10+ Things to Do in San Diego with Teens During Your Vacation

Traveling with teenagers has the potential to be a headache, but San Diego has plenty of fun activities to keep everyone smiling. Here's where we recommend taking the teens.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
San Diego at sunset

A visit to "America’s Finest City" is one of the most exciting places you can take teens. We know taking a family trip with teenagers can be challenging, but don't worry, we've put together a fun-packed list of things to do in San Diego with teens that will be a delight for the whole family. So, if you're after some top things to do in San Diego with teens, our list of attractions and activities includes:

  • Belmont Park Amusement Park
  • Miramar Speed Circuit Indoor GoKarts
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • SeaWorld® San Diego
  • USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
  • PETCO Park Tour
  • and more...

Save on admission to attractions teens will love

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Take a ride on a world-famous coaster

Roller_Coster_San_Diego_Belmont_Park

Head to the boardwalk for some classic summer fun at Belmont Park. Take a ride on the world-famous Giant Dipper roller coaster, built in 1925 at the height of the Roaring Twenties. Then get more modern-day thrills aboard the park's newer rides and attractions like the Beach Blaster and Control Freak (warning: not for the faint of heart!)

Your All-Access Pass is perfect for teens, too. It allows them to choose from several of the park's top rides, and enjoy them with friends or siblings. They'll especially love being competitive on the Krazy Kars! 

Getting In: Belmont Park All Access Combo Pass tickets are included on all San Diego passes.

Take a race kart for a spin

Take a turn behind the wheel on one of the best indoor tracks in the United States. Designed by professional racers, the Miramar Speed Circuit is a challenge for even the most seasoned drivers. The 1,500-foot track is longer and more technically challenging than most courses, featuring four hairpin turns and two straight-aways that let drivers crank their karts (which are equipped with Honda 6.5-BHP engines) up to 40 mph.

Compare times with your friends at the finish line. Each Kart is equipped with Club Speed Timing, a highly precise electronic recording of each driver's lap pace and splits. 

Getting In: Miramar Speed Circuit is separately ticketed.

Hang out with cool animals

three-male-lions

Have you ever played tug-of-war with a tiger? The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers visitors lots of fun and exciting opportunities for animal encounters. You'll be amazed how close you get to lots of the animals, including cheetahs, rhinos, tigers, giraffes, elephants, gorillas, and more in this environment that mimics the natural habitats of Asian and African animals. Be sure not to miss the 30-minute tram ride to get above it all for an incredible view of the entirety of the park.

Another great animal park option is the fabulous San Diego Zoo, home to the world-famous Giant Pandas. Explore 100 acres of animal excitement and education. Animal-loving teens won't want to miss out on the opportunity to see their favorite critters up close and personal!

If you're not sure which to visit or want some information about both attractions, read this post to see some of the differences between the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. 

Getting In: San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets and San Diego Zoo tickets are included on all San Diego passes.

Head to SeaWorld® San Diego

aerial-view-seaworld-marine-life-theme

For teenagers who are big animal lovers, perhaps a visit to the zoo isn't enough. In that case, a trip to SeaWorld San Diego is a must-do. Encounter an incredible variety of marine life, from penguins and polar bears to beloved orcas. Combine this delightful animal entertainment with amazing theme park rides like Journey to Atlantis and the Manta coaster.

For teens who have an interest in wildlife conservation, marine biology, or any kind of work with animals, a visit here is a great opportunity to check out what SeaWorld is doing to take care of our world's sea creatures.

Getting In: SeaWorld San Diego tickets are included on the All-Inclusive Pass only.

Explore exciting museums

While teens may roll their eyes at some museums, a few in San Diego are guaranteed to be more exciting and entertaining than your standard adult-centric options. Fans of military history or aspiring naval officers will love a visit to the historic USS Midway Museum, one of San Diego's most popular attractions. Visitors can explore many areas of the ship, from the crew quarters to the ship's brig.

 

USS Midway

At the San Diego Air & Space Museum, which focuses on the history of aviation, there's a ton of historic aircraft. There are artifacts from the history of flight like the Apollo XI Space Pen, and the fascinating Zable Theater, offering shows in 3-D and 4-D.

Last but not least, appeal to their inner child with a visit to the Model Railroad Museum. From small-scale models of real-life trains and equipment to an exhibit featuring everyone's favorite childhood train, Thomas the Tank Engine, there's something to appeal to the train lover in everybody. 

Getting In: USS Midway Museum tickets, San Diego Air & Space Museum tickets, and more are included on all San Diego passes.

