Things to Do in San Diego: Top Attractions, Events, and Eats

The city is known for its laid-back, surfer vibe, but beautiful beaches aren't the only thing going for this coastal California city. A hub of culture, it's also home to many museums, a flourishing foodie scene, plenty of outdoor recreation, and a variety of festivals year-round. Dig out your flip-flops and your hiking shoes and discover just some of the reasons why San Diego boasts the nickname "America's Finest City."

Many people think of San Diego as a sunny beach town, but the city has far more to offer than just white sands and inviting waters. You'll find plenty of things to do in San Diego, with attractions ranging from world-class museums to one of the top zoos in the country. As you plan your visit, don't miss some of these popular spots.

Balboa Park

With 1,200 acres and geography that spans two canyons and three mesas, Balboa Park isn't your ordinary city park. One of San Diego's premier attractions, Balboa Park was developed as a city park in 1868, and today it's home to 17 museums, 19 gardens, walking trails, a golf course, shopping, dining, and more. The park has more than just natural beauty, and many of the buildings feature stunning original Spanish Colonial architecture. Within the park are some of these top attractions.

The San Diego Museum of Art

Located in the heart of Balboa Park, The San Diego Museum of Art boasts a variety of collections, including Spanish and Italian old masters, 19th and 20th century American sculptures and paintings, arts of Iran, German expressionism, and more. The museum also enjoys rotating traveling exhibitions from around the world. Special events occur year-round, including educational programs and cultural experiences like Film in the Garden and Art After Hours. The museum is closed Wednesdays.

San Diego Natural History Museum

Get a glimpse of how the wider world shaped Southern California at the San Diego Natural History Museum. View more than 200 animal skulls; explore the region's prehistoric roots; get an up-close look at dinosaur fossils and enjoy much more within the museum's five floors. The museum also hosts a variety of fun family events like nature hikes and whale watches.

Balboa Park has the biggest selection of museums, but there are many more gems scattered throughout San Diego. Get an inside look at the city's seafaring history and naval heritage at these two downtown attractions.

Explore the history of the sea at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This museum boasts an extensive collection of ships and submarines, including the world's oldest active ship. Many of these historic vessels are also restored and operated on site, giving you a unique look at how seafarers of old sailed the ocean. Tour the various ships, browse the museum's exhibits, and even sail around San Diego Bay on one of these ancient vessels.

After touring old ships, make the transition to historic aviation at the USS Midway Museum. Here you'll see the USS Midway, a historic aircraft carrier that served as the Navy's longest-serving aircraft carrier during the 20th century. In addition to the Midway, view over 60 exhibits that showcase the engine room, the ship's jail, and the post office, and explore 29 restored aircraft. Interactive exhibits include a flight simulator and the Ejection Seat Theater.

With mild temps and sunny skies year-round, San Diego is the kind of place where you'll want to get outside and stay outside. Enjoy your favorite open-air activity or try something brand new at one of these city locations.

With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego is home to some of California's best beaches. For a true tourist experience, head to Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, which offer a combined 3 miles of boardwalk along with hiking, biking, shopping, beach volleyball, and even a giant roller coaster. If you'd like to let your dog loose in the surf, then head to Ocean Beach. For family fun, bring your crew to Coronado Beach, which offers gentle waves and plenty of sand.

You don't need to cross the city limits to enjoy a healthy dose of nature. Torrey Pines State Reserve is a rare gem on the Southern California coast, boasting 1,500 acres of undeveloped land. Within the reserve, enjoy unspoiled beaches, see the Torrey pine, glimpse seabirds in the lagoon, and bask in the peaceful, beautiful environment. To preserve its integrity, the reserve has strict rules — no food or drink is allowed anywhere other than the beach. Dogs are not permitted, and there is a carry-in/carry-out policy for all trash.

Despite its name, the Children's Pool in La Jolla is not an ideal swimming destination. Instead, it's a popular hangout for seals who like to sun themselves on the sandy beach. Visitors flock here year-round to enjoy the beach and catch a glimpse of these ocean animals. If you're a snorkeler or scuba diver, then bring your gear along — despite the sea lions, the beach is a popular spot for divers, and it's an especially good spot for beginners.

You don't need to spend a dime to have a good time in San Diego. Here are some of the region's most popular free attractions.

While many of its museums charge a fee, not everything in Balboa Park costs money. If you're looking for a free way to spend the day, then pack a picnic, enjoy the grounds, and hit up some of these attractions.

Learn more about beautiful gems and minerals or glimpse rare fossils at the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society. Located in Balboa Park's Spanish Village, the society boasts a collection that's been compiled over the last 75 years. In addition to the many permanent displays, the society hosts classes throughout the year, such as rock carving and sphere making.

