Best activities in San Diego
Check out the top activities in San Diego, reviewed and ranked by the city’s locals
1. San Diego Zoo
1. San Diego Zoo
356 local reviews
ZooPoint of interestEstablishment
The roar of a lion from the Panama-California International Exposition in 1915 inspired Dr. Harry Wegeforth to…
Amazing interactive exhibits and array of animals and lots of kids activities. Children's zoo and animal shows…
World Famous!
1. San Diego Zoo
1. San Diego Zoo
356 local reviews
Gina
The roar of a lion from the Panama-California International Exposition in 1915 inspired Dr. Harry Wegeforth to start a zoo in San Diego. Now…
Ahouva
Amazing interactive exhibits and array of animals and lots of kids activities. Children's zoo and animal shows.
Karen
World Famous!
2. Torrey Pines State Reserve
2. Torrey Pines State Reserve
200 local reviews
ParkPoint of interestEstablishment
North San Diego County (where The Guest House is located) offers some of the best local running, paddling, fis…
We consider it to be one of the best spots for walking, sightseeing, ocean activities...AND 5 minutes from the…
A popular round-trip family hike with sweeping views and beach access.
2. Torrey Pines State Reserve
2. Torrey Pines State Reserve
200 local reviews
Gina
North San Diego County (where The Guest House is located) offers some of the best local running, paddling, fishing, and diving in the area. …
Brian
We consider it to be one of the best spots for walking, sightseeing, ocean activities...AND 5 minutes from the house.
Alina
A popular round-trip family hike with sweeping views and beach access.
3. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
3. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
49 local reviews
AquariumPoint of interestEstablishment
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography offers fun and family-friendly educational programs an…
19 mins, 15.6 miles | More than 5,000 fish in 60+ habitats. Spectacular panoramic ocean views, get hands on wi…
Their World Awaits! See more than 5,000 fish in 60+ habitats plus a museum featuring cutting edge research fr…
3. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
3. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
49 local reviews
Sylvia
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography offers fun and family-friendly educational programs and activities overlooking the P…
Ray
19 mins, 15.6 miles | More than 5,000 fish in 60+ habitats. Spectacular panoramic ocean views, get hands on with interactive activities, see…
Jomo & Meredith
Their World Awaits! See more than 5,000 fish in 60+ habitats plus a museum featuring cutting edge research from Scripps Institution of Ocea…
4. Mission Trails Regional Park
4. Mission Trails Regional Park
29 local reviews
ParkPoint of interestEstablishment
With over 40 miles of hiking trails, there is something for every type of hiker or nature lover. If you're fee…
The visitor's center is a great place to take kids. Lots of activities, and a beautiful view from the deck out…
Hiking, family activities. Check website calendar of events
4. Mission Trails Regional Park
4. Mission Trails Regional Park
29 local reviews
Susan
With over 40 miles of hiking trails, there is something for every type of hiker or nature lover. If you're feeling extra adventurous, look u…
Victoria
The visitor's center is a great place to take kids. Lots of activities, and a beautiful view from the deck outside. There is a 1.5 mile loop…
Rick And Marilyn
Hiking, family activities. Check website calendar of events
5. Balboa Park
5. Balboa Park
523 local reviews
ParkMuseumPoint of interest
As one traveler put it: "This is the green and leafy heart of the city where a multitude of activities and nea…
The nation's largest urban cultural park. Home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautifu…
This park has it all! Lots of parking throughout the sprawling property, usually near a museum or attraction. …
5. Balboa Park
5. Balboa Park
523 local reviews
Gina
As one traveler put it: "This is the green and leafy heart of the city where a multitude of activities and nearby attractions await. But if …
Bob
The nation's largest urban cultural park. Home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the San Diego Zo…
Christine
This park has it all! Lots of parking throughout the sprawling property, usually near a museum or attraction. An outdoor stage where they pu…
