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Do you want to explore San Diego but aren’t sure what the best things to do are? I’ve prepared the perfect San Diego bucket list to make your trip easier, entertaining, and unforgettable. This bucket list is ideal for a 2-4 day trip or a short San Diego weekend getaway.

 

With this San Diego bucket list, you’ll be able to see all the best places in the city quickly and efficiently.

 

San Diego is the second-largest city in California, located in the south, known for its white-sand beaches and mild climate. Being so close to the Mexican border, San Diego boasts some of the best tacos I have ever eaten.

 

While the average weather in San Diego is fantastic, it’s important to note that the city is subject to wildfires during the dry season. Be prepared!

 

I fell in love with San Diego when I exited the taxi. An unusual, indescribable feeling made this city feel special in my heart.

 

This city was so different from Los Angeles or San Francisco that I even thought I might want to move there one day.

Check out my San Diego bucket list for the best travel experience.

What to Do Before Going to San Diego, California

1. Pack Light

The high summer range is in the upper 70s°F, while winter lows are in the high 50s°F. There’s no need for heavy coats or winter wear, even in January. Summer can get pretty hot. Bring summer clothes, comfortable shoes, and light jackets for cooler evenings.

 

2. Check Documents

San Diego is very close to the Mexican border. If you plan to go to Mexico, ensure you have your ID, passport, or green card.

Best Places to Stay in San Diego

If you are a budget traveler, I always suggest staying in hostels. I do it myself, and I have a good experience most of the time. Hostels are affordable, often centrally located, and provide opportunities to meet fellow travelers. This time I chose the Hi San Diego Downtown Hostel. It was the best experience so far.

 

The location was perfect, within walking distance of many sightseeing places. It was clean, had many good amenities, and plenty of bathrooms on the floor (which is very important for us girls :), so we did not have to wait in line to shower.

 

The people in San Diego are charming. Do not hesitate to ask if you ever need help with directions or suggestions for places to eat or visit.

 

If you would like to stay in a private apartment instead, I suggest checking apartments with water views in San Diego.

The Best Bucket List Activities to Explore San Diego

Best Things to Do and See in San Diego, California

1.La Jolla

 

You can’t leave San Diego without visiting La Jolla shores. This is one of the most iconic spots in San Diego. La Jolla Shores is a coastal neighborhood offering stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and spectacular views. Often referred to as the “Jewel” of San Diego, it’s one of the top beach destinations in the world.

 

If you ever want to learn how to surf, this is an ideal place, as the reefs often cause the waves to break perfectly. Most attractions in La Jolla are within walking distance, so you can park your car and explore on foot. My favorite parts of La Jolla were:

 

• Scripps Pier: The perfect spot for capturing stunning photographs of La Jolla. The iconic pier offers great views and is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
• Children’s Pool: A unique part of La Jolla where you can see seals up close. It was my first time observing seals in their natural habitat, and it was delightful to watch them lounging on the rocks, soaking up the sun with their families.

2.Balboa Park, San Diego

It is a cultural place with many museums, San Diego’s famous Zoo, and plenty of gardens.

This is another must-see during your visit to San Diego. We explored the park by bike, which made our experience incredibly convenient. We didn’t have to worry about parking, and it kept the trip stress-free.

 

Renting a bike was a breeze. We simply located the nearest bike-sharing station, which was conveniently close to the Zoo.

 

This expansive park offers enough activities to fill a whole day, so plan your time accordingly. Some attractions are free, while others require an admission fee (prices vary). If you intend to visit multiple attractions, consider purchasing a pass to save money.

 

Balboa Park is an ideal spot for spending time alone or with family. It provides a wide range of attractions and activities for everyone, ensuring there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.

3. San Diego Bay Harbor

One of the best and not-miss things to do in San Diego is to enjoy the amazing skyline views. To get that experience, you must visit San Diego Bay (Harbor).

 

My favorite way to enjoy the beauty of the Bay is by walking along its shores, taking in the water, and letting it help me relax and clear my mind.

