Things To Do In San Diego On Vacation

Discover Coronado Island: A Bayside Escape From San Diego

Just across the Big Bay from downtown, Coronado Island offers a laid-back coastal atmosphere that feels like a world away from the city. Known for its iconic red-roofed hotel, wide sandy beaches and palm-lined streets, the island blends history, nature and a touch of luxury. Whether you’re biking along the waterfront, exploring local shops and galleries, or relaxing beneath a swaying tree near the bay, Coronado delivers a slower pace that makes it a favorite stop on any trip to San Diego. With views of the skyline on one side and the Pacific on the other, this small island leaves a big impression.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a testament to San Diego’s rich and diverse history. It preserves its heritage through the restoration of historic buildings and cultural landmarks dating from 1820 to 1870. Visitors to the park are transported to an era of change and growth that defined California’s early years.

Hop On Hop Off San Diego Tours

Our fleet of orange and green trolleys travel frequently throughout San Diego and over the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge to Coronado on a continuous 25-mile loop visiting various neighborhoods with 11 destination stops.

Our friendly conductors narrate the San Diego tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. It will be our pleasure to guide you through the birthplace of California. As a San Diego resident, I assure you that Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city. Because we showcase the best of San Diego and Coronado, you can avoid costly parking and city driving. The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time. With frequent pickups at all our stops, this helps you avoid walking long distances.

Old Town San Diego Complete Visitor Guide

Old Town San Diego is often called the birthplace of California. The area mixes history with places to eat, shop and explore. Visitors can walk through old adobe homes, small museums and live reenactments that show what life was like in the 1800s. Old Town Market San Diego adds color with stalls full of handmade goods, live music and food stands. Restaurants serve classic Mexican dishes and local favorites that reflect the city’s heritage. Guided experiences, including Old Town Trolley Tours®, help bring San Diego history to life while offering easy ways to get around. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find a mix of Old Town San Diego charm and the stories that shaped this region.

San Diego Pride Guide

San Diego Pride is a multiday celebration that fills the city with color, music and energy each July. The schedule includes the San Diego Pride Parade, a two-day festival in Balboa Park, and a series of rallies, parties and community gatherings. Streets in neighborhoods like Hillcrest come alive with floats, marching bands and thousands of participants. Parks and stages host musicians, drag performers and speakers who share stories and raise awareness for important causes. Visitors can plan a full weekend around these events, knowing there will always be something happening morning to night.

San Diego Día de los Muertos Guide

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday rooted in remembrance and community. Families gather to honor loved ones who have passed by creating colorful altars, preparing favorite foods and filling plazas with flowers, candles and music. The celebration is about memory and connection, and it continues to thrive because of the way it brings people together.

In San Diego, where ties to Mexico are part of the city’s foundation, the holiday carries deep cultural importance. Old Town San Diego becomes the heart of San Diego Día de los Muertos, and the entire neighborhood transforms into a space where the living honor the departed with joy, reflection and pride. The atmosphere is welcoming, and many visitors describe it as one of the most meaningful cultural events they have ever attended.

San Diego Music Festivals & Live Concerts Guide

San Diego has built a reputation as one of the most active music cities on the West Coast. Big shows take place in venues overlooking the water, but you can also find live music almost every night in neighborhood bars, small theaters and outdoor plazas. Festivals are a highlight because they bring people together in spaces that show off the city itself, like downtown parks and seaside stages. A San Diego music festival might feature chart-topping headliners or a lineup of emerging acts, giving fans different ways to connect with the scene.

San Diego’s Best Breweries

San Diego stands as the craft beer capital of America, housing a massive collection of more than 150 independent breweries across the county. Navigating this expansive scene is made simple with a hop-on, hop-off tour that links popular districts like the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Old Town. This service provides a convenient way to visit legendary spots such as Ballast Point and Stone Brewing without the stress of driving or parking. You can discover a wide range of styles, from the bold IPAs at Societe Brewing to the refreshing selections at Mike Hess Brewing.Check out the best of San Diego’s breweries, including stops and insider tips to plan your beer tour.

Must-See Murals, Sculptures and Public Art in San Diego

San Diego is a vibrant cultural city that hosts an incredible array of public art. From the colorful murals decorating local neighborhoods to the thought-provoking sculptures in its public parks, the city is a canvas teeming with artistic expressions. The art here is not confined within the four walls of a gallery. Rather, it spills out onto the streets, inviting both locals and tourists to engage, interpret, and appreciate. Come, let’s embark on an enchanting journey through some of San Diego’s must-see murals, sculptures, and public art pieces.

