Countdown of the Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego
It's not called "America's Finest City" for nothing. With its year-round amazing weather, San Diego is chock full of indoor and outdoor activities for families of all ages. While there are many more top choices than ten, here are just a few our our favorites. We hope you enjoy our countdown of the Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego: Summer Edition.
10. Little Italy Farmer's Market
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., head to the popular downtown neighborhood of Little Italy. Over 200 vendors line Date street selling artisan goods, fresh foods and more. Feel free to pop into one of the many Italian restaurants for an authentic Italian coffee and treat. The
Little Italy Mercato is one of San Diego's most popular (and picturesque) farmer's market.
9. San Diego Padres
Buy us some peanuts and crackerjacks, it's baseball season in San Diego! Sit in the beautiful open-air stadium, Petco Park, while watching the Padres take on opponents including the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Atlanta Braves. Located in downtown San Diego, Petco Park offers visitors the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer SoCal evening. Three, six and nine game packages are available, as our great family packages. Don't forget, the San Diego Trolley stops just blocks from Petco Park. Get your tickets to the
San Diego Padres today.
8. Cabrillo National Monument
Commemorating Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's 1542 landing in San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument sits perched above San Diego's coastline. Wander the historistic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, play in the tide pools, and take in the expansive Pacific Ocean views. According to the National Park Service, at low tide visitors may have the chance to see flowery sea anemones, octopi, deadman's fingers, and many other creatures. There is a two-mile Bayside Trail perfect for those who want to take in the San Diego coastline from all angles. Learn more about
Cabrillo National Monument here.
7. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Perfect for families, the Torrey Pines Reserve hike is a leisurely jaunt, perfect for all fitness levels. Wander the trails and hike down to the beach, all the while enjoying the incredible vistas from the cliffs at this beautiful La Jolla's state park. A popular launch point for hang gliders, watch the skies as the adventurous soar above the Pacific. There are 8 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, use them all or use a few. It might be at the beach, but we recommend skipping the flip flops and sticking to sneakers. Get all the details on the
Torrey Pines Natural Reserve here.
6. Coronado Ferry and Beach
If you don't have a car, take the trolley from San Diego RV Resort to downtown San Diego. Hop on the Coronado passenger ferry and take in 360 degree views of San Diego's harbor. Once you hit the Coronado Ferry Landing, enjoy a stroll around shops and restaurants along the shore. Next, head to the other side of the island (a long walk or short taxi ride) to the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Voted one of the best beaches in the world, Coronado Beach is an expansive white sand beach with calm waves and plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Check out
Coronado Island here.
5. Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Bay
Whether you're new to paddle boarding or a seasoned SUP fan, Mission Bay is a perfect locale. Depending on your pace, stand up paddleboarding can be a leisurely activity or great workout. Thanks to the size of the paddle boards, standing and balancing is much easier than with a traditional surf board. The calm waters of the are perfect for beginners, as the current and winds tend to be minimal. Board and gear rental locations can be found around the Mission Bay and Beach area. Learn more about
stand up paddle boarding rental here.
4. Whale Watching
Set sail from San Diego's harbor for a day of viewing some of earth's most massive creatures. While gray whales migrate close to the shore January to April, the most endangered of the great whales, blue whales, pass our fine city mid-June through September. Keep your eyes peeled for water spouts up to 30 feet. According to researchers, this blue whale migration brings 2,000 to 3,000 blue whales together--the largest group of blue whales in the world. Learn more about the
San Diego whale watching here.
3. Craft Beer Tour
Experience beervana in San Diego. A craft brew epicenter, San Diego County is now home to over 85 craft breweries. Enjoy a brew at established San Diego breweries like Stone Brewery, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, and Ballast Point and newbies like Green Flash Brewery and Societe Brewing Company. Companies like
BrewHop,
Brewery Tours of San Diego, and
Beer Train Tour will chauffeur you and your friends around some of San Diego's best breweries.
2. San Diego County Fair
It's a classic! A must visit! A summer staple in San Diego! The San Diego County Fair hits the Del Mar Fairgrounds June 7 and runs all the way through July 6. This year, the San Diego County Fair has been transformed into a Beatles-inspired Fab Fair. Rock out at the Toyota Summer Concert Series with big name acts like Third Eye Blind, Hunter Hayes, Darius Rucker, Smokey Robinson, Toni Braxton, and Huey Lewis and the News. Learn more about this year's
San Diego County Fair here.
1. Big Bay Boom
Don't miss this 4th of July celebration on the San Diego Bay. An "Independence Day Spectacular," Big Bay Boom is the perfect cap to any July fourth celebration. Join the masses along the bay's shore to watch the four simultaneous firework shows or watch from one of the "official" viewing areas--USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, Hornblower Yachts, Flagship Cruises, San Diego Maritime Museum, and Inflatable World at the Bay. The fireworks start at 9 p.m., make sure to scout your viewing sight early! Start planning for Big Bay Boom.
