Things to Do in San Diego for Adults

Check out our favorite things to do in San Diego for adults.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
San Diego

San Diego is a delightful city for an adult-centric vacation. While the city is certainly well-known for its many family-friendly attractions, there are a ton of options that adults will love.

Whether it's searching for something romantic with a partner or fun with friends, there's an activity to suit every interest and style of travel. If you’re looking for things to do in San Diego for adults, check out our list of the top activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including...

  • Whale Watch or Harbor Cruises
  • San Diego Zoo
  • San Diego Museum of Art
  • Hop-on Hop-off San Diego Trolley
  • San Diego Speedboat Ride
  • PETCO Park Tour
  • Coronado Island
  • The Gaslamp Quarter
  • and more!

San Diego cruises and boat tours

Whale watching San Diego

If you're an active bunch, there's nothing quite like getting out on the water in this wonderful temperate city. The Pacific Ocean is full of marvels, big and small, so why not scope them out on an afternoon Whale Watch? See the great gray whales alongside tiny seabirds and go home with a collection of phenomenal photographs.

Please note: this tour is only available in the winter.

Looking for something more along the lines of a relaxing sightseeing cruise? Then check out the Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise for a combination of informative narration and peaceful sailing. 

This harbor boat tour takes in dozens of the city's best sights including Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and Cabrillo National Monument. You'll cover 20 miles worth of incredible landmarks and locations. 

 

San Diego animal attractions

San Diego Zoo

Do you simply adore animals? Then San Diego is the perfect destination for you! There are attractions to suit animal lovers of all stripes, from the amazing San Diego Zoo to their sister park, the San Diego Safari Park (maybe best known for its magnificent big cats).

If you prefer sea creatures to land mammals, another great option is SeaWorld San Diego. This amazing aquatic attraction combines the best parts of a theme park and an animal park all into one delightful package.

Check out San Diego's museums

USS Midway Museum

It's nearly impossible to narrow down the list of San Diego Museums to a few top choices, so we'll just have to settle for naming some of our favorites. The USS Midway Museum is a definite must-see; as one of the most popular attractions in all of San Diego, it's got a lot to offer fans of military history and naval culture.

Art lovers will also find much to enjoy about San Diego's museum scene, which features everything from fine arts museums (like the San Diego Museum of Art) to those that focus on photography and contemporary offerings (like the Museum of Contemporary Art. Of course, with nearly 20 museums and attractions to choose from in the Balboa Park area alone, you'll never run out of things to explore.

Visit Belmont Park

Belmont Park

Feel like a kid again with a visit to Belmont Park, a delightfully retro amusement park featuring all your classic favorites like a giant roller coaster, arcade games, and cotton candy. Of course, there are plenty of modern rides, too, like the refreshing Beach Blaster or the fun Krazy Kars. Spend an afternoon enjoying rides, slides, and strolls along their palm-lined boardwalk and we know you'll have a wonderful time.

Unique sightseeing tours

Go Car

Searching for a way to explore the city that isn't just the same old bus tour? Check out the revolutionary San Diego GoCar Tours - the world's first GPS-guided storytelling car. Let it do the talking and navigating while you worry about nothing but enjoying the ride. It's an ideal way for adults to explore the city because it lets you go at your own pace, and stop and start the tour any time or place you want. Simply hop back in and the narration resumes.

Or, if you prefer something a little more charming and traditional, try a trolley tour of the city. This hop-on hop-off option gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace over two days, guided by your interests.

Speedboat rides

San Diego speedboat

Do you love the water, but want something more exciting than a leisurely cruise? San Diego has several options for you to choose from. Our favorite is the Flagship Patriot Jet Boat, the most patriotic speedboat experience on the planet - patent pending. Experience high speed turns along San Fran Bay, skid along waves like some a certain fast and furious cinematic family, and do it all atop the red, white, and blue of the American flag. Does it get more patriotic than that? No, it does not.

Catch a baseball game

Petco Park

Head down to PETCO Park for a Padres game any time in the season, or if they're out of town, take a tour of PETCO Park. This gorgeous downtown stadium is one of Major League Baseball's finest, and it's more than worth your time to at least stop by.

If you're a real sports buff, then you have more options depending on the time of year. Torrey Pines has a well-regarded golf course, and there are several college options

Make the most of the great outdoors

Stand up paddleboarding

Active couples and groups of friends will love the chance to get out and explore the beautiful weather and scenery of the San Diego area. Bike rides are a perfect boardwalk activity for you and your friends, allowing you the freedom to beach hop while getting a little exercise.

