By Katie Dillon • Last Modified: November 3, 2024
The only challenge you’ll run into when deciding on fun things to do in San Diego will be narrowing down your options. I live in La Jolla and help people plan vacations to San Diego. So, 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’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. This list is divided by interests, but you’ll find links to even more detailed guides, hotel recommendations, and 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.
Find fun things to do in San Diego by activity type that can include the whole family, friends, pets, or just your partner.
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.
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.
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 over 60 fun holiday activities like photos with Santa, tree lightings, ice skating, parades, and more.
Where families can safely go trick-or-treating, explore pumpkin patches, and attend fun Halloween events in San Diego.
Your guide to the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion where kids go, eat or stay free with a paying adult at nearly 50 attractions, tours, restaurants and hotels.
It’s free to enter, but you have to pay to play. Costs for rides and activities add up fast! Learn how to save money on Belmont Park San Diego tickets.
From egg hunts to brunches here are the best things to do on Easter 2021 in San Diego with kids or without.
See why you should (or shouldn’t) visit SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad. Learn how best to buy tickets, top things to see, and more.
Plan your visit to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch with these tips for activities, special events, and what to expect in 2021.
Learn what things to do in Carlsbad, California, locals enjoy most. Our insider tips also come from what our clients like to do during their stays and Carlsbad resort concierge desk recommendations.
A list of the best things to do in San Marcos, CA written by someone who lives in this North County San Diego neighborhood.
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 Tiger.
Learn insider tips and best things to do at the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego’s Balboa Park. You don’t have to be a comic book or sci-fi enthusiast to love it.
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.
