Top 19 Things to Do in San Diego for First-time Visitors

If you’re planning your first trip to San Diego and looking for the top attractions and activities, you’re in for a treat. This sunny Southern California city blends beach days with cultural sights, fun neighborhoods, and some of the best coastal views in the state.

Being a California local, I’ve been to San Diego several times in the last 20+ years and still haven’t run out of new things to do and see here. For your first trip, you’ll want to focus on the top sights that give you a real feel for the city.

Here’s my list of must-do things in San Diego if you’re visiting for the first time. These are the most popular places that I’ve either personally visited or have been recommended to me by my family and friends.

You’ll need at least 2-3 days in your San Diego itinerary to enjoy them at a relaxed pace. If you plan to visit the popular parks like the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld, remember to plan a full day for each park. With that said, let’s dive into the top things to do in San Diego.

1. Mission Beach and Boardwalk

Mission Beach is a classic Southern California beach, and the boardwalk that runs alongside it is full of energy. You can walk, bike, or rollerblade along the path, or just sit and people-watch. This is also a great place to catch a spectacular Pacific Ocean sunset.

Mission Beach is home to Belmont Park, a small beachfront amusement park with rides, games, and an old-school wooden roller coaster called the Giant Dipper.

2. Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a laid-back spot right on the waterfront, perfect for strolling, eating, or doing a little souvenir shopping. It has that touristy feel but in a good way – think local shops, bayside views, and casual cafes.

I like stopping here for coffee or a walk along the water before heading to the Embarcadero or Gaslamp Quarter area. On clear days, you can see the Coronado Bridge and even Coroando Island from here.

3. Walk along the Embarcadeo

The Embarcadero is a scenic bayfront walkway that runs past many of San Diego’s top attractions, including the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway, and the iconic Unconditional Surrender statue.

On my last trip to San Diego, I walked the full stretch, starting in Little Italy and ending at Seaport Village. There was so much to take in—public art displays, wide-open views of San Diego Bay, and cruise boats passing by. I also saw several street vendors selling San Diego-themed souvenirs along the way.

You can stop at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where you can board historic vessels like the Star of India, a 19th-century sailing ship that’s still seaworthy.

Just down the path, the Unconditional Surrender statue, also known as the Kissing Statue, commemorates the end of World War II and makes for a popular photo spot.

If you’re interested in getting out on the water, you can catch a ferry to Coronado Island or hop on a harbor cruise from the Broadway Pier.

4. USS Midway

Docked right on the Embarcadero, the USS Midway is a decommissioned aircraft carrier turned museum and one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. You can explore the hangar, walk the massive flight deck, and even sit in the cockpits of retired fighter jets.

6. Coronado Island

Coronado Island is just a short drive over the scenic Coronado Bridge or an easy ferry ride from the Embarcadero. If you take the ferry, stop by Centennial Park on Coronado Island for great views of the San Diego skyline.

The main draw here is Coronado Beach, a wide, sandy beach that’s clean and perfect for a relaxing walk or a day at the beach.

Right next to it is the Hotel del Coronado, a historic beachfront resort that’s been around since 1888. Even if you’re not staying there, the Hotel del Coronado is worth a visit. You can walk through the historic lobby, grab a drink, and take in the beach views from the back patio.

When I last visited, the exterior facade was under renovation, but the lobby and gardens were still open to explore.

There’s a nice walking path next to the hotel with ocean views. For food, Sun Deck is great for a casual lunch, and Serẽa is the spot for upscale coastal dining. If you’re up for a short walk, check out Clayton’s Coffee Shop on Orange Ave for classic diner food and homemade pies.

7. Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a huge urban park with gardens, museums, walking paths, and Spanish-style architecture. It is a great place to spend a few hours or even a full day in San Diego. It always reminds me of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

Just walking around here is enjoyable, especially near the Botanical Building and Lily Pond, one of the most photographed spots in the park. There are open plazas, fountains, shaded benches, and even a carousel if you’re visiting with kids.

If you’re into museums, there are plenty to choose from. The San Diego Museum of Art, Fleet Science Center, Natural History Museum, and Museum of Us are some of the most popular. I like that the museums are close together, so it’s easy to pop into one or two without much planning.