One of the city's most photographed spots, the Botanical Building in Balboa Park was built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. While the building itself is an architectural delight, inside you'll find more than 2,100 plants, including seasonal flowers, tropical palms, orchids, cycads, and more. Peruse the gardens inside the building, and then enjoy a moment of quiet reflection at the Lily Pond just outside, a tranquil pool with water lilies and lotus.

The Timken Museum of Art is the only museum in Balboa Park that offers free admission. This fine arts museum is home to a wide variety of exquisite pieces from European old masters, Russian icons, and 19th century Americans. It also offers the only Rembrandt painting on public display in the city. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts rotating exhibits on loan from museums around the world, making this one of the city's cultural gems.

The San Diego Parks and Recreation department oversees more than 340 parks in the greater San Diego region, many of which offer free family fun. Hike along some of the 40 miles of trails at the Mission Trails Regional Park or bring a bike to the Lusardi Creek Preserve. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

The site of the First Spanish settlement, Old Town San Diego preserves the city's rich historic past. Known as the "Birthplace of California," this neighborhood welcomes visitors with a glimpse of what San Diego used to look like. Many of the historic buildings are free to tour, such as the blacksmith shop, Steward House, Seeley Stables, and Estudillo House, the city's oldest schoolhouse.

If you're traveling with kids, there's plenty in San Diego to keep them busy. In addition to days on the beach, plan a trip to some of these family-friendly spots.

View the aquarium, touch a shark, watch a live animal show, ride a roller coaster, and so much more at SeaWorld San Diego, the city's theme park destination. Marine animals are the park's specialty, but it offers more than just impressive aquariums. Get reserved seating for a sea lion show. Then, get up close and personal with sharks at the shark encounter, and cool off on a ride like the water flume. For a bird's-eye view of everything, take a relaxing trip on the park's gondola. Plan to spend a full day here — there's plenty to do and see.

Covering 100 acres adjacent to Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals, many of which are rare or endangered species. Consistently ranked one of the top zoos in the world, it boasts 15 gardens, fan favorites like the giant pandas, and several play areas for kids to let out some energy. Take a guided tour of the zoo on a double-decker bus or opt for the view from the aerial tram.

Another Balboa Park favorite, the San Diego Air and Space Museum takes a dive into air and space exploration. See historic aircraft, a replica of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, artifacts from the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong, and more. Kids love the interactive astronaut exhibit, where they can experience what it really feels like to launch a rocket and pilot a spaceship. Other popular exhibits include the F-35 simulators and the 3D/4D movie theater.

If you're traveling with train lovers, then plan a stop to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. This Balboa Park museum boasts four giant scale and model layouts. Much of the museum's aim is to preserve the rich heritage and history of model railroading in San Diego. Among the museum's collection you'll spot pieces from its original 1935 model display.

Bring the family downtown and discover The New Children's Museum, San Diego's space just for kids. Prepare to get messy in the immersive art studio, watch your children's creativity shine with an interactive art installation, or get the whole family in on the fun with a workshop like kitchen art. This art-inspired museum provides hours of fun.

San Diego sits close to the Mexican border, which means you can expect top-notch Mexican eats, but that isn't the only type of food you'll find in this California city. When hunger strikes, head to one of these top eateries.

The Gaslamp Quarter is one of San Diego's trendiest food stops, offering lots of great options, but one restaurant you don't want to miss is Searsucker from celebrity chef Brian Malarkey. Serving modern American cuisine, this restaurant's atmosphere is as trendy as its food — an open concept kitchen with rustic lighting and exposed beams that give it a contemporary aesthetic. Choose from a menu that includes delicacies like duck pot pie, grilled octopus, Maine scallops, and filet tenderloin.

If Mexican is more your style, then head to nearby La Puerta for unbeatable street tacos. Almost everything on the menu is made in-house daily, without the use of artificial flavorings. While the tacos are a fan favorite, other popular options include the one-pound burrito, quesadillas, or carne asada fries.

Start the day right with gourmet pancakes at Richard Walker's Pancake House. Choose a specialty menu item like baked apple pancakes or German pancakes or opt for one of the 100 other menu items made from scratch daily. Come hungry — portions are large, and you can expect more than enough food to fuel your day. The downtown San Diego location often has a line, but service is usually speedy.

For fresh Italian food, look no further than Little Italy's Buon Appetito. The perfect spot for a romantic dinner, Buon Appetito serves up classic picks like homemade ravioli, seafood linguine, and classic-style lasagna. For dessert, don't miss out on the homemade tiramisu.

Serving up French-inspired cuisine with a San Diego flare, The Smoking Goat uses only local, sustainable ingredients for farm-to-table cuisine. The menu changes seasonally, but expect to find specialties like pan roasted Scottish salmon, confit duck leg, or pork Basquaise. The rustic farmhouse setting perfectly complements the locally sourced food and European vibe.

