19+ fun things to do & best places to visit in San Diego

Join us to learn more about San Diego tourist attractions in the United States. You will definitely have a satisfactory schedule in one of the most attractive destinations on the planet with 19+ most beautiful, famous, top attractions and best places to visit in San Diego below!

If you want to travel to the West Coast of the United States – a place favored by Mother Nature with majestic scenic beaches, newly opened attractive hotels, then never miss San Diego. When you are immersed in the sunset, watching the sun anchored on the cliffs of La Jolla with a flock of seals in the distance, you will wonder why you didn’t come here to travel sooner.

With the development of technology and services, San Diego has gradually stepped out of the shadow of its “seniors” in American tourism to become one of the most worth-visiting cities. Traveling to San Diego is very suitable for the whole family because this land has countless attractive destinations for all ages, especially theme parks. Let’s find out with us the most beautiful and attractive places for tourists below!

San Diego Popular Attractions (#best places to visit in San Diego)

Midway Airfield Museum

If you walk along the San Diego waterfront on the Embarcadero, you will be amazed when you come across one of the largest ships in the US military. The USS Midway has been decommissioned and is now permanently docked at Navy Pier.

A visit to the USS Midway Museum will take you through various exhibits, including 30 restored aircraft and information about the more than 225,000 servicemen who served on the ship. Additionally, you can take a self-guided audio tour to learn all about the ship’s history. For an additional fee, you can also try a flight simulator on the aircraft.

The Fleet Science Center

The Fleet Science Center is a must-go for science enthusiasts. It is home to over 100 different exhibits that are both informative and mysterious. This science center is also one of the few places that combines science exhibits with cinemas, bringing the most authentic feeling possible to all the senses of visitors.

After being retired, the Star of India was purchased by maritime enthusiasts and is now an official National Historic Landmark. Fully restored, the Star of India is carefully maintained and sets sail at least once a year.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is where visitors from all over the world come to experience walking on the decks of the magnificent Star of India, the oldest continuously operating sailing ship in the world. The ship traveled the world for many years, from the United Kingdom to India and then to New Zealand. After many difficult journeys, the ship became a salmon carrier from Alaska to California.

This museum is also known for restoring, maintaining and operating historical ships. Here, the most eloquent evidence of the world’s maritime industry in general and the United States in particular are maintained and stored, such as the Berkeley steam ferry in 1898 or the Medea steam yacht in 1904.

San Diego Automotive Museum (#best places to visit in San Diego)

The San Diego Automotive Museum is a place to preserve the achievements of the human automobile assembly industry. Here, you can witness car models from the most famous collections ever with retro designs but still no less luxurious. For those who are passionate about machinery and cars, this is truly a paradise for them. The exhibitions will give viewers the feeling of a slow-motion film about the development of the giants in the automobile industry, from the early days of machinery to the most advanced technologies.

San Diego Seaport Village

If you want to experience a carefree life, just spend time enjoying the beauty of nature and unique cultural features, then visit San Diego Seaport Village. This village is nestled on the riverbank, not too far from the center, so it is extremely convenient to travel. This is a place where dining places, souvenir shops as well as complexes with cobblestone streets, lakes and romantic gardens with unique architecture.

To visit this seaport village, you can rent a speedboat to save time at a good price from Klook.

La Jolla Bay

Surrounded by some spectacular cliffs on the sea, the small and poetic La Jolla Bay is one of the most beautiful places loved by photographers along the California coast. If you want to admire marine life, this is also an ideal place.

In addition to lying down and enjoying the bright sunshine on the beaches, visitors can swim, snorkel and kayak on this sea. In addition, you also have the opportunity to see beautiful sea seals exploring the caves and sunbathing around. For the most convenient way to visit this beautiful bay, you can refer to the La Jolla resort.

Gaslamp Street

The Gaslamp Quarter is considered the heart of San Diego’s premier dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. It dates back to 1850, when a San Francisco man, William H. Davis, built a home for his family on land he wanted to develop into a town. That venture failed, but his homes still stand today. Once a notorious hangout spot, it has now been cleaned up, both in appearance and reputation, and is known as the Gaslamp Quarter. It now has more than 200 restaurants, plus shops and art galleries.

Coronado Island

A trip to Coronado Island is a chance to “refresh” your energy after a tiring day of work. The small island with a beautiful town is a resort that is not too crowded and bustling but still ensures amenities so you can enjoy the best services and delicious food here. Activities that you can experience are cycling around town, watching the sunset on the sea or visiting the art museums here.

Cabrillo National Monument

Located at Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument was built to honor Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Spanish explorer who arrived in San Diego Bay in 1542. He was the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the present-day United States. Cabrillo National Monument is a great place for tourists who love outdoor activities. Activities include watching Pacific gray whales or hiking the two-mile Bayside Trail with stunning views of the city and bay. Other trails leading to tide pools and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse have also been restored, making it easy to enjoy the stunning views.

