelers with limited mobility.
- As the San Diego sun is typically shining, it’s best to wear sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors for most of the day.
- Fee-based stroller and locker rentals are offered.
- Those with kids can head to the Children’s Zoo to spend time at the Petting Paddock.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the zoo and throughout Balboa Park.
How to Get There
The San Diego Zoo is located in the northwestern corner of Balboa Park, near the San Diego Museum of Art. Parking is plentiful and free, but note that lots can fill on weekends. Once inside, you can walk, take a bus, or take the Skyfari cable car to easily get around the zoo.
When to Get There
The zoo is open daily, typically from 9am to 5 or 6pm depending on the season. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the animals are most active. Feedings often also take place at this time. To avoid crowds, try to visit on a weekday.
Can’t-Miss Sights at the San Diego Zoo
Highlights include the Tiger River bioclimatic exhibit, which realistically re-creates an Asian rain forest environment, and Gorilla Tropics, which does the same with an African rain forest. The koalas are some of the most popular animals to see—and the zoo says theirs is the largest colony outside of Australia. Polar bears and rare giant pandas are other favorites, as is the Absolutely Apes habitat, which has orangutans and siamangs climbing in lush forests. Finally, don’t miss the African Rock Kopje, where klipspringers (small antelopes) dash around the rocky landscape.
Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm, hours extended in some months
Admission: Adults: US$54, Children (3-11yrs): US$44
From $ 40
San Diego Convention Center
The well-known San Diego Convention Center is a staple structure in the city. The impressively equipped location hosts many of San Diego’s famous events and happenings — most notably, the entertainment bonanza that is Comic-Con International. Enjoy the sunny, bayside views and free WiFi while attending one of the events held here before taking a quick walk to the numerous restaurants and shops nearby in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Check out what’s going on at the convention center during your next visit for some entertainment.
Practical Info
The San Diego Convention Center is located in downtown San Diego near the Marina and the Gaslamp Quarter. While admission is free, prices for tours and activities the center hosts may vary. Parking is available at the convention center for $15 and costs $25 during special events in downtown San Diego. Opening hours depend upon scheduled events.
Address: 111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, California 92101, USA
Hours: Vary
From $ 69
Torrey Pines State Reserve
If you ever wondered what California might have looked like before so many people decided to call it home, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve provides a glimpse back in time.
This wild stretch of 2,000 acres provide a living, growing picture of what San Diego looked like before it was developed. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is home to miles of beaches, chaparral plants, Torrey pine trees and a lagoon used by migrating seabirds. There are eight miles of trails and a Visitor Center. Free, docent led, tours are given on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 10am and 2pm. They run an hour to an hour and a half in length.
There are some rules you should know before you visit. No food or drink, except water, is allowed in the Reserve above the beach. A "pack it in-pack it out" policy applies in the upper Reserve area. Dogs are not permitted, although service dogs are allowed.
Practical Info
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is open 365 days a year. It is open daily at 7:15am. Closing time is approximately at sunset, which can vary greatly depending on the season. Visitor Center hours during the summer are from 9am to 6pm, while the site is open from 10am to 4pm during spring, fall and winter.
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, California 92037, USA
Hours: Daily 7:15 am to sunset
From $ 90
Whaley House
If walls could talk, the Whaley House could fill history books. Completed in the 1857, it served as the home of the Whaley Family, Mr. Whaley's general store, San Diego's first commercial theater, and the second county courthouse. All aspects of the home have been restored and today it is open to the public as a historic house museum.
A classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture, the Whaley House was designed by Thomas Whaley and built using bricks from his own brickyard.
On the basic tour, visitors explore on their own, but docents are available to answer questions about the house’s history and ghost stories. Rumor has it the house has been haunted since it was built. The Whaleys reportedly believed the spirit of Yankee Jim Robinson haunted the house. Robinson was hanged on the property before the house was built. According to legend, there is a list of ghosts that roam the house, including the Whaley’s daughter Violet, who committed suicide in 1885.
The Whaley House offers evening ghost hunting tours for visitors more interested in the supernatural then architecture.
Practical Info
Whaley is pronounced with a long a, WAY-lee. The Whaley House is open year round, but hours and closures vary with the season and holidays. There are some two hour unmetered parking spaces available nearby, but free all-day parking in the public parking lots on Harney and Twiggs Streets might be your best bet.