Or, if you prefer to enjoy the beautiful waters of the coves and harbors in the region, try your hand at a tandem kayak?! There's even stand-up paddleboarding for the even more adventurous.

Coronado Island

Coronado Island

This lovely island community is a must-see part of San Diego that visitors often overlook. It's part beachy delights, part historic heritage, all wonderful. Explore the historic Hotel Del Coronado - today the home of many weddings and high-end parties. Bike the beaches and visit museums. It's just a quick ferry ride from downtown San Diego!

You could also spend a little time in the Coronado Museum of History and Art, which features informative and interesting exhibits about this charming island.

Japanese Friendship Garden

Japanese Friendship Garden

After indulging in all this exciting fun, you may want to unwind a little and reconnect with the slower side of things. While you may not be able to squeeze in a yoga class while traveling, you can pay a visit to the lovely Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. (For more things to do in Balboa Park, see below.)

This serene garden is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, featuring a koi pond, a sand and stone garden, and many other beautiful plants within a cultivated gardenscape.

The Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter

There are so many wonderful neighborhoods in San Diego that it can be hard to pinpoint the must-visits, but the historic Gaslamp Quarter is definitely on that list. Combining Victorian architecture and modern buildings to form one striking neighborhood, the Gaslamp Quarter is home to both historic attractions like the Davis-Horton House, modern nightlife and dining. Head here for a wide variety of options from dance clubs to fine dining establishments.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park

There's nothing in the world quite like the magnificent Balboa Park. It's the country's largest urban cultural park, filled to the brim with top museums, gardens, concert venues, and so much more. Explore this beautiful expanse to relax and unwind with a picnic or leisurely walk, or, opt to explore with a visit to a couple of their many world-renowned institutions.

Be sure to have your camera at the ready -- between the lush gardens and historic architecture, you'll want to snap a photo every few feet!

There's so much to see in San Diego

We hope you've found our round-up of fun things to do in San Diego for adults during your vacation helpful. These ideas are great for couples or if you are traveling with a group of friends. So, whether you're the get-out-and-go type of friend who can't wait for those long bike rides on the beach or the casual meandering couple who wants to soak up all the culture they can, San Diego has endless delightful attractions to help you craft that perfect vacation.

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. Grab whichever San Diego attraction pass suits you, and go exploring!

