Things to Do in San Diego

1. The Botanical Building in Balboa Park

The Botanical Building is a unique conservatory in Balboa Park, known as the only greenhouse in the world built with no glass. Created for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition and made entirely from wood lath, the Botanical Building is one of the largest lath structures known to man.

Housing more than 2,100 permanent plants, including fascinating collections of ferns, orchids, cycads, palms, and other tropical plants, the Botanical Building also presents some sensational seasonal flower displays.

The Building provides a special kids' area that features a “Carnivorous Plant Bog” with snapping Venus Fly Traps and gooey Pitcher Plants, and “Touch and Smell Gardens” with a variety of aromatic plants such as lemon mint. The scene of the Botanical Building with the Lily Pond and Lagoon (constructed alongside the building for the Exposition) is one of the most photographed in Balboa Park.

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-239-0512, Video

2. Cabrillo National Monument

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing at San Diego Bay in 1542. Designated as a Historical Landmark that marked the first footsteps of a European (Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo) on American soil, the park is also home to a wealth of pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and beautiful tidal pools.

Resting at the highest point in the park with magnificent panoramic views is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been an icon in San Diego for 160 years. The old lighthouse, rebuilt to a lower elevation in 1891, now celebrates the history of the area as an inspiring museum.

Just to the west of Point Loma lies a beautiful rocky intertidal zone, which offers visitors a window into the diverse and fascinating ocean ecosystem nestled along this coast.

Vast numbers of pools form along the shore during low tide and teem with a myriad of sea creatures from flowery sea anemones to spongy corals and slinking octopi.

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, Phone: 619-557-5450

3. Torrey Pines State Reserve

Conveniently located within the city limits, yet one of the wildest stretches of land along the coast of Southern California, the Torrey Pines State Reserve is a spectacularly beautiful region that spans for over 2,000 acres.

If you are wondering what to do in San Diego on a sunny morning, the pristine reserve features a variety of rugged landscapes, ranging from verdant forests of rare Torrey pine trees and a burgeoning chaparral plant community to miles of untouched beaches and protected tidal zones. Enjoy excellent birdwatching at a large lagoon frequented by migrating seabirds and traverse a network of winding footpaths, trails and byways. Guided nature walks are held over the weekends and on special holidays while a modern visitor center provides essential information on the surrounding environment and the rules and regulations of the park. The Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of the top San Diego attractions.

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA> 92037, 858-755-2063

4. San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions, pioneered the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits that re-create natural habitats akin to those in the wild. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo houses over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species. It features a new and unique exhibit, the ‘Koalafornia Adventure’, providing visitors with an unforgettable Australian experience.

There are a variety of ways to experience the zoo aside from walking. Visitors can explore the zoo on a guided bus tour covering around 75% of the park, or they can see the zoo from the air on the exclusive overhead gondola lift called the Skyfari. Exhibits and displays are designed according to a particular habitat and contain both fauna and flora that live in a given habitat or terrain.

The zoo also features some of the world’s largest free-flight aviaries with most of the exhibits taking the completely ‘natural’ look from pools, open-air moats and darkened blinds for bird-viewing.

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-231-1515

5. Kettner Exchange

The Kettner Exchange, known as KEX, is an exquisitely designed gem that serves excellent cuisine. An elegant fusion of leather seats, eclectic artworks and sculptures greets diners on arrival are they are invited to enjoy sundowners on the 8,000-square-foot sundeck and rooftop bar before dinner.

Head Chef Brian Redzikowski, who worked at Le Cirque in New York City and at Nobu Matsuhisa Aspen, serves a well-executed menu with Asian accents and the latest in San Diego’s glam cuisine. The menu features kale salad, fish tacos and pork chops. Add to that five private cabanas with their own TVs and surround sound systems, and you have the makings of a night to remember.

2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, California 92101, Phone: 619-255-2001

6. The Baked Bear

The The Baked Bear serves decadent gourmet ice cream sandwiches that win the hearts of both kids and grown-ups. Located in the Pacific Beach neighborhood, the much-loved store is owned by childhood friends, Rob Robbins and Shane Stanger, and it’s the go-to spot to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Patrons create their own ice cream sandwiches, choosing their outer layers from an assortment of freshly baked cookies, donuts, waffles, or brownies. Then they their fill the inside of the sandwich with a generous helping of their choice of creamy premium ice cream to create a delicious dessert. If you are looking for fun things to do in San Diego, California with kids, this is a great stop.

4516 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, Phone: 858-886-7433

7. USS Midway Museum

Step back in time and honor those that fought and fell for their country as you explore the legendary USS Midway aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum. Docked at the Navy Pier on North Harbor Drive, this immense floating city was one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers, carrying more than 225,000 Midway sailors. Spend the day discovering life at sea on a huge ship with more than 60 exhibits documenting the history of the vessel and the important role it played in various wars. Browse the awe-inspiring collection of 29 beautifully restored aircraft resting on the flight deck of the ship, take a fascinating audiotour narrated by Midway sailors and relive life on the craft as it was when in use.

