Things to do in San Diego

San Diego · 1.7 km from downtown

1.7k reviews

The USS Midway Museum is housed in a decommissioned U.S. Navy aircraft carrier that saw actual service. Named after the Battle of Midway, the carrier entered service in 1945 and is the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, having taken part in the Vietnam War, the 1975 Saigon evacuation, and the 1991 Gulf War before opening to the public as a museum in 2004. The flight deck and hangar deck display more than 30 restored carrier aircraft and helicopters, spanning from World War II-era planes such as the F4F "Wildcat" and SBD "Dauntless" to Cold War-era F-4 "Phantom" and F-14 "Tomcat" and on to the F/A-18 "Hornet," tracing the decades-long evolution of carrier aviation. Catapults and arresting wires and other launch and recovery equipment remain on the deck, and many of the volunteer on-site guides are retired Navy pilots who explain the carrier aircraft launch and recovery procedures on site. The ship is divided into three visiting areas: the flight deck, the hangar deck, and the lower deck. The hangar deck features an immersive theater for the Battle of Midway, showing a short film of about 15 minutes that tells the story of that pivotal 1942 naval battle; nearby, a small observation aircraft that landed on the carrier deck during the 1975 Saigon evacuation is also on display, documenting that special chapter of history. The lower deck opens up shipboard living spaces such as the galley, medical bay, sailors' quarters, and engine room, allowing visitors to experience the real environment in which thousands of crew members lived at sea for extended periods. The bridge tour climbs through narrow ladders into the navigation room and pilothouse; due to limited space, the queue time is long, so it is recommended to go early.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in San Diego Metropolitan Area

Port of San Diego

8.7

San Diego · 2.9 km from downtown

249 reviews

Port of San Diego is one of the main naval ports for the US Navy's Pacific Fleet. The harbor is deep and wide, with various warships such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and nuclear submarines moored year-round. Standing on the shore, you can feel the massive scale of the warships up close. A highly recognizable landmark in the port area is the decommissionedUSS Midwayaircraft carrier. It is moored by the harbor and has been converted into an aircraft carrier museum open to the public, with various retired carrier-based aircraft displayed on the flight deck. In the park next to the aircraft carrier stands the "Embracing Peace" sculpture—a giant statue based on the classic V-J Day photo, capturing the moment a sailor and a nurse kiss. In the same park, there is also a group of bronze statues depicting a pilot who has just stepped off a plane, a kneeling nurse, a wounded soldier on crutches, a veteran in a wheelchair, as well as sailors, marines, ordinary citizens, and children. Strolling through the port area, red tiles and green trees contrast with the blue sea and sky, and in the distance, you can see the Coronado Bridge spanning the bay. On the other side of the harbor, there is a large private yacht marina with a forest of masts, offering a unique coastal charm. The pedestrian area is dotted with vintage sailboats and street performers playing guitar, as well as a century-old carousel.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

SeaWorld San Diego

7.9

4.6/5

764 reviews

SeaWorld San Diego • Enjoy a variety of unique animal experiences • Enjoy attractions of various thrill levels • Explore the exciting world of marine animals △ Marine life shows: Famous for its captivating marine life shows, visitors can witness wonderful performances by dolphins and sea lions here. These programs provide entertainment and education about marine animals and their behavior. △Animal exhibits: The park features various animal exhibits that allow visitors to get up close to a wide variety of marine life. From penguins and sharks to sea turtles and rays, these exhibits offer immersive experiences and opportunities to learn about different species. △Thrilling rides: In addition to marine life attractions, thrilling rides are also available for adrenaline enthusiasts. From roller coasters to water slides, these rides bring excitement and fun to visitors of all ages.

San Diego · 8.5 km from downtown

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

San Diego Zoo

7.5

San Diego · 2.4 km from downtown

201 reviews

The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park in Southern California, USA. It is a large urban zoo that combines animal exhibits, plant views, and conservation education. The zoo is home to over 10,000 animals, covering more than 600 species and subspecies, including many rare and endangered ones. The park also features hundreds of thousands of plants, with eucalyptus forests and various succulents giving it the charm of a botanical garden. Visiting the zoo feels like strolling through a plant garden. Giant pandas are the star attraction here: pandas "Yunchuan" and "Xinbao" live in the expanded "Panda Ridge" exhibit, where you can watch them munching bamboo, rolling around, or napping through the glass—often making it one of the park's most popular stops. Nearby the entrance, the "Koalafornia" exhibit features koalas mostly snoozing on eucalyptus branches or chewing leisurely, looking perpetually sleepy. The "Lost Forest" area showcases a gorilla family, while the "African Rocks" zone has groups of waddling African penguins on the sandy shore. In the polar bear exhibit, the bears often swim close to the water's surface, visible in striking detail through the glass. The park offers year-round educational animal shows, where animal ambassadors make appearances under keeper guidance. The double-decker sightseeing bus and "Skyfari" cable car provide two efficient ways to explore the park. The cable car crosses overhead, serving as both a convenient shuttle between park sections and a vantage point for canopy views of the zoo and Balboa Park. The zoo is built along the canyon terrain with many slopes and steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Try to visit the pandas earlier in the morning for shorter wait times. A full walk around the park with stops usually takes most of the day, so planning your route in advance can help avoid backtracking. △ Watch adorable giant pandas up close △ Watch marine creature show △ Overlooking the zoo panorama by cable car

