Things to Do in San Diego: Tours, Tickets & Day Trips
Wondering what to do in San Diego? Give it three days. Day one is the bay: a narrated harbor cruise (about $35–55), the USS Midway carrier museum and an evening in the Gaslamp Quarter. Day two is Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, the country’s best. Day three is the coast: kayak the La Jolla sea caves in the morning (about $60–90), watch the sea lions at the Cove, and take a whale-watching cruise in winter or a sunset sail in summer. With more time, cross the border on a guided Tijuana walking tour or head inland to Temecula wine country. The beaches, Balboa Park’s gardens, Sunset Cliffs and Old Town are free. Compare every San Diego tour and ticket below by rating and price, most with free cancellation.
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All experiences in San Diego — FAQ
What are the top things to do in San Diego?
By traveller reviews: a San Diego Bay harbor cruise, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, kayaking the La Jolla sea caves, whale and dolphin watching, the USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park, Old Town and Coronado by trolley, a Gaslamp food tour, a Tijuana day trip and Temecula wine tasting. All of them are compared below.
How many days do you need in San Diego?
Three days covers the bay, the zoo and the La Jolla coast. Five days adds a beach day, the Safari Park or LEGOLAND for families, and a day trip to Tijuana or Temecula. San Diego is also an easy base for two or three nights on a longer California road trip.
What can you do in San Diego for free?
The beaches from Coronado to La Jolla, the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Park’s gardens and architecture, Old Town State Historic Park, the Cabrillo tide pools (small parking fee), Mission Bay and the Embarcadero waterfront are all free. Pair one paid highlight per day, such as the zoo or a cruise, with free coast time.
Do San Diego tours offer free cancellation?
Most experiences listed here can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. The policy is shown on each tour before you book.