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
“Museums, green space, and great food--a day at Balboa Park is always inspiring. If it's a typical 70s and sunny day in SD, I highly recommend a picnic by the Botanical Garden/Koi Pond.”
- 1034 locals recommend
Zoo
$$$
“World famous San Diego Zoo. What more can I say? 20 minute drive ffrom OBungalow”
- 754 locals recommend
Park
“Amazing views of endless ocean! A moderate to strenuous hike, but well worth the effort! ”
- 514 locals recommend
Neighborhood
“If you're looking for Downtown nightlife this is the area for you. With the majority of the bars and night clubs situated off 4th, 5th, and 6th this place is Little Black Dress city on the weekends. I highly recommend using a RideShare if you plan on going out in this area even if you have a car. ”
- 462 locals recommend
Theme Park
“Easy Freeway access! Seaworld is a wonderful place for family and friends. Spend the day at this outdoor amusement park and visit up close with all types of sea life. Head west on I-8 Freeway and enjoy the day!”
- 294 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.”
- 284 locals recommend
Beach
“If you’re feeling froggy, I recommend renting a kayak in La Jolla. Most touring companies will take you into the sea caves depending n swell. Absolute must for the ocean-adventurer!”
- 388 locals recommend
Neighborhood
“Another great place to spend the day! They have neat shops and a nice place to walk around. Obviously great food there too! Check online to see when the shops are open and if there are any fun events that may be happening during your stay”
- 376 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.”
- 261 locals recommend
Zoo
“The Safari Park is a very unique experience. See animals from all over the world in a wide open habitat mingling with each other in their herds. The Bird show is one of my favorites as bird trainers demonstrate the different species ability to swoop low over the crowds or show how they hunt and survive. ”
- 271 locals recommend
Baseball Stadium
“Petco Park is a baseball park located in the downtown area of San Diego, California, United States, that is home to the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. In addition to baseball, the park also is used as venue for concerts, soccer, golf, and rugby sevens.”
- 229 locals recommend
Shopping Plaza
$$
“Whether you're looking for a relaxing place to chill by the water or a romantic place to stroll or even enjoy some great music - all kinds of musicians can be found here. There's also an awesome Kite shop & plenty of food & desert places! If you need to take home something special for a child & a cool kite isn't the right fit, there's a great store called Geppetto's that has tons of options including educational games, unique stuffed animals, etc.”
- 300 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. ”
- 345 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”
- 297 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”
- 154 locals recommend
Burger Joint
“The Hodad's burger is widely credited with putting Ocean Beach on the map! Now a Guy Fiere favorite, it has long been known that when anyone hears someone is heading to San Diego, Hodad's will usually be the first thing they want to tell you about!”
- 112 locals recommend
American Restaurant
“Relaxed to active bar with lots of windows features ocean views, sports on TV & a full food menu. ”
- 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. ”
- 127 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.”
- 109 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!”
- 100 locals recommend
Seafood Restaurant
“Amazing sunsets with inside seating overlooking Pacific Beach. Quality seafood and American food. Half Price Appetizers on Monday from 4-8PM. Moderate to Expensive price 15 minute walk”
- 93 locals recommend
