If you are planning a trip to Southern California and looking for things to do San Diego is the perfect place to begin. Let's start with a short history lesson. After the Mexican-American Wars, when the great state of California was finally an official and wholly portion of the union of states, although it was not really until the late 1800s that San Diego would come into its own. The great railroad systems are what really nurtured this once small city, which today is actually the second largest city in the state, and one of the largest cities in the United States.
Of course, San Diego is best known for serving as the Pacific Command Center during World War II, and even today it is still the hub of Pacific central operations for the US military, housing four major bases, one from each military branch of the government. However, there is so much more to see in this amazing city than just military bases or wharfs and piers.
If you plan on traveling to Southern California, there are numerous San Diego area attractions that are absolute must-sees. This list should help you to make the most of your vacation when there.
Things to Do San Diego
SeaWorld Adventure Park: From wild water rides like the Atlantis Water Coaster, to the 'Believe' show featuring Shamu, the world's most famous whale, to Wild Arctic Interaction and polar bears, even the dolphins, SeaWorld is an absolute must-see when you travel to San Diego. This family-friendly sea park offers some amazing views, is very educational and you can easily find yourself
enjoying an entire day inside of its massive ordinance.
San Diego Zoo: One of the largest and most amazing zoos in the entire world awaits you with more animals and exhibits than you will find almost anywhere else in the world. Make sure that you have a park map, sunscreen and some bottled water handy, as this park demands one or two days to really take it all in and see all of the sights. There are also guided tours that you can take, which are highly advised, that will allow for you to really make the most out of your time when at this one-of-a-kind zoo.
Balboa Park: This 1,200 acre city park is attached to San Diego Zoo, but is really its own park. The Panama-California Expo during 1916 led to its construction and today it serves as a beautiful, green staple to this great city. There is much to see here including the San Diego Zoo, fourteen different museums, the botanical gardens, pipe organ pavilion and oh so much more. If there is one place that you can't miss in this city, for certain it is Balboa Park.
Mission Beach: Perhaps this beach is best known for the Belmont Park's wood roller coaster - which has been featured in many films and TV shows over the years. However, this is the beach place to go when in San Diego. Enjoy some of the finest white, sandy stretches of beach that this city has to offer. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants you can stop in. It is advised that you try and rent a bike or rollerblades to really see all that this amazing beachside has to offer visitors.
Gaslamp Quarter: One of the older and today still the most exciting places that you can visit when you travel to San Diego is truly fantastic. Over sixteen blocks of the downtown area are riddled with real gas lamps, just like they were lit in the early 1900s. But that's not all. This place is the hubbub of nightlife, featuring playhouses, theatres, live music venues, restaurants, cafes and hundreds of awesome stores. An absolute must-see when you are here.
Old Town: The famed Father Serra originally founded a mission here more than two hundreds years ago. Today it feature tons of restaurants and shops, as well as plenty of entertainment including street side performers and vendors, and much more. It is highly advised that you set aside at least a few hours to come and check out this awesome town. The best time of day to visit is during the evening hours when the place really comes to life, especially during the weekends.
Little Italy District: Much like New York City has certain areas that are distinctly cultural, so does San Diego. This is why you should make sure to checkmark Little Italy on your list of places that are must-see. This district features everything authentic Italian that you could imagine. From bakeries and bistros, to cafes and boutique stores, and if you come during the month of October, there are several festivals that occur here that draw thousands of people from all over the world.
MCAS Miramar Air Show: Explore aviation like you have never seen it or felt it before. You can actually touch and get inside hundreds of different planes that typically only highly trained fighter jet pilots are allowed in. There are also virtual flight simulators and tons of different air shows that will dazzle the eyes. Don't forget to get your picture taken inside of the cockpit.
Belmont Park: One of the niftiest parks in the nation awaits you. This park is made super famous by the oldest wooden roller coaster that is still operational. There is also much more to do when here. Aside from strolling the pristine park itself, don a swimsuit and ride the waves in the wave pool, or coast down one of many waterslides at the water park.
Maritime Museum of San Diego: If you love ships and seafaring tales, this is the place to make sure you don't miss. It features several fully restored ships that you can go on guided tours of; great for families. If you find yourself here when you travel to San Diego, make sure that you check out the Star of India, a restored ship that originally sailed in 1863.
With so many things to do San Diego is a great destination for your next vacation. Come for the history, or just for the beaches, and enjoy this impressive city.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Things to Do San Diego.
