What is San Diego Known For?

The Major League baseball team, the San Diego Padres, is one of the reasons San Diego is famous. Why not try to get tickets to see a Padres game while on vacation in San Diego? Or, as the Padres play in San Diego’s downtown PETCO Park stadium, take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn all about the team’s home.

Your guide will take you around the stadium, and you will have access to exclusive areas like the dugout, press box, and the Hall of Fame. Sports fans should also check out our guide to sports in San Diego for more athletic-themed ideas to add to your itinerary.

This is the most visited zoo in the United States, which is not surprising, as the San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, with over 650 species. The various habitats, such as ‘Lost Forest’ and ‘Northern Frontier’, are located across a massive 100-acre lot, so you can explore all day.

If that wasn’t enough, the zoo also has a separate Safari Park, which is located just north of the city, spans over 1,800 acres, and has more than 2,600 animals.

Having trouble choosing between the zoo and the safari park? Consult our handy guide!

San Diego is famous for its beaches, including Coronado, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach. With all these shorelines come plenty of water activities to choose from, including kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, and whale watching. Here is our list of the best water sports to try while in San Diego:

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the local area while taking in the city views from the water. From Coronado, you’ll get great views of the skyline, PETCO Park, USS Midway, Glorietta Bay, and more. Or, head to La Jolla to explore the caves and get up close to marine life. Why not try a 90-minute tandem kayak rental in Coronado or La Jolla, the perfect amount of time to enjoy a paddle beneath the San Diego sun?

Snorkeling

To get up close to San Diego’s marine life, snorkeling in La Jolla is a must. Rent all the equipment you need, including a mask, wetsuit, and flippers, and spend the day exploring San Diego’s unique ocean life. All kinds of animals live in La Jolla’s waters, so you have the opportunity to see dolphins, sea lions, leopard sharks, and garibaldi fish. Remember to take an underwater camera!

Surfing

What better way to experience the SoCal lifestyle than surfing? Surfing is a great way to immerse yourself in San Diego culture while getting to enjoy the great beaches and weather. Beginners and pros alike will enjoy surfing in La Jolla, as its waters are calmer, making it a great place to practice riding the waves. Plus, you can rent a surfboard for the full day, so you’ll have hours to perfect your moves.

Whale watching

Take the opportunity to go on a whale watching tour while visiting San Diego. This two-hour and 30-minute guided cruise will take you out into the ocean on a ship specifically designed for whale watching. You have the chance to see all kinds of whales, including the California Gray Whale, the Blue Whale, and orcas. Cameras at the ready! Be sure to check out our guide to whale watching for top tips on making the most of your tour.

One of the most famous areas of San Diego is Old Town. Old Town San Diego is the birthplace of California and is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. Aside from its historical significance, it’s a great area to visit for its attractions. 

Whaley House should absolutely be on your San Diego itinerary. The Whaley House is one of the most important buildings in San Diego and is perhaps the most haunted house in the USA. Discover the Whaley family history and keep an eye out for ghosts roaming the halls, of course...

A San Diego vacation would be incomplete without a trip to Balboa Park. Not only does it have beautiful gardens and a zoo, but there are also 17 museums located within the park. From the Natural History Museum to the San Diego Museum of Art, there is something for everyone. 

Go City® San Diego passes include admission to the San Diego Museum of Art, Japanese Friendship Garden, Natural History Museum, and more!

The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the most beautiful places in San Diego. Its Victorian architecture and impressive variety of bars and restaurants make it one of the most lively areas of the city. To learn more about the spookier side of this unique neighborhood, go on a Gaslamp Walking Ghost Tour!

Or, hire a bike and explore the Gaslamp Quarter at your own pace. A visit to the Gaslamp Quarter should be on your itinerary - it'll help you learn more about this wonderful city.

San Diego has more recently become famous for its craft beer industry. The city boasts more than 150 breweries and is one of the best cities for beer in the USA. 

At Pure Brewing, you have the choice of three fabulous locations in which to try their sample of colorful beer flights. Consisting of five different 5oz. pours based on your personal preferences, these flights give you the chance to get a taste of the varied brews on offer at Pure Brewing. In a setting replete with plants and soft lighting, this is an excellent spot to seek shade and cool off with a crisp and refreshing beer.