The 16 things to do in San Diego

Visit San Diego: what are the best things to do and see in this city of the American West Coast?

It’s gone to California! San Diego lies south of the west coast of the United States, close to the Mexican border. With more than 1.3 million inhabitants, it is the eighth city of the country, and also the most visited city on the American West Coast.

Its ideal time and its long white sand beaches promise you moments of absolute farniente. For the most curious, the city is full of attractions, typical neighborhoods, museums or incredible parks! San Diego is a city that has a lot to make you discover, and in which there is no risk of getting bored. Its surroundings are equally attractive and interesting to discover!

Are you wondering what to do in San Diego? This is it!

1. Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a complex of shops and restaurants, located by the sea in downtown San Diego. Very nice to stroll, walk the docks and marina and restore. On weekends, the venue is animated and includes many street shows and concerts.

2. Firehouse Museum

Created in 1962, this museum retraces 100 years of history on the San Diego firefighters. It is located in the oldest fire station in the city, giving it all its charm and authenticity.

3. Old Town

Translation: " Old town ". And this neighborhood is well named as it was here that everything started, when the first Spanish colony arrived in California and settled on this ground. Certainly very touristic, an authentic character and a friendly atmosphere emerge from this neighborhood that you must absolutely see if you come to visit San Diego.

This is where the Visitor Center or you can request a lot of information and program a guided tour, but also McCoy House Museum which retraces the history of the Old Pueblo, La Casa de Machado y Stewart, the Schoolhouse which was the first public school in the city or the sublime collection of vintage car contained in the Seeley Stable .

4. Gaslamp Quarter

Are you going to visit San Diego and look for a place to go out and party? So it’s up to Gaslamp Quarter that you will find your happiness! With its 200 restaurants, underground bars and various concerts, this formerly “unfamled” neighbourhood has become one of the most fun places in the city. Completely renovated, you will fall under the charm of its gas lamps and its Victorian buildings. Green spaces, theatres, street show, lively bars... You're gonna love it!

5. La Jolla

What are you looking for in San Diego? Why not a little shopping! The district La Jolla - pronounced "hoya" - is a chic neighborhood that brings together many luxury boutiques, especially on Girard Avenue .

But relaxing on a white sandy beach is also possible and very pleasant, because it is also a seaside district, with a breathtaking coastline where it is possible to hike. You will also find the University of California, and San Diego aquarium one of the largest and most beautiful of the West Coast.

6. Baseball match at Petco Park

If you're still wondering what to do in San Diego, then we advise you to dive into American culture and attend a baseball game in San Diego Petco Park ! Here, it is the Padres team that must be supported. No need to understand the rules, just soak in the mood by enjoying a hot dog!

Note : Know that it is also possible to make a guided tour of the stadium, excluding sports event.

7. Las Americas Premium Outlets

Fashionnistas will necessarily find their happiness Las Americas Premium Outlets , located in the neighborhood San Ysidro south of the city, on the Mexican border. Here are 125 clothing shops of any brand ( Levis, Nike, Tommy Hifigler ...) proposing reductions ranging from 25 to 65 per cent.

8. The Mormon Temple

If you are looking for what to do in San Diego, do not miss going to admire the beautiful Mormon temple of San Diego ! Located near the Jolla district, this immaculate white marble building is a 26-year-old architectural wonder.

9. Whale migration

If you are going to visit San Diego between November and April, then don't miss this incredible show! During this period, thousands of whales leave Alaska for Mexico and offer a magical ballet off the coast of California. To make the most of it, choose an observation cruise, they don’t miss in San Diego!

10. USS Midway Museum

Don’t miss your way to the marina and to visit the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier, now transformed into museum museum on the United States Navy. On the programme, visit the dormitories, officers' quarters, the engine room, screening of historical videos, and even flight simulator.

11. Balboa Park

The hispanic touch that emerges from San Diego is even more present in this beautiful park. You will be subjugated by the beauty of the Casa de Balboa and its pool in the heart of the park.

