Things to Do in San Diego

In the 18th century, when Spanish settlers arrived here on San Diego’s shores, a band of Kumeyaay Native Americans already inhabited the coast. Though little remains of their settlements today, one of the best places to learn about the Kumeyaay is here at the Museum of Man. Here in San Diego’s only museum devoted entirely to anthropology, artifacts from many of the of the world’s ancient cultures are intriguingly displayed inside. Look at mummies that have been removed from their tombs in the sandy deserts of Egypt, or artwork and pottery from Mayan tribes from modern day Guatemala. Learn about the brutal history of torture and tools of the morbid trade, or peruse a collection of thousands of skulls that date to the origins of man. Some exhibits—like the history of beer—are only on temporary display, whereas collections on the Maya, Egyptians, and Kumeyaay are permanent exhibitions. When finished reading about Mayan monuments and hieroglyphic writing, climb seven stories up a hidden stairwell to the top of the California Tower. Re-opened to the public in 2015 for the first time in 80 years, the tower offers panoramic views of downtown San Diego. 

Petco Park is an open-air stadium in downtown San Diego located just minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter. In bygone days, you might have heard people refer to this as Qualcomm Stadium, but no more. Since 2004, the San Diego Padres have called Petco Park their home and it’s here you’ll be able to catch a game during baseball season. Known for its comfortable seating, diverse restaurant selection, and even a mini play area for kids before a game, Petco Park is the stadium of choice for anyone visiting the San Diego area.

The melodious sounds from Spreckels Organ Pavilion float across San Diego’s Balboa Park, treating passersby to a spectacular sound symphony. The organ is one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, set in a beautifully ornate structure and gifted to the city by John and Adolph Spreckels way back in 1914. In addition to its rich heritage, the unique design of the organ thrills visitors with its 4,725 ornately decorated pipes — the largest is 32 feet long! Stop by the pavilion on Sunday afternoon and enjoy a free weekly concert in the park. Summer concerts are especially popular in sunny San Diego.

Seaport Village is San Diego’s preeminent shopping and dining complex. A slice of independence in busy San Diego, the Seaport Village is beautiful and relaxing escape in an otherwise busy world. Come here to window shop the boutiques, sit on a park bench and stare into the ocean, grab a bite to eat, or to simply have a glass of wine and catch some outdoor entertainment. Just a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter and plenty of boutique and big name shopping, Seaport Village is a popular hang-out for tourists and locals alike.

The well-known San Diego Convention Center is a staple structure in the city. The impressively equipped location hosts many of San Diego’s famous events and happenings — most notably, the entertainment bonanza that is Comic-Con International. Enjoy the sunny, bayside views and free WiFi while attending one of the events held here before taking a quick walk to the numerous restaurants and shops nearby in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Check out what’s going on at the convention center during your next visit for some entertainment.

Long a mainstay for the college crowd and those looking to get out and have a little bit of fun in the sun, the little neighborhood of Pacific Beach is a California-lover’s dream. Bikinis and board shorts, bike paths and boardwalks, and of course miles of pristine beach, Pacific Beach is what many picture as idealized southern California living. From tasty beer taverns to sunny California shacks serving fish tacos, Pacific Beach is an ideal choice for getting out and seeing the young and fit crowd do its thing. North Pacific Beach tends to be quieter and cater to more of a family ambiance, while Tourmaline Beach is a surfing-only beach great for long low waves that are perfect for beginners.

San Diego, where the locals brag about their 70-degree-and-sunny weather nearly year-round, can fill almost any desire you have for a day in port. Historical or naval-related? Check out Old Town or the USS Midway Museum.  Culture, nature and animals? Head to Balboa Park and the famous San Diego Zoo. Beach and water activities? Make your way to Coronado Island or take a speedboat tour.

If you feel like simply exploring, go on a walking tour around districts like Little Italy or Seaport Village.

How to Get to San Diego

Cruise ships dock at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal downtown. Just walk north or south along the water to get to attractions like the Maritime Museum, or grab a taxi or a bike cab outside the port to go beyond downtown. You can also catch the trolley to Old Town or the Gaslamp Quarter, among many other city stops.

One Day in San Diego

It’s going to be a busy day, so hopefully you had a good breakfast on your ship. Start with a cab ride to Balboa Park to spend a couple of hours at the San Diego Zoo (don’t miss the panda bears) or one of the park’s several museums, including the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Art, Model Railroad Museum and Natural History Museum.

When you’re ready for lunch, take a quick cab ride to the Hillcrest neighborhood (or walk the 0.7 miles (1 km) from the northwest corner of the park) for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants off the typical tourist trail. Then hail one more cab for the ride back to the port, where you’ll catch the ferry to Coronado Island.

Relax on Coronado’s wide beach, just up from the Navy base, and then head to the sprawling and historic Hotel del Coronado (or the Del, as it’s known locally) for a drink, following in the footsteps of Old Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Mae West.

If you’ve got time after the ferry ride back to port, visit the USS Midway Museum.

Between the South Mission Jetty and Pacific Beach Point stretch 3 miles (5 kilometers) of pure, unadulterated sun-kissed southern California beach scene. The center of this scene is Ocean Beach Pier, the largest concrete pier on the West Coast, perfect for strolling, fishing, and just watching the waves.

Amid the swimsuit-clad crowd and the anglers, Ocean Beach Pier invites people-watching. Along the pier, you’ll find a café, benches, and bait and tackle shops should you want to try your luck with the fish. Under the pier, skillful surfers slalom the pilings.

Ocean Beach Pier is part of Ocean Beach, San Diego’s most bohemian seaside community. You can get tattooed, shop for antiques, and walk into a restaurant barefoot. Ocean Front Walk bristles with joggers, in-line skaters and cyclists. Back from the beach, Mission Boulevard consists of block after block of surf shops, burger joints, and beer busts.

Ever since 1874, when this Natural History Museum became Southern California’s first scientific institution, researchers have been working to showcase the tales of the world around us. In this highly interactive, highly educational, natural history museum focused on the region of southern and Baja California, visitors can learn everything from the mysteries of fossils to the saga of California’s water. Sit back and enjoy a film inside the enormous 3D theater, or compare the shapes of over 200 skulls from a wide assortment of animals.

San Diego’s largest artist community, the Spanish Village Art Center, is located inside bustling Balboa Park. Originally built in 1935 for an exposition to depict a real Spanish village, travelers can’t resist the center’s charm. Meander across the eclectic, multi-colored tiles of the village courtyard and watch the artists at work. Art collectors will love browsing pieces created by more than 200 different craftspeople. In addition to studio viewing, visitors can chat with the artists, sign up for art classes or attend special events like live art demonstrations.

San Diego Old Town is a pleasant place to soak up some history, browse for souvenirs, and perhaps enjoy a Mexican meal. Old Town is the site of the original pueblo (village) that sprang up in San Diego below the mission and fortress back in the 18th century. It preserves five of the original adobe (mud brick) buildings alongside scores of recreated structures, including a schoolhouse and a newspaper office.