The park is also home to the San Diego Zoo, which is massive and usually requires a full day to explore.

It’s free to enter the park and walk around, but the museums have separate admission fees. The Balboa Park Visitor Center is near the historic House of Hospitality building, where you can grab a map or ask about events.

If you’re driving, there are several free parking lots throughout the park, but they can fill up, especially on weekends, so arrive early if you can.

8. San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the US and a bucket list attraction in San Diego. It’s located right inside Balboa Park. I’ve been to the zoo here twice, when my kids were younger, and both times we spent the whole day there. It’s huge with some hilly parts, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. There are plenty of dining options in the zoo.

I recommend starting with the 35-minute guided bus tour first (included in your entry ticket), to get a lay of the land, before you start exploring the wildlife exhibits. The Polar Bear Plunge, Giand Pandas, Elephant Odyssey, and Africa Rocks are popular exhibits.

9. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

If you have time for a day trip, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido is a completely different experience from the main zoo. The setting is more open and spread out, with large, naturalistic enclosures that feel closer to a real safari.

A lot of tourists know about the San Diego Zoo, but many have not heard about this separate Safari Park. I have been here once, a few years ago, and really loved the safari-style layout of this zoo.

One of the best things to do here is the Africa Tram, a guided ride through the wide-open savanna where you can spot giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and more roaming freely. It’s included with general admission and is great for all ages.

10. SeaWorld

Just like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego is another popular attraction, especially for families. SeaWorld is a mix of marine life exhibits, animal shows, and amusement park rides, all in one spot.

Some of the most popular animal shows include the Orca Encounter, Dolphin Adventures, and the Sea Lion Experience. The stadium seating makes it easy to see, and there are splash zones up front if you are into that.

I have been to SeaWorld twice when the kids were younger, and they loved the animal encounters, especially the orcas and the sea lions. Between shows, you can explore the animal exhibits and see otters, sharks, penguins, jellyfish, and other marine life.

The park also has several rides for all ages. Thrill rides like Emperor, a dive coaster, is one of the newest and most thrilling, while Journey to Atlantis mixes a coaster with water ride elements. There are several kid-friendly rides as well like Tentacle Twirl and Sea Dragon Drop.

SeaWorld isn’t cheap, especially once you factor in food and parking, but it is worth visiting if your group will enjoy the animal shows and the water-themed roller coaster rides.

11. Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach (or PB, as locals call it) has a laid-back, beachy vibe with a mix of surfers, locals, and travelers. It’s a fun spot for walking, biking, or just hanging out by the water.

We stayed here once at the Pacific Terrace Hotel, which is right on the beach, and loved the hotel and the location. It felt central but still relaxed, and we could walk everywhere.

The wide, sandy beach is great for surfing or just chilling, and there’s a long, paved boardwalk that runs along the coast. You can walk or rent bikes and cruise all the way down to Mission Beach.

One of the main landmarks here is Crystal Pier, a wooden pier that stretches out over the ocean with small cottages you can actually stay in.

Right along the beach, you’ll find casual spots to eat and grab coffee. We liked Kono’s Cafe, right by the pier. It’s known for hearty breakfast plates and outdoor seating with a great ocean view.

PB also has a lot of casual bars and restaurants if you’re out in the evening, but even just watching the sunset from the beach is a perfect way to wind down the day.

12. Old Town

The Old Town area in San Diego is considered the birthplace of California and is a fun place to spend half a day, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

On my most recent visit to San Diego with my friends, we stayed in this vacation rental in Old Town and loved the safe neighborhood and the central location.

The heart of the area is the Old Town State Historic Park, where you can walk through preserved and reconstructed buildings from the 1800s, browse small museums, and take a docent-led walking tour.

There are several great Mexican restaurants here. I had lunch at Casa de Reyes, a colorful spot with outdoor seating and great Mexican food. There are also plenty of shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and handmade goods. I picked up a few things here on my visit.

The Old Town Trolley starts from here and offers hop-on, hop-off service to many of San Diego’s top sights. It is a fun way to get to the tourist places.

