Fun, can’t-miss 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 attractions 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’s top-rated attractions include the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, La Jolla Cove and Balboa Park, according to Tripadvisor.

• 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.

San Diego offers a variety of unique attractions, from world-class museums and cultural landmarks to beautiful beaches and wildlife experiences.

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 take a short drive north to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to experience some up-close-and-personal animal adventures.

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.

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.

Balboa Park is an urban landmark famous for its gardens, 18 unique museums and architecture. You’ll find the San Diego Zoo here as well as restaurants, shopping and the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. At 1,200 acres, the park has enough going on to take up an entire day’s worth of sightseeing.

La Jolla Cove and Balboa Park are both free to enter, so you can experience some of San Diego’s best sights without spending a dime. Here are some other free options worth considering.

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.

Located downtown, Waterfront Park is built around a 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.

There are plenty of exciting options for those looking to explore San Diego’s nightlife. Here’s a look at what “America’s Finest City” has to offer after dark.

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.

Whether you’re a 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. They also have full-length fireworks displays after some night games.

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

Located in Mission Beach, Belmont Park serves up old-fashioned Southern California charm. Go on one or more of the amusement rides, including the vintage wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster. Check out restaurants offering fresh seafood and Mexican staples. There’s also plenty of shopping to round out your boardwalk experience.

Here are the answers to some other common questions that come up when planning a trip to San Diego.

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.