Adrenalin junkies or budding pilots can brave the skies in one of two flight simulators on board.

910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101, Phone: 619-544-9600

8. Pacific Beach Fish Shop

Renowned for serving some of the freshest fish in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego, the Pacific Beach Fish Shop opened in 2010 and has been a favorite among locals and visitors ever since. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of fresh fish selections, seasoned to taste and served in a variety of ways.

The restaurant’s family-friendly ambiance reflects that of San Diego’s laid-back beach lifestyle with a comfortable, heated patio overlooking the ocean. Try the grilled mahi-mahi topped with salsa or homemade chowder. You can bring your own wine or sip one of their 50 San Diego microbrew beers on the extensive wine and beer list.

1775 Garnet Ave, San Diego, California 92109, Phone: 858-483-1008

9. Brew Hop

Brew Hop is one of San Diego’s best Brewery Tour Companies, offering unique guided tours to a range of breweries around the city. Priding themselves on crafting a regional beer tasting experience like no other, Brew Hop’s passion for beer is shared with every guest on the tour while they enjoy a fun-filled few hours and world-class beer amongs friends.

Each Brewhop Tour is customized to suit your needs, conducted in a comfortable ride and focused on the best breweries hand selected by the customer. Each tour is hosted by a VIP Tour Host who will ensure everything on the tour runs smoothly, from refilling your tasters to guiding your individual experience and share their extensive knowledge of the brewing industry in San Diego and around the world.

2330 1st Avenue #411, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 858-361-8457

10. The Nolen Rooftop

If you want to escape the relentless action of San Diego’s iconic Gaslamp Quarter, hop into the elevator at the new Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center. The Nolen Rooftop bar and lounge, perched on the 14th floor above the city’s noise and crowds, is elegant and chic with striking architectural details and is a modern version of the beloved speakeasies of old. You can enjoy the wide, open view of the city and the ocean during the day, or the twinkling lights of the city at night while enjoying one of Nolen’s imaginative or classic cocktails and delicious shareable small plates. Large, round communal tables with firepits in the middle encourage socializing and making new friends. Nolen is quickly becoming a place to go to see and be seen.

453 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-796-6536

11. The Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is home to one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships and enjoys a world-renowned reputation for excellence for their work in restoration, maintenance and operation of old sea vessels. In addition to boasting the world’s oldest active ship, the Star of India, the museum also features a number of exhibits and displays that focus on different ages of sailing, charting the sea and harvesting the ocean.

The museum also examines the presence of the Navy in San Diego and the history of the United States Navy, and offers a range of ‘On the Water’ adventures, such as bay cruises, swift boat tours and tall ship adventures. The Maritime Museum also provides award-winning educational programs that allow children to learn about the science of the sea through activities such as multi-day adventures at sea and docent-led museum tours. If you are looking for fun things to do in San Diego, this is a great place to visit.

1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101, Phone: 619-234-9153

12. The New Children’s Museum

The New Children’s Museum is the kind of museum where there are no sings saying “Do not Touch.” On the contrary, everything is designed for children of all ages to actively engage in the experience of art.

200 West Island Avenue, San Diego, California 92101, Phone: 619-233-8792

13. SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a world famous oceanic theme park and aquarium that features an array of exhilarating theme rides and shows, attractions, activities and beautiful sea creatures. The park currently boasts 26 animal habitats made up of large saltwater pools, aquariums, tidal zones and tanks, in which a variety of ocean fauna live.

Animal shows include ‘Dolphin Days’, ‘Sea Lions LIVE!’, ‘The Shamu Story’ (featuring killer whales) and ‘Madagascar LIVE’, showcasing the unusual creatures that live in the jungles of this remote island. A range of themed rides around the park such as the SeaWorld Sky Tower and the undersea adventure of Journey to Atlantis promise adrenalin-rushing fun.

Animal exhibits display some of the ocean’s most prominent creatures, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, turtles, and sea otters.

500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, California 92109, Phone: 888-800-5447

14. Spreckels Organ Society

Open-air free organ concerts in Balboa Park have been very popular Sunday events in San Diego ever since Adolph and John Spreckels donated the organ in 1914. It is one of the biggest outdoor pipe organs in the world. It has 4,725 pipes, with pipes that range in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet.

The organ is located in a vaulted, highly ornate structure with heavily embellished gables, and it provides regular, free of charge concerts every Sunday. During the International Summer Organ Festival, there are additional concerts on Mondays.

The Spreckels Organ Society is in charge of programming, preserving, and promoting the organ and organ music.

Spreckels Organ Society, 1549 El Prado # 10, San Diego, California 92101, Phone: 619-702-8138