Become a Hertz Gold+ member
06/16/2022 • 6 min
Best things to do in San Diego
Anywhere that bills itself as ‘America’s Finest City’ needs to live up to its name. Happily, San Diego has plenty going for it. It’s perhaps the most chilled-out city in the nation, with a surf and beach vibe that even permeates the busiest urban streets. The beaches themselves are a sensation, blessed with soft sand and sunny for most of the year – take your pick from dozens of them. When the sun goes down, the place is still alive with dining, nightlife, and a sense of fun that never wanes.
Balboa Park
More info: https://www.balboapark.org/
Opening Hours: 24/7
To see all of Balboa Park would take a day but to do it justice might take even longer. It’s not just the size – spanning a massive 1,200 acres – but also the contents, with over a dozen museums among the gardens. For horticulture enthusiasts, the Rose Garden, Palm Canyon, and Alcazar Garden are highlights, while buildings draw influence from Spain. The Zoo is here but so is the wonderful Old Globe Theater and museums covering sports, air and space, photographs, railroads, and much more. Stuck for something to do with your family in San Diego? The answer almost certainly lies in Balboa Park.
Address: El Prado, San Diego, CA, 92101
San Diego Zoo
More info: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/
Opening Hours: 9 A.M to 5 P.M. (Monday to Thursday), 9 A.M to 8 P.M (Friday to Sunday)
Tickets:
1-Day Pass – Any Day, (Online offer only; advance purchase required)
Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo, Guided Bus, Kangaroo Express Bus tour, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled attractions. Experiences above subject to availability.
Cost: $65 (Adult – Ages 12 & above, $55 (Child – Age 3 to 11)
1 day Pass plus also includes a 4D Experience ($71 -Adults, $61 - Children)
2 Visit Pass - Includes: 1 trip to the Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Experience -or- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo -or- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Two total visits by the same person on any and all days.
Cost: Adult $110, Child $100
3 for 1 Pass: Enjoy visits to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld® San Diego.
Cost: Adult $173, Child $163
This truly deserves the praise it gets as one of the world’s premier zoos. The habitats are as close to the animals’ natural ones as possible, with animal welfare and conservation at the heart of the work here. Take your time to saunter between the Reptile House with its huge Komodo dragons and the koalas of the Outback. The giant pandas of Panda Canyon are incredibly popular, while the animal nursery and its new arrivals turn the cuteness factor up to 11. If you or the kids are tired of walking, get a top-down view of the park as you traverse it on the Skyfari aerial tram.
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA, 92101
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach
Opening Hours: 24/7
More info: https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do/beaches-bays/mission-beach.aspx
With around 70 miles of coastline, San Diego has a lot of sand for you to get between your toes. The numerous beaches all have their own appeal, but Mission and Pacific are two of the standouts, connecting together and stretching for miles. It’s a massive hit with surfers, but also with sunbathers and skaters who dash along the boardwalk. If you want to try the waves, you can rent or buy all the equipment here, while the boardwalk is also lined with stores, restaurants, and cafes; perfect for a lazy day out.
Address: San Diego, CA, 92109
Gaslamp Quarter
More info: https://www.gaslamp.org/
Hours: Most restaurants operate during normal business hours, with some operating from lunch. The majority of bars and clubs close by 1:30 to 2 A.M.
An area of San Diego that’s over 150 years old, the Gaslamp Quarter covers 16 blocks of the city with charming Victorian buildings but is in no way stuck in the past. Instead, it’s a constantly vibrant neighborhood which hosts the annual Mardi Gras in addition to numerous other events and celebrations. It’s great to explore by day but comes into its own as the city’s nightlife hub, with people spilling out of the restaurants and cafes onto the street as the lights illuminate the city’s skyline.
