Ever since I met, and now married a San Diego man, this ocean-side California city has become my home-away-from-home. I’ve grown to love this second home of mine and believe everyone should experience San Diego at least once in their life. Regardless of whether it’s your first visit to sunny San Diego or you’re a seasoned traveler, this city is sure to enthrall you.
San Diego is a vibrant coastal city in California that is rich in culture and history. It is a perfect travel destination for those seeking the Pacific beaches, museums and history, and fun adventures like mountain hikes.
This blog shares 13 best things to do in San Diego on your first visit, including the details needed to plan the perfect first trip. Whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or with family, San Diego has something for everyone.
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How to Get to San Diego:
If you’re flying to San Diego, you’ll arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN) which is a fairly small airport for such a large city. The airport only has two terminals, but serves all the major airlines, including American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, and many more. You can also fly nonstop to over 80 destinations, including more than 10 international locations.
I’ve always flown Southwest from Milwaukee (MKE) or Chicago Midway (MDW) and it’s a very easy flight, usually with one connection. Since San Diego International Airport is smaller, you don’t have to arrive ridiculously early for your flight and walking to baggage claim and grabbing your luggage upon arrival is pretty quick.
Do You Need a Car in San Diego?
If it’s your first time in San Diego and you haven’t driven much in big-city traffic, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car. Traffic in San Diego can be horrendous and parking can be near-impossible to find and expensive. However, the city is very spread out so if you’re going to be enjoying a variety of different activities in San Diego, renting a car certainly has it’s benefits over using rideshare services to get everywhere.
Where to Stay in San Diego:
San Diego has just about every lodging option you can think of for your vacation. My recommendation for searching for a hotel in San Diego is to decide what you want to do on your trip, decide on a neighborhood to stay, and then search for hotels in that specific location.
For example, if you want to explore the area museums, visit the San Diego Zoo, and hike, you should consider a hotel near Balboa Park. It will help narrow down options significantly and help ensure you aren’t 45 minutes from all the activities you planned for your getaway.
Best Things to Do in San Diego:
Visit Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Cabrillo National Monument is the perfect spot to learn about the history of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and see stunning views of San Diego and beyond into Mexico.
The park boasts a beautiful visitor center, featuring a gift shop, book store, knowledgeable rangers, and informative guides who can assist as you plan your activities. While San Diego is very pet-friendly, dogs are only allowed on one trail while visiting the monument so it’s best to keep pets at home during your visit.
If you’re looking to get out for a beautiful walk, you will be pleased with the offerings here: the Bayside Trail (2.5-miles round trip) and the shorter Coastal Trail (1-mile round trip) are incredible. The Bayside Trail provides beautiful views of Ballast Point, Coronado Island, and even Tijuana, while the Coastal Trail follows the Pacific and leads to the Tidepool Access Area.
Venture to Coronado Island
Coronado is one of my favorite places to spend a day when visiting Sam’s parents in San Diego. The island is incredibly pet-friendly, has fantastic food and shopping, and is home to beautiful beaches.
If you have the budget, I recommend staying at the Hotel del Coronado. It’s a dream hotel located along the water with beautiful rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, an olympic-size pool, spa, and so much more.
The hotel is also within walking distance to Coronado shops and restaurants, making it a great choice for those wanting to explore by foot.
See the Sea Lions at La Jolla Shores
1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
One of my favorite things to do in San Diego is visit La Jolla Shores. This area consists of a mile-long stretch of beach with so much to do. At the northern end of the beach is Torrey Pines State Beach where you can swim and enjoy the area. Additionally, the Natural Reserve around the beach has some excellent hiking trails providing gorgeous views.
However, my favorite spot to visit in La Jolla Shores is the Children’s Pool near downtown La Jolla. While you are not able to swim here, you will be greeted by seals and sea lions who call the cliffside home.
Parking is available along the stretch, but can be difficult to find. Most people arrive by 12pm and leave by 4pm so you’ll have the best luck with parking at La Jolla Shores if you arrive before lunch or late-afternoon. Bathrooms and showers are also available for public use.
Explore Balboa Park
1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 (The Old Globe)
Balboa Park is one of those places that everytime I go I wish I had so much more time to explore. The 1,200 acre public park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is home to museums, gardens, shops, hiking trails, restaurants and so much more.
To plan your day in Balboa Park, I recommend picking a museum or garden to visit (perhaps the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Museum of Us) along with one of the many hiking trails.
If you have longer to spend, consider the Explorer Pass which grants entrance to many of the museums. There are several pass options available from the Annual Pass to the Park-wide Pass, depending on how long you have in the area.
The GoCity Pass is another great option if you plan on visiting several of San Diego’s most popular attractions.
Visit the San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
One of the only places in San Diego where you get to park for free, the iconic San Diego Zoo is on most visitor’s itineraries. And for good reason: the 100-acre zoo is home to over 12,000 animals.
Located within Balboa Park, the zoo is a fantastic outing for families, couples, and individuals excited to learn more about rare and endangered species. The San Diego Zoo is divided into several habitats so you can visit the Reptile Walk to visit with amphibian friends or the Northern Frontier to say hi to the polar bears.
For those with limited time or a new way to see the zoo, consider a 35-minute guided bus tour. Tours are free with admission and are first-come, first-served.
Tickets start at $72 per adult and $62 per child. Entrance to the zoo can be pricey, so if you have the time and plan on visiting other area-attractions, I recommend the GoCity Pass.