For another organic, locally sourced option, head to Urban Solace. This restaurant uses only natural ingredients and hormone- and antibiotic-free meats to prepare its modern American dishes, which include dinner entrees like cocoa crusted pork belly, crispy duck confit, and mustard crusted sea bass. The restaurant also hosts a popular Sunday Bluegrass Brunch, which features a live Bluegrass band as a backdrop for your traditional brunch eats.

It doesn't get fresher than Café Coyote, where everything from the tamales to the salsa are made from scratch daily. Stop in to this traditional Mexican restaurant, and there's a good chance you'll see mariachis strolling from table to table or tortillas made by hand right in front of you. Inside you'll find festive colors and rustic, old-fashioned décor, but if the weather is nice — a good bet in San Diego — opt for outdoor patio seating, which offers the same ambiance along with plenty of people watching.

Old Town is a mecca for Mexican food, but that isn't the only cuisine available. If you're in the mood for seafood, stop by Sushi Tadokoro. Its unassuming strip-mall location is deceiving. Inside you'll find one of the city's top restaurants. This restaurant is known for its fresh, flavorful fish and house-made sides and sauces, including wasabi, soy sauce, and ponzu sauce. With its popularity and limited seating, reservations are highly recommended.

San Diego is home to countless festivals throughout the year, from the famous Comic-Con to smaller events like the San Diego Improv Festival or the San Diego Bird Festival. Here is just a smattering of the annual events you'll find in the city.

Spring is an excellent time to visit the city because the weather is often favorable, and you beat the summer rush to the beaches. Celebrations within the city are also in full swing, and you'll encounter some of these annual favorites.

Held each April, the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair promotes awareness and understanding of the many cultures found within San Diego. Admission is free and offers a chance to try a variety of ethnic foods at the international food court, enjoy the carnival area with rides and games, listen to live music, partake in kids' activities like arts and crafts and a magic show, and experience a variety of arts from around the globe. Aim to go early so you don't miss the entertaining parade.

Celebrate arts, culture, and entertainment at the annual Festival of Arts in North Park, which takes place each May. This one-day free festival is a smorgasbord of live music, dancing, local art, vendors, and delicious food. The streets are closed to traffic, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities, so you can stroll through the festival and enjoy shopping, dining, and the arts with the whole family in tow.

The warm weather and an influx of seasonal visitors makes summer prime festival season. If you're in the area, check out one of these popular events.

When you combine oysters with live music, you get a fun, lively celebration that both tastes and sounds great. The San Diego Oysterfest occurs annually in June at Marina Embarcadero North. Enjoy live music performances, a live art exhibit, fresh oysters and other food options, and more. Festival goers must be 21 and over.

Each July, thousands of visitors flock to Imperial Beach for the Sun and Sea Festival, a lively event featuring world-class sandcastle builders from around the globe. While the magnificent sand creations are the event's highlight, viewing them is far from the only activity. This festival offers plenty of family fun with live music, a community parade, children's activities, a farmer's market and international food fair, and more.

The summer beach crowds disappear with the arrival of fall, but San Diego still has plenty to offer its visitors during the autumn months. Enjoy the sunshine at one of these fun festivals.

San Diego's military roots run deep, as is evidenced at Fleet Week. Each October, this annual celebration honors men and women of the armed forces with a variety of events that show appreciation for their brave service. The event honors military past and present, and there's plenty of fun for the public too. Attend a Fleet Week party or listen to a USO concert. Tour a U.S. Navy ship, or even take a Boot Camp Challenge as part of the festivities.

Experience what San Diego felt like in the 1870s at the annual Old Town Fall Festival. Held in October, this family-friendly event features games, entertainment, and activities all replicating an old-fashioned harvest celebration. Paint pumpkins, shuck corn, make corn husk dolls, and visit area merchants and museums for special crafts and activities.

While people are bundling up against the cold elsewhere in the country, winter for San Diegans is fun in the sun as usual. With January highs averaging around 65 degrees, the weather is nice enough for plenty of outdoor festivities.

Tango lovers from around the country descend on downtown San Diego every December for the weeklong Tango Festival, a fun event where beginners mix with seasoned dancers. Watch top dancers show off their skill, or even get in on the fun with a class for beginners, where you might learn basic steps and proper dance etiquette.

A two-day event held in February, the Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair takes the celebration to the streets of San Diego with dancing, cultural performances, and street food all in the heart of San Diego's Chinatown. The event is free, open to the public, and held rain or shine.

What San Diego activity are you most looking forward to? Let us know what’s on the top of your list by commenting on our Facebook page.