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

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Pacific Beach San Diego

Sandwiched between La Jolla to the north and Mission Beach to the south, Pacific Beach – or P.B. as it's known to locals – is a sun-drenched slice of Californian paradise. Alongside a beautiful sandy beach and fairly calm waters, it boasts some of the best nightlife in the area, with a high density of lively bars and restaurants frequented by the local student‘n’surfer crowd. Dive in to discover our favorite things to do in Pacific Beach San Diego. Beach Party Atmosphere Central Pacific Beach’s party vibe is the stuff of legend. During the day, the sunkissed blonde sands are alive with kitesurfers, kids playing volleyball and everything else in between. Firepits glow red in the twilight of balmy summer evenings as revelers soak up the gentle sea breezes and prepare for an evening in the hip bars and restaurants around the broad, palm-lined Garnet and Grand avenues. Mosey along to the SD Taproom on Garnet to sample a selection of San Diego’s legendary craft beers, from hoppy pale ales to rich chocolate stouts. A bar menu that includes pizza, burgers and giant pretzels will help soak up all that lovely beer. Or hit the Pacific Beach Fish Shop for ocean-fresh tacos brimming over with the grilled fish or crustacean of your choice, plus crab cakes, clam chowder and more. The three-mile oceanfront boardwalk stretches all the way south to Mission Beach and Mission Bay, and bustles with cyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers and shoppers. Hire a bike to explore this scenic stretch of the California coast, and make a day of it by taking a picnic and meandering south around Mission Bay’s winding shoreline. Or head north into the bluffs of La Jolla, with their spectacular sea views. Fishermen angle for bass and halibut off Crystal Pier, jockeying for position with selfie-takers. Tread its boards as the sun sets, turning the sky several remarkable shades of orange, pink and purple, for some of the finest photo opportunities in the area. You needn’t stray too far from the main drag to find a relatively quiet stretch of beach, either: the calm waters and broad sands just north of the pier are a little less lively and especially popular with families as a result. Like Central P.B., North Pacific Beach has designated swimming and surfing areas, and a reassuring lifeguard presence. Surf’s up! Grab your board and make for Tourmaline Surfing Park. This cute cove where P.B. meets La Jolla is surrounded by cliffs and accessed down a steep, palm-lined road through Tourmaline Canyon. The slow-rolling waves make this beach popular with novice surfers, as well as windsurfers and kiteboarders when the wind is up. Park Life A big favorite with in-the-know locals, Kate Sessions Park is 79 acres of gorgeous greenery set on the verdant slopes of Mount Soledad. Pack a picnic and throw down your blanket on the grassy lawns for fresh sea air, balmy breezes and some absolutely cracking views of Mission Bay, P.B. and San Diego’s famous urban skyline. On clear days you might even glimpse the Coronado Bridge curving across the shimmering blue ocean. There’s a playground as well as plenty of wild trails for walking and biking. As dusk descends, fire up one of the barbecues for a sunset cookout and enjoy that magical moment when the lights come on in downtown San Diego’s distant skyscrapers. Lying east of the Pacific Beach neighborhood on the other side of Interstate 5, Tecolote Canyon National Park makes for a great day out thanks to its unchallenging walking trails and nature center with information on the canyon’s diverse flora and fauna, including a rainbow of butterflies and wildflowers and the occasional snake. Take the 10-kilometer Tecolote Canyon Trail, which weaves its fairly flat way through the narrow valley, and keep your eyes peeled for the majestic birds that give the canyon its name (tecolote is the Spanish word for owl). A shorter trail through the Native Plant Garden is ideal for families. Plants are numbered along the trail, and you can learn the names of each both in English and Kumeyaay, the language of San Diego’s original Native American settlers. Top Nearby Attractions North of Pacific Beach, picture-perfect La Jolla boasts wild, pine-scented hills and valleys and a long stretch of alternatingly rocky and sandy coastline that make it great for surfing, swimming, sunbathing and... seal-spotting. A number of colonies of harbor seals call this sunny spot in California their home. Head on up to Children’s Beach, where you’ll find dozens frolicking playfully in the surf and basking on the warm sand. Originally intended as a safe place for kids to swim following the installation of a concrete breakwater in the 1930s, it’s now one of the best seal-spotting destinations on the coast, with the colony estimated to be over 200 strong. And, if the cute seals have whetted your appetite for marine life, you’re in for an absolute treat at SeaWorld San Diego, just a short distance south of Pacific Beach in Mission Bay. Here’s where you’ll find orca whales and other giants of the deep including beautiful loggerhead turtles, other-worldly Japanese spider crabs and the elusive giant Pacific Octopus, a master of disguise. There are 19 enormous aquariums to explore here, plus stacks of high-octane thrill rides to keep everyone entertained. You’ll find gentler, more old-fashioned fun at nearby Belmont Park on Mission Beach, where the wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster is a century-old National Historic landmark. Other fun amusement rides in this nostalgia-fueled beachfront theme park include bumper cars, mini golf and a traditional painted carousel. Save on things to do in Pacific 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
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One Week in San Diego - 7 Day Itinerary for Your Vacation

