What do in san diego

The San Diego Padres' home is one of the few stadiums in America with a water view. And the non-baseball-related appeal doesn't stop there. Local craft brew options are stellar, with more than 40 varieties of poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium, which include the Stone Brewing Company beer garden on the upper deck, and more than 50 dining options. This foot-long floating museum is the best way to learn about and honor San Diego's significant naval community. The decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego.

Visitors can get a taste of navy life by visiting the plane-packed flight deck, sprawling hangar bay, mess hall, and berthing. The museum hosts about active-duty military events annually—including reenlistment, retirement, and change-of-command ceremonies—which are all open for the public to observe. The iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course is known for its two hole championship courses that sit on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. From the scenery and challenging greens to the prestige factor, this course is a bucket-list destination for avid golfers—Tiger Woods has clinched career-defining wins here, and the word is former President Obama has teed off here, too.

There's diverse terrain, ocean views, and hang gliders usually floating around holes 12 and 13 on the south course. Portions of the south course are currently under construction for the U. The Del Mar Racetrack is a spectacle for high rollers and casual gamblers alike, with lightening-fast horse races that'll get your heart pumping. The track is open Wednesday through Sunday, holding about eight to 12 races daily.

There are 30 minutes between races to place your bets or refill your drink. In general, it's mostly adults here, but during the track's non-racing hours, the venue holds special events like food truck festivals and concerts that can bring a more diverse age range. Head to Peter Lik fine art gallery for awe-inspiring landscape photography. And, if you need to, recharge your battery at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, a grassy area ideal for picnics and watching the sunset.

Fun fact: It's the most-photographed place in San Diego. Set atop jagged, postcard-worthy sea cliffs, San Diego's aptly named Sunset Cliffs neighborhood rewards visitors with panoramic ocean views. Hands down San Diego's most popular spot at dusk, Sunset Cliffs attracts a crowd nightly for its serene, picture-perfect views.

Part of the neighborhood overlaps with Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a acre reserve known for its sea caves, rock arch formations, and extremely steep bluffs. Follow a path along the cliffs for a scenic walk, while making note of the sprawling homes nearby. Or grab classic French dessert with a Cuban twist—like passion fruit caramels and a mango cheesecake—at Chef Vivian Hernandez-Jackson's excellent neighborhood patisserie Azucar and head to the water for a sweet sunset.

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo spans acres and houses more than 3, rare and endangered animals. Aside from exciting animal encounters, San Diego Zoo also has an aerial tram, botanical garden, 4D theater, bird shows, play areas for kids, and several buses to show you around. Some of these museums have costumed artisans you can watch and interact with as they demonstrate their craft.

If you were looking for free things to do in San Diego, this historic park tops the list. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cosmopolitan Hotel. The area that Balboa Park sits on used to be home to the indigenous Kumeyaay village, which soon became an Spanish park, and then an American city park in San Diego Zoo is actually located within the much larger Balboa Park, together with 16 museums, historic buildings, gardens, trails, theaters, restaurants, and a whole lot more.

There is a lot of stuff to do in a 1,acre attraction. Balboa Park has art museums, a natural history museum, a railroad museum, historic houses, gardens, a cultural center, and many other surprises. You can also ride a miniature train around a portion of the park.

In , local philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps had a concrete seawall built on a small coastal area in San Diego so children could play and swim in the beach safely without strong waves crashing against the shore.

Surprisingly, not only is the coast beloved by families, seals also love to lounge around the area. Seals usually give birth to pups here from December to May and may exhibit territorial behavior, so observe them from afar and snap as many photos as you want. Petco Park is home to the San Diego Padres. Opened in , the stadium was built as part of a redevelopment plan of the aging downtown area of San Diego. Petco Park has hosted several baseball milestones and notable events since its opening.

You can watch rugby, tennis, motor sports, golf, basketball, football, ice hockey, and even concerts here. Guided tours are also available if you want a behind-the-scenes experience. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has been offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the western edge of Point Loma since , making it a staple in lists featuring the most famous things to see in San Diego. The calming coast of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has long been a favorite among nature lovers.

Walk the rocky trails and enjoy stunning views of the sea and the earth. Kayaking is also allowed via Bermuda Avenue, offering you a chance to encounter seals and dolphins. Fashion Valley opened its doors in , featuring Spanish architecture, palm trees, and iconic fountains.

Each year, over 18 million visitors find themselves enjoying the upscale, open-air environment and exploring over stores and 30 restaurants. Once all the shopping has you famished, choose from among the continental, American, and Oriental restaurants.

This Mormon temple is a major head turner from all directions. This temple is beautiful, and the Mormons know it. However, whatever you do for the Gram, do it outside. Only Mormons can enter the temple. The immigration of thousands of Italian families to San Diego in the early s gave birth to what once was a sleepy fishing community.

Travel to Italy just by visiting downtown San Diego! This Little Italy is the heart of the most exquisite food and drinks today in the city. Because this is one of the most active neighborhoods downtown, you can expect to witness festivals and events here now and then, such as Little Italy Carnevale, ArtWalk, Sicilian Festival, and Little Italy Festa.

Four graduates from the University of California dreamed of founding an underwater restaurant in the s. Because this idea was deemed unfeasible, they decided to build a park instead. SeaWorld began with only a few dolphins and sea lions, but in its first year, over , visitors loved their little park. The rest is history. For more than 40 years, the San Diego community has welcomed in the holiday season by celebrating the annual December Nights in Balboa Park.

Due to the potential uncertainty of public health conditions at the time of December Nights, and out of an abundance of caution, the City has made the decision to expand upon the successful drive-through experience, "Taste of December Nights," for this year's event.

Where the cars are the stars! San Diego is packed with great things to see and do including these top theme parks and attractions. Australian-born, California-raised, pro surfer Rob Machado has spent most of his life atop a surfboard.

With 72 golf courses in every conceivable setting from mountains to desert to ocean, it's no wonder Golf Digest named San Diego one of the Top 50 golf destinations in the world. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or striking out to explore the San Diego area for the first time, discounts on attraction admissions, dining and shopping can help make the trip more enjoyable and the money last longer, especially if you are traveling as a family.

Valid before 10am and after 4pm only. Reserve online or just walk in. Have off our tandem or single bikes. Check in at Disco's Paddle Featuring dozens of events, hundreds Due to the potential uncertainty of public health Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego.

Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination. English Change Language. Browse through this list to help you plan the perfect San Diego itinerary. Head to San Diego's many beaches which are consistently ranked top in the nation. The beaches are all free to the public, to swim, body surf or hang-ten. Visit La Jolla Cove and see the magnificent sunset on the ocean. La Jolla Cove is one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world and delivers a spectacular sunset display at the end of each day.

Stroll along San Diego's Embarcadero for hours of free entertainment, shopping, and more. Enjoy a laid-back day of hanging out in the grass and watching the many passing yachts and ships on picturesque San Diego Bay , or take in the sights from one of the many bay-view eateries. Fly a kite along the grassy field in the Tecolote Shores of Mission Bay Park , a 4,acre aquatic park.

Here, away from trees and overhead wires, friends and family gather to launch colorful kites into the bay breezes. The Organ Pavilion features one of world's largest outdoor pipe organs, a San Diego landmark since , where organists play traditional favorites, waltzes and show tunes on enormous foot pipes.

Visit Old Town and witness the living legacy of San Diego history. Guests are also invited to wander free through Old Town's historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, Estudillo House and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.