On the surface, visiting San Diego can feel overwhelming and not at the same time. There are a lot of basic tourist attractions you can check out (think: The Zoo), as well as lesser-known options. We’ve compiled a list of 15+ fun San Diego activities to add to your bucket list!
Enjoy the San Diego skyline while pedaling with Eco Boat Rentals
- Address: 2803 Emerson St. San Diego, CA 92106
- Neighborhood: Point Loma
- Price: $152 per boat per hour
- Pro Tip: Book a weekend evening slot for a unique glow-in-the-dark “Glo Boat” Experience.
Take a cocktail-making class at the You & Yours Distillery
- Address: 1495 G. Street San Diego, CA
- Neighborhood: East Village
- Price: $50 per person
- Pro Tip: Arrive early for a drink and charcuterie board in the tasting room before your class.
Have a picnic under the stars and listen to an All-Star Orchestra at Mainly Mozart (seasonal)
- Address: The Center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd Del Mar, CA 92014
- Neighborhood: Del Mar
- Price: Ranges by section starting at $20
- Pro Tip: If you’ve booked lawn seating, plan to arrive early to snag a good seat! Also, while there are food trucks at the venue, the best bang for your buck is packing your own picnic.
Go on a romantic Gondola ride in the Coronado Cays with The Gondola Company
- Address: 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C Coronado, California 92118
- Neighborhood: Coronado
- Price: Starting at $119
- Pro Tip: You can bring your own snacks aboard (we did a charcuterie board) to add to the romance. PS: Check out the Proposal Cruise for a Venetian-Style Proposal.
Explore the historic Sunny Jim Sea Cave underneath the Cave Store
- Address: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Neighborhood: La Jolla
- Price: Adults: $10 | Youth (3-17): $6
- Pro Tip: Check this cave out on weekdays to avoid crowds. They only allow 15-20 into the cave at each time.
Catch an outdoor movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club
- Address: Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Price: Tickets start at $18.50
- Pro Tip: Dress warmly as it can be windy and chilly on the roof even during the summer months.
Play in the fields at the Carlsbad Flower Fields (seasonal)
- Address: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Neighborhood: Carlsbad
- Price: Prices change throughout the season, check your specific date and time for the latest info.
- Pro Tip: Go at golden hour for the best lighting for photos. Learn more on the blog.
Enjoy the San Diego skyline with Triton Charters
- Address: 2700 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Price: Cruises start at $55 per person or $825/hour for larger private charters
- Pro Tip: If you do one thing with out-of-town guests, this must be it. It’s enjoyable for tourists and locals alike between the fun music, drinks and city views.
Go Paddle Boarding at Liberty Station
- Address: Waterfront of the Courtyard Marriott Liberty Station – 2592 Laning Road San Diego, CA 92106
- Neighborhood: Point Loma
- Price: Paddle Boarding starts at $25 for 1 hour (Lessons can be scheduled for $55 per hour)
- Pro Tip: Pair this with a visit to one of Liberty Station’s breweries or a visit to the vintage SeaHive Station (vintage market) for a full-day plan.
Have a date night with cocktails and mini golf at Tappers Mini Golf
- Address: 2960 Truxtun Road San Diego, CA 92106
- Neighborhood: Point Loma
- Price: $27 per person
- Pro Tip: Grab a margarita and tacos at Go Go Amigo after a round of Golf. This is also great for groups or date nights.
Relax amongst the butterflies at the Encinitas Butterfly Farm
- Address: 441 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Neighborhood: Encinitas
- Price: $6 per person
- Pro Tip: Become a member for free admission.
Pretend you’re at the Japan Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden (seasonal)
- Address: 2215 Pan American Road E. San Diego, CA 92101
- Neighborhood: Balboa Park
- Price: $ 14 – Adults (18+) | $ 12 – students | Seniors (65+), Military, Children under 6 are Free
- Pro Tip: Follow Japanese Friendship Garden on Instagram and make sure to visit as soon as the flowers start to bloom in the Spring as early as March. Learn more about the Japanese Friendship Garden here.
Go on a sunset whale-watching tour with SD Whale Watch
- Address: 1617 Quivira Rd. San Diego, CA 92109
- Neighborhood: Mission Bay
- Price: Starts at $40.
- Pro Tip: They have a cool rule where if you don’t see any sea mammals, you get a free future visit!
Relax and take a surprise day trip with “A Day Away”
- Address: Varies by trip
- Neighborhood: San Diego + Orange County
- Price: $55 per person
- Pro Tip: This is ideal for surprise dates and birthday gifts. Visit their website to learn about upcoming trips.
Learn about San Diego’s creepy history with a Ghost Tour
- Address: 2415 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
- Neighborhood: Old Town
- Price: Starts at $25 per person.
- Pro Tip: Code Karma will get you a discount when you book in October 2022.
Go Strawberry Picking in Carlsbad (seasonal)
- Address: 1050 Cannon Rd Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Neighborhood: Carlsbad
- Price: Basket $7 | 3 Pack $18 | Half Flat $30 | Flat $55
- Pro Tip: Wear closed-toed and older shoes as your feet will likely get muddy or dusty. Learn more about Strawberry Picking here.
Spend a rainy day at Birch Aquarium
- Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Neighborhood: La Jolla
- Price: Adult $24.95 | Child (3-17, 2 & under free) $19.95 | Senior (60+) $22.95 | College Student (with ID) $22.95
- Pro Tip: Post COVID, it’s important to book a time slot to visit the aquarium. Make sure to show up on time as they only allow admissions during your designated entry time and date. Early entry is not available.
Go kayaking at the La Jolla Cove with Everyday California
- Address: 2261 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Neighborhood: La Jolla Shores
- Price: Starting at $64 for 90 minutes
- Pro Tip: Check it out during the summer months when the surf isn’t as big. Entry into the cave depends upon the ocean and weather conditions.
Hidden Gems:
Paint rocks at Dave’s Rock Garden
- Address: 200-298 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Neighborhood: Encinitas
- Price: Free
- Pro Tip: This unique community garden is the perfect spot to meditate and paint your own rock with a view of the ocean. Bring your own rock (there are paints there) and then leave it to dry. Next time you visit, explore the garden to see where your rock was placed!
Queen Califia’s Garden
- Address: 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025
- Neighborhood: Escondido
- Price: Free
- Tip: This Garden is a bit tough to visit as it’s only open a few days a month. Also, the exhibit is not open when it’s raining or if it has rained within the last 48 hours. This “hidden gem” really is hidden!
Looking for more fun San Diego activities?
5 Dinner spots to catch the San Diego sunset
10 Unique things to do on Coronado Island
