Best things to do in San Diego
The top 3 according to 54 votes from people: Old Town San Diego · Cabrillo National Monument · Balboa Park. (Updated Sep 9, 2025.)
Beaches, Balboa Park and sea lions: San Diego's top experiences according to Lonely Planet, U.S. News and AAA.
Top 10
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1
Old Town San Diego
State historic park on the site of California's first European settlement.
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2
Cabrillo National Monument
Point Loma viewpoint with a historic lighthouse and tide pools.
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3
Balboa Park
1,200-acre park with 17 museums, Spanish Revival architecture and gardens.
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4
Gaslamp Quarter
Victorian downtown district of restaurants and nightlife next to Petco Park.
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5
Little Italy
Restaurants and the Saturday Mercato farmers' market.
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6
San Diego Zoo
World-famous zoo in Balboa Park with more than 12,000 animals.
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7
La Jolla Cove
Small cove where sea lions and seals lounge, with sea caves and kayaking.
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8
USS Midway Museum
Aircraft carrier turned museum on the downtown waterfront.
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9
Mission Beach and Belmont Park
Boardwalk beach with the 1925 Giant Dipper roller coaster.
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10
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Clifftop trails above the Pacific through rare Torrey pines.
Candidates
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11
Coronado Beach and Hotel del Coronado
Wide golden beach in front of the Victorian 1888 hotel.
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12
Barrio Logan and Chicano Park
Neighbourhood of murals under the Coronado Bridge and taco shops.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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Comments (3)
Balboa Park could be a full day on its own.
Torrey Pines hike at sunset, gorgeous.
La Jolla Cove with the sea lions, the best morning in San Diego 🦭