Top 50 Best Things to Do in San Diego
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in San Diego

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • USS Midway Museumtop_1
    4.8/5
    󰺂8.6
    1020313
    San Diego.Downtown San Diego1.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoUSS Midway Museum 2025 "Jingle Jets" Holiday Light Show | Nov 28, 2025-Dec 30, 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    In-depth tours with guides in 6 languages
    󱨜Explore inside USS Midway Museum
    󱨠Saved by 212 users󱨠878 positive reviews
  • Port of San Diegotop_2
    4.7/5
    󰺂8.6
    San Diego.Balboa Park2.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSan Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Dec 14, 2025-Dec 21, 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󱨜Navy base & seal habitat cruise
    󰀆360° view of harbor city
  • SeaWorld San Diegotop_3
    4.6/5
    󰺂8.2
    1909816
    San Diego.Misson Bay / Loma Heights8.5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSeaWorld San Diego: Arctic Rescue Is Now Open
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Dolphin & sea lion show
    󱨜Interact with manta rays inside
    󱨠Saved by 260 users󱨠323 positive reviews
  • San Diego Zoo
    4
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.3
    1888886
    San Diego.Balboa Park2.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Elephant shows & bird flights
    See China's star pandas up-close
    󱨠Saved by 175 users󱨠112 positive reviews
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park
    5
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.0
    1888886
    San Diego45.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSan Diego Zoo Safari Park Announces Opening Date for All-New Elephant Valley | Mar 5, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Multiple animal shows ongoing
    󰀆Interactive bird feeding in Nairobi
    󱨠Saved by 105 users󱨠59% positive reviews
  • Balboa Park
    6
    4.8/5
    󰺂6.6
    San Diego.Balboa Park2.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBalboa Park December Nights Celebration unveils | Dec 5, 2025-Dec 6, 2025
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cross-century treasures at SDMA
    󱓊Spanish Revival architecture from 1915
    󱨠Saved by 124 users󱨠31% positive reviews
  • Old Town
    7
    4.6/5
    󰺂6.1
    San Diego.San Diego Old Town5.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Perfect for a relaxing walk
    󱓊Free live shows & theater interaction
  • Unconditional Surrender
    8
    4.8/5
    󰺂5.9
    San Diego.Marina District1.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThis route covers all the best of Santiago
    Highlights:
    Victory Kiss sculpture & USS Midway
    󰀆Iconic WWII victory photo sculpture
    󱨠77% positive reviews
  • La Jolla Cove
    9
    4.7/5
    󰺂5.7
    La Jolla18.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Kayak & surf in clear bay
    󱓊Watch wild seals play & rest
    󱨠151 positive reviews
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
    10
    4.4/5
    󰺂5.2
    San Diego9.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Boardwalk sunset & coastline views
    󱨜Panoramic sea & city views

Best things to do in San Diego (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in San Diego? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, San Diego offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in San Diego

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full San Diego experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

USS Midway Museum

• San Diego.Downtown San Diego | 1.7 km from downtown

• : In-depth tours with guides in 6 languages,Explore inside USS Midway Museum

Port of San Diego

• San Diego.Balboa Park | 2.9 km from downtown

• : Navy base & seal habitat cruise,360° view of harbor city

SeaWorld San Diego

• San Diego.Misson Bay / Loma Heights | 8.5 km from downtown

• : Dolphin & sea lion show,Interact with manta rays inside

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near San Diego

If you want to explore attractions just outside San Diego, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of San Diego, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in San Diego special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in San Diego

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in San Diego

Ready to explore the best of San Diego? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in San Diego?
These are all Best Things to Do in San Diego:USS Midway Museum, Port of San Diego, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Diego?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Diego include:USS Midway Museum:4.8, Port of San Diego:4.7, SeaWorld San Diego:4.6, San Diego Zoo:4.7, San Diego Zoo Safari Park:4.7
At what locations in San Diego can Best Things to Do in San Diego be found?
The Best Things to Do in San Diego are mainly located in:USS Midway Museum:San Diego, Port of San Diego:San Diego, SeaWorld San Diego:San Diego, San Diego Zoo:San Diego, San Diego Zoo Safari Park:San Diego
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