By visiting the park, you can also visit beautiful museums, such as the Museum of Man, the Centre of Sciences, or the Museum of Air and Space (similar to the museum) Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum of New York ). The park also has a magnificent 40-hectare zoo, featuring over 650 species, and a splendid rose garden or you can admire more than 130 varieties of roses.

12. The desert of Anza-Borrego

Visiting San Diego is also going to discover its surroundings. Located 2 hours away from the Mexican border, the desert Anza-Borrego is the largest American state park. You can browse (in 4×4 if possible) its 240 000 hectares covered with canyons, cactus and incredible oasis! In addition, access is free and you can camp for free. Ideal to disconnect a little from the city and its tumults!

13. Legoland

Are you wondering what to do in San Diego with your children? Drive north, about 40 minutes away, and visit the theme park Legoland ! There are 60 rides and attractions that await you, over 50 hectares. Your children (and you!) will be delighted to discover more than 22,000 models of Lego in an incredible universe!

14. Tijuana

In just half an hour, you can go to Mexico , in the famous city Tijuana ! To do what? Honestly, nothing great, a little shopping, the party, say we went to Mexico! But above all, stay careful, some neighborhoods in the city have a bad reputation.

15. Coronado

Situated right in front of Downtown , it’s Island closes San Diego Bay. Easy access since it is connected to the city by a bridge — the Coronado Bridge — the island is famous for its mythical hotel with amazing architecture, the Hotel del Coronado, and its long white sand beach.

16. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach

Visit San Diego is also enjoying the mild Californian climate to bubble on the beach, or to immerse yourself in culture and surf! Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the most famous beaches of the city. The walk along Mission beach is pleasant and relaxing, lined with surf shop. While Pacific Beach is very popular, and very lively. There are many nightclubs, bars and trendy restaurants!

How to get to San Diego?

From France

You decided to go to San Diego? Know that there is no direct flight from France: some flights from Paris (from Roissy Charles de Gaulle in majority) include most of the time a stopover, sometimes two. At the start of France, between 10am and 15h flight to San Diego, up to 20 depending on the number of stopovers.

As far as prices are concerned, the rates vary according to the starting period: the tickets are on fire during the summer season, while it is much less expensive to get to San Diego between January and March. Whatever your stay dates, it is therefore necessary to anticipate your departure if you want to save money. Like Ulysses , flight comparisons will allow you to gauge the best prices according to your preferred dates.

From San Diego Airport

San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh International Airport or Lindbergh Field, is 3 kilometres northwest of San Diego. You can easily reach the city centre of San Diego by bus, which passes every 10 minutes (down $2.25 and 10 minutes) or by taxi.

Where to stay in San Diego?

If you choose to visit this sublime Californian city, it is important to choose neighborhoods where to stay in San Diego . The fashion addicts will be delighted to stay in Dowtown and Gaslamp, in the heart of a vibrant city centre where the city centers are legion. The ocean lovers will be able to invest the Marina — located on the edge of San Diego Bay — and enjoy a magnificent view of the harbour. Those whose budget is quite comfortable can choose to stay on the famous seaside resort of San Diego: the island of Coronado! And for even more madness, offer yourself a night in the most famous hotel of the island and the city: Hotel del Coronado !

But don't panic! You don’t have to break your PEL to stay in San Diego. From the small hostel to the great luxury hotels, to the small modest motel, everyone finds your happiness there! If you prefer to opt for a hotel, do not hesitate to search a hotel Compare hotels to find the one that best fits your expectations.

The hotels don't tempt you too much? You want an entire accommodation or something more atypical? See what I'm saying Airbnb reserve you: a hut in the trees? A villa by the sea? You have the cards in hand!

Are you ready to take your eyes? No doubt, you will be charmed by this city, its attractions, its center, and its heavenly beaches! So you still wonder what to do in San Diego?