Top 50 Best Things to Do near San Diego
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Top 50 Best Things to Do near San Diego

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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Nearby Cities
Nearby Cities
  • LEGOLAND California
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.5
    46.63
    Carlsbad47.9 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    󱓊Seven Slides & Build-A-Raft River
    Interact & perform with LEGO characters
    󱨠Saved by 241 users󱨠214 positive reviews
  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
    4.6/5
    󰺂6.0
    29.95
    Palm SpringsMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    󱨜Overlook desert & second-highest peak
    Rotating cable car for 80
    󱨠63% positive reviews
  • Christ Cathedral
    4.2/5
    󰺂4.7
    Garden GroveMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    󱨜Chime tower plays hourly hymns
    󰀆Iconic SoCal glass landmark
    󱨠29% positive reviews
  • Rte 66
    4.7/5
    󰺂6.5
    Anaheim.Anaheim City CenterMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    󰋄Mountain & plain breathtaking view
    󱓊Spans 2,500 miles across USA
    󱨠Saved by 138 users󱨠39% positive reviews
  • Disney California Adventure Park
    4.7/5
    󰺂8.6
    126.77
    Anaheim.Anaheim City CenterMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    󰋄Thrilling coaster across the park
    Sky-high California view experience
    󱨠Saved by 820 users󱨠336 positive reviews
  • Disneyland Park California
    4.7/5
    󰺂10
    126.64
    Anaheim.Anaheim City CenterMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    Fantasy parade & Disney character interaction
    Space Mountain
    󱨠Saved by 2353 users󱨠1085 positive reviews
  • Downtown Disney District
    4.5/5
    󰺂4.5
    Anaheim.Anaheim City CenterMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    Free Disney fairytale atmosphere
    󰀆Disney fireworks show at night
    󱨠78% positive reviews
  • Disneyland Resort California
    4.4/5
    󰺂10
    126.77
    Anaheim.Anaheim City CenterMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    󱨜Take a souvenir photo of the dreamy Sleeping Beauty Castle
    A global exclusive that brings a magical legend to life
  • The Richard Nixon Library & Museum
    4.8/5
    󰺂5.5
    18.69
    Yorba LindaMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    󰋄Oval Office replica experience
    󰀆Original 1921 Adams Declaration
  • Knott's Berry Farm
    4.6/5
    󰺂4.8
    60
    Buena ParkMore than 100 km from San Diego
    Highlights:
    󱨜Xcelerator: Thrilling 90° vertical launch
    󱓊Experience the Gold Rush era
    󱨠49% positive reviews

Best things to do in San Diego (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in San Diego? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, San Diego offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in San Diego

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full San Diego experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

LEGOLAND California

• Carlsbad | 47.9 km from San Diego

• : Seven Slides & Build-A-Raft River,Interact & perform with LEGO characters

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

• Palm Springs | More than 100 km from San Diego

• : Overlook desert & second-highest peak,Rotating cable car for 80

Christ Cathedral

• Garden Grove | More than 100 km from San Diego

• : Chime tower plays hourly hymns,Iconic SoCal glass landmark

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near San Diego

If you want to explore attractions just outside San Diego, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of San Diego, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in San Diego special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in San Diego

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in San Diego

Ready to explore the best of San Diego? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are some Best Things to Do near San Diego?
Some Best Things to Do near San Diego include:LEGOLAND California, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Christ Cathedral, Rte 66, Disney California Adventure Park
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near San Diego?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near San Diego include:LEGOLAND California:4.7, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway:4.6, Christ Cathedral:4.2, Rte 66:4.7, Disney California Adventure Park:4.7
Where are Best Things to Do near San Diego located?
The Best Things to Do near San Diego are mainly located in:LEGOLAND California:Carlsbad, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway:Palm Springs, Christ Cathedral:Garden Grove, Rte 66:Anaheim, Disney California Adventure Park:Anaheim
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