Visit the Rueben H. Fleet Science Center

If your teen loves science or has dreams of being a scientist one day, take the whole family to the Fleet Science Center. With dozens of interactive exhibits designed to inspire curiosity and incite creativity in their visitors, the Fleet Science Center addresses just about every aspect of science and technology that you can think of. From electricity to space exploration to skyscrapers -- you name it, they've got an exhibit on it.

Don't forget about the IMAX movie that comes with your admission! While IMAX film topics rotate, recent films include "Under the Sea," "To the Arctic," and "Amazing Caves." They also have films on cultural topics like "Jerusalem". 

Getting In: Rueben H. Fleet Science Center tickets are included on all San Diego passes.

Take in a baseball game

young-boy-swinging-bat-hit-baseball

Teens can be relied upon to enjoy a good sporting event or two. Take them to a San Diego Padres game and enjoy the experience of being in one of Major League Baseball's loveliest parks. If you can't make a game or are looking for a more comprehensive baseball experience, take a tour of PETCO Park for some behind-the-scenes action. 

Getting In: PETCO Park Tour tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

Tour San Diego in a different way

While your teens may not be super into the idea of a traditional tour, there are many more exciting approaches to exploring a city. One of our favorites is the self-guided GoCar Tour. It's a clever talking car that narrates the scenes and sights you pass along your drive, conveniently pausing and resuming narration when you want to stop to explore. Please keep in mind that the driver of the car must be 21 or older, so your teen won't be able to drive the vehicle unaccompanied. 

Getting In: San Diego GoCar Tour tickets are included on the San Diego Explorer pass only.

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

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Go grab your San Diego pass and see the sights! 

☀️ Compare San Diego passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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The pier at Ocean Beach, San Diego
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Things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego

Antique shops rub shoulders with surf boutiques, organic grocery stores and tempting taquerias in bohemian Ocean Beach, a buzzing neighborhood at the estuary of the San Diego River, around 10 kilometers from downtown. The broad sun-kissed strip of golden SoCal sand draws surfers and sunbathers from near and far while the neighborhood’s historic streets play host to markets and festivals throughout the year. Read on for our pick of the best things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego. Paint the Town Laidback Ocean Beach revels in its reputation as San Diego’s hippy chic hangout. There’s a real community feel to this welcoming neighborhood: stroll palm-lined Newport Avenue and you’ll soon see what we mean. This is also the place to find unusual souvenirs of your trip. Head to French-themed antique store Vignettes for vintage Chanel and Tiffany jewelry, beautiful art prints from Paris and unique Victorian and Edwardian engagement rings. Track down that elusive Pearl Jam LP in hip Cow Records and pick up preloved vintage fashions and other collectible knick-knacks in the boho Humble Heart thrift stores. There are also several tattoo parlors, should you be in the market for a truly indelible souvenir of your trip. Newport Avenue bursts into life every Wednesday when the popular Ocean Beach Farmers Market rolls into town. Wander among more than 100 stalls soaking up the community vibe and live music, and breathing in the heady aromas of sizzling burgers, fresh flowers, handmade soaps and more from local producers. Pick up a canvas tote bag adorned with the market’s colorful logo and stuff it full of goodies to take home: the freshly baked breads and homemade desserts here are to die for. Afterwards, sample San Diego’s legendary craft beers in one of the avenue’s sociable taprooms. Close to the seafront, Ocean Beach Brewery serves up house ales, lagers and porters alongside tacos, burgers, salads and bar games, with a side order of sensational sea views from its third-story rooftop terrace. Further back along the drag, Kilowatt Brewing offers an eclectic selection of small batch beers amid several works of black light art and – in a nod to the brewery’s name – cool, color-changing LED lighting. If wine is more your bag, the nearby Gianni Buomo Vintners has you covered – take a tour of the winery and sample a flight of six great wines, some from California. You can also, should the mood take you, grab a coffee to go and take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood, noting the colorful painted murals and historic buildings including the old Strand Theater and the Bank of Italy – both around 100 years old – along the way. Life’s a Beach Ocean Beach’s tempting stretch of blonde sand and rolling waves make it a firm favorite with surfers. Pros and novices flock here and to other nearby surf spots every summer. Watch them turn 360s and wipe out from the comfort of your lounger or get involved with popular beach sports including volleyball and over-the-line. Wander the 600-meter length of Ocean Beach Pier, the longest concrete pier on the West Coast. On any given day you’ll be sure to see young couples taking selfies against the famous California sunset and dozens of anglers fishing for herring, no doubt with a couple of hopeful-looking pelicans hanging out nearby. Look out for sleek native harbor seals ducking and diving in the fish-rich waters below. When the tide goes out, vast beds of rock and kelp emerge beneath the pier. Kids can take a well-earned break from sandcastle-building duties to forage in the exposed tidepools, discovering hermit crabs, anemones, prickly sea urchins and maybe even an occasional sea star. At the top of the beach by the mouth of the San Diego River, Dog Beach provides amazing off-the-leash fun for your four-legged friend. Here, dogs of all shapes and sizes frolic freely in the sand and surf and mingle with like-minded canines. Note that owning a dog is not a prerequisite to visit this pretty stretch of beach; you’re equally welcome if you simply wish to fill your heart with joy at the sight of all those doggos living their best lives. Attractions Near Ocean Beach Ocean Beach’s location just north of Point Loma means easy access to attractions along the peninsula. Hire a bike and take a ride down Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park where – as the name suggests – you can expect stunning sunsets from atop rugged cliffs. Adventurers will relish the chance to scramble down to the Sunset Cliffs Cave at low tide, but be prepared to get wet! To reach this geological marvel – a huge open-ceiling sea cave – head to Luscomb Point and take the steps down to the bottom. You’ll have to cross rocks and wade through some shallow water to reach the cave from here but, boy, is it worth it. Towards the tip of the peninsula, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a historic landmark that lies a mere 20-minute drive south from Ocean Beach. Erected in 1855, the lighthouse marks the highest point within the Cabrillo National Monument park. Visitors can take a look around inside and may occasionally be startled by volunteers in period costume, there to reenact key moments from the lighthouse’s storied history. The lighthouse tower is open only twice a year: on August 25 and November 15. Like Sunset Cliffs, the lighthouse is a great place for filling your Instagram feed with humblebrag snaps of the sun setting over the ocean. It’s also pretty good for spotting whales between December and April, when gray whales migrate en masse from Alaska to the warm calving grounds of Baja’s lagoons. Dedicated whale-spotters may even be lucky enough to see mothers swimming with their calves in late April and early May, as they set out on their long journey back to the Arctic. Save on things to do in Ocean Beach 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
San Diego
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Things to Do in San Diego for Adults

