Ultimate San Diego Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Diego CA

This historic amusement park is located on Ocean Front at Surfrider Square.

Lively downtown neighborhood with nighlife, theaters, restaurants, and more. Horton Plaza Park is a great spot to hang out.

If you’re looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, check out the first Legoland outside of Europe!

If you’re looking  unique things to do San Diego offers ice skating by the sea. If the conditions are right, you can even find the Sunken Ship nearby.

Open to the public as a museum. The entire area is a beautiful place to spend the day.

Many historic buildings from the period 1820 to 1870. Be sure to check out the Whaley House Museum.

This is probably the most famous tourist attraction here and rated one of the best zoos in the United States.

Called the Wild Animal Park by locals and definitely should make your San Diego fun things to do list. We fed giraffes and rhinos while we were there.

The interactive tide pools and exhibitions are great for kids.

The best time is mid-December through April to see migrating gray whales.

See some of San Diego’s old original houses from the late 1800’s. One house is open to the public, as well as a gift shop and tea rooms.

You can go glamping by the lavendar fields and wake up to the scents of lavendar all around you.

It’s a short walk across the bridge, but be careful because it’s does sway quite a bit.

Try a cocktail cruise at sunset. It’s great for a romantic evening out.

The fair usually runs at the beginning of June through early July. This is always fun for the whole family.

Our favorite beach hike has to make our San Diego best things to do list.

Great view of the sunset and a cool spot to watch surfers.

You can wake board and parasail here.

Watch grunions spawn on the beach in the middle of the night. It’s definitely one of the unique and cool things to do in San Diego.

You’ll be able to see harbor seals, sea lions, birds, and even whale spouts in La Jolla cove. If being on the water doesn’t sound appealing, it’s still worth exploring the La Jolla shores.

This is an easy, shady trail.It does get windy at the top, so wear layers!

They have a clean campsite, great for RVs, too. Be cautious of wildlife, such as snakes.

You can also go horseback riding on this trail.

Short 2.2 miles hike with views of the Upper French Valley and Mendenhall Valley.

11.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail that features a waterfall. It’s accessible year-round.

Our favorite short hike and something we always recommend when people ask about what to do in San Diego.

Be careful! The rocks are slippery around the waterfall.

Stop by for that perfect shot of the pier at sunset. Tons of engagement, wedding, family photographers shoot out here so don’t expect to have it to yourself.

Trendy hotels, bars and cafes line the boardwalk, popular amongst younger crowds.

Several art galleries and boutiques, surfing outfitters, and other unique shops.

Known as an expert surfing spot. Due to rocks and strong currents, it’s not a great beach for swimming.

You can try land sailing here.

Nice fishing pier and good for casual walks.

Beach volleyball and bonfires are popular here.

You can jump off the arch at your own risk. Otherwise, it’s our favorite spot to watch sunset.

Try skin diving and go camping by the beach.

Do this at your own risk. Otherwise, it’s still worth checking out and watching other people jump in.

Try a 20-25 minute flight with a certified pilots. We enjoy watching everyone float through the air.

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, head up here. Tube rentals are just $10 for an entire day.

This is a tougher hike and only recommended for very experienced hikers.

Mission Trails Regional Park has 38 moderate trails right outside of San Diego so there is plenty to choose from.

A great hike if you love views. You can even spot Mexico from this peak!

One of the most popular hikes in San Diego County for the ‘gram. Expect crowds and lines waiting for their chance to take a photo.

Afternoon tea service is available Friday-Sunday from 2-4pm.

Pair it with the jalapeno muffin and you’ll thank us later.

Get a big ol’ rack of ribs!

On the 38 Essential San Diego Restaurants Winter 2020.

Go early. They’re always busy.

Speakeasy type bar. Reservations required.

The lobster taco is our go-to.

Innovative new American dishes.

Beautiful desserts and coffee.

Super popular food truck!

(La Jolla) We loved their brunch servings and their laid back vibes.

Flavorful Mexican food and fun decor in their dining room.

Oven fired pizzas, red pepper hummus, and a only a short walk from Balboa Park.

Try the carne asada fries.

They have super cute buns called Kawaii Buns.

Try their super popular Maple Donut and Fried Chicken.

Great views!

(La Jolla and Seaport Village) Artisanal tacos and bowls.

(Chula Vista) San Diego tacos with a cult following.

Try their Unicorn Donut.

(University Heights) Patio games, cocktails, and snacks.

Breweries are one of the big San Diego attractions. Stone Brewing has 32 specialty craft beers on tap, plus 100+ bottle selections.

Dog friendly tasting room. Their beers are categorized into four subcultures – Old World, Out West, Stygian, and Feral.

We liked their barrel aged brews.

Cool tasting room and outdoor patio, great IPAs.

Great for large groups and dark beer and stout lovers.

Gluten free beer that actually tastes good!

Try the Peanut Butter Stout.

Try a flight with the same beer but different yeast strains. It’s crazy how just changing the yeast strain makes the beer taste totally different.