23 Things to Do in San Diego
#1 – Head to the Beach
With 70 miles of coastline San Diego has lots of beaches. Some beaches are known for surfing while others are ideal for families. Some beaches are full of activities, nearby restaurants, shopping, and bars. Other beaches are less crowded and more intimate. Find the beach that is perfect for you:
Guide to San Diego Beaches
#2 – Have a Bonfire on the Beach
Enjoy a San Diego tradition. Sit around the fire with your family or friends. Enjoy an evening under the stars. Roast marshmallows or even make s’mores. Most San Diego beaches provide fire pits and allow bonfires during the hours of 6 AM and midnight. Beaches without fire pits do not allow bonfires. Best beaches for bonfires include La Jolla Shores, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and Silver Strand Beach. Fire pits are first come, first serve.
Tip: If you drive to the public area behind the Bahia Resort in Mission Bay, you may be able to have a bonfire and time it so you also view the fireworks from Sea World.
#3 – Watch a Spectacular Sunset
San Diego is known for its fabulous sunsets. It’s hard to beat the experience of watching the sun slowly sink in the Pacific Ocean. Best beaches for watching the sunset are La Jolla Cove, Sunset Cliffs, and Windansea. The cliffs along the shore at these beaches begin to glow as the sky changes colors
Tip: Make reservations to dine near the water at George’s Outdoor Terrace Bistro in La Jolla. If you tell them you’re interested in watching the sunset, they will know the best time to reserve. This photo was taken while dining at George’s. Diners actually clapped as the sunset ended. It’s quite an experience!
#4 – Bike Along the Coast
There are numerous places to bike in San Diego and enjoy gorgeous ocean views at the same time. Bring your own bike or rent bikes at one of the many rental companies.
Some of the most popular places for biking are along the coast, on Coronado Island, and around Mission Bay. You can join an organized biking tour or rent a bike and venture out on your own.
#5 – Relive History By Taking a Flight in a Biplane
Relive history by riding in a biplane driven by an experienced pilot who can make the ride nice and gentle or fast and thrilling depending on what you want. Most successful early airplanes were biplanes. This includes the Wright Flyer invented by the famous Wright Brothers.
#6 – Kayak Through the La Jolla Caves
Kayak through caves and get up close to fascinating marine life. Join a guided tour in downtown La Jolla. There are other kayak trips available, but the caves are unique. It’s an exciting way to spend a few hours in the beautiful La Jolla Cove.
#7 – Take a Cruise
Get out on the water to truly appreciate San Diego. Enjoy the coastal scenery, San Diego’s skyline, and unbeatable ocean sunsets. Experience a short excursion, a dinner or brunch cruise,
#8 – Picnic at Presidio Park
Presidio Park is a gorgeous park with expansive green lawns and lush landscaping including tall trees, grassy hillsides, palm covered canyons, and flowering plants. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Bay, and Mission Valley from this hillside park.
9 – Spend the Day at Sea World
You’ll love the exciting rides, entertaining shows, and interesting exhibits. Plan to spend the entire day at Sea World San Diego. There’s even a colorful fireworks display during the summer months.
#10 – Hang Out With the Wild Animals at Safari Park
#11 – Explore Balboa Park
Don’t miss this San Diego tourist attraction. Many of the structures in Balboa Park were built for the First World’s Fair, The 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. There are 15 museums, lush gardens, an outdoor organ pavilion, the Old Globe Theater, the San Diego Zoo, a planetarium, restaurants, and numerous other recreational activities. It’s a beautiful place to spend a day exploring.
#12 – Step Back in History at Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is a vibrant neighborhood frequented by locals and visitors alike. You’ll be delighted by the variety of great restaurants, unique shops, hotels, a state historic park, gorgeous park, museum, and various other attractions.
#13 – Take A Child to Lego Land
This is a park that is enjoyed by families with young children. Legoland California offers 50 thrilling rides, shows, and attractions.
#14 – Enjoy the Panoramic View From the Top of Mount Soledad
The view is breathtaking in every direction. To the south you can see past San Diego and Coronado all the way to Mexico. Look east and view the mountains; south you see the Pacific Ocean; and north you gaze past the University of California at San Diego, and Torrey Pines.
#15 – Go Wine Tasting at San Diego Wineries
#16 – Fish From a Municipal Pier
#16 – Mount Helix
#17 – Brewery
#18 – – Go Parasailing on Mission Bay
Experience the thrill and excitement of sailing through the air while enjoying the beautiful scenery of San Diego. Gliding through the air over the water is an unforgettable experience, both fun and exciting!
#19 – Hike Along the Coast at Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve is a wilderness paradise located in the La Jolla area of San Diego. Hikers can enjoy 8 miles of beautiful trails as they explore the 2000 acres of coastal scenery. Highlights include rare Torrey Pine trees, miles of gorgeous beaches, and a lagoon that is a habitat for migrating seabirds.
Learn More About Torrey Pines State Reserve
# 20 – Discover Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego honors the location where Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo became the first European to step foot on the western United States. This is the most southwestern point in the continental United States.
Cabrillo National Monument is one of the most scenic locations in the entire city. Explore tide pools, visit the lighthouse, enjoy the gorgeous coastal views on the two mile scenic hike.
More Information
#21 – Go Hanggliding/Paragliding for the Thrill of a Lifetime
Enjoy the excitement of soaring high above the ground along. Tandem flights are available for people who have not done this before. Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla is the place to go for hangggliding. Your flight will take you over the beautiful Torrey Pines coastal area. If you want to check it out before trying, drop by and watch as others experience their own flights. It’s fun just to watch!
#22 – Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Soar peacefully over beautiful scenery. Relax as you gently glide along 500 to 1500 feet above the ground. Flights are typically 60 to 90 minutes long.
#23 – Go Skydiving
Jumping off of an aircraft with a parachute on your back can be an unforgettable experience. Most skydivers make their first jump under the guidance of a trained instructor who jumps with you. This is called tandem skydiving. San Diego offers the perfect scenery for a fabulous dive.
If you know of other things to do in San Diego, please share with us below.
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