Check out our favorite things to do in San Diego for adults.
Katie Sagal
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Getting Around San Diego - How to Get Around San Diego for Tourists

San Diego Public Transportation San Diego and its surrounding areas have accessible and affordable public transit systems that include trolleys, buses, trains, and shuttles. Within San Diego The trolleys provide service from key locations in the downtown area while buses are great for navigating beyond downtown San Diego. A Big Bay Shuttle runs seasonally (between Memorial and Labor Day) and provides hop-on hop-off service along San Diego’s Embarcadero waterfront area with an all-day pass. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, SDMTS, consists of 3 trolley lines: The Blue Line runs between the Mexican border through Downtown and Old Town The Orange line connects the Downtown area to eastern parts of San Diego through Lemon Grove and El Cajon The Green Line runs from Old Town through Mission Valley, San Diego State University, and Santee. Check the SDMTS website for up-to-date detailed trolley maps and timetables. The SDMTS also includes a bus system that offers 89 different routes. The buses are easy to use and are a reliable way to get around to areas of San Diego that the trolley does not service. Check the SDMTS website for up-to-date bus route maps, schedules, and trip planning resources. The Plan Your Trip tool on the SDMTS website is also super helpful for visitors. Plug in where you'd like to go and easily find which buses or trains will take you there the quickest. Beyond San Diego Taxis & Cars You'll never need to worry about hailing a cab in San Diego! Taxis are widely available in San Diego but can be expensive. Base fares and rates are displayed on the meter and you are typically charged on a per mile basis. There are taxi stands at the airport, most hotels, and plenty of the most popular San Diego attractions. If you plan to visit attractions outside of downtown San Diego frequently, renting a car is probably a more convenient option. The freeway system is easy to navigate and you'll be able to make it to all ends of the expansive city. Be sure to leave time to find parking downtown and account for parking fees at select attractions. Many rental car services include a convenient pick-up service at San Diego area hotels as well. It is also important to note that many rental services require that the driver is 25 years of age or older. San Diego by Bike Hop On Hop Off Trolley Traveling from the San Diego International Airport (SAN) Save on attraction admission Consider using a pass for San Diego with Go City® - which includes admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available San Diego attractions, passes & prices. A San Diego pass will save you on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich

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