Things to Visit in San Diego

A 1,200-acre urban park with 17 museums, performing arts venues, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture from the 1915 exposition is stunning. The Botanical Building (free), Japanese Friendship Garden (USD 12), and the Fleet Science Center (USD 22) are highlights. A single museum costs USD 15-25, or buy the Explorer Pass (USD 69) for multiple entries.

One of the world's best zoos, with over 4,000 animals in naturalistic habitats. The Africa Rocks exhibit, Panda Trek, and Elephant Odyssey are standouts. The Skyfari aerial tram offers park overview. Admission USD 67 for one day (USD 98 for two-day pass including Safari Park). Allow a full day. Arrive at opening (9 AM) and start with the popular exhibits before crowds build.

The most comprehensive art museum in the region, with collections spanning from Renaissance to contemporary. The Spanish colonial building on El Prado is beautiful. Admission USD 20. The adjacent Sculpture Garden and Mingei International Museum of folk art are also worth visiting. Free on the first Tuesday of every month for San Diego residents.

A small, picture-perfect cove with crystal-clear water, protected as an ecological reserve. Sea lions and seals lounge on the rocks at Children's Pool, just steps away. The La Jolla Shores beach nearby is better for swimming. Kayak tours of the sea caves (USD 40-50) depart from the cove. Free parking nearby but limited, arrive before 10 AM on weekends.

San Diego's quintessential beach communities. Pacific Beach (PB) has a lively boardwalk with bars, shops, and restaurants. Mission Beach has a beachfront amusement park (Belmont Park) with a historic wooden roller coaster. The 3-mile boardwalk connecting them is perfect for walking, biking, or skating. Surf lessons cost USD 60-80 for a group session.

A dramatic stretch of eroded sandstone cliffs along the Pacific, offering some of the best sunset views in San Diego. A walking trail runs along the cliff edge with viewpoints. The tide pools at the base are accessible at low tide. Free access and parking. Located in the Ocean Beach neighborhood, which has its own laid-back beach town vibe.

Cross the iconic Coronado Bridge (or take the ferry from downtown, USD 7) to this resort island. The Hotel del Coronado (1888) is a National Historic Landmark with a distinctive red turret roof. The white sand beach stretching south is one of the best in California. Coronado village has boutique shops and cafes. The Silver Strand State Beach on the south end is less crowded.

San Diego's main entertainment district, with 16 blocks of Victorian-era buildings housing restaurants, rooftop bars, clubs, and shops. The area comes alive at night, especially on weekends. Rooftop bars like Altitude Sky Lounge and Float offer skyline views. The neighborhood was revitalized from a skid row in the 1980s and is now the heart of downtown nightlife.

The site of the first European settlement on the US west coast (1769). The State Historic Park (free) has restored adobe buildings, a schoolhouse, and costumed interpreters showing early California life. Fiesta de Reyes courtyard has Mexican restaurants and shops. Cafe Coyote is popular for tableside guacamole and margaritas. A quick taste of California's Mexican heritage.

Once an Italian fishing village, now one of San Diego's most walkable neighborhoods. India Street has excellent restaurants (Bencotto for pasta, Juniper and Ivy for modern American), the Little Italy Mercato farmers market (Saturday mornings, year-round), and Piazza della Famiglia for outdoor dining. The neighborhood's food scene rivals the Gaslamp at generally better value.

The downtown waterfront promenade runs from the Convention Center to the Maritime Museum. The USS Midway Museum (USD 26), a retired aircraft carrier, is the main attraction. The Maritime Museum has historic sailing ships. The Star of India (1863) is the world's oldest active sailing ship. The Seaport Village shopping area and Fish Market restaurant are popular stops.

San Diego's proximity to Mexico makes it one of the best taco cities in the US. Fish tacos are the local specialty. Tacos El Gordo (TJ-style street tacos), Oscars Mexican Seafood (fish tacos), and Las Cuatro Milpas (traditional, since 1933) are essential. The Barrio Logan neighborhood has authentic taquerias. Fish tacos cost USD 3-5 each at most spots.

San Diego has 150+ craft breweries, making it one of the top beer cities in the world. The North Park and Miramar areas have the highest concentrations. Societe Brewing, Modern Times, Pure Project, and Fall Brewing are local favorites. Many breweries have food trucks and outdoor patios. Brewery tours and tastings are widely available. A pint costs USD 7-9.

A food hall in the former Naval Training Center in Point Loma, with 30+ vendors selling artisan foods, craft drinks, and prepared meals. Mastiff Sausage Company, Wicked Maine Lobster, and Mess Hall for coffee are highlights. The outdoor patio overlooking the gardens is pleasant. Open daily, busiest on weekends for brunch. A more local alternative to downtown dining.

A stunning coastal reserve with cliffs, canyons, and the rare Torrey pine tree. The Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 miles) and Razor Point Trail (1.3 miles) offer dramatic ocean views. The beach below the cliffs is accessible by trail. Free entry on foot, USD 20-25 parking. One of the most beautiful short hikes in coastal California. Bring water and wear sun protection.

Walk across the border at San Ysidro (the world's busiest land crossing) into Tijuana's Avenida Revolucion for tacos, street food, craft beer (the local scene is booming), and shopping. Returning to the US requires a passport and can involve waits of 1-3 hours at peak times. The Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) is worth visiting. Cross early to minimize return wait times.

Gray whales migrate along the San Diego coast from December through April. Whale watching tours from the harbor cost USD 45-60 for a half-day trip. Blue whales are also spotted from June to September. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USD 22) has marine exhibits and a tide pool area. Point Loma and La Jolla are good shore-based whale watching spots.