Local’s Guide To Visiting San Diego

A city with many faces, San Diego boasts sprawling green spaces, fine sand beaches tickled with turquoise Pacific waters and a rich history hidden within the skyline. Known as the Birthplace of California and America’s Finest City (among a plethora of other names), San Diego’s history as we know it begins in the Native American period. Over the years, the city was shaped by Spanish and Mexican influences before growing into the modern cityscape we know it as today.

First Time Visitor’s Guide – San Diego

Nestled along the southern shores of California’s Pacific coastline, San Diego is a city steeped in more than just white sand beaches and sunshine. Known for its sprawling green parks, bayfront views and vibrant streets, it’s a city you’ll want to spend far more than just a few days in.

Must-Visit Parks in San Diego

Raise your hand if you’re dying to visit some of the best parks in San Diego, CA. It’s only right that “America’s Finest City” features breathtaking San Diego parks and historic sites such as Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, the Cabrillo National Monument, Kate Sessions Park and more. There’s an amazing array of San Diego parks that offers guests new sights to see, events to experience and worlds to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic spot to relax and watch the sun disappear over the skyline or need a family-friendly park with a playground your kids will love, here’s Old Town Trolley – San Diego’s take on the best parks in San Diego.

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

One look at San Diego’s glimmering skyline at night with swaths of color dancing off the surface of San Diego Bay, and you’ll get an idea why they call this place ‘America’s Finest City.’ On this marvelous night tour, expert guides will navigate you to romantic panoramic views as you cruise past on our trolley notable landmarks, experiencing this city from a completely different viewpoint. San Diego remains one of the most gorgeous places in the United States whether the lights are on or off.

Whaley House

Overwhelmingly praised as the first of its kind and the finest home in Southern California, the Whaley House was a central pillar of the 19th Century Old Town community. Besides being the Whaley family home, it was also San Diego’s first commercial theater, the county courthouse, and a general store. The legendary Whaley House is widely regarded as one of the most iconic landmarks in San Diego. From its rich Greek Revival architecture style and authentic decor to its mysterious past and unrivaled haunted pedigree, it’s no wonder this home attracts visitors from all over the world. Spend the day exploring the family home of Thomas Whaley and be transported back to San Diego life in the 1800s.

Things to Do in San Diego During the Winter

It may be winter, but in San Diego you’d never know it. One of America’s most coveted destinations, San Diego stays mild and sunny all year round. The only thing giving away the season is the abundance of festive holiday events and activities. Here are some of the top things to do in San Diego during the winter:

Holiday Tours

When it comes to the holiday season, San Diegans do it better than most. Whether with holiday tamales and margaritas, watching the parade of lights on San Diego Bay, or seeking out local holiday traditions, a San Diego Feliz Navidad day is in order. Because of our year-round picture-perfect weather here, sometimes we need reminding when the holidays are approaching. But when they do, we go all out! For a full-on, unique experience in ‘America’s Finest City,’ take an Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour and ride a wave of holiday cheer! Join in sing-along caroling with our Elf conductors as they share fun holiday facts, trivia, history, and traditions. Enjoy a 15-minute stop at Seaport Village for holiday festivities. Hop aboard to see the festive holiday sights of Old Town, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Banker’s Hill, and more!

Things to Do in San Diego This Summer

Get MORE out of your summer in San Diego aboard the iconic Old Town Trolley and see the best first!

Thinking of a visit to “America’s Finest City” during the summer months? With median summer temps in the low 80s during the day, little if any rain, and pleasantly cool temps in the 60s at night, San Diego is an ideal summer destination. In addition to almost perfect weather, enjoy these fun, summer attractions and activities during your stay.

Best San Diego Tours For Every Type Of Vacation Itinerary

Our local experts surveyed guests, canvassed review sites, and researched hundreds of different San Diego tours to select our annual best of the best list.

Things to Do at Night in San Diego

Known for its year ‘round outdoor lifestyle and laid back vibe, this special city, nestled in the country’s southwest corner, has more to offer than a constant supply of vitamin D. Whether you’re hanging with the seals in La Jolla Cove, enjoying a sundowner at Coronado’s Hotel Del Coronado, checking out the city night lights aboard Old Town Trolley Tours or hiking the cliffs at Torrey Pines, San Diego has something for everyone.

Planning a Girls Trip to San Diego

Time spent together creates endless lifelong memories. Grab your best girlfriends, book that ticket and head on over to San Diego. Let the sun’s rays and laughter ignite your smiles and the adventure elevate your afternoon excursions. Southern California is the perfect setting for your ultimate girls trip. Here the weather only helps to enhance the experience. Whatever your pleasure – it’s here. Evenings in a fancy beachfront spot, afternoons on a social cycle of your choice, morning sessions in the surf and everything in between – San Diego doesn’t disappoint.

