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South Beach in Oceanside, San Diego County, at sunset

A local's guide to what's actually worth doing, across San Diego County.

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.

Where to Begin

Search the Best of San Diego

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.
Plan by Area

Things to Do in San Diego by Neighborhood

These are your best guides if you're looking for activities in a specific part of San Diego County.
Coronado La Jolla Balboa Park Mission Beach Mission Bay Del Mar Carlsbad Pacific Beach Downtown San Diego Oceanside Encinitas Old Town Escondido San Marcos Chula Vista
La Jolla Shores beach in San Diego
Tidelands Park on Coronado Island
By the Calendar

Things to Do in San Diego by Month

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.
January February March April May June July August September October November December
By the Calendar

Things to Do in San Diego by Season

Maybe you're not sure which month to visit, or perhaps you're just looking for holiday activities. Don't worry, we have guides.
Christmas Chinese New Year Spring Break Summer (Kids) Fall Halloween
Brick-or-Treat Halloween at LEGOLAND California
Sesame Street Christmas Village at SeaWorld San Diego
Sun, Sand & Surf

Things to Do in San Diego by Beach

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.
A resort umbrella on Silver Strand State Beach in CoronadoCoronadoExplore › Beachcombing at Shell Beach in La JollaLa JollaExplore › Crystal Pier cottages at Pacific Beach, San DiegoPacific BeachExplore › Aerial view of Mission Bay beach in San DiegoMission BeachExplore › An aerial view of Del Mar City BeachDel MarExplore › The stairway down to Beacon's Beach in EncinitasEncinitasExplore › People walking along South Carlsbad State BeachCarlsbadExplore › The beach in Oceanside, California in summerOceansideExplore ›
By Who You're With

Travel Style

Find fun things to do in San Diego by activity type, whether that's the whole family, friends, pets, or just your partner.
With Kids With Teens With Dogs Romantic Free Hidden Gems At Night
On the Water & the Trail

Outdoor Activities

We know you can sunbathe and swim at the beaches above, but that's not all you can do along the coast. Don't miss these.
La Jolla Cove La Jolla Seals Leopard Sharks Surf Lessons Torrey Pines Underwater Park Tide Pools
Parks & Rides

Theme Parks & Amusement Parks

San Diego's theme parks offer thrilling rides, animal encounters, and family-friendly entertainment, making them must-visit attractions for all ages.
The entrance to the San Diego ZooSan Diego ZooRead the guide › The entrance to the San Diego Zoo Safari ParkSan Diego Zoo Safari ParkRead the guide › A family walking into the entrance of LEGOLAND CaliforniaLEGOLAND CaliforniaRead the guide › SeaWorld San Diego with kidsSeaWorld San DiegoRead the guide › Belmont Park ticket booth with the Big Dipper roller coaster behind itBelmont Park San DiegoRead the guide › The entrance to Sesame Place San DiegoSesame Place San DiegoRead the guide ›
History & Museums

Cultural Activities

Fun things to do in San Diego also include the birthplace of California and some of our fantastic museums. Many are outdoor, so you'll often forget that you're learning while exploring.
Old Town Best Museums Balboa Park USS Midway Cabrillo Monument Museums for Kids Birch Aquarium
On San Diego Bay

Fun Tours

There are various fun ways to go sightseeing along San Diego Bay, a natural harbor and deepwater port that spans Point Loma, around downtown, to Coronado Island. You can walk from Little Italy, Seaport Village, and the Gaslamp Quarter to where most of these tours depart, then explore by hop-on, hop-off trolley or even kayak through sea caves.
A walking sightseeing tour in San DiegoSightseeing ToursExplore › A whale tail with a boat of onlookers in the distanceWhale WatchingExplore › The Patriot Jet Boat thrill ride on San Diego BayHarbor Cruises & Boat ToursExplore › A speedboat adventure tour on San Diego BayAdventure ToursExplore ›

San Diego Things to Do Articles

San Diego Attractions & Things to Do

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