Tourist Attractions in San Diego

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in San Diego

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About San Diego

San Diego is located near the Mexican border, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The city has a unique Spanish-American flavour, which attracts a lot of tourists. It has a rather mild climate, excellent beaches and an incredible number of natural attractions. The Balboa Park with its magnificent gardens and museums or the picturesque bay of La Jolla are just worth it!

A traveller arriving in San Diego has the opportunity to see how one of the most prosperous cities in the USA lives. Cruise liners are constantly approaching the piers of the bay, white-white yachts stand in rows in the local marina, people stroll leisurely on the palm-lined city alleys. San Diego is a haven of prosperity and wealth, where people know how to enjoy life.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in San Diego

USS Midway Museum

 4.8/5

43690 reviews

The very first aircraft carrier of the United States. It took part in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. For 47 years it was part of the U.S. Navy. In 1992, the aircraft carrier was decommissioned and turned into a museum. The excursions for visitors are conducted by volunteers from among the fleet veterans. They tell fascinating stories about the design itself and answer questions.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Point Loma

 0/5

The Spanish navigator J. R. Cabrillo landed on Point Loma Peninsula back in 1542. In his honour, a monument was built on the southern cape in 1939, with a panoramic view of San Diego Bay and the city from the observation deck. Another interesting historical building is the lighthouse of the mid-19th century. Today there is a museum inside it. There is a walking trail on the peninsula especially for tourists.

Balboa Park

 4.8/5

70843 reviews

San Diego City Park is larger than Central Park in New York City. It is home to 15 museums and exhibitions, 4 theatres, several themed gardens and a zoo. Many of the buildings were built in the early 20th century in the Spanish colonial style. There are also small international cottages where visitors can learn about the culture and traditions of 30 countries.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

San Diego Zoo

 4.7/5

53973 reviews

The San Diego Menagerie is considered one of the most progressive in the world. Its territory is home to 650 species of animals (more than 3,700 individuals). The history of the zoo began after an exhibition of exotic animals in 1915. Many owners after the end of the event simply abandoned their pets. To save the animals, the city administration allocated a plot of land in Balboa Park.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Botanical Building

 4.7/5

4201 reviews

The Botanical Garden combines several areas within its boundaries: the Japanese Garden, the Alcazar Garden, the Children’s Ethnobotanical Garden, the Old Cactus Garden, the Friendship Garden and many others. The local diversity of plants will amaze even flora experts: species have been collected not only from all over North America, but also imported from other parts of the world. There are greenhouses, artificial ponds and picturesque alleys.

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Old Town

 0/5

Old Town is home to the San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Park. Here you can see what the first colonist settlements looked like, dine at one of the many Mexican restaurants and watch folklore performances. Tour buses with guides in historical costumes run regularly through the Old Town.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

 4.6/5

4752 reviews

The exhibit is located on the grounds of Balboa Park. The museum has several thematic sections devoted to aircraft of the First and Second World Wars, the “golden age of aviation”, modern space technology, and other aviation achievements. The museum has restoration workshops and a library with technical literature. Many of the exhibits are originals, others are replicas of aircraft.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Maritime Museum of San Diego

 4.7/5

3926 reviews

The museum was opened in 1948. Its exposition consists of rare ships, each of which has its own unique history. Among the valuable copies of the collection are the “Star of India”, “Medea”, “Berkeley”, “Californian”. In addition to ships there is a variety of marine equipment. The main goal of the museum staff is to preserve the maritime heritage of the United States in general and the city of San Diego in particular.