SeaWorld San Diego

With over 130 million visitors since it opened in 1964, SeaWorld is San Diego’s top tourist attraction and one of the most popular marine parks in the world. Through its shows, displays, and exhibits, visitors can learn about the world’s oceans and the creatures that live there, such as dolphins, killer whales, walruses, penguins, and polar bears.

Top San Diego Amusement Theme Parks

As one of the most popular cities for theme parks, there’s no reason not to check out these parks when you’re visiting San Diego. If you are still wondering which park to visit among the myriad of parks here, let us suggest you below!

San Diego Zoo

The zoo is one of the ideal places for families with young children to visit. Here, children will be able to see with their own eyes animals that they have only seen in books or on TV. The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals with more than 600 different species from carnivores to rare birds. Not only are there interesting animals, but the vegetation here is also extremely rich and diverse.

Safari Park

The Safari Park is also an equally great place for the whole family to admire wild animals. It gathers more than 2,600 animals from more than 200 species, notably lions, elephants, and giraffes. Visitors can take a tram to tour around the zoo, taking photos of wildlife at close range. With a large scale, spacious space and a variety of animals and plants, the whole family will have a memorable trip when coming to Safari Park.

Belmont Park

If you are a lover of outdoor activities and adventure games, Belmont Park is definitely one of the places you cannot miss when coming to San Diego. This park is strategically located, near the Mission beach with games such as roller coasters, ziplines, carousels or giant ferris wheels. No matter what age you are, you can easily find a suitable game for yourself. Admission to this park is free, but you will have to pay to experience the games here.

Legoland California

Legoland California is a place built by the famous toy company Lego, where you can easily encounter famous characters from popular movies made from Lego models. The park currently has a total of more than 15,000 different models, created from 35 million pieces, an amazing number, right? Not only that, children also have the opportunity to experience the water park here with interesting activities.

Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium, located in the La Jolla area, is home to many marine species such as seahorses, kelp, and aquatic invertebrates. These marine species are mainly native to the Pacific Ocean with a relatively diverse and abundant number. This aquarium allows visitors to experience animal feeding services, and witness how different fish species feed. This place is also a favorite place for children with play areas, club houses, and climbing towers, helping to stimulate children’s desire to explore and learn.

San Diego Tourist Attractions for Families

Torrey Pines State Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach in La Jolla is a popular beach right off the highway with bathrooms, showers, lifeguards, and a safe place for children to play by the lagoon. The open spaces above the beach are part of the 1,750-acre Torrey Pines State Park Reserve, dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine (which grows only here), and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. With family-friendly trails, the park offers great hiking for members of all ages.

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach has been named “one of the 10 best family beaches in North America” by the Travel Channel for several years, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for kids. Impromptu soccer, volleyball, and baseball games take place along the wide stretch of white sand. In the village of Coronado, the small-town atmosphere is ideal for strolling, shopping at local boutiques and surf shops, and grabbing a burger or ice cream at an outdoor cafe. Bike rentals are available at the Coronado Ferry Terminal, making it the perfect way for the kids to explore the island on their own.

Shell Beach

Situated at the southern end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, Shell Beach is a great place for the whole family to watch the tides come in and out. Kids can watch seals and sea lions play, and rest and sunbathe on a large offshore rock and sandy cove at the south end of this beautiful beach.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is home to 17 museums ranging from art and automobiles to photography and natural history. If you have kids, you can take them to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the San Diego Museum of Natural History (aka The Nat), which is filled with exhibits on insects, dinosaurs, mammals, geology – everything related to the natural world.

For teens, check out the San Diego Air & Space Museum, which features a real Apollo 9 Command Module and the only real GPS satellite on display in the world. The Museum of Photographic Arts, which specializes in social documentary photography and photojournalism, is also a great option when visiting Balboa Park.

Mission Bay Water Park

This man-made water playground in Mission Bay has plenty of great park space for the whole family to relax and play. There are structures for all ages, especially young children to climb and swing on, with thick stretches of sand underfoot. Mission Bay also has bike paths for older family members. In particular, the coastal breezes and open grassy areas make this park a great place to fly a kite.

Unique San Diego Travel Experiences

Visit Old Town San Diego

To be able to visit the beautiful city of San Diego, there is nothing more suitable than renting a Hop On Hop Off Trolley tour. This is a vehicle similar to a tram, allowing you to stop at many famous tourist destinations around San Diego. Not only that, the space in the car is also extremely airy, can directly catch the wind so you will not have to worry about getting carsick like when sitting in a car!