Spending one week in San Diego but aren’t sure what to do to make the most of your time? Check out our week-long, 7 day itinerary for some suggestions on what to see and where to go. This San Diego 7 day itinerary is filled with a wide variety of attractions and activities, from theme parks and zoos to museums and tours. Visit these attractions with a 7-Day All-Inclusive Pass and save on combined admission costs vs. paying at the gate. This 7 day itinerary includes: SeaWorld San Diego Belmont Park San Diego Zoo San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Air & Space Museum Fleet Science Center San Diego Zoo Safari Park USS Midway Museum Coronado Island LEGOLAND® California Museum of Making Music Birch Aquarium Speed Circuit: All Access Whale Watching Tour Knott’s Berry Farm DAY 1 Stop #1: SeaWorld San Diego What better place to begin your explorations than SeaWorld San Diego? Part amusement park, part conservation center, and all fun, SeaWorld has been a great family destination for decades and is adding new and exciting attractions every year. Some of the highlights of your SeaWorld experience include unparalleled animal shows, behind-the-scenes feeding demonstrations, animal encounters, thrilling amusement park rides, and so much more. Don’t forget to visit the interactive “Explorer’s Reef” exhibit! We recommend reserving between 4-5 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: Belmont Park After you finish at SeaWorld, treat yourself to some old-fashioned amusement park fun with a visit to Belmont Park. Filled with classic rides and arcade games that the whole family will love, this popular San Diego attraction is a great mellow way to round out the rest of your afternoon. A few of the available rides at Belmont Park include the Giant Dipper roller coaster, a few wave rides, the Vertical Plunge, Krazy Kars bumper cars, and the Coconut Climb. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #3: Seaport Village (free!) Leave La Jolla and take a quick ride back down to San Diego proper for a chance to explore the popular Seaport Village area. This waterfront locale is filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. From bookstores to cafés and everything in between, you can window shop to your heart’s content in this quirky neighborhood. Or, stop in a few places in search of that perfect souvenir. This is also a great place to have dinner, if you're in search of some fun culinary options. DAY 2 Stop #1: The San Diego Zoo This popular San Diego destination is truly the heart of Balboa Park. It spans about 100 acres of the park, and is home to more than 3,700 animals from over 650 different species. Filled with creatures great and small, from the adorable Giant Pandas to the tiniest of little fish, the San Diego Zoo is the perfect destination for animal lovers. The San Diego Zoo is also one of the leaders in global conservation, rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of animals each year. In fact, admission fees goes right back into their rescue efforts! We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: San Diego Natural History Museum With its particular focus on the history and culture of Southern California and Baja California, the San Diego Natural History Museum is a unique cultural destination in Balboa Park. The NAT (as it’s known by locals) is filled with fascinating exhibits and ancient artifacts that will delight and inspire the whole family. Some highlights of their offerings include dinosaur fossils, a collection of 200 animal skulls from their research lab, and special exhibitions on everything from whales to Mayan culture and civilization. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: San Diego Air & Space Museum This one is a must-see attraction for all space lovers. San Diego, after all, is the home of modern aviation and particularly naval aviation. Another Balboa Park stand-out, this museum is perfect for space geeks of all ages. The San Diego Air & Space Museum is filled with immersive exhibits and real restored aircraft spanning all of aviation history – truly a treat for any fan of flight. The kids will love the scope and variety of the available exhibits, and you’ll love how educational everything is. Some of the exhibits you and your family can enjoy feature a variety of mint-condition historical aircraft, including a Navy F6F Hellcat and the A-4 Skyhawk Jet, as well as the Wright EX Vin Fiz (from 1911!). We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #4: Fleet Science Center The Fleet Science Center is one of the most important scientific complexes in the region. It's also conveniently located in Balboa Park, so you don't have to travel too far from your previous attraction to explore this fun option. It’s both a museum and an active research facility, offering the best of both worlds to curious visitors. Although their collections are vast and diverse, a few of the most popular exhibits include “Cellular Journey,” “Kid City,” So Watt,” and more. Don’t forget to check out the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. DAY 3 Stop #1: San Diego Safari Park This magnificent animal park is like nothing you’ve ever seen before and is probably unlike anything you’ll ever see again. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a truly unique institution, filled with animal encounters and experiences that go way beyond your typical zoo visit. For example, the Cheetah Run exhibit allows you to watch a cheetah go from 0-60 miles per hour in just seconds – an intimate glimpse of what their lives are like in the wild. You can also get up close (behind glass!) to lions, tigers, and many other majestic Saharan creatures. We recommend spending your entire day here. Plan on having lunch at one of their many delicious on-site restaurants. DAY 4 Stop #1: USS Midway Museum The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is one of the most-visited attractions in all of San Diego – for good reason! Its historic significance alone makes it worth exploring and its modern reincarnation as a world-class museum makes it worth spending plenty of time here. You’ll learn all about the battle that gave the ship its name, about aircraft carrier participation in U.S. Naval battles, and about the lives of sailors during WWII. Don’t miss their popular movie, “Battle of Midway: Voices of Midway.” We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: Coronado Bike & Kayak Rentals If you’ve got one full week to spend in San Diego, it’s definitely worth taking the time to explore Coronado, with its totally distinct culture and vibe. Hop aboard