San Diego
Don't Just Visit: Discover the Best Things to Do in San Diego
Writen By: Haya Tariq
San Diego
Hey California adventurers! Today, we’re heading to the best things to do in San Diego! From beaches to hiking, lit clubs, sea adventures, rock climbing, and the best restaurants, enjoy the nice warm weather here!
1. Check Out The Best San Diego Beaches!
First stop: La Jolla Shores!
This wide sandy beach has waves so gentle even a baby could surf. Perfect for family beach days where you pretend to like your siblings, swimming, and kayaking. But wait! There's more at La Jolla Cove! Enjoy crystal-clear waters... and the occasional rogue sea lion trying to steal your snacks. Have fun snorkeling, scuba diving, and gawking at sea lions and fish. Just try not to get swept away by the currents- they’re a bit feisty.
Corona Beach: Corona Beach has white sand, pretty views, and the perfect backdrop for your "I'm totally relaxed" selfie.
Pacific Beach: And then there's Pacific Beach; surf, check out bars, restaurants, and a boardwalk.
2. Kayak Laguna Beach with Sea Lions
Go kayaking with sea lions and local guides with Laguna Ethos! Enjoy beautiful views and cute judgmental sea lions.
From
$95
Laguna Beach Kayak Tour: Sea Lions & Marine Preserve
The Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings offers an unforgettable adventure exploring the stunning Laguna Beach Marine Preserve. This kayaking tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all skill levels. Participants can expect to paddle through crystal-clear waters, marvel at the rugged coastline, and encounter playful sea lions in their natural habitat. The tour focuses on the Laguna Beach Marine Preserve, a protected area teeming with diverse marine life. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds that call this area home. Knowledgeable local guides lead each tour, sharing fascinating insights about the local ecosystem and the area's history. This experience includes kayaks, paddles, life vests, and water to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. This tour excludes personal items and snacks. The Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour promises an intimate encounter with California's coastal beauty.
Book Now3. Zipline Las Cañadas!
Soar through 5 different ziplines with Las Cañadas. Walk through hanging bridges that are scary and exciting.
From
$53
Soar Through Ensenada: Las Cañadas Canopy Adventure!
Las Cañadas Canopy Tour in Ensenada offers thrilling ziplines and hanging bridges. Experience the exhilaration of flying over a quarter mile on ziplines and navigating unique hanging bridges. A memorable family adventure with provided safety equipment and bilingual guides ensures both excitement and security.
Book Now4. Glow Pedal Boat Night Ride
Hop into a glowing pedal boat and witness the stunning San Diego skyline. Pedal, bring your dog, and enjoy your special night with Eco Boat Rentals.
From
$105
Glow Pedal Boat Ride: San Diego Bay Night Lights!
Glow Nightime Pedal Boat Rental in San Diego Bay offers breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline at night. Glide across the water on a unique glow-in-the-dark pedal boat, perfect for a memorable evening with family, friends, or that special someone.This self-guided tour allows guests to explore the bay at their own pace, enjoying the illuminated cityscape and the gentle rocking of the waves. Each boat accommodates up to three adults and one small child, making it an ideal experience for small groups seeking a relaxing and visually stunning adventure. The boats have comfy seats, and blankets are available if needed!Pedal past iconic landmarks as the Maritime Museum, enjoy the fresh marine air, and capture stunning photos of the city lights reflecting on the water. This experience offers a unique perspective of San Diego's beauty, combining leisure, sightseeing, and a touch of magic. Dogs are even welcome to join the fun, though a small clean-up fee applies.
Book Now5. Do a Bank Heist Escape Room
Ever wanted to rob a bank? Now you kinda can with Escape Room Palm Springs! Bring your best friends to break into a vault- but first sneak through high tech security, hack computers, and steal as much as possible before the feds show up!
From
$42
Palm Springs Bank Heist Escape Room: Private Group Fun!
Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group in Palm Springs invites thrill-seekers to test their wits in an immersive heist scenario. Perfect for families, friends, or team-building, this escape room challenges participants to infiltrate a bank, bypass security, and crack the vault before time runs out. Your team will need to work together to sneak past high-tech security, hack computers, and figure out how to get into the vault. The goal is simple: grab as much loot as possible before the police arrive! Each experience is private, ensuring that only your group participates, making it a personalized adventure. Escape Room Palm Springs can accommodate up to 65 people at once in its 6 game scenarios, guaranteeing a memorable and exciting experience.This experience includes private rooms so groups won't be paired with strangers. It's located in Palm Springs, making it a convenient and exciting activity while visiting the area.
