ThingsToDo Logo ThingsToDo collage

San Diego Attractions

Overview | Attractions | Events | Lodging | Restaurants | History

SoCal CityPASSSea World - Home to the famous Shamu, this theme park is full of rides, shows and exhibits all having to do with the sea. During your visit you will get an up-close look at marine life and it's many creatures.

SoCal CityPASSSan Diego Zoo - One of the largest zoos in the world, is home to more than 4,000 animals. Also famous for being one of the few zoos to house a family of giant pandas. The zoo offers a guided bus tour and also has a gondola lift, Skyfari, above the zoo to give visitors an aerial view. Visitors are also free to walk the park which is located on about 100 acres.

LEGOLAND California - This Lego-themed park has more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. Many of the attractions appear as if they are built out of lego bricks. This particular park is divided into nine different areas. The park also has dining and shopping options. Opening in June 2010, the newest addition to Legoland is a Water Park.

San Onofre State Beach - Located at this beach is a campground with 380 sites for RV's or tents. This beach also has a world famous surf break- it's not necessarily a difficult wave, but a steady, long, and consistent wave ideal for surfing.

Carlsbad State Beach - This beach offers a place for swimming, surfing, fishing and picnicking. There is also a nice walkway ideal for jogging or taking a stroll. You will also find a popular campground on top of the bluffs.

Cardiff Beaches - Here you will find a sandy beach with warm waters. This beach also has a variety of geographical features including patches of reef and a cobblestone beach.

Encinitas - A popular beach town located just 30 minutes north of San Diego. Home to Moonlight State Beach, which offers swimming, surfing and fishing as well as volleyball and tennis courts.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve - The low roads of this state reserve take you to a popular beach that is a safe place for kids to play. The high roads lead to pine forests, canyons and hiking trails overlooking the sea.

La Jolla Reefs - A few points of interest here are the cove, which is perfect for swimmers and snorkelers. Seal Rock, a place where California Grey Seals congregate when the tide is low and Marine Street Beach which happens to be San Diego's whitest beach.

Mission Bay - Mission Bay is full of beaches, marinas, resorts, restaurants and parks. There is always something going on at Mission Bay.

Ocean Beach - Ocean beach is a cozy little beach. Something unique about this beach is it has a dog beach. A beach for dogs to be let off their leash and free to run around.

Coronado Municipal Beach - Has been named one of America's finest beaches. A wide, clean, family-friendly setting.

Imperial Beach - Home of the U.S. Open Sand Castle Building Contest held annually, Imperial Beach is a popular place for swimming, surfing and bodyboarding during the summer.

Leucadia - Considered the best old-fashioned beach town in California. The beaches here are usually used by the locals because they are not as easily found.

Solana Beach - Solana beach is considered more of an adventure because it is full of cliffs which reach the waters edge in some places. Many staircases make it possible to access the beach here.

Del Mar Beaches - Since this beach is close to the race tracks, early in the morning you may find trainers riding horses along this beach. This beach has many typical beach ammenities as well as fireworks on the Fourth of July.

La Jolla Beaches - Some of the most picturesque beaches you'll find. La Jolla is home to world class beaches, hotels, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.

Pacific Beach - A popular spot for college students and young adults, this beach has a long boardwalk and plenty of shops, bars and eateries.

Mission Beach - Mission Beach offers an amusement beachfront called Belmont Park. There you will find rides, games, shopping and oceanfront dining along this 3-mile boardwalk.

Silver Strand State Beach - This beach offers camping and picnicking. It is a great place to collect shells and was named for the silver oyster shells that cover the beach.

Del Mar Racetrack - An American Thoroughbred Horse racing track. Each racing season starts in July and ends in September.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets - A shopping center featuring 90 outlet stores as well as plenty of dining options.

Las Americas Premium Outlets - The area's largest outlet center boasts 125 stores. The center has beautiful courtyards with fountains and statues.

Viejas Outlet Center - Voted "Best Outlet Center", you will find plenty of open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.