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Fun Facts About San Diego

Essential trivia to have in your back pocket
By Katie Sagal

San Diego is full of surprises and world-firsts. It's even home to some surprising inventions. Read on to learn our favorite facts about America's Finest City.

You've heard of the famous zoo and the Gaslamp Quarter, but how much do you really know about San Diego? For example, what is the city's official fish? Test your knowledge of this SoCal city - without further ado, here are our top San Diego facts.

Top San Diego Facts: 1-10

Balboa park
  • SeaWorld San Diego is the first of the three SeaWorld parks founded in the U.S.
     
  • Balboa Park is the world’s largest urban cultural park.
     
  • The Hotel del Coronado was once the largest resort in the world, and today remains a luxurious getaway destination.
     
  • The Davis-Horton House (formerly known as the William Heath Davis House) is the oldest wooden structure in the entire city.
     
  • With over 700,000 flora, the San Diego Zoo qualifies as an official botanic garden.
  • While there are currently no pandas at the San Diego Zoo, the zoo is renowned for being among the most successful in implementing a breeding program, with six cubs born at the zoo in total.
     
  • San Diego is considered one of the most temperate cities in the world. Its average year-round temperatures are 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
     
  • The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to a cheetah that reaches speeds of up to 70 mph on her daily official Cheetah Runs. Learn more about the difference between the Safari Park and the Zoo.
     
  • The USS Midway is the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the twentieth century.
     
  • The USS Midway was known as a “floating city” for its massive size: it’s 972 feet in length and weighs 74,000 tons.

Top San Diego facts 11-20

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  • Built in 1925, Belmont Park’s Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster is officially a National Historic Landmark.
     
  • Located at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon was the first manned vehicle in recorded history to achieve flight in 1783.
     
  • UC San Diego is home to the most significant collection of Dr. Seuss manuscripts in the entire world.
     
  • Founded in 1874 as the San Diego Society of Natural History, the San Diego Natural History Museum is the oldest scientific institution in southern California.
     
  • It is one of the best locations to see whales year-round: depending upon the time of year, you can see Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Pilot Whales and Orcas on a whale-watching cruise.
     
  • Garibaldi is the official marine fish of the state of California. You can find them near the La Jolla Caves.
     
  • In some circles, the Whaley House is considered the most haunted house in America.
     
  • Tony Hawk is from San Diego, and he’s so beloved that May 29th is Tony Hawk Day in the city.
     
  • The Living Coast Discovery Center is located right on the coast, on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, making it one of the most immersive animal park experiences in the country.
     
  • Run by the scientists at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the Birch Aquarium hosts more than 5,000 fish in 60+ habitats – the largest oceanographic museum in the United States.

Top San Diego facts 21-25

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  • The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park was founded as a gesture of friendship between San Diego and its Japanese sister city, Yokohama.
     
  • San Diego County produces the most avocados in the United States, accounting for about 60% of California avocado growth.
     
  • The San Diego Model Railroad Museum boasts the largest model railroad display in the entire world.
     
  • Everyone’s favorite spray lubricator, WD-40, was invented in San Diego in 1953.
     
  • The San Diego Padres have one of the more unique mascots in Major League Baseball – "The Swinging Friar,” who was chosen as the mascot in 1961. This is in tribute to Franciscan Friars – Father Junípero Serra and Don Caspar de Portolá – who founded the first Spanish colony in southern California right here.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

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Added tip: There is a tradition of "Kids Go Free in October, meaning kids' tickets are free for the month at many popular attractions. Check out our guide and please always confirm with the attractions if the offer is still on.