6. Mission Bay
6. Mission Bay
54 local reviews
Mission Bay, San Diego
NeighborhoodPolitical
This 4,600-acre aquatic playground is surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, with a variety of waterw…
Great Views, with beaches and lots of activity rentals
Great place to do water sport activities and walks with wonderful sunset views
6. Mission Bay
6. Mission Bay
54 local reviews
Mission Bay, San Diego
David
This 4,600-acre aquatic playground is surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, with a variety of waterways, inlets and islets to expl…
Nicolas
Great Views, with beaches and lots of activity rentals
Violet And Bill
Great place to do water sport activities and walks with wonderful sunset views
7. La Jolla
7. La Jolla
48 local reviews
La Jolla, San Diego
NeighborhoodPolitical
Consistently voted one of the top beach destinations in the world, La Jolla offers a wide range of museums and…
Downtown La Jolla – San Diego’s European-inspired, North coastal town – offers a plethora of activities for lo…
Upscale and Spendy with Beautiful things to buy and eat
7. La Jolla
7. La Jolla
48 local reviews
La Jolla, San Diego
Belinda
Consistently voted one of the top beach destinations in the world, La Jolla offers a wide range of museums and art galleries, one-of-a-kind …
Gabrielle
Downtown La Jolla – San Diego’s European-inspired, North coastal town – offers a plethora of activities for locals and visitors alike. From …
Jan
Upscale and Spendy with Beautiful things to buy and eat
8. The New Children’s Museum
8. The New Children’s Museum
17 local reviews
200 West Island Avenue, San Diego
Closed · Opens Sat 9:30 AM
+1 619-233-8792
MuseumPoint of interestEstablishment
If you're looking for something to do with the kids, this place is AMAZING (we have an annual membership). Cr…
Fun hands-on activities for kids and adults alike. My kids love the clay area, where they can sculpt whatever …
Have some young ones who love to explore and learn? This is the place you want to take them too. Many activiti…
8. The New Children’s Museum
8. The New Children’s Museum
17 local reviews
200 West Island Avenue, San Diego
Closed · Opens Sat 9:30 AM
+1 619-233-8792
Shawn And Rachel
If you're looking for something to do with the kids, this place is AMAZING (we have an annual membership). Creative play, two extensive for…
Susan
Fun hands-on activities for kids and adults alike. My kids love the clay area, where they can sculpt whatever they like and leave it out to …
Melvin And Nina
Have some young ones who love to explore and learn? This is the place you want to take them too. Many activities to keep them busy & educate…
9. SeaWorld San Diego
9. SeaWorld San Diego
203 local reviews
500 Sea World Dr, San Diego
Closed · Opens Sat 10:00 AM
+1 619-222-4732
AquariumZooAmusement park
All the aquatic animals and fun activities for a family on vacation.
Fun activities for the whole family
If time permits it's a good leisurely activity! This is about 15 minutes from the house.
9. SeaWorld San Diego
9. SeaWorld San Diego
203 local reviews
500 Sea World Dr, San Diego
Closed · Opens Sat 10:00 AM
+1 619-222-4732
Miriam And Dennis
All the aquatic animals and fun activities for a family on vacation.
Manijeh And Ken
Fun activities for the whole family
Pamela
If time permits it's a good leisurely activity! This is about 15 minutes from the house.
10. Mission Bay Aquatic Center
10. Mission Bay Aquatic Center
16 local reviews
1001 Santa Clara Place, San Diego
Open · Closes 7:00 PM
+1 858-488-1000
Point of interestEstablishment
Rent sail boats water activities.
Everything you might wish to rent for family water sport activities. Jet skis, paddle boards and boats, power…
Great place to rent a catamaran for an hour or two. Catamarans are super easy-to-operate sail boats for 1-5 pp…
10. Mission Bay Aquatic Center
10. Mission Bay Aquatic Center
16 local reviews
1001 Santa Clara Place, San Diego
Open · Closes 7:00 PM
+1 858-488-1000
Donna
Rent sail boats water activities.
Carl & Vicki
Everything you might wish to rent for family water sport activities. Jet skis, paddle boards and boats, power boats, and my favorite with t…
Ed
Great place to rent a catamaran for an hour or two. Catamarans are super easy-to-operate sail boats for 1-5 ppl. The rates here are super af…