Things to do in San Diego
Top recommendations from locals
From sightseeing to hidden gems, find out what makes the city unique with the help of the locals who know it best.
Theme Park Ride / Attraction
“Balboa Park has so much to offer, beautiful scenery, museums, ethnically diverse, historically rich, culturally abundant! Get lost in time exploring!”
- 1044 locals recommend
Zoo
$$$
“The San Diego Zoo is considered one of the best, with outdoor living for the animals, and close up front viewing. So, paint your face for some fun, and go meet the Panda and Koala Bears, along with the elephants and monkeys are the best. ”
- 757 locals recommend
Park
“Lots of good hiking with breathtaking views from cliffs over Del Mar/La Jolla. May not allow dogs in certain areas. Check State Parks site for rules. ”
- 519 locals recommend
Neighborhood
“The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively downtown neighborhood, known for its nightlife. Clubs, dive bars and cocktail lounges draw a young crowd, while the Spreckels and Balboa theaters have diverse programs of music, comedy and drama. There's a mix of chain and independent restaurants in the area, with many global options. Horton Plaza Park has grassy lawns, ice cream and coffee vendors, and an interactive fountain.”
- 464 locals recommend
Theme Park
“It’s SeaWorld ! Sea World is known around the world. Plenty of shows and events to attend. ”
- 296 locals recommend
Shopping Mall
“A 2 story outdoor mall with AMC theater. Newly renovated. There is golf putting or maybe a full gold course nearby.”
- 285 locals recommend
Beach
“La Jolla Cove is a small, picturesque cove and beach that is surrounded by cliffs in La Jolla, San Diego, California. The Cove is protected as part of a marine reserve; underwater it is very rich in marine life, and is popular with snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers. There is also seals and sea lions everywhere! If you want to make the most out of this experience contact me and you can enjoy an amazing tour from a locals eyes.”
- 391 locals recommend
Neighborhood
“Try the handmade tortillas on the street, visit Cousin's Candy Shop, dip your own candles at Toby's, and stop by the Mormon Battalion for free gold panning.”
- 380 locals recommend
Museum
“Formerly the US Navy's longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century (1945 to 1991), the USS Midway Museum comprises an entire floating city. Aboard visitors can now explore more than 60 exhibits as well as peek inside the museum's impressive aircraft collection.”
- 263 locals recommend
Zoo
“The Wild Safari Park is a must see, with the animals in natural setting, shows and tram ride through the open terrain. Feed the animals from a safari car, or roam on your feet. Passes are available as combined with the SD Zoo,”
- 274 locals recommend
Baseball Stadium
“Home of the San Diego Padres. The stadium hosts a good number of popular SD restaurants (Pizza Port, Phil's BBQ, Lucha LIbre, etc)”
- 230 locals recommend
Shopping Plaza
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“Seaport village is a very nice area with a historic feel. A very nice area. Perfect for a group or family. ”
- 303 locals recommend
Theme Park
“Marine life shows, rides, aquariums, and plenty of other opportunities to see what San Diego has to offer!”
- 134 locals recommend
Theme Park Ride / Attraction
“There are numerous museums, a beautiful arboretum, access to the famous San Diego Zoo right next door, beautiful strolls through a well-preserved San Diego landmark. ”
- 342 locals recommend
Theme Park
“Great place to check out and bring the family! There is a roller coaster, mini put, and bowling! Also I believe they just put in an escape room! right on the beach so you can combine it with your beach day. Also across the street from the bay if you wanted to take a stroll on that side. There is also beach volleyball usually going on if you are interested in a game of pick up! ”
- 227 locals recommend
National Park
“Excellent place with awesome views. I think its the best place in San Diego for views. National Parks pass is free to enter $10 per vehicle”
- 295 locals recommend
Top-rated experiences
Top restaurants
Shopping Mall
“This mall is a bit of an experience. Definitely upscale - all my guests really enjoy it. Lots of places to eat & shop - a wine and other bars are outdoors and very relaxing. It's a nice day to stroll the shops, get a bite to eat and just relax. (note: this mall charges for parking > 2 hours)”
- 149 locals recommend
Italian Restaurant
“This is my absolute favorite Italian restaurant in my area. Serving authentic Neapolitan Pizza from a Stefano Ferrara oven. They have a full menu of Pasta's and meat dishes. All the pasta sauces are homemade from family recipes. If you get there between 5:00 - 6:00 PM, you can usually get in pretty quickly. The line does build as it gets in to the peak dinner hours, but they keep things moving and it is certainly worth the wait. Located 1.7 miles south of the Garden House”
- 155 locals recommend
Burger Joint
“Regular winner of San Diego's Best Burger...and its well deserved. Remember the 60s? no? well Ocean Beach is a throwback community and Hodads is in the heart of it!”
- 113 locals recommend
American Restaurant
“Sometimes loud, just okay food, good for a quick beverage with a stellar view.”
- 129 locals recommend
Bar
“Amazing seafood tacos with a great view of the ocean. Perfect to come during sunset and watch the surfers riding waves in the ocean. ”
- 126 locals recommend
New American Restaurant
“OCEAN TERRACE - Grab a seat at George's Ocean Terrace and catch an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific. Solid cocktails and a fresh menu work very well together.”
- 108 locals recommend
Asian Restaurant
“OB Noodle House comes from humble beginnings in the heart of Ocean Beach. Having immigrated from Southeast Asia through a sponsor family, the Yeng brothers grew up in OB working at his parents’ donut shop, OB Donuts. When the opportunity to open a restaurant of their own arrived, OB Noodle House was founded with a simple mission: simple, delicious meals, served quickly. Now with two locations, the original on Cable Street, and Bar 1502 on Niagara Avenue, as well as a music hall on Newport Avenue, the OB Noodle House family has become a mainstay in Ocean Beach, always giving back to the community that supported the Yeng family so much the past few decades. OB Noodle House is known for our signature pho bowls and Asian-fusion dishes. Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, it’s the meal Guy Fieri says “You’re going to have a pretty tough time finding it this good.” If you don’t take Guy’s word for it, check out our our 4+ Star Yelp reviews, 4.5 Stars on Trip Advisor, or 4.4 rating on Zagat!”
- 99 locals recommend
Seafood Restaurant
“The BEST bar for people watching and a $70 bottle of Vueve! Cheaper than some liquor stores! Get it with the baked brie! YUM!”
- 93 locals recommend