Romantic Date Ideas in San Diego

San Diego is a thriving city constantly welcoming visitors from around the globe. With its endless sunshine, ocean waves, countless trails and picturesque shoreline, visitors flock to America’s finest city for relaxation, reinvigoration and rest. Some come for the laid-back atmosphere while others come for the outdoor activities. Some come for those destination celebrations while others come to check out the sights. Many bring their special someone to share in their joy.

San Diego Honors Our Nation’s Greatest Heroes

Our country is what it is today because of the brave men and women who fight to protect our freedoms. Today and every day, we thank you for your service.

The Comic-Con Center for Popular Culture

San Diego Comic-Con International, another San Diego-born institution founded in 1970, is located at the former Sports Museum & Hall of Fame.

Breitbard Hall of Fame

The Breitbard Hall of Fame, which was founded by the legendary Bob Breitbard to recognize significant athletic achievement in San Diego, is located at Petco Park.

Ultimate Guide to San Diego on a Budget

San Diego – southern California’s gem only a stone’s throw from the Mexican border is known for sun, sand, sea and vitamin D access year ‘round. Visitors may come for the beaches but they stay for the fish tacos. Whether you’re hitting the sand at Mission, La Jolla, Ocean or Coronado – in every grain of sand, you’re bound to feel the magic of the city.

Things to Do in San Diego in the Fall

San Diego is an outdoor lover’s ideal destination year round. Nestled within the confines of southern California, vitamin D reigns supreme and ocean air is prevalent. Touting itself as a city of endless beach days and outdoor destinations, America’s Finest City does the fall season differently. If you’re interested in beach days, they’re here. If you’re interested in falling leaves and apple cider filled afternoons, it’s available. If hiking trails and surfing waves is your thing, San Diego has you covered. And if spooky Halloween nights are what you’re after, look no further than the city’s haunted activities.

Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade

Honoring the slain civil rights leader, the tree-lined Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade features sculptures like the stainless steel “Breaking of the Chains” by renowned artist Melvin Edwards. There is also a fountain and a hedge maze. Located across from the convention center, the promenade runs adjacent to Harbor Boulevard with its wide assortment of shops and restaurants. The esplanade connects several popular sites along the city’s waterfront. It is the setting for the annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration, which includes food, music, various activities and other entertainment.

The Best Shopping In San Diego

We know why you want to visit San Diego. When a place is nicknamed ‘America’s Finest City,’ you absolutely, positively must verify whether that claim is true. Chances are when you get there, you’ll arrive at the same conclusion most do upon first visiting this great city; Yes, it is as fine as they say it is! When it comes to pleasing visuals, San Diego has no shortage of them. If it isn’t the gorgeous 70-mile expanse of coastline that runs through quaint, rustic beach towns like beautiful La Jolla or the sparkling skyline at night as it hugs San Diego Bay then its the incredible colonial Spanish architecture and Mexican influence almost everywhere you look.

Hotels in San Diego

Read the Old Town Trolley guide to hotels in San Diego, California to learn more about top-rated places to stay in the city.

Things To Do In San Diego

Plan your vacation with our comprehensive list of popular things to do in San Diego including historic places, outdoor adventures, and water activities!

San Diego Historic Sites

Cruise Excursions

Welcome to San Diego!

Known as “America’s Finest City”, San Diego offers a wide array of things to do and see for visitors of all ages. Let Old Town Trolley show you California’s second largest city, where blue skies, exciting attractions and 70 miles of beaches come together to create a vacationer’s paradise. For over 25 years, Old Town Trolley Tours has been providing sightseeing tours highlighting the best San Diego attractions. Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment^®, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.

Ghosts & Gravestones

“Join us for a spirited & entertaining tour built on stories of history, mystery and legends of San Diego’s past & DARKER SIDE!” Dying to Take a Ride on the Dark Side?
 Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.

Hidden Gems In San Diego To Visit On Vacation

San Diego is filled with activities in the sand, sea and surf. Often referred to as America’s Finest City, this coastal town is saturated with year round sunshine, its residents are characterized as having outdoor lifestyles and adventure can be discovered at every turn. For those planning a visit, there are a few must-sees on everyone’s travel itinerary; and then there are the off the beaten path hidden gems that are rarely included.

Things to Do in San Diego During the Spring

Perhaps one of the most loved seasons of the year, spring brings with it glorious weather, blossoming flowers and an abundance of outdoor activities and events. In San Diego, there are many celebrations, attractions and things to do and see. Read on for the best things to do in spring in San Diego.

