By Katie Dillon • Last Modified: July 17, 2025
I’ve assembled the most comprehensive guide to fun things to do in San Diego that you will find. It has taken years to build and is a team effort to keep updated. Our unique-positioned team also includes thousands of clients who share feedback about their trips, hotel concierges, friends who work in tourism, and tons of personal experience.
I can wholeheartedly confirm that locals enjoy the theme parks, breweries, beaches, water sports, hikes, museums, and more on this list that visitors come from far and wide to explore. You can search by activities that interest you.
You’re in luck because you’re about to find out which activities are truly considered the best. These are activities that people actually do, not random ideas in far corners of the county. They are cool, fun, and easy to access. Some are even free and when they’re not we have ideas for saving money that will help you drill down on exactly what to do in San Diego.
These are your best guides if you’re looking for activities in a specific part of San Diego County.
Whether it’s Comic-Con, the San Diego County Fair, Halloween events at our theme parks, Kids Free San Diego, or something else, the time of year often determines when people visit. Plus, we locals like to know what’s happening around town, too. Here, you can search for things to do in San Diego by month.
Maybe you’re not sure which month to visit or perhaps you’re just looking for holiday activities. Don’t worry, we have guides.
Discover San Diego’s beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing in the sun, surfing, or taking scenic strolls. Each stretch of coast offers something unique, inviting you to explore more.
Find fun things to do in San Diego by activity type that can include the whole family, friends, pets, or just your partner.
We know you can sunbathe and swim at the above beaches, but that’s not all you can do along the coast. Don’t miss these amazing activities.
San Diego’s theme parks offer thrilling rides, animal encounters, and family-friendly entertainment, making them must-visit attractions for all ages.
Fun things to do in San Diego also include a visit to the birthplace of California and some of our fantastic museums. Many are outdoor activities that offer much more than pretty scenery, so you’ll often forget that you’re learning while exploring.
There are various fun ways to go sightseeing along San Diego Bay, a natural harbor and deepwater port that spans Point Loma and around the downtown San Diego area to Coronado Island.
You can walk from Little Italy, Seaport Village, and the Gaslamp Quarter to where most of these tours depart. Bay tours are one of the best things to do in San Diego. It’s a relaxing way to get a broad view of the city before visiting attractions and historic landmarks.
But these are not the only sightseeing tours you’ll want to partake in when visiting San Diego. You can explore San Diego via hop-on, hop-off trolley and even kayak through sea caves.
Sometimes, people want a short list of things to do. With that in mind, here are the top 10 things to do in San Diego that all first-times should consider.
A curated list of no-cost experiences locals enjoy and families of all travel styles include in their San Diego itineraries.
You won’t find endless tour options for families in San Diego—but the really fun ones? They’re all right here.
San Diego has no shortage of sunshine—and these playgrounds make the most of it. Explore our favorite parks with epic views, splash pads, ziplines, and plenty of space for kids to climb, run, and play.
I’ll show you how to unlock one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets for affordable fun! Your free library card grants access to the Discover & Go program, offering free admission to amazing local spots.
Oceanside is our second most booked place to stay in San Diego for families because of the beachfront hotels and the kid-friendly activities on this list.
San Diego is home to several significant Lunar New Year events that are worth attending for those who would like to celebrate Year of the Fire Horse.
After booking your flights and hotel, tackle these TEN important things next to ensure flawless execution of your San Diego trip.
Pick up a Museum Month pass at your local library to enjoy February museum visits for less, with a breakdown of where the pass works, how to use it, and easy itinerary ideas.
I know which sightseeing passes our clients buy and why they choose them. Get our insider tips on whether to choose San Diego CityPASS or Go City San Diego Pass.
We just got back from Holidays at LEGOLAND. Here’s the fun you can look forward between now and January 5.
My local’s guide to Christmas in San Diego includes tons of fun holiday things to do like photos with Santa, tree lightings, ice skating, parades, pop-up bars, and more.
Where families can safely go trick-or-treating, explore pumpkin patches, and attend fun Halloween events in San Diego.
We’re passionate travellers and La Jolla residents on a mission to simplify your travel planning with expert tips and insider knowledge so you can make the most of your San Diego visit. We’ll email you once monthly with San Diego best travel tips and special promotions.
