9+ Things to Do in San Diego Besides SeaWorld

Experience your kids' (or your own) favorite pastime come to life at LEGOLAND® California! You'll get to enjoy LEGO®-themed rides, attractions, shows, interactive exhibits, and more. You'll even get to see some of your favorite characters from popular LEGO® movies and experiences. Little ones will love the DUPLO® play area while the older kids can make the most of all the exciting thrill rides, 3D shows, Miniland USA, and more. Getting In: LEGOLAND® California tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

If it's rides and amusement park fun you're after, be sure to check out Belmont Park, located just steps from the beach. Whether you're a thrill ride junky or carnival game extraordinaire, there's tons of fun things to do at Belmont Park, it's easy to spend an entire day here. Getting In: Belmont Park All Access Combo Pass tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

The San Diego Zoo is synonymous with a visit to San Diego. You'll get to see over 3,700 animals from all over the world, including its famous pandas. This historic park is located in the heart of Balboa Park, so it's surrounded by a bunch of other popular attractions, restaurants, and beautiful landscapes and architecture. Your San Diego Zoo ticket includes a guided bus tour, the hop-on hop-off Kangaroo Express Bus, a ride on the Skyfari® aerial tram, and any special shows occurring throughout the day. Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

Also located in Balboa Park, TheNAT (as it's known by the locals), is a fantastic place to visit when you visit the zoo. One of the fun things about TheNAT is that many of its exhibits explore the natural history and culture of Southern and Baja California. San Diego Natural History Museum tickets include a daily film screening too, check their schedule before you go! Getting In: San Diego Natural History Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

One of San Diego's most-visited attractions, the USS Midway is a historic aircraft carrier-turned-museum. Onboard, you'll get to explore the ship's many features and explore lots of exhibits detailing the role the ship played in WWII and what life was like for those who served aboard it. On the ship's main deck you can see an array of aircraft up close (and even climb inside a couple of them) and see where the airplanes would take off and land when the ship was out at sea. Your USS Midway tickets include a screening of “Battle of Midway: Voices of Midway,” an informative and moving narration. We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Getting In: USS Midway Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

Hop on a ferry and head to Coronado, a small 'island' right in San Diego Bay. Pick up a kayak or stand up paddleboard to get out on the water and explore the sights. You'll get to see unique views of Petco Park, the Embarcadero, the USS Midway, Naval Station North Island, the Silver Strand, the Convention Center, and Glorietta Bay. Getting In: Coronado: Tandem Kayak and/or Stand-Up Paddle Board Rentals are included on the Go San Diego Card. Please note: reservations are required for this attraction.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a famous oceanographic institute that places a special emphasis on sea life that can be found right in the La Jolla waters. Check out the many hands-on and interactive exhibits and be sure not to miss the stunning Pacific Ocean views from the Aquarium. Getting In: Birch Aquarium tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

See what it's like to get behind the wheel in a racecar and test out your expert driving skills at Miramar Speed Circuit. The state-of-the-art equipment and challenging racecourse complete with hairpin turns and long speedways, will have you thinking you're racing with the pros. Clock your lap times, compare your performance with friends and see how you stack up to the pros, and more. Plus, your admission through the Go Card now includes Laser Tag! Getting In: Miramar Speed Circuit tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

San Diego is one of the best places to go whale watching. Head out to sea and see how many you can spot with a Whale Watching Cruise by Newport Landing. With several daily departures available, it's easy to fit a whale watching cruise into your San Diego sightseeing itinerary. A few of the fascinating and majestic species you may see on your adventure include the California Gray Whale, Giant Blue Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, and other sea creatures including dolphins, seals, and sharks. Getting In: Newport Landing Whale Watching tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

If you're looking for the classic theme park experience, head to historic Knott’s Berry Farm - California's first ever theme park (originally a berry stand). Spend the day experiencing thrill ride after thrill ride and enjoy other theme park attractions like carnival-style games, activities, and more. While you're there, sample a bit of California history and pick up a Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Pie! Getting In: Knott’s Berry Farm tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.