Open time

Cabrillo National Monument

 4.8/5

11235 reviews

The monument is located on the Point Loma Peninsula. It represents the figure of the Spanish navigator J. R. Cabrillo, who arrived on the shores of Colorado in 1542 and founded the first settlement there. The monument was created in 1939 by Portuguese sculptor Alvaro de Bree. There is a convenient viewing platform near the statue, from which you can admire panoramic views of the city and the bay.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Unconditional Surrender

 4.7/5

193 reviews

The sculpture made of polystyrene foam and aluminium depicts a sailor and a nurse kissing. The original sculpture was created by American artist S. Johnson based on a photograph by A. Eisenstadt taken in New York on the day of Japan’s surrender. Eisenstadt, taken in New York on the day of the surrender of Japan. For many Americans, this famous photo became a symbol of the end of the Second World War. Johnson’s sculpture is very popular with tourists.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

SeaWorld San Diego

 4.4/5

45269 reviews

The park is dedicated to the inhabitants of the world’s oceans. Its history began in 1964 with the opening of a restaurant with a corresponding theme. The management decided to create an entertainment zone for its customers and bought sea animals. Literally in the first year of the park’s existence, it was visited by several hundred thousand visitors. A large number of entertainment shows involving dolphins, seals and whales are held here.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Belmont Park

 4.6/5

15936 reviews

An amusement park in the beach area, created in 1925 by the tycoon D. Spreckels. Old carousels from the beginning of the century, such as the roller coaster and the “giant bucket” are still here, but the most interesting for visitors are the new rides. Belmont also has a swimming pool where regular swimming competitions take place, a grill bar with a concert stage and a sports club.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Petco Park

 4.7/5

19035 reviews

A baseball arena that is the home arena for the San Diego Padres. The stadium was built in 2004 to replace the old Qualcomm-stadium. If a tourist manages to get to the game, he will be able to fully enjoy baseball, as well as the atmosphere that reigns here during the competition. Most spectators do not even look at what is happening on the field. They are engrossed in chatting with each other and eating burgers.

Open time

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

 4.7/5

1591 reviews

The church was founded in 1769 by a monk from Spain, Junipero Serra. By 1862 it was already lying in ruins. Sluggish restoration of the church continued until the 1930s. In 1941, San Diego de Alcala became a parish church. In this status it exists to this day. In 1976, the temple was visited by Pope Paul VI. The mission is listed as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

 4.9/5

352 reviews

A military cemetery where American soldiers have been buried since the 18th century. The green lawns of the necropolis are strewn with even rows of modest graves with identical white tombstones. The place inspires philosophical thoughts. Here you can wander in silence and think about eternal things under the measured hum of ocean waves. Next to the cemetery there is an active base of the American army.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

La Jolla Cove

 4.8/5

3088 reviews

The cove is located in the north-western part of the city. Its name means “jewel” in Spanish. The bay consists of sandy beaches, caves and rocks. In one part of the coastline, harbour seals rookery, which attracts a large number of visitors. In the bay there is a residential area of the same name, which is considered one of the most prestigious in San Diego.

Open time

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

 4.8/5

14083 reviews

The scenic area, covered by rocky plateaus, is a favourite place for migrating sea birds. It is also home to coyotes, skunks, foxes and raccoons. From the shore, you can sometimes see great whales frolicking in the ocean waters. The coastal area of the reserve is favoured by local nudists. Torrey Pines has bicycle routes and hiking trails for tourists.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

 4.8/5

2402 reviews

The lighthouse stands on the peninsula of the same name. It was built in the middle of the 19th century, but due to its poor location it was closed by the end of the century (constant fogs obscured the light coming from the lighthouse and ships could not see it). Today, the building houses a museum exhibition, where you can see the original furnishings, as well as historical maps and documents.

Open time

Coronado Bridge

 4.7/5

706 reviews

The San Diego Bay Bridge is not only a recognisable symbol of the city, but also an important traffic artery. It was built in 1969. Its construction cost almost $50 million. The length of the structure is about 3.5 kilometres, it stands on 27 concrete pillars. Some of them reach 60 metres in height. Due to the impressive size of the structure, large ships can easily pass under the bridge.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

South Mission Beach, San Diego

 4.7/5

2415 reviews

San Diego is often referred to as the City of Beaches and Parks because of its miles of coastline. In total, there are more than 30 beaches suitable for swimming. Pacifi Beach, Ocean Beach, Coronado, Torrey Pines, and La Joya are considered the most popular and visited. The ocean warms up to a comfortable temperature by mid-May and begins to cool down by the end of August.

Open time