➡️ Check out the tickets here for San Diego Trolley Hop On Hop Off Tour

13. Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego’s historic downtown district, known for its restaurants, rooftop bars, and lively nightlife. It’s a good spot to walk around in the evening if you’re looking for dinner or just want to check out the Gaslamp Quarter sign.

That said, it can feel a bit rowdy at night, with a strong bar scene and some areas that feel less polished, especially later in the evening. I’m not really into the nightlife, so it’s not my scene. I would recommend it for couples or groups of friends but not for families.

14. Little Italy

Little Italy is one of San Diego’s best spots for Italian food. It’s a lively neighborhood that’s walkable and packed with great restaurants. The Piazza della Famiglia is a central square here that’s great for people-watching. The Saturday farmers market is huge and has everything from local produce to street food.

15. La Jolla

La Jolla is an upscale coastal neighborhood that’s perfect if you’re looking for a classic Southern California beach vacation or to spend a beach day. It has a mix of beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, shopping, and dining—all with that relaxed but polished vibe.

One of the best spots to visit is La Jolla Cove, where you can almost always see sea lions lounging on the rocks. It’s also a great place to take a stroll along the scenic coastal path. For more space to spread out, La Jolla Shores offers a wide, sandy beach that’s popular for families and beginner surfers.

If you’re into water activities, La Jolla is known for kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops and guided tours that take you into the sea caves or along the cliffs.

The village area has boutique shops, art galleries, and lots of restaurants with ocean views. It’s a great place to grab lunch, wander around, or just take in the scenery at a slower pace.

16. Cabrillo National Monument

Located at the southern tip of Point Loma, this national monument honors explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. But most people come here for the views. You can see all of San Diego, the bay, and even Mexico on a clear day.

When I visited, it was foggy and drizzling, so unfortunately, the ocean views were mostly blocked, and it was too windy to explore the trails. So be sure to check the weather before you come here.

You can walk up to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, explore the exhibits inside, and head to the Whale Overlook, a great spot during whale-watching season (December to April).

There are also walking trails that lead to the New Point Loma Lighthouse and down to the rocky tide pools, which are fun to explore at low tide. It’s a peaceful place to walk around and a nice break from the busier tourist spots.

17. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

This coastal park near Ocean Beach is known for — you guessed it — sunsets. The cliffs are dramatic, and the views over the ocean are gorgeous.

I recommend getting there a little early to grab parking (there are multiple lots) and enjoy a peaceful walk on the cliffside trails before the sun goes down.

18. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the best places to go for an easy hike with ocean views. The trails here are easy to moderate, making it a great way to get outdoors without much effort.

I recommend the Guy Fleming Trail—it’s an easy loop with two scenic overlooks and wildflowers in spring. You’ll see sandstone cliffs, native plants, and the rare Torrey pine trees that the park is named after.

There are two main paid parking lots here. The southern parking lot is up on the cliff where the Visitor Center is. The northern one is at the beach level. If you plan to hike, park at the upper parking lot as it’s closer to the hiking trails.

Try to go in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler and less crowded, and it is also easy to find parking.

19. Petco Park

Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, catching a game at Petco Park is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Diego. The stadium has great views of the downtown skyline. It’s also known for its local food options, not just standard ballpark fare. There’s a grassy park area, Gallagher Square, behind the outfield that’s great for families.

Final Takeaways: 19 Best San Diego Attractions for Tourists

San Diego’s mix of sunny beaches, historic and cultural sites, and family-friendly attractions makes it one of the best cities to visit in Southern California. I’ve visited a few times and always find new places to explore.

As a first-time visitor, this list gives you a great mix of what San Diego is all about. From laid-back beach neighborhoods like Pacific Beach and La Jolla to popular spots like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park to cultural neighborhoods like Old Town and Little Italy, you’ll get a feel for both the natural beauty and local energy of the city.

Whether you’re here for a long weekend or a week-long vacation, I hope you enjoy your time in San Diego!

➡️ Up next, check out my itinerary on how to spend 2 days in San Diego and where to stay in San Diego.