Address: 2476 San Diego Ave, San Diego, California 92110, USA
Hours: Open year round, but hours and closures vary with the season and holidays.
Admission: Daytime Admission $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $4 Children
From $ 60
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, part of the larger San Diego Zoo, is an 1,800-acre (728-hectare) open-range park housing some 3,500 animals from about 430 species. The park’s open layout allows herds of giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and other animals indigenous to Africa to roam the re-created valley floor.
The Basics
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers many safe animal encounters, including photo caravan rides, balloon safaris, and safari tours that pull up right alongside various animals. Stand ringside at the cheetah run and experience the incredible speed of these big cats, or ride the Africa Tram, an open-air, soft-wheeled tram that carries you around a natural environment that feels like the African plains. Amphitheaters in the park feature shows and presentations throughout the day, such as keeper talks about the Sumatran tigers and flight shows featuring birds of prey.
Some tours from San Diego offer transportation to both the main San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, as well as admission to one or both parks (typically over two days).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo are 32 miles (52 kilometers) apart, about a 45-minute drive between the two.
- Given San Diego’s sunny clime, take a sunhat and sunscreen.
- Lockers and luggage storage are available.
- Several restaurants inside the park sell food, or you can bring your own; picnic areas are available.
- The park is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. An ADA shuttle transports guests with mobility challenges around the large park, and wheelchairs are available for rent.
How to Get There
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 34 miles (54 kilometers) north of San Diego, in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido. Paid on-site parking is available.
When to Get There
The park is open daily year-round with general hours from 9am to 5pm. The park is enormous and the animals are often most active in the early morning, so arrive close to opening and plan to spend the whole day.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park for Kids
Kids love animals, so this wild animal park is a natural fit for little ones. Stroller rentals are available at the front of the park, and there are several play areas to burn off energy, including the Tiger Trail Play Area, the Village Playground, and the Savanna Cool Zone. Nairobi Village also includes a petting zoo and an animal nursery.
Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, San Diego 92027, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm, sometimes closes at 6pm
Admission: Adults: US$54, Children (3-11yrs): US$44
From $ 39
Salk Institute
The Salk Institute is a leading medical research facility known as much for its scientific breakthroughs as its unique structure and design. Named for Dr. Jonas Salk, the creator of the polio vaccine, the building was commissioned by Salk in 1959 and designed to have a monumental feel and spiritual impact. Standing at the edge of the series of uniform buildings, one can really feel the expanse of possibility and the inspiration of the design.
The architect researched monasteries worldwide to build what he referred to as an “intellectual retreat,” which it certainly seems to be today. Standing mostly in concrete and glass, its symmetry and simplicity seems the perfect blank canvas for original thought.
The research undertaken here seeks to find a deeper understanding of biological processes, so that we might discover new cures to existing diseases. Through a spark in imagination and with three Nobel laureates on staff, the institute is breaking ground in immunology, genetics, and neuroscience. The structure itself and the institute both make for an inspiring visit.
Practical Info
The Salk Institute is situated on the bluffs of La Jolla on North Torrey Pines Road, overlooking the coast. It is available to tour Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Guided tours of the exterior are given by docents daily at noon for $15 per person. Free parking is available.
Address: 10010 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, USA
Hours: Mon - Fri from 9 am - 5 pm
Admission: Free; tours are $15.
From $ 90
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is San Diego’s preeminent shopping and dining complex. A slice of independence in busy San Diego, the Seaport Village is beautiful and relaxing escape in an otherwise busy world. Come here to window shop the boutiques, sit on a park bench and stare into the ocean, grab a bite to eat, or to simply have a glass of wine and catch some outdoor entertainment. Just a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter and plenty of boutique and big name shopping, Seaport Village is a popular hang-out for tourists and locals alike.
Practical Info
Seaport Village is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and located at 849 W Harbor Drive, though the Pacific Highway runs directly into it. Non-validated parking is $8 per hour or part thereof. To validate, just spend $10 at one of the local shops.
Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA, USA
Hours: Open Daily 10am - 9pm
From $ 30
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
In a city known for its beaches, Mount Soledad stands out as the mountain worth visiting. The highest coastal point in sunny San Diego overlooks the palm tree–lined Pacific Beach and the bluffs of Torrey Pines. The mountain is home to the the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, which honors living and deceased veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present day. On a clear day, 360-degree views of the La Jolla shores, the bridge to Coronado Island, Mission Bay, and even the mountains of Mexico can be seen.
The Basics
The Mt. Soledad memorial is considered to be one of the most unique veterans memorials in the United States. Its 11 walls display names and photographs of veterans with plaques telling their stories, and its commanding memorial cross stands at a towering 29 feet (nine meters) tall. It also offers stellar views of the Pacific Ocean and the La Jolla coast from its mountaintop location. The site is free to visit, and a stop of the mountain is often included on half- and full-day tours of San Diego.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The memorial is free to enter.
- While the base of the cross is only accessible via a large staircase, the site and its views are easily enjoyed from the bottom of the stairs.
- Visitors will find a parking lot, portable restrooms, and a lawn area suitable for picnics on-site.
- Volunteer docents are available to answer questions about the memorial.
How to Get There
Mount Soledad is located in the upscale La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego. It’s often a stop on tours of San Diego and La Jolla; if visiting solo, access the mountaintop via Soledad Mountain Road or the San Diego Trolley.
When to Get There
The memorial is open daily from 7am to 10pm. Sunset is the most popular time to visit. Most days are clear and sunny with excellent ocean views, though summer can have a marine layer clouding the skies.
Nearby San Diego Highlights
The views from Mount Soledad provide an overview of much of what you’ll want to see in San Diego. For this reason, it’s a great starting point for exploring the city. Once you’ve checked out San Diego’s downtown, Old Town, and Gaslamp Quarter areas, head to the ritzy beachside community of La Jolla—famous for its sea lions and tide pools at La Jolla Cove. San Diego beaches, Balboa Park, and the renowned San Diego Zoo are all nearby as well.
Address: Soledad Mountain, San Diego, California 92037, USA
Hours: Open 7am to 10pm
From $ 35
SeaWorld San Diego
Beluga whales, California sea otters, sharks, octopus, eels—these are just some of the many marine animals you’ll find at SeaWorld San Diego, an ocean theme park that sits just one mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Pacific Coast of the United States.
The Basics
Bypass the ticket lines by pre-purchasing admission tickets, and consider a package that includes transportation to avoid the hassle of navigating the city and parking. Park admission gives you access to the many rides, including high, medium, and low thrills across a variety of roller coasters, drops, swings, and water rides such as Shipwreck Rapids. Twenty- to 25-minute dolphin and sea lion shows presented by trained professionals are family favorites, and in between, you can check out the aquariums and habitats to see penguins, turtles, and more. Animal encounters or interactions are done under the supervision of trained professionals; these add-on activities require additional fees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All bags are subject to search when entering; lockers are available to rent.
- Wheelchair access is provided at all attractions and shows, and they can be rented at the park.
- Water bottles may be taken inside, but hard and soft coolers, glass, outside food, and flavored drinks are not allowed; restaurants and concession stands can be found throughout the park.
- Upgrades such as front-of-the-line passes are available for an extra fee at the park.
How to Get There
SeaWorld is in Mission Bay Park, located behind Mission Beach, a popular area with both visitors and locals. Drive to Mission Bay Park (it’s hard to miss SeaWorld, as it’s located on SeaWorld Drive), or hop on the 8, 9, or 10 bus. Paid parking is available at the park with different prices for general parking, up-close parking, and VIP parking. For the most worry-free option, book round-trip transportation (with or without admission) from San Diego or Anaheim accommodations.
When to Get There
SeaWorld is open daily; hours vary depending on the day of the week and holidays. For shows and presentations, it’s recommended that you arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to start time (or even earlier on busy days) to get a good seat.
Animal Rescue and Care At SeaWorld
Don’t just gawk at the animals on display at SeaWorld—learn about them, too, by checking out the park’s shows and tours dedicated to animal care and rescue. Head to the Mission Bay Theater for a screening of Sea Rescue, a TV series about SeaWorld’s rescue team and its experience rescuing more than 28,000 dolphins, whales, penguins, turtles, and birds. Or book the park’s behind-the-scenes tour (extra fee) to explore the park with a tour guide, visiting the Animal Care Center and Aquarium Lab.
Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, San Diego, California 92109, USA
Hours: Opens daily at 10am; closes between 5 and 9pm depending on season
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Legoland California
Unleash your imagination at Legoland California, a theme park built entirely out of colorful plastic Lego building blocks. With more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, this 128-acre (52-hectare) theme park offers fun for the whole family. Modeled after the original Legoland in Denmark, it’s the first of its kind in the US.
The Basics
Legoland has10 sections: The Beginning, Lego Ninjago World, Imagination Zone, Land of Adventure, Castle Hill, Pirate Shores, Miniland USA, Fun Town, Lego Friends Heartlake City, and Explorer Island. At Miniland USA, city landmarks have been spectacularly recreated entirely out of Lego bricks. At Explorer Island, a mini steel Coastersaurus curves and dips around life-sized Lego dinosaurs. At Fun Town, young kids can build with soft play bricks, and Pirate Shores is a pirate-themed area with rides and attractions for kids of all ages.
Visitors can buy single-day, multi-day, or park hopper tickets that include entry to nearby Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Water Park. Travelers wanting to avoid the stress of traffic and parking at Legoland can opt for an admission package that includes transportation from San Diego, Los Angeles, or Anaheim. Entry is also included in a discounted multi-attraction pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Legoland is a must-do for families with kids, especially 12 years and younger.
- Expect to spend a full day exploring the theme park.
- Legoland is wheelchair accessible and offers stroller rentals and parking.
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but there are plenty of shops and dining options inside.
How to Get There
Legoland is located in Carlsbad, about 45 minutes northwest of San Diego. Most visitors book transportation ahead of time or take public transport—route 101, 444, or 445 buses and Coaster commuter train from Downtown San Diego stop near Legoland California. If you’re driving, take Interstate 5 to the Legoland/Cannon Road exit.
When to Get There
Legoland is open daily, except for select Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September through February. There really isn’t a bad time to visit, but it is busiest in summer; other times of the year are less crowded. If you want to avoid the long lines, plan to arrive before noon and start at the back of the park.
Nearby Parks
Make the most of your visit and opt for a park hopper pass. It includes admission to Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium to explore the depths of the ocean without getting wet, and Legoland Water Park to cool off with a splash. You’ll need at least two days to see them all.
Address: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad 92008, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
San Diego Old Town
San Diego Old Town is a pleasant place to soak up some history, browse for souvenirs, and perhaps enjoy a Mexican meal. Old Town is the site of the original pueblo (village) that sprang up in San Diego below the mission and fortress back in the 18th century. It preserves five of the original adobe (mud brick) buildings alongside scores of recreated structures, including a schoolhouse and a newspaper office.
Your first stop should be the Old Town State Historic Park Visitors Center, which has memorabilia and a video of local history. The center is located in the main plaza. Across from the visitor center is Casa de Estudillo, a restored adobe home filled with authentic period furniture, which is worth a look. Just off the plaza's northwestern corner is the Plaza del Pasado, which has a colorful collection of import shops and restaurants. The area is also home to the Old Town Trading Company, a charming gift shop selling various trinkets.
Practical Info
San Diego Old Town is located northwest of downtown, bordering Presidio Park, and is easily accessible via public transportation. The Old Town transit center, on Taylor Street, at the northwestern edge of Old Town, serves San Diego trolleys and buses. Plan to spend a few hours strolling the area.
Address: San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street, San Diego, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 34
San Diego Cruise Port
San Diego, where the locals brag about their 70-degree-and-sunny weather nearly year-round, can fill almost any desire you have for a day in port. Historical or naval-related? Check out Old Town or the USS Midway Museum. Culture, nature and animals? Head to Balboa Park and the famous San Diego Zoo. Beach and water activities? Make your way to Coronado Island or take a speedboat tour.
If you feel like simply exploring, go on a walking tour around districts like Little Italy or Seaport Village.
How to Get to San Diego
Cruise ships dock at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal downtown. Just walk north or south along the water to get to attractions like the Maritime Museum, or grab a taxi or a bike cab outside the port to go beyond downtown. You can also catch the trolley to Old Town or the Gaslamp Quarter, among many other city stops.