Experience Kayaking

If you have experience in kayaking, that is a good thing. However, if you have never kayaked, it is not too big of a problem. You can completely learn how to kayak in a short time, then paddle along the La Jolla shores or along the San Diego Bay. This will definitely be a great sport on sunny days.

Surfing in La Jolla

In the same space, you can both kayak and surf here. La Jolla Beach is a surfing area that attracts many tourists because of its professionalism. Here, you will be supported by a team of experienced coaches, a lifeguard team that is always ready and showering locations. The waves in this area are also quite gentle with long waves, so it is especially suitable for those who do not have much experience.

SUP in Mission Bay

If you feel that kayaking is not enough, you can try SUP. With this sport, you will need a little better health and more experience to avoid falling too many times from the boat. The calm waters of Mission Bay with not too strong winds are a favorite place for water sports enthusiasts when traveling to San Diego.

Diving and Exploring Underwater Wonders

La Jolla and Point Loma are popular destinations for diving enthusiasts to experience the feeling of exploring the ocean with countless interesting things. If you come to San Diego for a long visit, you should try diving under the sea with the enthusiastic and professional guidance of the coaches here. San Diego is also very famous for its underwater photography services and diving rental shops.

Unmissable San Diego Tours

This tour is the perfect choice if you are not familiar with the roads and transportation in San Diego. With these tours, you will be accompanied by tour guides who are fluent in the language, knowledgeable about local culture and extremely friendly and professional. Check out the best-selling San Diego tours currently available on Klook!

SEAL San Diego Tour

With this tour, you will experience visiting San Diego on a SEAL boat. The tour lasts 90 minutes, taking you and your loved ones through the picturesque streets of this city and visiting the beautiful scenery of San Diego Bay. This will be a great opportunity for you to see the city more closely with the surrounding waves, extremely romantic and relaxing.

San Diego Dinner Cruise

Cruises – a symbol of luxury is no longer something too far away when coming to San Diego. Dinner cruises in San Diego will take you out to the bay, enjoy the fresh air and saltiness of the sea, enjoy free champagne and a luxurious dinner with 3 main courses. In addition, on the cruise there are also DJs to play live music, making the atmosphere extremely vibrant.

San Diego Cruise

The luxury cruise departs from the port of San Diego and takes visitors to visit the most famous landmarks of this city. Instead of walking around the city, you will admire from the sea with endless blue water and the sound of waves lapping. San Diego Harbor Cruises will take you past the Coronado Bridge, the Naval Base, and see marine life including sea lions and seals.

F13 Mini Speedboat

If you are a person who gets seasick and cannot stand the feeling of floating on the sea, then experience the Mini F13 speedboat. This boat will go at a faster speed, smaller in size so it will not make visitors feel seasick. In addition, you also have the opportunity to try steering, go past the Coronado Bridge, the USS Midway Aircraft Museum, Seaport Village, etc.

Champagne Brunch Cruise in San Diego

Experiencing the Champagne Brunch Cruise in San Diego will also bring visitors a sense of luxury and opulence that cannot be found anywhere else. This cruise serves breakfast and brunch with a buffet counter that allows customers to freely choose delicious dishes without limit. In addition, customers coming here can also drink premium champagne comfortably and only have to pay once.

Utilities When Traveling to San Diego on Your Own

To have a complete trip to San Diego, never miss the extremely important utilities below. Preparing well for travel services and utilities before the trip will partly determine the quality of your experience throughout the journey.

US 4G SIM

When buying a US 4G SIM, you will be equipped with a full package of calls, messages and 8GB of data. With careful preparation, you will not have to worry about finding SIM points in the US when you get off the plane but can use it immediately. Customers who order SIM cards will have Klook deliver them to their homes within Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

eSIM – Listen, Call, Use the Internet Without a Physical SIM

With the development of technology, you can now use your phone SIM by scanning a QR code instead of having to use a traditional physical SIM. This will help you roam easily without having to remove the SIM from your phone.

Multi-Country 4G SIM

If your trip does not stop in the US but also extends to many other countries, buy yourself a 4G SIM that can be used in 72 countries. With this multi-function SIM, you will be able to use the internet comfortably for 30 days. However, you can only use 4G, you cannot make calls or send messages with this SIM.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to San Diego you can refer to

• USS Midway Museum Ticket San Diego
• San Diego Zoo Ticket
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park Ticket
• Go City – San Diego All-Inclusive Pass
• SeaWorld San Diego Ticket
• San Diego Harbor Cruise
• San Diego SEAL Tour
• Go City – San Diego Explorer Pass
• Klook Pass San Diego
• US/Canada/Mexico 15 Days Unlimited Data + Call SIM Card (Hong Kong Airport Pick Up)
• eSIM USA 5-30Days 7-50GB 5G/4G Data

Read more U.S guide here.