10 Best Things to Do in Downtown San Diego
What is Downtown San Diego Most Famous For?
There’s no shortage of things to do in downtown San Diego. The city is known for its cultural diversity, and exploring the different neighborhoods and museums is at the top of many people’s lists. Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter are always popular choices, especially for the high-quality restaurants and tempting food markets.
You’ll find family fun in the amazing zoo and parks, as well as on an astounding aircraft carrier and beautiful sailboats. Whether you want to cheer on the city’s baseball team or head out on the water to spot whales, you can do it in this beautiful city.
What are the best things to do in downtown San Diego?
1. Balboa Park
A fantastic mix of sports and culture
Good for: Families, Budget
Balboa Park is a huge park in central San Diego. It’s home to numerous museums, gardens, and an incredible zoo. Head to the eastern side of the park for a wide range of fun and sporting activities to make the most of the great outdoors. You’ll find a golf course, velodrome, and disc golf course in this area, as well as tennis courts and a swimming pool.
The Fleet Science Center is popular with families. Budding scientists will love the colorful, hands-on exhibits and play zones, and there’s an IMAX theater and planetarium too. Across from this museum, you’ll find the Desert Garden, which is full of unusual cacti. It’s a beautiful choice for a unique stroll through nature.
Phone: +1 619-239-0512
Balboa Park
2. San Diego Zoo
Wildlife fun for all the family
Good for: Photo, Families
San Diego Zoo lies in the northwest corner of Balboa Park and it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. You’ll love the colorful and exotic birds, fierce lions and tigers, slithering reptiles, and majestic elephants. Plus, the guides here are happy to answer questions and give fascinating facts about the various animals.
Head to the Safari Park area and take a thrilling tram ride to see animals in their natural habitat. Don’t miss the Polar Bear Plunge zone to see these stunning marine mammals in and out of the water. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for a visit to this amazing zoo, as there are long distances between the various zones and enclosures.
Location: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 619-231-1515
San Diego Zoo
3. Gaslamp Quarter
A lively and historic district
Good for: Shoppers, Food, Nightlife
Gaslamp Quarter is known as the Historic Heart of San Diego, and it covers the neighborhood around 5th Avenue. During the day, you’ll see shoppers filling the bustling streets, checking out the original boutiques. If you love browsing through stalls full of unique, handmade goods, be sure to visit the Gaslamp Artisan Market at weekends.
At night, this district really comes alive, and the dazzling lights of the packed bars and restaurants attract a younger crowd. The Balboa Theatre is known for its live music and comedy acts and it’s an excellent choice if you’re a fan of the performing arts. Be sure to buy an advance parking pass when you purchase your show tickets to save time and money.
Gaslamp Quarter
4. USS Midway Museum
A fascinating blend of naval, military, and aviation history
Good for: Photo, History, Families
The USS Midway Museum takes you on an exhilarating journey through time. Learn how this impressive aircraft carrier played a key role in war and visit almost 10 acres (4 hectares) of interactive displays and restored aircraft. Kids will love exploring the hangar deck and mess halls, and you’ll even meet former Navy pilots and learn how to land a plane on such a short flight deck.
Why not enjoy your own “Top Gun” moment and spend a night onboard this enormous aircraft carrier? You’ll take a tour of the flight deck under the stars, sleep where enlisted sailors rested, and even eat breakfast like a true sailor. Be sure to book well in advance though as tickets sell out fast.
Location: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 619-544-9600
USS Midway Museum
5. Maritime Museum of San Diego
Pirates and schooners
Good for: History, Photo
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is located next to Waterfront Park. You’ll discover fascinating exhibits on sea charts, maritime history, and model making, and you can also take a tour of historic ships. The pirate adventure shows are a huge hit with families. Sit back and enjoy the theatrics on a beautiful Spanish galleon and be dazzled by sword fighting and other pirate skills.
The museum is also known for its events on the water. Choose from a naval history tour on a high-speed boat or a relaxing sail on a legendary tall ship. If you’re heading out on the water, don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen as some of the trips last several hours.
Location: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 619-234-9153
Maritime Museum of San Diego
6. Coronado Beach
Sports, sunsets, and soft sands
Good for: Photo, Budget, Nightlife
Coronado Beach is a beautiful mix of fine, golden sands and gentle ocean waves. Cross Coronado Beach from downtown San Diego and you’ll discover this popular urban beach which stretches just under 2 miles (3.2 km). Locals come here for the spectacular views, great swimming, and friendly volleyball courts, and there’s also a wonderful dog park at the northern end for 4-legged friends.
Be sure to take in a breathtaking sunset on this relaxing beach. With the majestic Hotel del Coronado giving an illuminated backdrop in the evening, you can stretch out on the soft sands and marvel as the orange glow of the sun touches the glistening water. An unmissable experience.
Coronado Beach
7. Little Italy
For foodies
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Little Italy lies in the northern part of downtown San Diego. If you want to feast on delicious pizza and panettone, this is a wonderful spot to visit. Locals love to sit in the cafes and restaurants in this busy neighborhood, chatting noisily whilst indulging in an espresso or gelato. Why not join them and soak up the friendly ambiance whilst inhaling the heavenly aroma of sundried tomatoes, fresh bread, and coffee beans?
If you want to source quality ingredients to create your own Italian dish, head to the Mercato Farmers’ Market. Open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, you’ll find everything from olive oil to fresh vegetables in this busy market, as well as unique jewelry and artisanal creations.
Little Italy
8. San Diego Hop on Hop off Trolley Tour
Where shopping meets sightseeing
Good for: Shoppers, Food
The San Diego Hop on Hop off Trolley Tour covers the city center. With 12 stops on a 25-mile (40-km) circuit, you’re free to choose your own itinerary. You can stay seated for the full tour and take in San Diego’s best views whilst listening to a fascinating commentary or spend time at each stop discovering the city’s highlights.
For a lovely choice of shops and original gift ideas, hop off at Old Town Market or Seaport Village. The latter is a popular spot with locals too, who come here to shop and then enjoy a meal with a stunning waterfront view. Check the website before your trolley tour as it’s updated daily with route/stop changes.
Location: 500 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 800-844-7601
San Diego Hop on Hop off Trolley Tour
9. Petco Park
An impressive stadium
Good for: Photo, Nightlife
Petco Park lies at the southern end of downtown San Diego, opposite the Convention Center. You’ll love the impressive architecture and the fabulous views of the city’s skyscrapers from inside this magnificent stadium. During baseball season, Petco Park is home to an MLB team, the San Diego Padres. You can take various tours to visit the ballpark and even watch pre-game batting practice before cheering on the team in a thrilling game.
The stadium isn’t just for sports fans though. It’s also an amazing concert venue and you can see some big names here, including Billy Joel, Pink, and The Foo Fighters. Check the schedule online well in advance as events here tend to sell out quickly.
Location: 100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 161-979-55025
Petco Park
10. San Diego Bay tours
Breathtaking scenery from the water
Good for: Couples, Photo, Nightlife
San Diego Bay tours are a wonderful way to take in panoramic views of the city’s skyline and the Pacific Ocean. You can choose from numerous trips out on the water. The amphibious seal machine is popular with kids who love riding on land and then entering the water to spot seals, and whale-watching tours are also a big hit. Every year, around 20,000 gray whales migrate to this area, and you’ll love seeing them dive in and out of the calm waters.
If you’re looking for an idea for a romantic date night, why not book a dinner cruise? You’ll enjoy delicious cocktails and exquisite food whilst taking in spectacular sunset views over the bay area.
San Diego Bay tours
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