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A trip to San Diego, California, is filled with relaxation and various adventurous things to do in San Diego. San Diego has the added advantage of being one of the most diverse holiday spots around the world, and this will not haunt you with the question of what to do in San Diego. The old town speaks of people and cultures with mixed heritage worldwide. From Gaslamp Quarter to enjoy a beautiful evening to Balboa Park and warm sunshine at Sunset Cliffs, the city can fit every traveller’s things to explore in San Diego.
10 Things To Do In San Diego
When planning a trip to San Diego you must visit these best things to do in San Diego to have a full and memorable experience.
1. Cultural Exploration In Balboa Park
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Balboa Park is popular as the cultural hub of San Diego with various museums, including the Museum of US, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and various other art, science, and history museums. Balboa Park is spread across an area of around 1200 acres. The park also has a Botanical Building, which harbours around 2100 plants. It also has various other must-see places like the California Tower, Japanese Friendship Garden, Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, zoo, and long scenic trails. The place also offers some of the best concerts and events in its Old Globe Theatre.
Timings: 24*7
Duration: 6 – 8 Hours
Cost/Person: $56 / ₹4725.92
2. Visit The San Diego Zoo
Photo: Jim1138 / Wikimedia Commons
San Diego Zoo houses more than 12,000 animals, consisting of more than 650 different species of animals. Situated in Balboa Park, it contains wide-ranging exhibits such as the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp and the Elephant Odyssey, which aim to replicate natural animal habits. The zoo is home to several interesting things to do in San Diego, including organised bus rides, Skysafari, which offers a breathtaking view, and some close encounters with the giant pandas and koalas.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: $74 / ₹ 6245.23
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
3. Visit The Uss Midway Museum
Photo: Balon Greyjoy / Wikimedia Commons
The USS Midway Museum is aptly based on an aircraft carrier and is dedicated to aircraft carriers and naval aviation experience for your trip. Situated on San Diego Bay, this site offers self-guided tours of this longest-serving aircraft carrier, where you can explore a flight deck of the restored aircraft, which has a total of thirty of them. Other attractions include Hangar Deck Exhibits, Below Deck Exhibits, Interactive Exhibits, the crew’s sleeping quarters, pilot’s ready rooms, engine rooms, galley, brig, testing simulators, portrayals and insights into life on a naval ship.
Location: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: $22 / ₹1856.76
4. Enjoy Water Adventure At La Jolla Cove
Photo: Alexia Laiter Garza / Unsplash
La Jolla Cove is a coastal zone, a small cove known for its blue seas that are suitable for snorkelling and deep-sea scuba diving. This small beach is within a cove that is often frequented by seals and sea lions resting on the rocks that are nearby. You can participate in kayaking, sea pool activities, or simply resting on the beaches. You can also enjoy dining at the city’s finest restaurants and explore the nearby Legend’s Gallery. The natural scenery surrounding the cliffs and the turquoise sea is a choice if you’re interested in ocean photography.
Timings: 24*7
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Cost/Person: Depends on water activities
5. Small Picnic At Coronado Beach
Photo: Marius Christensen / Unsplash
Coronado Beach is among the best beaches around San Diego because of its long, white sand glistening beaches and gentle surf. Located on Coronado Island, it is an ideal spot for the entire family to swim, enjoy water sports, or simply lie on the beach to enjoy the sun and walk on the sand. You can rent a bike or pedal craft and enjoy drifting along Ocean Boulevard. The beach is also popular because it has the famous Hotel del Coronado, which is a National Historic Landmark, dating back to around 1888.
Timings: 6 AM – Sunset
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
6. Enjoy A Day At Seaport Village
Photo: FASTILY / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Seaport Village is a combination of shopping and dining by the waters. It is also called the waterfront mall, which is ideal for a warm and pleasant day. The village features several gift shops, art stores, and restaurants like Pier Cafe and Edge Water Grill, which have sea views. You can enjoy live music, street shows and a trail around the San Diego Bay. For instance, there are specialty shops and unique souvenirs like hand painting tiles and mugs, making it ideal for shopping and eating while enjoying the coastal views.
Location: 849 W Harbour Dr, San Diego
Timings: 12 AM – 9 PM
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
7. Hiking And Gliding At Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Photo: Patrick Fore / Unsplash
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve features picturesque coastal trailheads with cliffs, beaches and its namesake, the endangered Torrey Pine. Situated in La Jolla, it’s great for hiking, birdwatching or photography. Notable trials consist of Beach Trail and Razor Point Trail, offering magnificent views along both. The reserve is characterised by its unusual plant life and the ocean, contributing to its tranquillity. In the migration season, you can even get a glimpse of grey and blue whales.
Location: 12600 N, Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Visitor Center)
Cost/Person: $12 / ₹ 1012.74
8. Watching Whales In San Diego
Photo: Todd Cravens / Unsplash / Image For Representation Onlyw
San Diego has whale-watching tours throughout the year, with grey whales in winter and blue whales in summer. Various operators provide boat tours from the bay of San Diego so that visitors can have a chance to view the majestic animals at close range. There are experienced guides who also explain about the habitable wildlife and migratory routes of these mammals. It’s a remarkable way to experience nature and see these large mammals in their natural surroundings.
Cost/Person: $59 / ₹4979.29
9.Visit Birch Aquarium At Scripps
Photo: Beyond My Ken / Wikimedia Commons
The Birch AquariumX located in La Jolla is of a different kind as it covers marine life from various aspects all over the world. There are also exhibits such as marvellous ocean ecosystems, coral reefs, and kelp forests, as well as various hands-on exhibits and activities for children. Being affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this aquarium has an interesting or rather lets people feel much of being an educational and engaging experience. You can enjoy the tide pool plaza, where you can see creatures like starfish, hermits, and lobsters inhabiting Southern California’s tide pools.
Location: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: $29.95 / ₹2530.16
10. Participate In Horse Racing At Del Mar Racetrack
Photo: Dirk Hansen / Wikimedia Commons
The Del Mar Racetrack is located in Del Mar and primarily focuses on horse racing, with thoroughbred racing being its speciality. The Del Mar Racetrack was founded by Bing Crosby which is one of the entertainment businesses with events that take place often during both summer and fall seasons. Some of its characteristics include thrilling races, beach views, and touching beauty around the arena. While it is possible for you to watch horses’ races live, you can also enjoy delicious food and immerse yourself in fascinating performances taking place.
Location: 2260, Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Cost/Person: $8 / ₹675.16
San Diego has so much to offer, from many water adventures and thrilling rides waiting to be done in summers to winters to stunning beaches and scenic landscapes. Whether it is visiting La Jolla Cove or maybe trying out some beers in local craft, there are always some things to do in San Diego for a memorable vacation. Plan a trip with TripXL for a seamless travel experience.
Cover Photo: Derwin Edwards / Pexels
