10 fun things to do in San Diego

San Diego’s warm, sunny climate and nearly endless ways to have fun make it a top destination for travelers. But with so many activities, special events, landmarks, museums and more to choose from, it can be hard to experience everything in one trip.

So, if you’re planning a vacation to the southwestern coast, check out this list of can’t-miss things to do in San Diego.

What you’ll learn:

• San Diego offers a variety of beaches, including La Jolla Cove and Pacific Beach, where vacationers can enjoy water activities or relax in the sand.

• The city offers fun beyond the beach as well with scenic walking areas, historic neighborhoods, urban parks and more.

• Eligible Capital One cardholders can book flights, hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars for their San Diego adventure through Capital One Travel.

Whether you’re a foodie, a beach bum or a history lover, there are plenty of San Diego activities to fill your itinerary. To help with planning your trip, consider these 10 things to do in and around the city.

No trip to SoCal is complete without at least one trip to the beach. But which one do you visit first? It really depends on what you’re looking for. But rest assured, there’s a beach for everyone in San Diego.

• La Jolla Cove: This small stretch is nestled between the sandstone cliffs, protecting it from choppy Pacific waters. What it lacks in space, it makes up for in beauty. Fishing isn’t allowed on this secluded beach, so it’s a haven for marine life and local sea lions. And with some of the best visibility in California waters, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

• Pacific Beach: Head to Pacific Beach to catch locals and tourists riding the waves. Located between Pacific Beach Drive and Crystal Pier, this popular spot can get a little crowded. But not to worry—there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby to explore when that happens. 

• Del Mar beaches: Del Mar’s beaches are beautiful, yes. But they may be especially appealing to travelers bringing along their pets because they’re dog friendly. In fact, North Beach is even nicknamed Dog Beach. 

A drive across the Coronado Bridge offers gorgeous views on your way to check out nearby Coronado Island. There, you can explore even more beaches, shop at cozy boutiques and enjoy great dining. 

You might treat yourself to a night—or two—at the luxurious Hotel del Coronado, known as The Del. Even if you don’t, you can tour this historic seaside resort where presidents and celebrities alike have stayed. 

San Diego is a great city for walking. There are plenty of neighborhoods and parks to explore on foot, like:

• Balboa Park: Balboa Park is an urban landmark famous for its flowers, trees, unique museums and architecture. And at more than 1,000 acres, the park has enough going on to take up an entire day’s worth of sightseeing.

• Waterfront Park: Located downtown, Waterfront Park is built around the historic county building. But it’s so much more than a historic site. The park also features lush green spaces, private garden rooms, a children’s play zone and an interactive splash fountain.

• Torrey Pines: For a nature-focused getaway, head to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where you’ll find 1,750 acres dedicated to the preservation of local plants and wildlife. Hiking trails, Pacific Ocean views and stands of the rare Pinus torreyana pine tree also make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. 

Old Town was California’s first European settlement, established in 1769. Plan to spend a day at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with its preserved adobes that now house restaurants and shops. Catch a live mariachi performance. Stroll through an open-air market. Or connect with the area’s Mexican heritage at seasonal celebrations, including those for Day of the Dead.

No doubt about it, the fish is fresh in this city. In fact, ask any San Diegan and they’ll likely give you a passionate response on where to get the best fish tacos. 

Not a fish taco fan? Don’t worry. From fine dining establishments to festive food trucks, there are lots of ways to enjoy seafood in San Diego. 

Animal lovers, rejoice. In San Diego, you can see wildlife in expansive preserves or their ocean habitats. 

• San Diego Zoo: Home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species (some of which are rare or endangered), the San Diego Zoo is a wildlife extravaganza. You can take behind-the-scenes tours and see animals in action with interactive shows. You can also explore the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—a short drive north of the zoo—for some up-close-and-personal animal adventures.

• Whale-watching tours: The chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean are home to some of the largest marine mammals on the planet. Do yourself a favor and book a whale-watching tour while you’re there. The outings typically last a couple of hours and come complete with a nature guide on the lookout.

If you’re looking for nightlife, Gaslamp Quarter might be your destination. This lively San Diego neighborhood has nightclubs, theaters, galleries, special events and artisan markets.

The USS Midway Museum is the perfect San Diego activity for history buffs, plane enthusiasts and everyone in between. Explore the flight deck with dozens of restored aircraft as you imagine the experiences of the 225,000 sailors who served on the ship during its time of service. This family-friendly activity also offers interactive exhibits, flight simulators, guided audio tours and more.

Whether you’re a big baseball fan or simply taking in the top sights of San Diego, don’t miss Petco Park. It’s home to the city’s beloved Padres as well as a venue for major entertainment events. If you take the behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll see stunning views of downtown San Diego that this must-see baseball park offers.

Eligible Capital One cardholders can access cardholder-only tickets to Padres games and more on Capital One Entertainment. 

Located in Mission Beach, Belmont Park serves up old-fashioned Southern California charm. Go on one of the amusement rides for thrill-seekers, including the vintage wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster. Check out restaurants offering fresh seafood and Mexican staples. Or enjoy beach activities like volleyball and surfing. Plus, there’s plenty of shopping to round out your boardwalk experience. 

Ready to experience the sun, sand and sights of San Diego? If you’re an eligible Capital One cardholder, you can book your trip with Capital One Travel, including flights, hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars. Plus, booking a trip through Capital One Travel allows eligible cardholders to earn elevated rewards they can apply to future trips.

Whether you’re planning a weeklong vacation or a day trip, San Diego has plenty to offer. Its iconic beaches, walkable neighborhoods and rich history are only the beginning of a long list of things to do.

If you’d like to make your San Diego getaway more rewarding, you could explore Capital One travel rewards credit cards. With a Capital One rewards card, you’ll earn rewards for every purchase. Then you can redeem them for flights, hotels, rental cars and more.