4 days in San Diego: must-see experiences for every explorer

Find something for every adventure-seeker at this fun-filled park.

The vessels all come with safety equipment that has been approved by the Coast Guard and use super-quiet, eco-friendly, 30-horsepower outboard motors. Boats can carry up to three passengers and come with comfortable cushioned seats.You don't need to be an experienced driver to pilot the boats either. They're controlled with a steering wheel that handles just like a car, and the throttle only has three positions.You can choose to cruise slowly like a houseboat and take in all the sights or whizz across the water.Along the way, you'll get views of the Navy Ships, the USS Midway aircraft museum, Coronado Bridge, famous Star of India, and the Seaport Village.

You'll journey through the history of flight and explore beautifully-restored aircraft and hands-on exhibits. There's a model of the Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon of 1783, a Spitfire Mk XVI and a 4D theatre where you can take to the skies.Learn all about the history of aviation, space flight, and get a sense of the danger and excitement involved in air combat.

It was started by renowned car collector, Briggs Cunningham, back in 1988 and has since become a must-visit attraction for millions of automotive buffs.Here you'll find 90 incredible vehicles on display, including a $75,000 Cadillac complete with a toilet, a fridge, and self-inflating tires. There are also plenty of exhibits detailing the history of the American automotive industry and how cars contribute to American culture.Kids will also enjoy sitting in a real racecar and climbing onto a full-sized motorcycle, too.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world at San Diego’s oldest museum! A staple in stunning Balboa Park, The Nat features regional, natural history and biodiversity of Southern and Baja California over a whopping five floors of exhibition space and more.Enjoy permanent exhibitions, exciting films in the giant-screen theater, a robust calendar of events and activities and the opportunity to see scientists at work. Discover fascinating stories about our natural world when you pay a visit to The Nat! 

Stroll around this peaceful garden in San Diego’s Balboa Park – the nation’s largest urban cultural park.The zen design of the Japanese Friendship Garden boasts traditional water and stone elements, two koi ponds, a bonsai collection, and unique attractions such as a cast bronze kannon bosatsu statue from 1735 AD. You'll enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the garden which fuses Japanese aesthetics with southern Californian characteristics.The garden was created as a gesture of friendship between the US and Japan and combines water, pastoral and mountain scenes, also known as 'San-Kei-En' - a three-tiered experience. As you explore, you'll learn about all the little landscaped details and what they represent in Japanese culture.Each calming element will bring a sense of peace and tranquility to your San Diego trip, so don't miss the chance to take some time out and enjoy this cultural sanctuary.

From cannibals and beer history to learning about the power of secrets to our relationships with animals and the truth about cannibalism – there’s something for everyone at the San Diego Museum of Us.The Museum of Us is a cultural anthropology museum that explores the human experience from multicultural perspectives to spark dialogue, self-reflection, and human connections. Nestled in the heart of San Diego's historic Balboa Park, the Museum of Us brings together history, anthropology, art, and cultural resources from ancient and contemporary cultures underneath its grand Rotunda, educating visitors of all ages.

Take a self-guided tour around 60 exhibits including the sleeping quarters, engine room, galley, and ship jail.Learn all about the ship’s decades of service and the 225,000 sailors that served on board the craft. Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum’s exhibits, multimedia displays, interactive experiences, and more. The audio tour is narrated by Midway sailors who bring the Midway’s history to life with stories of their first-hand experiences living on the ship while at sea for months at a time.Take a step back in time and be amazed at the sheer size and beauty of the scale of the ship. With passes from Go City, you can enjoy this museum + many other local San Diego attractions for one low cost!