Visiting San Diego for the First Time? Here's What To See and Do

You can see many of San Diego’s best attractions at Balboa Park. Don't miss a visit to the acclaimed San Diego Museum of Man (SDMM), which takes an anthropological approach to exploring the diversity of our planet, or the Japanese Friendship Garden, a beautifully manicured 12-acre (5-hectare) green space. Balboa Park is an equally great place to hike, but if you’re short on time, you may find it easier to zip around with a guide on an e-bike or a Segway.

San Diego has long been celebrated for its impressive San Diego Zoo, and although it’s located in the aforementioned Balboa Park, it deserves its own mention. The 100-acre (40.5-hectare) expanse is home to thousands of animals representing more than 800 species. The zoo also operates the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in nearby Escondido, which offers safari-like experiences in a controlled environment. If you want to see both, consider booking a 2-day pass that allows you to visit both over the course of a couple of days.

Insider tip: If you want to see animals in the wild, take a kayaking expedition in the nearby suburb of La Jolla, known for its large population of adorable sea lions.

With warm weather throughout much of the year and easy access to the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is a dream for beach lovers. A short drive or bus ride from downtown gets you to Mission Beach, featuring both sand and a boardwalk that's best explored on foot or by bicycle. To the south of Mission Beach, Ocean Beach Pier—the largest concrete pier on the West Coast—attracts anglers and surfers. It’s one of the best spots in San Diego to take in sunset views, too.

While beaches are great fun, there’s no need to restrict your seaside pursuits to the shore. Instead, head to Shelter Island, an area just west of downtown where you can hop on a boat and head out onto the water. A whale-watching cruise or a seal cruise aboard an amphibious vehicle is a top choice if you're interested in marine life, or consider a sunset sail if you're in the mood for something more relaxed.

Larger than its counterpart in New York City, San Diego's Little Italy traces its roots and name to the large population of Italian-American families who settled here generations ago. Today, it's a popular dining destination, with a charming Saturday morning farmers market and many Italian restaurants. Get a taste of what this 48-block neighborhood has to offer on a guided food tour, ideal for sampling a lot of different delights in a short amount of time.

If you like history or architecture, head to Old Town San Diego, the site of the first European Settlement in what is now the state of California. Founded in 1769, Old Town features historic adobe homes, a former schoolhouse, and endless shops and restaurants. Take a walking tour to learn about the area's history while sampling tasty tacos and tequila.

Stretching along the eastern shores of the San Diego Bay, the waterfront Embarcadero is full of restaurants, shops, and boats, all easily accessible by hop-on, hop-off trolley. The Embarcadero is also the site of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, a collection of ships ranging from submarines to the Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship in the world. Book a ticket ahead of your visit to save time when you arrive.

A quick jaunt from downtown San Diego takes you to Coronado, a relaxed beach community that feels worlds away from the big city. This compact area is home to attractions such as Silver Strand State Beach and the elegant Hotel del Coronado, though many people come out simply to walk or cycle around town. You can even ride on the sand if you opt for an electric fat-tire bike tour.

Just north of downtown San Diego in the sophisticated La Jolla area, Torrey Pines State Reserve offers some of the finest views of the Pacific Ocean in the area. Discover its idyllic beaches and bluffs on a self-guided driving tour, or hit up the hiking trails on foot. The reserve even has its own sandstone slot canyons, but it's safer to visit them with an experienced guide rather than attempt to explore on your own.

If you're traveling with kids in tow, check out the massive LEGO displays and rides at LEGOLAND® California. This vast amusement park, the first of its kind in the US, is divided into 10 sections, each with its own landmark(s) expertly constructed from LEGOs. A variety of ticket options are available, from regular single-day tickets to 2-day tickets that also include access to nearby SEA LIFE® San Diego Aquarium.