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Skyline of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego
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Things to do in Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

Named for the lanterns that used to light its picturesque Victorian Streets, the 16 blocks of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter are now the heart of the city’s buzzing nightlife scene. Despite its relatively diminutive size the Gaslamp (as the locals call it) packs a powerful punch, with some fine 19th-century architecture, a smattering of museums, great dive bars and some of the best entertainment in town. Check out our 10 favorite things to do in Gaslamp Quarter San Diego below. Take a Walk Down Historic 5th Avenue The Gaslamp Quarter has bags of architectural charm, with attractive historic buildings to be found around nearly every corner. Take a stroll along 5th Avenue to spot some of the best. Built in 1888, the Louis Bank of Commerce at number 835 is an impressive Baroque Revival confection, distinguishable by its elaborate facade and protruding turrets. Also look out for the Yuma Building at number 631. This Art Deco vision in red brick has brightly painted bay windows and twin spires on top. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at the famous Gaslamp Quarter sign – you’ll find it on the corner of 5th and L Street. Visit The Gaslamp Museum Step back in time inside downtown San Diego’s oldest surviving structure. Built in Portland in 1850, this unassuming traditional timber-framed ‘saltbox’ house was later deconstructed and shipped to San Diego via Cape Horn and has been standing in the same spot ever since. Wander through the hushed Victorian rooms with their thick carpets and period furniture to learn about former inhabitants including Alonzo Horton, the ‘father of San Diego’, who lived here in the late 1860s and early 70s. The museum also boasts a gift shop for unusual souvenirs and – believe it or not – a resident spook. Sample the Nightlife If this lively downtown neighborhood is known for anything, it’s the fab nightlife. Try some of San Diego’s famously excellent craft beers in an atmospheric dive bar, or head to one of the many rooftop venues for great cocktails and live music. As well as a whole bunch of nightclubs, there’s top-flight entertainment to be found at the likes of the American Comedy Company’s open mic nights and the non-stop party that is The Shout! House’s Dueling Pianos show, where high-energy entertainment, raucous sing-alongs and dancing all night long are par for the course. Take the Kids to The New Children’s Museum Let the kids get creative at this excellent interactive museum on W Island Avenue. Inside, the labyrinth of colorful little rooms filled with fun activities and exhibits will blow their tiny minds and keep them entertained for hours. Installations are ever-changing, but you can expect the likes of immersive mini theaters for imaginative role play, colorful murals, brain-bending puzzles, even a giant crocheted hammock that kids can climb inside and explore. There are also studios and workshops where they can unleash their messiest artistic streaks with paint, clay and more. See the San Diego Padres in Action Just a block from the Gaslamp over in the East Village, Petco Park is home to the San Diego Padres. Grab a hot dog, a beer and – of course – a giant foam finger, and soak up the thrilling atmosphere at a Major League Baseball game. And, if baseball isn’t your thing, keep an eye out for concert listings: this enormous stadium has hosted shows by some of the world’s biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. See Some Fine Art Just north of the Gaslamp on Kettner Avenue, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a smaller outpost of the museum’s main galleries in La Jolla. But don’t let that put you off! Works created post-1950, including sculpture, painting, photography and installations are collected here in the huge, light-filled gallery of the historic former Santa Fe Depot baggage building. Expect Pop Art, conceptual art, art from up-and-coming and emerging artists and permanent commissions by established artists including Richard Serra and Jenny Holzer. Shop Til You Drop The Gaslamp is a shoppers’ paradise, with boutique after independent boutique selling the latest fashions, vintage accessories, fine jewelry, unique works of art and more. The Gaslamp Artisan Market brings dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, street food and handcrafted artisan bits and bobs to the neighborhood every weekend. Grab yourself some brunch at one of the many cute eateries then while away an hour or two browsing for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Go See a Show Head for the historic Balboa, a former moviehouse and vaudeville theater with some 100 years of history. Inside, ornate decorative moldings and a tiled dome create a suitably evocative setting for touring Broadway productions such as Wicked, Cats and The Book of Mormon as well as concerts by rock royalty – previous performers to have graced the stage here include Patti Smith, Willie Nelson, John Legend, Tori Amos and Nick Cave. Step Aboard an Aircraft Carrier The USS Midway Museum at Navy Pier honors the United States' longest-serving 20th-century aircraft carrier, which saw service between 1945 and 1992 before finding its permanent home here in San Diego. Airplane enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven, with oodles of magnificent flying machines to admire, including a SDB Dauntless dive bomber from the Second World War and an F9F-P Cougar from the Korean War. Play captain up on the bridge, climb into a cockpit and hear great stories and anecdotes about the USS Midway from the fantastic volunteer crew. Chill Out in Horton Plaza Park Horton Plaza is hard to miss – that’s because it’s the only square in the tiny Gaslamp Quarter. Grab yourself an ice cream from the pavilion and watch the world go by from the amphitheater steps, or sprawled on one of the grassy lawns. The large, ornate fountain on the plaza dates back to 1910 and is surrounded by palm trees – it’s a relaxing spot to while away a few idle moments in the famous San Diego sunshine. Save on things to do in the Gaslamp Quarter San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The Casa del Prado and lily pond in Balboa Park, San Diego
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Things to do in Balboa Park San Diego