**Admission to the San Diego Zoo does not include entrance to the San Diego Safari Park
Catch a Baseball Game at Petco Park
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Downtown San Diego is home to Petco Park where you can catch the San Diego Padres playing ball. Baseball fans will love this fun stadium with an enthusiastic fan base. Located just blocks from delicious dining options, enjoy a nice meal and drinks before heading to Petco Park to catch a win!
Grab game tickets online. Pre-paid parking begins at $35, but a local secret is to park and take the San Diego Trolley light rail service. There are also plenty of hotels near Petco Park if you want to stay close to the field and walk.
Check out the Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
The Birch Aquarium is a great activity when the weather isn’t great, and kids will love it! The aquarium is relatively small compared to popular U.S. aquariums found in major cities like Chicago and Dallas, but it’s full of fun fish and educational information.
The aquarium is part of the University of California – San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Daily tickets start at 29.95/adult and 24.95/child, but an annual membership will grant you admission for a year.
Explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Park & Beach
Some of the most diverse and beautiful hiking in San Diego is at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Park in the La Jolla neighborhood (less than 30 minutes from downtown San Diego). The area is also home to Torrey Pines State Beach.
Once you enter the area, take the low roads to the beach or the high roads to the park.
The park offers several trail options leading to stunning viewpoints and overlooks. The views from the bluffs overlooking the ocean are amazing. Trail distances range from 100 yards to just over a mile.
Torrey Pines does have a small parking lot, but it fills up quickly and then you must find street parking. Keep in mind that depending on where you park, you can add an extra mile or more onto your total hike distance.
The park is very regulated to keep it beautiful and accessible for years to come. Keep in mind that the park does not allow dogs, food or alcohol, or flying drones.
Experience Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Home to 14 acres of waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment, Seaport Village is a one-stop shop for residents and visitors to San Diego. The complex is home to over 60 businesses, including a kite shop, a popular toy store, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, and casual and fine dining options.
The property offers beautiful harbor views and ample grassy spots for picnics and relaxing under the sun.
While some of the shops are a bit touristy, I really enjoy walking along the water and taking in the views.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107
If you’re looking for the best spot to watch sunset in San Diego (and also the busiest), head to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The 63-acre park stretches 1.5 miles along the beautiful coast of Point Loma and is often filled with runners, walkers, and visitors enjoying the view.
Sunset Cliffs is a beautiful spot for a picnic lunch or sunset dinner. You might even see an engagement, photoshoot, or a wedding taking place here during your visit.
Make sure you get to Sunset Cliffs early if you plan to catch the sun setting as it can get very crowded and parking can be difficult. Street parking is free, but can be hard to come by as it gets closer and closer to the sun going down. However, once you secure your spot, you will not be disappointed by the gorgeous view that awaits you.
Tour the U.S.S Midway Museum
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
History buffs will love touring the longest serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century: the U.S.S Midway. The aircraft hosts over 1 million visitors annually through tours, private parties, and special events. It’s also one of the top things to do in San Diego last year according to TripAdvisor.
The ship is divided into three sections: the flight deck, hangar deck and below deck. Each deck offers interactive exhibits to experience what life was like aboard the U.S.S Midway. Along with the audio recordings, volunteers are also stationed all throughout the ship to help answer any questions you may have.
Self-guided audio tours are available daily from 10am until 5pm (last admission at 4pm). Keep in mind that the ship is very large and there’s a lot to explore, so it’s recommended to allot 3 to five hours to see it all.
Browse Liberty Public Market
2820 Historic Decatur Rd, Suite 140, San Diego, CA 92106
Liberty Public Market is San Diego’s first daily public market located in the historic Liberty Station.
The market is home to over 35 vendors, including The Pig’s Gig BBQ, Wicked Maine Lobster, Parana Empanadas, and The Candy Passport. One of my favorite spots is Berry Fresh for delicious açaí bowls.
Mess Hall Bar is also located within Liberty Public Market and you can grab a drink and head outside to the patio to enjoy the perfect San Diego weather. Happy Hour is daily from 3-6pm!
The market is open from 9am until 8pm daily, although individual vendor hours may vary. There is ample parking available throughout Liberty Station.
Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market
4900 Block of Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Every Wednesday from 4pm until 8pm, locals gather along Newport Avenue in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego for a lively farmers market.
Over 100 vendors set up booths in the 4900 block of Newport, between Cable and Bacon Streets. Each week you can expect certified farmed items, baked goods, crafts, fresh beverages, hot foods and more.
Since Ocean Beach (or OB has it’s known by the locals) is such an eclectic neighborhood, I always recommend that visitors check out the market to experience this part of San Diego. You can grab dinner from one of the vendors and then head down the street to the beach for sunset. You’ll also find some incredible breweries and bars in OB if you’re up for a post-market drink.
What to Pack:
There are a few essentials you should bring on every trip to San Diego:
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Swimsuit
– Puffer Jacket (Winter)
– Dinner Attire
– Sandals – Chacos are my favorites for outdoor adventures and Birks are my go-tos for everyday wear
– Activewear
– Sweatshirt (It can get chilly at night!)
Conclusion:
I’ve been to San Diego countless times now to visit my in-laws, and I still feel like I’ve only scratched the service of all the city has to offer visitors. San Diego has amazing restaurants, indoor and outdoor activities, and beaches and hiking trails. If it’s not on your bucket list, I highly recommend you add San Diego to the top of it.