One Day in San Diego
It’s going to be a busy day, so hopefully you had a good breakfast on your ship. Start with a cab ride to Balboa Park to spend a couple of hours at the San Diego Zoo (don’t miss the panda bears) or one of the park’s several museums, including the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Art, Model Railroad Museum and Natural History Museum.
When you’re ready for lunch, take a quick cab ride to the Hillcrest neighborhood (or walk the 0.7 miles (1 km) from the northwest corner of the park) for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants off the typical tourist trail. Then hail one more cab for the ride back to the port, where you’ll catch the ferry to Coronado Island.
Relax on Coronado’s wide beach, just up from the Navy base, and then head to the sprawling and historic Hotel del Coronado (or the Del, as it’s known locally) for a drink, following in the footsteps of Old Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Mae West.
If you’ve got time after the ferry ride back to port, visit the USS Midway Museum.
If you feel like simply exploring, go on a walking tour around districts like Little Italy or Seaport Village.
How to Get to San Diego
Cruise ships dock at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal downtown. Just walk north or south along the water to get to attractions like the Maritime Museum, or grab a taxi or a bike cab outside the port to go beyond downtown. You can also catch the trolley to Old Town or the Gaslamp Quarter, among many other city stops.
One Day in San Diego
It’s going to be a busy day, so hopefully you had a good breakfast on your ship. Start with a cab ride to Balboa Park to spend a couple of hours at the San Diego Zoo (don’t miss the panda bears) or one of the park’s several museums, including the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Art, Model Railroad Museum and Natural History Museum.
When you’re ready for lunch, take a quick cab ride to the Hillcrest neighborhood (or walk the 0.7 miles (1 km) from the northwest corner of the park) for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants off the typical tourist trail. Then hail one more cab for the ride back to the port, where you’ll catch the ferry to Coronado Island.
Relax on Coronado’s wide beach, just up from the Navy base, and then head to the sprawling and historic Hotel del Coronado (or the Del, as it’s known locally) for a drink, following in the footsteps of Old Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Mae West.
If you’ve got time after the ferry ride back to port, visit the USS Midway Museum.
Port Information
The currency is the US dollar, and ATMs are available throughout the city.
Address: B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
From $ 18
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
The melodious sounds from Spreckels Organ Pavilion float across San Diego’s Balboa Park, treating passersby to a spectacular sound symphony. The organ is one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, set in a beautifully ornate structure and gifted to the city by John and Adolph Spreckels way back in 1914. In addition to its rich heritage, the unique design of the organ thrills visitors with its 4,725 ornately decorated pipes — the largest is 32 feet long! Stop by the pavilion on Sunday afternoon and enjoy a free weekly concert in the park. Summer concerts are especially popular in sunny San Diego.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion is located in the heart of Balboa Park, minutes away from downtown San Diego in California. The pavilion is capable of hosting up to 2,500 guests in its outdoor seating. While parking is available, driving and parking may be difficult during peak times — the park is accessible by public transportation as well. Visiting the pavilion is free, although prices for activities may vary.
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
From $ 49
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
As the longest operating brewery in San Diego, Karl Strauss has quite the legacy in the burgeoning brewery scene of the city. It is often credited as the brewery that began the craft brew craze of San Diego County. Yet it’s not only locally recognized — the team continues to make some of the best beers in the country. Karl Strauss beers have won nearly 100 medals since 2009 alone, and has taken top honors as the best mid-size brewery at the Great American Beer Festival.
Their brewpub in downtown San Diego was the city’s first, opting for stronger handcrafted flavors against the light, mass-produced popular American beers. Today they’re making several different types of beers, including their popular San Diego-style IPA. The amber ales, pale ales, wheat ales, and stouts also receive high praise. As a founder of the San Diego brewing scene, it is recognized as an essential stop on any beer tour of the city.
Practical Info
The main tasting room is in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm for tastings or sipping in their beer garden. There are five other brewery locations throughout the city of San Diego, and a few others spread out Southern California.
Address: 5985 Santa Fe St., San Diego, California 92109, USA
Hours: Weds-Sat from 2-8pm
From $ 85