San Diego’s Balboa Park is a huge tract of parkland located just north of Downtown. Sprawling across some 1,200 acres, it’s criss-crossed by several freeways and boasts dozens of attractive gardens, museums, galleries, theaters and other attractions as well as wild walking trails, stunning architecture and an assortment of cafés, bars and restaurants. This massive urban playground could easily fill several days of sightseeing. Here are our top 10 picks for things to do in Balboa Park San Diego. Go to the Zoo Covering around a twelfth of the entire Park, San Diego Zoo contains hundreds of species and thousands of animals and is one of the most visited zoos in the United States. Wander through the Lost Forest to spot the resident hippos, plus tigers, gorillas and more, and visit the Komodo Kingdom for your giant lizard fix. There are huge tropical aviaries, Arctic landscapes and – as the zoo is also a botanical garden – over 700,000 exotic plants to explore. Take the guided bus tour to get your bearings or hop on the Skyfari cable car for an amazing aerial view of the critters and vegetation below. Admire the Architecture Many of Balboa Park’s buildings were designed for major Expos in the early 20th Century, which makes for a pretty diverse range of architectural styles. Stroll the broad El Prado boulevard to spot the Casa del Prado, a stunning Spanish-Colonial masterpiece with garlanded columns, shaded cloisters and tiled domes. And listen for the bell chiming every quarter hour from the lavish three-story tower of the California Building, with its colorful tiled dome and heady mix of Baroque, Churrigueresque, Rococo and Gothic styles. See Some Fine Art The ornate Spanish Renaissance-style facade of San Diego Museum of Art is a masterpiece in itself and features within it three life-sized sculptures of Spanish Old Master painters Velázquez, Murillo and Zurbarán. Step inside to discover some of their finest pieces exhibited alongside other Spanish, European and American greats including Goya, El Greco, Klimt, Canaletto, Monet, Matisse and many more. The smaller Timken Museum nearby offers more of the same, while the Museum of Photographic Arts boasts a collection of thousands of fascinating images spanning the history of photography. Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden Created to mark the harmonious relationship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama, the Japanese Friendship Garden is 12 acres of pure zen, featuring tranquil koi ponds and waterfalls, a huge collection of bonsai trees and an extensive azalea and camellia garden filled with stunning white and pink blooms. Stroll the pathways to discover burbling water features and impressive statues cast in bronze, and visit in early March to see the cherry-blossom grove in all its spring finery. Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum Take a spin through the history of flight and space travel in this fantastic museum. Kids and aircraft enthusiasts will love to explore the many exhibits here, including Gumdrop, one of only 13 Apollo command modules on display anywhere in the world, and a faithful replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, the tiny plane flown solo from Long Island to Paris by Charles Lindbergh back in 1927. Other highlights include an amazing 4D cinema for fun, immersive flying experiences, and a model of the Montgolfier Brothers’s 18th-century hot-air balloon, the first ever to complete a successful manned flight. Have a Picnic One of the best things you can do in Balboa Park is also one of the simplest: have a picnic! There are so many great spots to choose from in a green space this size but the east and west lawns of the Botanical Building are particularly picturesque, with views of the tranquil lily pond and lashings of sunshine. Note that, while alcohol is permitted here (and in a few other designated areas), glass is not, so remember to bring your Californian cabernet in a box and your San Diego craft beer in a can! Take in a Show The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is a an elaborate confection in the Italian Renaissance style, with fine detailing that includes intricate leaves and seashells. It also happens to be home to the largest outdoor organ on the planet, so you just know you’re going to have to go along for a listen. Free organ recitals blast out from the pavilion every Sunday at 2PM, and there are evening concerts in the summer months. The nearby Old Globe is modelled on Shakespear’s London theater and puts on a busy program of plays and musicals throughout its summer and winter seasons. Hike the Trails Balboa Park has a number of excellent trails designed for hiking, biking and even skating. These vary in length from a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it half mile to a strenuous seven, with designated routes signposted at five main gateway points. Hit the three-mile Park Boulevard trail for a laidback stroll around some of the park’s top attractions, or tackle a more challenging ramble on the 4.4-mile Golden Hill trail. This route takes intrepid explorers over slightly more rugged terrain and deep into the native habitat of the Florida and Switzer canyons, as well as including a pleasant stretch of oak and eucalyptus-shaded pathway along the park’s eastern edge. Meet Prehistoric Monsters The San Diego Natural History Museum is a fab family attraction with four floors of exhibits including a giant replica mastodon, dinosaur fossils and an exhibition of over 200 skulls that run the gamut from tiny reptiles and amphibians up to giant pachyderms. There’s a big-screen theater showing natural history films and plenty of interactive fun for inquisitive kids, who can examine fossils using archaeological tools and visit scientists at work in the Demonstration Lab. The Backyard provides a fun zone for toddlers to explore the natural world through play. Ride the Balboa Park Carousel A firm favorite among visitors to Balboa Park for over a century now, this charming merry-go-round provides good old-fashioned entertainment in spades. Still running like a well-oiled machine on its original engine, it features a menagerie of beautifully crafted beasts including horses, giraffes, cats, pigs, a lion and... a dragon. Saddle up and enjoy this delightful throwback to a more innocent era. Save on things to do in Balboa Park San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
aerial-view-national-city-san-diego
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9+ Things to Do in San Diego Besides SeaWorld

