Things to do in San Diego

Easy, breezy San Diego oozes laid back charm and Californian charisma. Beloved of surfers, foodies and sunseekers, this is a city that knows how to live the good life. A string of Pacific beaches stitches the coastline together, from enticing coves complete with playful sea lions to broad stretches of surf-pounded sand. Among the best things to do in San Diego, you’ll find a historic beachside rollercoaster, the famous San Diego Zoo and a boat tour of cultural attractions around the harbour. Not forgetting a dozen museums, SeaWorld and Legoland. Simply enjoy that Californian sunshine as you stroll the spacious Balboa Park or the oceanfront boardwalk are popular San Diego activities, too. Savour cuisines from all over the globe in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, making sure to try the local seafood and tasty Mexican dishes.

Top six things to do in San Diego

1. Enjoy San Diego’s beaches

Fringed with fabulous beaches, San Diego’s 100km coast beckons everyone from sun worshippers to wave riders. With its consistently warm climate, San Diego is a year-round destination. Even in winter, when you might not fancy a swim, sunny days are balmy enough for an oceanside al fresco lunch. Looking for that classic California beach experience complete with boardwalk and beach volleyball? Head for Mission beach for laidback bars and Belmont Park amusements, while Pacific Beach is the party capital with banging nightlife. Don’t miss La Jolla cove for great snorkelling plus a mesmerising colony of seals and sea lions. Southerly Coronado beach has an old-world charm, gentle waves and soft sand, so it’s definitely one of the best beaches in San Diego for families.

2. Take a stroll in Balboa Park

If only every city had a park like Balboa, the largest urban parkland in the US. It’s a one-stop shop for many of the city’s most exciting attractions. Strolling around the themed gardens, you’ll find a dozen fascinating museums and the unmissable San Diego Zoo. Built for an expo in 1915, Balboa has wonderful Spanish-style architecture throughout. The Botanical Gardens are bursting with sub-tropical greenery, while the formal Japanese and Alcazar gardens are calm and harmonious. Families will love the Natural History Museum, the Fleet Science Center and the Museum of Man, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many things to do at Balboa Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

3. Step out in Gaslamp Quarter

When the sun goes down, the Gaslamp quarter lights up. One of San Diego’s most enticing neighbourhoods is the place to be for the best dining and nightlife in town. Pedestrianised streets are flanked with tempting places to refuel in style. The buildings are of Victorian design laid out in blocks so the whole area has an upscale, historic vibe. Named after the original gas-fuelled streetlamps that once graced its streets, the Gaslamp quarter is bursting with character.

4. Savour extraordinary flavours

Bordering Mexico just to the south and the crashing Pacific surf to the west, San Diego lies at a culinary crossroads. It’s known as one of the USA’s best foodie cities, and with good reason. Superb fresh seafood is available all over town, as are Mexican staples such as tacos and burritos. But the foodie fun doesn’t end there. San Diego is also famous for seriously stacked burgers, donuts, California pizza, ceviche and anything made from avocado. Due to the fabulous climate, the area is perfect for avocado cultivation, and they are served with almost everything. A thriving craft beer scene completes the picture, making San Diego a perfect destination for foodies.

5. Cruise the historic harbour

San Diego has long been a seafaring city – fishing was once a major industry here. In fact, it was once known as ‘The Tuna Capital of the World’, with two huge tuna canneries. Cruising the city harbour on a narrated boat tour reveals fascinating insights into San Diego’s story, both past and present. Pass by the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, Naval Amphibious Base, Tuna Town and the Coronado Bay Bridge on the south harbour loop. Or see Seaport Village, Shelter Island, ship-building and dry-docking facilities, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and Cabrillo National Monument if you head north. Whale watching – from mid-December to mid-March – and marine life tours are a lot of fun, too.

6. Sip local wines

Take your tastebuds on tour when you visit some of the wonderful wineries in the region. The climate of SoCal – southern California – is perfect for producing great wines, so don’t miss the chance to sample some. Temecula is about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, and it’s an easy day trip, so why not get to know this lesser-known wine region. And Temecula’s quaint old town is the cherry on the cake. Or head south of the border to discover Mexican wine at the Valle de Guadalupe, where a string of quaint wineries are waiting to show off their best vintages.