Book Now7. Rock Climb Joshua Tree National Park!
Go rockclimbing in Joshua Tree National Park’s cool scenery with Mojave Guides. Learn the basics of rock climbing, climb up granite formations, and meet other people who love the outdoors!
From
$240
Conquer Joshua Tree: Beginner Rock Climbing Adventure!
Beginner Group Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park offers an intro to rock climbing with Mojave Guides. Perfect for adventurous travelers, it covers climbing basics with expert instruction. Ascend granite walls for a new perspective of JTNP's beauty. All safety gear provided for a memorable experience. Remember safety basics!
Book Now8. Hot Air Balloon During Sunrise
As the sun sets, why can’t you rise? Get into a hot air balloon and float above the beautiful Temecula Valley. With drinks included, book a hot air balloon with Cielo Balloons!
From
$190
Temecula Sunrise: Hot Air Balloon Adventure with Wine Country Views
Temecula Shared Hot Air Balloon Flight offers a serene sunrise experience soaring over picturesque Temecula. Enjoy a guided tour from the pilot, with insightful recommendations for local attractions, dining, and drinks. Includes beverages for a memorable morning adventure. A small group tour ensures an excellent quality experience.
Book Now9. Whale Watching Safari: Orcas, Dolphin Mega Pods, & Blue Whales!
Craving ocean adventure? Hop aboard Dana Point’s highest-rated whale watching tour, where you’ll get close to blue whales, orcas, and mega-pods of 10,000 dolphins—yes, TEN THOUSAND! Dive into exclusive Underwater Viewing Pods for a face-to-face with these ocean superstars. Book this dolphin and whale watching safari with Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari!
From
$95
Dana Point Whale Watching: Underwater Pods & Brownies!
Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari is the highest-rated whale watching tour for families, kids, and friends! For over 25 years, this tour has offered unique and eco-friendly trips to see amazing whales and dolphins. Dana Point is the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®. Guests might see Blue Whales, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and even Orcas! Several types of dolphins, seals, marine birds, and sharks also call these waters home. The tour boat is a high-tech catamaran. It is uncrowded, so everyone gets a good view. Expert guides share cool facts about the sea life. Guests also enjoy free triple fudge brownies! The tour leaves from Dana Point, the 1st Whale Heritage Site in the Americas. Depending on the time of year, guests could see giant Blue Whales or Gray Whales on their migration. No matter when you go, there's a good chance to spot Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, and lots of dolphins. Sometimes, there are mega-pods of up to 10,000 dolphins! The boat may have special Underwater Viewing Pods for an even closer look.
Book Now10. Jeep Tour of San Andreas Fault
Get deep into the San Andreas Fault- where the Earth is literally ripping itself apart! Hike slot canyons, see palm oases, and an ancient village with Only Red Jeep Tours!
From
$175
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
Experience the San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert. This open-air Jeep tour takes visitors deep into the heart of the San Andreas Fault Zone. See steep canyons and twisted landscapes created by nature's forces. This adventure is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a thrilling ride through California's unique geology.Visitors will explore the Coachella Valley canyons and the Coachella Valley Preserve (Thousand Palms Oasis). The tour includes short nature walks and, if desired, a hike through a slot canyon. The tour stops at a natural palm oasis, where water comes up from the ground all year. Learn how the Cahuilla Indians used desert plants to live in this tough place. Another highlight is a guided tour of a recreated Cahuilla Indian Village. This shows the lifestyle and culture of the Cahuilla people. The tour includes bottled water, granola snacks, and land use fees. It excludes gratuities, food, drinks, and hotel transfers.
Book Now11. Try San Diego's Must Visit Food!
Addison Restaurant San Diego: Let’s next check out some of the top restaurants. First up, Addison. With impeccable staff, high-end ambiance, and classy decor, this restaurant is the definition of fine dining. Their wine selection is the best of the best and diverse. From the Regis Ova Caviar to Koshihikari Rice, sourdough bread buttered perfectly, and Wagyu steak, this three-star Michelin restaurant stars New American cuisine.
Bali Hai Restaurant Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA: Next, let’s take a stop to Bali Hai. If you like mai tai cocktails, seafood, and beautiful bay views, this is your spot! From crispy calamari to firecracker pork ribs, island beef skewers, bali hai poke, Spicy Short Rib Yakisoba, flavorful noodles, and tender short ribs, enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch, happy hour, and social events here!
