Things to do in San Diego
San Diego delivers year-round sunshine, world-class beaches, and a thriving taco scene at prices that undercut Los Angeles by a wide margin. Free parks, walkable neighborhoods, and a competitive hotel market make it one of the best-value coastal cities in the U.S.
Why go to San Diego
Balboa Park
A 1,200-acre cultural oasis with 17 museums, stunning Spanish Colonial architecture, and free gardens you can wander all day.
San Diego Zoo
One of the most celebrated zoos on earth, home to over 3,500 animals including giant pandas and African savanna exhibits.
USS Midway Museum
Step aboard the longest-serving U.S. Navy carrier in history and explore flight simulators, restored aircraft, and gripping WWII history.
La Jolla Cove
Snorkel alongside leopard sharks and sea lions in electric-blue water framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs-absolutely free.
Gaslamp Quarter & Little Italy
Two electric neighborhoods packed with craft breweries, murals, historic architecture, and some of the city's best street food.
Make it real
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Good to know in San Diego
- Transit: The MTS Trolley and bus network covers most attractions; a $6 day pass beats Uber for sightseeing-download the Pronto app before you arrive.
- Tipping: Standard 18-22% at restaurants and bars; tip counters (taquerias, coffee) at your discretion, typically $1-2.
- Tap water: San Diego tap water is safe to drink and perfectly fine-skip the bottled water and carry a refillable bottle.
- Free-entry days: Balboa Park museums rotate free Tuesdays by zip code; the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park offer free admission to military active duty via the Blue Star Museums program.
Trip essentials
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