the ferry to come over. While you’re enjoying the sun in Coronado, why not be a little more active with your outdoor time with a bike, kayak, or stand up paddle board rental? This is an excellent way to explore the great outdoors in style, by land or by sea. Some of the sights you may see include Petco Park, the Embarcadero, the USS Midway, Naval Station North Island, the Silver Strand, the Convention Center and Glorietta Bay. Stop #3: Explore Coronado Island & Centennial Park (free!) There's also plenty more to see in Coronado, so you might as well spend the rest of your day here. There's the historic Hotel Del Coronado, today a resort with popular dining options (which you can enjoy without being a guest). Then, there's a golf course, multiple parks, and beaches to enjoy. As for Centennial Park, this cute little garden space is located just near the ferry landing. It provides stunning ocean views and amazing views of the San Diego skyline – the perfect photo opportunity. We recommend reserving between 30 minutes to 1 hour for this attraction. DAY 5 Stop #1: LEGOLAND® California Every kid’s favorite toys come to life at LEGOLAND® California! This fun-filled wonderland has enough exhibits, attractions, rides, and slides to keep the whole family busy for practically the entire day. The little ones will love the DUPLO® play area, and the older kids will enjoy exciting roller coasters and the famous Miniland USA. Did you know there’s also a water park and an aquarium that make up part of the larger LEGOLAND® complex? If you want the complete experience, why not check out the new LEGOLAND® hotel? We recommend reserving between 5-6 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: The Museum of Making Music The Museum of Making Music is a specialty museum dedicated to studying the art of how humans create, distribute, and enjoy music. It's also located in Carlsbad, so you don't have to drive too far from LEGOLAND to enjoy this attraction. Immerse yourself in over a century of musical history in interactive and exciting exhibits that cover all of the major developments in American musical history. With over 500 vintage instruments and hundreds of audio and video examples, the Museum of Making Music is a comprehensive portrait of the kinds of music that Americans have enjoyed and produced over time, from the player piano to the invention of modern digital music. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall (free!) Explore downtown Carlsbad by strolling around the Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall, a great hidden gem. It’s a shopper’s paradise with more than 15,000 square feet and over 100 sellers at the Art & Antique Mall itself, although there are also more shopping options in Carlsbad Village as a whole. You are also close to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, should you be craving a more intense shopping experience. Depending on how much shopping you feel up to, we recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. DAY 6 Stop #1: Birch Aquarium Your San Diego itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This highly interactive oceanographic institute is the perfect destination for anyone who loves sea creatures. From various special exhibits to several marine habitats and the opportunity to interact with select sea creatures, there’s so much to do and see here that you’ll never want to leave. Some exhibits you'll find at the Aquarium of the Pacific include "Boundless Energy," "There's Something About Seahorses," and "Coral Displays." You also won’t want to miss the beautiful, unforgettable view of the Pacific that you’ll see from inside the Aquarium! We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: La Jolla Beaches What better way to take advantage of the natural beauty of La Jolla than with some good old fashioned beach time? Sun, swim, or just wander these beautiful beaches to your heart’s content and feel like a real Californian. If you’re looking for something specific to explore, check out the fascinating Shell Beach Tide Pools, located at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #3: Speed Circuit: All Access Transition from water-bound fun to some totally awesome indoor adventures at the Eastlake Speed Circuit. Feel like you’re a real race car driver as you speed through hairpin turns and long straightaways. The state-of-the-art equipment offered at this establishment is thrilling to observe and even more exciting to drive. Advanced technology will allow you clock your lap times, aim for specific speeds, and more. It’s one of the best indoor kart tracks in the country! Make sure to pay a visit to the Thrill Park too, equipped with wipe-out trampolines, a human hamster ball arena, 50-foot zip lines, and more! DAY 7 Stop #1: Whale Watching by Newport Landing Another attraction you won’t want to miss is an informative and exciting Whale Watching and Dolphin Tour by Newport Landing. With several daily departures available, you’ll be able to enjoy one of these great cruises any time you visit. 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, sharks, and more. Stop #2: Knott’s Berry Farm For your last attraction of the vacation, take a short drive up north to Knott’s Berry Farm. This classic theme park attraction is both a historic establishment in California (the very first theme park) and an exciting modern destination. Enjoy dozens of thrilling rides and slides, plus other fun attractions. There are breathtaking rides for the adults and gentler rides for the little ones, so there’s something to appeal to all visitors. Some of the popular rides are coasters like GhostRider and Boomerang, thrill rides like La Revolución, and rides for the little ones like those you'll find at Camp Snoopy. Don’t forget to pick up some Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Pie! We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Save on Attraction Admission So there’s your fun-filled San Diego 7-Day itinerary. It’s packed with every variety of attraction and activity you could imagine, complemented with delicious meals and fun free activities. So make the most of your one week in San Diego! Visit each of these above attractions with the 7-Day All-Inclusive Pass with Go City and save on combined admission costs. Plus, get additional discounts on shopping, dining, and more attractions. Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Only have a few days in San Diego? We’ve also put together a 1 day, 2 day, and 3 day San Diego itinerary.
Katie Sagal
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10+ Free Things to Do in San Diego