The Friendly: Go to San Diego and ask locals for the best eats, one spot will get mentioned frequently- The Friendly! Why are they so popular? They’ve mastered the art of burgers! Don’t judge a book by its cover. From the Ultimate Chicken Caesar sandwich to dirty flattop cheeseburger pie, Meat and Potato sandwich, and Steakhouse Dip, there are incredibly unique flavors here!
Phil's BBQ: If you like barbecue, check out Phil’s BBQ! From beef ribs, baby back ribs, smoky chicken, and sandwiches, the line is worth the wait. The warm cornbread, onion rings, and coleslaw also steal the show!
Animae:
At Animae, you’ll get west coast cuisine with Asian and Japanese robata grill twists. The ambiance is fancy and the cocktails are great. Some popular drinks are the Spirit of Sabai, Turon Espresso Martini, and dirty martinis. The Hunan Lamb Chops, Tuna Kinilaw, Taiwanese Chicken, Crispy Potatoes, Yu Xiang Rice Cakes & Shiitake are some dishes raved about. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Turon Tart, Chocolate Creameux, and Buko Pandan!
12. Jump Into the Party Life in Daygo!
- Bang On 5th: This part’s for you party animals! Get on the dance floor at Bang On 5th. Oh, there’s sushi and drinks too! From hip hop, R&B, Afro beats, and EDM, bring all your friends and try to find the hidden speakeasy!
- Nova: Another top nightclub is Nova. With hype events, crazy lights, and an awesome crowd, DJ stars perform here! Park & Rec also has great DJs and cocktails.
- Mavericks Beach Club: Looking for some disco mischief? Get yourself to Mavericks Beach Club, with their fun DJ’s and awesome party lights!
- PB Shore Club: PB Shore Club is a great social spot. Play some Bingo Unhinged, try out their famous Red Bull Vodka Slushies, enjoy the beach views, and bop to their line of DJs!
13. SeaWorld!
San Diego also has their own SeaWorld! With shows, animal encounters, and roller coasters, this ocean-themed park is perfect for families, people who love marine life magic, and adrenaline fiends.
14. San Diego Zoo
Visit the San Diego Zoo, where over 12,000 animals roam in open-air habitats. Meet giant pandas, rhinos, giraffes, grizzly bears, leopards, anacondas, jaguars, the king cobra, komodo dragon, Chinese alligator, camels, penguins, polar bears, and lots more amazing animals!
15. Best Hiking Trails in San Diego
San Diego has some awesome hiking trails, let’s go over them!
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: People love hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for its amazing ocean views and beautiful trails. The easy Guy Fleming Trail gives you stunning coast views, while the Razor Point Trail takes you to cool cliffs and canyons. Want to hit the beach? Take the Beach Trail—it leads you straight down to the shoreline for hiking and coastal exploration.
- Iron Mountain: Iron Mountain is a popular 6-mile hike with some uphill climbing and amazing views at the top. Most of the trail is out in the sun, so bring water and wear sunscreen. You can bring your dog too—just keep them on a leash!
- Corte Madera Mountain: Corte Madera Mountain, also known as "San Diego's Half Dome," is a 6.8-mile hike with some uphill climbing and great mountain views. The trail takes you through shady trees, rocky paths, and wide open hills.
- Mount Miguel: Mount Miguel is also known as Mother Miguel Mountain. It’s a fun, moderately challenging hike. The 4-mile trail goes up about 870 feet and has great views of Sweetwater Reservoir and the South Bay. At the top, you’ll find the “Rock House,” a cool pile of rocks decorated with American, Prisoner of War, and Missing in Action flags.
16. Water Adventures!
If you visit all the beaches and want to switch things up, check out some waterparks!
- Sesame Place: Sesame Place is a water park based on the beloved Sesame Street show. With water slides, a wave pool, and play areas, the park also has live shows, parades, and experiences with Sesame Street characters.
- LEGOLAND Water Park: The LEGOLAND Water Park is great for families with young kids. From adventure rides to slides, cruises, and water play areas, splash around and take in the lego world!
- Tijuana Waterpark: Tijuana Waterpark is home of the infamous Slip N’ Fly slides! With thrilling sliding rides, pools, long loop holes, rope swinging, and kids play areas, have a blast in the sun and water!
TL;DR
We hope you guys have enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in San Diego! If you don't like reading, feel free to watch the video version of this guide on Youtube. Some experiences mentioned in this blog can be found easily on Dyvarcity, where you can also find even more exciting experiences!