Things to do in San Diego
The places in San Diego that people know best, ranked by readers who live there or have visited. Vote for the ones you would send a friend to, and add the places a top-ten list always misses.
Plan around the weather
The best months to be outside are January to December. Month-by-month weather.
Top picks in San Diego
Started in order of how widely each place is written about, then ranked by your votes. Links go to each place's official website. Tick "I've been" to track your count in your city passport.
Rainy or scorching day? Head indoors: San Diego Museum of Art, Timken Museum of Art, San Diego Air & Space Museum and San Diego Natural History Museum.
Parks and sights near San Diego
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Petco Park in San Diego
- San Diego State University 6 miles
- University of California-San Diego 12 miles
- San Diego Mesa College 6 miles
- Southwestern College 11 miles
- Grossmont College 11 miles
- San Diego City College in San Diego
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Readers' picks
No reader picks yet. Add one in the box at the top of the page. Free things, little-known spots and seasonal events are especially welcome.
Add a pick with a description and website
Local favorites
Where people who live in San Diego actually eat, drink, shop and spend Saturdays. Nominated by residents. Businesses cannot pay to appear or move up.
No favorites yet. Name the taco stand, coffee shop or trail you would defend to anyone.
Add a favorite with a description
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in San Diego?
Well-known places with their own websites include San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, Balboa Park, San Diego Museum of Art and Cabrillo National Monument. Readers vote the list up and down and add their own picks.
What can you do in San Diego on a rainy or very hot day?
Indoor picks include San Diego Museum of Art, Timken Museum of Art, San Diego Air & Space Museum and San Diego Natural History Museum.
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
For comfortable weather, go in January to December, when highs stay between 62°F and 86°F with modest rain (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
More about San Diego: city profile, weather by month, moving checklist, ask a local.
Starting list from Wikidata (CC0): well-known places in or next to San Diego that list an official website, ordered by how many Wikipedia language editions cover them, checked by hand to remove closed places and non-attractions. Opening hours and prices change, so check each official site before you go. Reader picks and favorites are read by a person before they appear.