8 of the best things to do in San Diego

04.06.2024 - 14:29 / lonelyplanet.com

Roughly two hours south from the hustle of Hollywood (depending on LA traffic), oh-so laid-back San Diego offers a different Californian experience.

Despite being the second largest city in the state, you'll find innumerable quiet corners and scenic views – an ideal destination for having your cake and eating it, too, when it comes to enjoying both city and nature in one go. Around 50 miles of pristine beaches offer plenty of variety, making it enticing to sneak away for some blissful solitude or indulge in the opposite by grabbing a drink at a buzzy beach bar. It's easy to hop between many different realities here.

There aren't so many large cities we'd readily describe as "relaxing," but San Diego is one of them. The city is anything but sleepy, though – with nightlife ranging from elegant to eclectic – luring in socialites to sample its myriad bars, breweries and events of all styles. Whether you're looking for a packed bar blasting early 2000s hip-hop or a sparklingly fancy rooftop with skyscraper views, you'll find both (and everything in between) here. 

Here's our guide to the best things to do in San Diego. 

Think of it as the Central Park of San Diego: the leafy Balboa Park sprawls over 1200 acres in the heart of the city, bordering both downtown and the neighborhoods of North and South Park. More than a beautiful green space (although that reason alone is definitely worth visiting for), it's also home to multiple museums, the beloved San Diego Zoo, a Japanese garden, arts and crafts shops, plus eateries. Head over and picnic under the shade of a massive pine tree, or make a whole day of it and tick off the park's attractions one by one.

Planning tip: If you want to do it all, the park's Explorer Pass is the most simple and cost-effective way.

Every beach in San Diego has its own personality, and whichever one you prefer says something about you (if you were to ask a local). Whether you're a surf enthusiast or prefer to be horizontal under the sunshine with minimal movement, there's a coastline for you. 

Up north around La Jolla, Windansea Beach beckons with salty rock formations and dazzlingly bright sand greeted by strong waves. It's an idyllic place to unwind, seemingly far from any city. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are two classic San Diego beach picks, neighboring each other northwest of downtown. A long boardwalk frequented by cyclists and skaters creates a lively feel, and you're never too far away from a place serving margaritas. There's plenty of party to be had, not to mention a giant roller coaster steps from Mission Beach. Expect crowds, especially at sunset.

Further south, Ocean Beach draws volleyball enthusiasts and a typically chill crowd. You might even encounter a random drum