Address: 614 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA, 92101
Belmont Park
More info: https://www.belmontpark.com/
Opening Hours: 11 A.M to 6 P.M. (Monday to Thursday), Open till 10 P.M on Friday and Saturday and till 8 P.M on Sunday
Tickets:
· Annual Pass - $120
· Day Park Pass - $60 (Jr. Pass is $55)
· Custom ticket park ride bundles are also available
Belmont Park separates Mission and Pacific beaches, meaning you can combine a relaxing day on either of them with vintage rides or classic amusements. It has been open since 1925, as has its iconic Giant Dipper coaster, which was recently restored. A ride on it, with unforgettable views of the beach and ocean, is a must. If you want something gentler, there are rides for all ages, including a handsome carousel, and perfect beachside snacks, such as tacos and hot dogs on sticks.
Address: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92109
Liberty Public Market
More info: https://bluebridgehospitality.com/libertypublicmarket/
Opening Hours: 11A.M to 8 P.M, Monday to Sunday
If you’ve worked up an appetite, Liberty Public Market is the place to satisfy it. This one-time navy training building is now a gourmet lover’s dream without a chain in sight. It’s all independent and artisan, open seven days a week, and with enough variety for all the family to find something to enjoy. Perhaps pillowy bao buns or gorgeously Gallic crepes, maybe Texas BBQ or hot chicken served Nashville style. Taste the globe or go for a San Diego classic, the California burrito washed down with a sinful cake shake.
Address: 2820 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA, 92106
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
More info: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663
Opening Hours: October through April, exhibits are open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Monday through Friday), Open till 5 p.m. (Friday through Sunday).
May through September, exhibits are open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tickets: Free Admission, Paid guided tours are available.
This free attraction is an eye-opening introduction to the very birth of California. On the site of Cali’s very first European settlement, when the Spanish landed, it’s a cluster of houses and shops from the 19th century, sensitively restored. It’s a fine way to learn about local and state history, with interesting architecture and museums. Make sure you see the adobe Casa de Estudillo, try the Mexican food, and visit Whaley House, which is considered officially haunted.
Address: 4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA, 92110
Torrey-Pines State Reserve
More info: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=657
Open 24/7
Tickets: General admission is $15-$25 per vehicle
This unspoiled and ruggedly beautiful area is what California will have looked like when the first European settlers arrived. It’s a protected area that covers 1,750 acres, with thousands of the rare Torrey Pines peppering the landscape. It’s a hit with hikers who explore the many trails – some of them challenging – but also nature lovers eager for a glimpse of raccoons, bobcats, and more. The beach, edged by the majestic sandstone cliffs, is a must-visit.
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Petco Park
More info: https://www.mlb.com/padres
Open as a free park when no games are active
There’s something particularly nostalgic about baseball stadiums that are a living, breathing part of the city they represent. No driving out to the middle of nowhere here, Petco Park is very much a part of San Diego. Built in 2004, it’s on the edge of the Gaslamp District, and during lulls in play, you can admire the skyline beyond. With San Diego’s famously good weather and the exceptional food at the stadium, let’s all go to the ballpark.
Address: 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92101
Coronado Beach
More info: https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do/beaches-bays/coronado.aspx
Open 24/7
If the surf vibe of Mission Beach isn’t for you, head to Coronado, a family favorite that is more peaceful and frequently cited as one of the best beaches in the country. There’s plenty of space to stretch out, great facilities, and the water is calmer and more swimmable here. As an added bonus, drop by the Hotel del Coronado, a celebrated hotel that’s on the register of National Historic Landmarks. This is where the Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like it Hot took place, so drop by to see if some of the tangible glamor rubs off on you.
Address: Coronado, CA, 92118
Related Articles
Best things to do in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia is a vibrant city that offers visitors a diverse range of experiences. From its rich past to its modern attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Georgia’s state capital. Whether you're a history fan, a nature lover or a foodie, you won't be short of things to do.
Car rental vs. car sharing
It’s never been easier to reserve a vehicle when you need to travel, with cars available at the click of a button on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Four Reasons Why Car Rental is Perfect for a Family Road Trip
Looking for a dream family vacation? Discover all the pros of car rental when traveling with the kids. Get ready to hit the road with Hertz.