4. Gaslamp Quarter

Explore the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, a vibrant district brimming with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

 

Check out more things to do in downtown San Diego.

5. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Watch a sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.The best spot for a romantic sunset, especially for couples. If you’re in San Diego from mid-December to April, you might even catch the gray whale migration for an unforgettable view.

 

Get your San Diego Pass here and save Up to 55% on Top Attractions.

6. Coronado Island

Visit Coronado Island.The best way to reach Coronado is by taking the Coronado Ferry from the San Diego waterfront to Ferry Landing. Enjoy the iconic 15-minute ride for just $9. Once there, explore the charming downtown with its lovely shops and eateries, or relax by the water on one of the many benches with a beautiful view.

 

Check out Coronado Beach. One of San Diego’s top beaches, Coronado Beach boasts wide stretches of clean, fine white sand and clear waters, making it a must-visit destination.

 

Visit the Hotel del Coronado. A historic landmark offering art exhibits and photographs that showcase its rich history.

 

Bike or Surrey Rentals: Rent a bike or pedal-powered surrey to explore Coronado and its surroundings at your own pace.

7. Taste Great Food

Don’t miss out on San Diego’s famous tacos, especially the fresh seafood varieties. I had the shrimp tacos, and they were delicious.

8. Visit the Biggest Zoo in the USA

I highly suggest exploring the San Diego Zoo if you like outdoor activities. San Diego Zoo is renowned as the #1 zoo in the world. Though it’s a bit pricey—$74 for adults and $64 for children for a 1-day pass—it’s well worth the visit. Founded over 100 years ago, the zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals. Plan at least 3-4 hours to fully explore and enjoy all it has to offer.

9. Mount Soledad

Get a 360-degree panoramic view of San Diego from Mount Soledad.

 

Mount Soledad, situated primarily in La Jolla with part of it extending into Pacific Beach, is renowned for its veterans memorial and stunning city views. It’s the perfect spot to watch sunrises, and sunsets, or simply enjoy the panoramic scenery during the day or night.

 

For nearby road trips, Los Angeles and San Francisco are excellent choices. Both cities offer fantastic weather and incredible views, making them ideal destinations for a road trip from San Diego.

 

If you also plan to go on a road trip after visiting San Diego, I suggest you check this 8 Bucket List Road trips from the Los Angeles article. This article will give you an idea about things to do near San Diego.

Getting Around in San Diego

Traveling in San Diego is convenient with various transportation options. For exploring beyond the city, renting a car is ideal. However, for getting around central San Diego, public transport, biking, or Uber are preferable.

 

If you’re staying in the Southern part of San Diego, Downtown, Mission Valley, or just east of the city, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and its bright red trolley offer a fun and easy way to navigate and enjoy the city’s scenic views.

 

The city offers various public transportation options, including buses. You can also download an app to check schedules and routes online, making it easy to navigate San Diego’s transit system.

 

Don’t miss local San Diego events when you visit. Find the San Diego events 2024 here.

Most FAQs About San Diego

• How is San Diego different from other California cities?

San Diego is smaller than cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, which contributes to its quieter and safer atmosphere. It boasts stunning natural scenery, beautiful beaches, and a generally mild climate

• What is the most touristy area in San Diego?

The most popular neighborhood in San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and numerous shops and restaurants.

• Is the ocean warm in San Diego?

In the summer, the ocean temperature in San Diego is typically in the low 70s°F, making it quite pleasant for swimming. However, during the non-summer months, water temperatures can drop to as low as 50°F.

 

Final Thoughts

My trip to San Diego was amazing. I loved everything I experienced there: the beautiful weather, delicious food, friendly people, and my hostel accommodation. While there’s so much more to see and do, this bucket list is perfect for a 2-3-day visit. Have a fantastic trip!

 

Have you been to San Diego before? What did you like best? Or what didn’t you enjoy as much? Did you take any San Diego tours?

 

Please share your experiences in the comments section below.

 

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