Places to See and Things to Do in San Diego

The Best Things to Do on a San Diego Vacation

Warm weather, ocean waves, and lots of fun things to do. These are the makings of a great vacation, and you can find all of them in San Diego, California. Plan the perfect trip to the Golden State with our list of things to do in San Diego, including the city’s best places for hikes, beaches, and tourist attractions.

Sports and Recreation

San Diego sits at the water’s edge of California, right alongside the Pacific Ocean. Its coastal location provides ample opportunities for water sport fanatics and nature lovers to do what they do best. Make time for these outdoor activities to stretch your legs and soak up some California rays.

On Land

The San Diego landscape offers cliffside ocean views, vibrant sunsets, and lush mountain trails, making it a premier destination for hiking, biking, and taking mellow nature walks. Spend a day at Torrey Pines State Reserve for a surprising variety of landscapes and natural features in one state park.

On Water

You couldn’t ask for better weather than San Diego. Take advantage of this city’s warm temperatures and sunny skies by visiting one of the city’s three harbors to rent a boat, take a boating class, and more. Visit La Jolla Shores beach for guided kayak tours or take a trip to one of the city’s several freshwater lakes for a day of fishing. (We suggest Lake Cuyamaca.)

In Water

Have you always wanted to learn to surf? Have you dreamt of swimming with sea creatures? Prepare to check some big items off your bucket list. Water sports and ocean excursions are a huge hit in western California. Master the surfboard at Surf Diva Surf School on La Jolla Shores beach. Take your Scuba Diving gear to La Jolla waters for some of the best dive sites in the area. For a mellow day of relaxation and wonder, rent some snorkel gear and stay close to shore.

Day Trips From San Diego

Consider these stops for day trip ideas that are intriguing, exciting, and family-friendly.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo just might be one of the greatest attractions San Diego has to offer. This 100-acre display of rare and endangered animals is one of the most famous zoos in the country. Take full advantage of all the park has to offer by wearing your comfy walking shoes and grabbing a map at the gate.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum gives the public a closer look at the some of the oldest American aircraft in the nation’s military history. Tour dozens of fascinating exhibits, engage in a flight simulation, and observe nearly 30 aircraft -- some of which that date back to World War II.

Belmont Park

Visit Belmont Park for a thrilling day of amusement park rides and games. Don’t forget to check out the Giant Dipper Coaster -- a wooden roller coaster and national landmark that first opened in 1925.

Car Rental

Choose Avis for a quality SAN car rental to take you from the airport to your hotel, or to any of the relaxing or exciting activities you have planned. Rent a car at an Avis San Diego location for the best car rental deals in the nation. For expedited service consider the Avis Preferred Program to save time at your rental car pickup.