Planning a vacation to America's Finest City? Our insiders put together a list of our top free things to do in San Diego that are sure to be fun for you and your family! You can enjoy the nearly perfect weather and beautiful sandy beaches without emptying your wallet. One of the draws of San Diego is that it's an inexpensive vacation destination with endless opportunities for fun. These great suggestions can help round out your vacation itinerary.   3. U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista to take a self-guided free tour, or go on a Saturday to get a complimentary tour provided by the Training Center staff. This 150-acre training facility is one of only 3 in the country. On your excursion, you'll see the training fields and tracks, athlete dorms, and the Otay Lake Reservoir. This activity is wonderful for young athletes with big dreams!   6. Mission Bay Park This 4,200-acre park includes 27 miles of shoreline, a large majority of which is beautiful white sand beaches. In addition to spending time on some of the best beaches around, visitors to Mission Bay Park can look forward to marinas, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, a horseshoe court, fire rings, children's playgrounds, and paths for biking and jogging. Mission Bay Park is also home to several wildlife preserves, making it a great place to go and observe California's indigenous birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.   8. Torrey Pines Glideport Torrey Pines is a city-owned glider airport used by paragliders to take flight over the picturesque beaches and rocky dunes surrounding the area. They also offer private paragliding lessons and has been rated the number one paragliding school in the United States since 2000. While taking lessons here isn't free, enjoying the site itself is, and many families come to the here to picnic and spend the day watching paragliders sail around the clear blue skies.   9. The Gaslamp Quarter Located in downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter is a 16.5 block section filled with renovated Victorian architecture from the turn-of-the-century and is officially on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a peaceful, scenic location with streets that are lined with boutiques, specialty shops, and art galleries. Spend the day exploring then stop by one of Gaslamp Quarter's top restaurants for a perfect day in downtown San Diego. If you decide to stick around in the evening, this is also an excellent place for a romantic foodie dinner with more than 100 restaurants to choose from. Tip: Check out one of the rooftop bars for excellent views of downtown and the Coronado Bridge.   11. Coronado Municipal Beach Coronado beach is consistently rated as one of the top ten beaches in the nation, and for good reason. The beach is kept exceptionally clean, and natural protection from a nearby point means that the water is almost always calm and perfect for swimming. As an added bonus, the north end of the beach (known simply as "North Beach") is dog-friendly, meaning your four-legged pal can get in on the adventure too.   13. The Children's Pool In 1931, a philanthropist named Ellen Browning Scrips had a seawall built in order to make a protected area that would be perfect for children to swim in. Today, The Children's Pool remains a popular destination, thanks in part to the calm waters and also in part to the abundance of seals that visit the area daily. It's the perfect spot to go for a swim and watch the entertaining antics of the seals playing on the beach.   14. San Diego Embarcadero Another excellent historical site in the city of San Diego, the San Diego Embarcadero is named after the Spanish word for "landing place" and is home to a number of historic ships including the famous USS Midway. Stop by the Embarcadero to admire the hundreds of ships, tour the USS Midway Naval Museum (admission required), and watch the cruise ships that port at the Embarcadero come and go. Be sure to bring your camera, too, as the sun setting behind these ships makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. 15. Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial This mountain serves as a memorial to all those who served honorably in the US military, and a variety of monuments and plaques can be found on top of it. In addition to this, visiting the top of Mt. Soledad is a great way to take in the full breadth of the city. Its peak offers a stunning 360-degree view of San Diego that is a must-see.   18. Coronado Historical Association & Museum Located just up the street from the Hotel Del, you'll find the Coronado Historical Association. This non-profit organization is designed to help preserve Coronado's unique architectural, artistic, cultural, and social resources. If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating little historic island – a charming vestige of a time long gone by – then stop by their Museum. A combination of engaging permanent exhibits and rotating temporary displays tell the story of Coronado Island for kids and adults alike.   A Way to Save on Ticketed San Diego Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the FREE things to do in San Diego, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? 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 pass for San Diego will save you on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Lindsay Eagan

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