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

LEGOLAND California

7.5

Carlsbad · 47.9 km from San Diego

323 reviews

LEGOLAND California (LEGOLAND California) features over 60 rides, shows, and attractions designed for children's entertainment, perfect for families with kids aged 2 to 12! Miniland USA contains millions of LEGO® bricks and scenes from the east coast to the west coast. Lego water park with over 7 slides, beach and unique build-a-raft river plus pirate reef and LEGO® legends of CHIMA water park•Includes 10 acres of water fun! SEA LIFE aquarium is your child's interactive guide to marine life, combining hands-on learning with engaging educational talks and close encounters with creatures like sharks and rays! Coming in 2026! LEGO Galaxy™: New themed area and attractions—now open!Charge into a brand-new space-themed zone and embark on a joy-filled universe beyond imagination, featuring: ·Galacticoaster: This roller coaster perfectly blends storytelling, thrilling experiences, and cutting-edge ride technology, taking the whole family on a customizable LEGO® space adventure! · A galaxy full of joy: Also featuring two additional rides, character interaction experiences, a play area for young children, space-themed cuisine, and cool galactic gear waiting to be explored! △Exciting activity △Intuitive perception of LEGO model finished products △Observe marine animals up close

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in San Diego Metropolitan Area

Balboa Park

6.8

San Diego · 2.4 km from downtown

163 reviews

Balboa Parkis located in the heart of San Diego, California, United States. The park covers a vast area, integrating large green spaces, natural canyons, historic buildings, and numerous cultural institutions into a comprehensive public space that combines leisure, art, history, and natural views. Soaring towers, continuous arched corridors, exquisite courtyard decorations, and rich sculptural details work together to create a strong Spanish palace-style atmosphere. Strolling through it, visitors feel as if they are in a city garden that blends European classical style with the sunny atmosphere of California. The park features rich botanical views, and the Botanical Building and the Lily Pond in front of it form a classic view. The wooden-framed greenhouse is reflected on the calm surface of the lily pond, set against the surrounding flowers, plants, palm trees, and green spaces, creating a tranquil and beautiful garden atmosphere.

Selected for Best Things to Do in California

Embracing Peace

6.4

4.8/5

39 reviews

Embracing Peace is a striking public artwork located in San Diego, California, United States, situated near Seaport Village on the San Diego waterfront. Visitors here can not only admire the artwork but also experience the unique atmosphere created by the interplay of the harbor, warships, and the city view. Created by American artist Seward Johnson, this large bronze sculpture stands over 7 m tall and captures the classic moment of a sailor and a nurse embracing to celebrate the end of World War II. The sailor in the sculpture leans forward while the nurse leans back. Their dynamic poses not only express the joy of that historical moment but also convey themes of peace and hope. The statue is set in an open area with the sparkling San Diego Bay in front and the massive hull of the USS Midway Museum visible behind it, creating a striking blend of history and coastal scenery.

San Diego · 1.7 km from downtown

2026 Americas 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

6.3

San Diego · 45.4 km from downtown

85 reviews

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a world-renowned wildlife conservation and education center. The expansive park is home to thousands of animal species from around the globe, including lions and giraffes from the African savanna, as well as tigers and pandas from Asian forests. Visitors can ride specially designed safari vehicles to observe these wild animals up close in their natural habitats, experiencing the wonders and harmony of nature. The park also features multiple interactive experience zones, such as bird shows.Sea Lion TheaterVisitors can learn about animals in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere while experiencing the harmony between humans and nature. Families are especially recommended to participate in the "Little Zookeeper" activity, where children can feed small animals under professional guidance and enjoy the fun of animal care.

San Diego · 5.9 km from downtown

Old Town

6.3

4.4/5

242 reviews

Old Townis located in San Diego, California, United States, and serves as an important starting point for the city's history and culture. Stepping into Old Town, you are immediately immersed in a rich historical atmosphere. The district preserves many traditional adobe buildings, which feature rustic exterior walls and natural colors that complement the surrounding palm trees, courtyards, and small plazas, showcasing the unique lifestyle of early California. The district is home to hundreds of shops, restaurants, and handicraft markets, where visitors can purchase souvenirs such as Mexican-style pottery, textiles, and handmade jewelry. The public spaces in Old Town are equally vibrant, with street musicians often playing in the plaza, and folk dances and traditional performances appearing from time to time.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in San Diego Metropolitan Area

La Jolla Cove

6.1

La Jolla · 2 km from downtown

185 reviews

La Jolla Coveis located on the Pacific coast north of downtown San Diego, California, United States, and is a beautiful coastal area consisting of reefs, beaches, and cliffs. It is known for its clear waters, rich marine life, and immersive nature-viewing experience, making it one of San Diego's popular seaside attractions. Walking south along the coastal trail toward the beach, you can see seals resting leisurely on the sand, while seabirds like cormorants gather on nearby reefs, creating a vibrant coastal scene. The entire area is within a marine ecological reserve, and its crystal-clear waters make it a favorite spot for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Once in the water, visitors can see colorful Garibaldi fish swimming among the reefs.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in San Diego

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Free things to do in San Diego

Port of San Diego

8.7

San Diego · 2.9 km from downtown

249 reviews

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6.8

San Diego · 2.4 km from downtown

163 reviews

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