San Diego is a fun-filled vacation destination with everything from popular theme parks to world-class museums, surfing, shopping, and more. So if you're looking for things to do in San Diego besides SeaWorld, there are plenty of options. We put together a list of our top recommendations for attractions, museums, cruises, activities, and other recommended things to do in San Diego besides SeaWorld, including: LEGOLAND® California Belmont Park San Diego Zoo San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Air & Space Museum San Diego Zoo Safari Park USS Midway Coronado Island Bike Rental & More Save on Admission to Popular Attractions Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go San Diego Card. Choose as you go from dozens of San Diego attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and San Diego attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Diego Card. San Diego Air & Space Museum San Diego Air & Space Museum gives visitors an overview of the important and strategic role San Diego has played in naval aviation. You'll also get to explore topics like space exploration and modern aviation with hands-on exhibits. Learn about the first hot air balloon ride in 1783, see the Navy F6F Hellcat, A-4 Skyhawk jet, Wright EX Vin Fiz, the Apollo XI Space Pen, and more. Getting In: San Diego Air & Space Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. San Diego Safari Park If you love animals, be sure to check out the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. San Diego Zoo Safari Park features large animal enclosures where visitors can observe animals roaming, running, jumping, flying, and more. Special exhibits, shows, demonstrations, and interactive experiences take place throughout the day, so be sure to check the park's schedule before planning your day. Your San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets include admission to all general exhibits, a ride on the Africa Tram Safari, viewing of the Cheetah Run, and all regularly scheduled keeper talks and shows. Getting In: San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. La Jolla Beaches After visiting the Birch Aquarium, make the most of your time in La Jolla and check out its picturesque beaches. Go for a swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or poke around the shops and restaurants located near the beaches. Let’s Recap These are just a few of the most popular things to do in San Diego besides SeaWorld - the possibilities are endless. Part of the reason San Diego is such a popular vacation spot is that it's packed with a variety of attractions and activities, so there's something to suit every type of traveler. Whether you're looking to experience San Diego beyond its theme parks or just want to do things other than SeaWorld, it's all here. Visit each of these above attractions with a Go San Diego® Card and save on combined admission costs.
Casey Makovich

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