Things To Do In La Jolla and San Diego Area Beaches

Everyday is a good day to hit the beach in San Diego. Mild temperatures, sunny skies and a magnificent coastline are just the beginning. San Diego beaches offer something for everyone – secluded serene spots where the sand goes on for miles, dramatic cliffs perched above crashing waves, rocky tide pools, coral reefs teeming with sea life, beaches for surfers, families, and everything in between. And surrounding each beach is a town that offers a bunch of fun things to do.

Unique Things To Do in San Diego

If you’re a tourist in San Diego and you’ve already visited all the big shot attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, the haunted Whaley House and Old Town San Diego State Park, it’s time to explore some of the unique things to do in San Diego.

Things To Do in San Diego With Kids

Looking for the most efficient and entertaining way to visit many of the things to do in San Diego with kids? Look no further because Old Town Trolley Tours offers parents a relaxing way to tour all the best San Diego attractions for kids. Parents don’t have to worry about searching for directions to the Children’s Museum, driving to the San Diego Zoo, or finding parking while traveling from all of San Diego’s best attractions.

No matter what time of the year you visit, family fun abounds in San Diego. The weather is as close to perfect as it can get, the locals are friendly, and the area is bursting with things to do.

Our hop on and hop off trolley tours allow the parents to concentrate on having fun with their kids instead of worrying about logistics. We make the tours in San Diego for kids very entertaining by providing neat facts about all the best places to visit. Your kids will thank you for giving them a fun-filled vacation and you’ll thank Old Town Trolley for taking care of the logistics. Also, kids under age 4 ride totally free!

Discover the Best Beaches in San Diego

San Diego is home to some of the most inviting beaches on the West Coast. From wide open stretches of sand to scenic coves tucked between cliffs, every shoreline has its personality. Some are perfect for surfing. Others are great for families, with calm waves and plenty of space to play. If you’re searching for the best beaches near me, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful options across the region.

Planning your visit is easier with Old Town Trolley, which stops near several of the city’s top coastal spots. It’s a great way to explore without worrying about parking or directions. Spend the day by the water, then hop back on and continue discovering more of the city. Exploring the best beaches in San Diego becomes part of the adventure when you can move at your own pace. This guide will walk you through some of the best spots, what makes them special and what to see, eat or do nearby.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Philanthropists John and Adolph Spreckels donated a large pipe organ to be part of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Harrison Albright designed the semi-circular Italian Renaissance-style pavilion housing the musical instrument. A self-taught architect from Los Angeles, Albright also designed downtown San Diego’s U.S. Grant Hotel. The ornate vaulted pavilion features highly embellished gables. Located in Balboa Park, the building faces north to protect the 80 ranks of more than 5,000 pipes from the sun’s UV radiation. It is the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. The pavilion hosts free concerts Sunday afternoon and other concerts throughout the year.

Getting Around San Diego On Vacation

In the beautiful city of San Diego, there is an abundance of things to do and see. When you begin planning your visit, make sure to include plans for how you’ll get from one attraction to another. San Diego offers a myriad of options when it comes to transportation. Read on for the top choices to get around in San Diego.

San Diego Zoo

Penguins and rare plant life are just a hint of what you’ll see when you visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Throughout its 100 acres, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled around the world as you see some of the most intriguing and rarely-seen animals lounge in their natural, expansive habitats. With more than 4,000 animals representing 800 species, the San Diego Zoo stands out among other zoos for its diverse wildlife citizens.

4th of July in San Diego

We created this page to help guests plan a great celebration while visiting the San Diego area. We’ll offer you some local tips on the best places to watch the fireworks and celebrate America’s Birthday!

Balboa Park / Zoo

Balboa Park is where the arts, culture and history of San Diego come together to create a 1,200 acre wonderland filled with unforgettable experiences for people of every age. Thriving botanical beauty flourishes throughout and surrounds 15 museums, a variety of performing arts and musical theaters, exotic gardens, fabulous restaurants, upscale shopping, the San Diego Zoo and exquisite Spanish Moor architecture. Known as America’s largest urban cultural park, more than 500,000 visitors come each year to delight in the beauty and amazing attractions of Balboa Park.

Coronado / Orange Avenue

Just steps away from the Hotel del Coronado is the exquisite Coronado Beach. Located on the ocean side of Coronado Island, it’s the ideal setting to surf, swim or snooze in the sun. Voted the # 2 beach in America and the # 1 family beach, the pretty white sands and refreshing ocean waters attract both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to relax, play and watch the sun as it sets over the Pacific. There’s much to do, from beach volleyball to whale watching in the winter months. And because of its location, views of San Diego are panoramic.

Hotel del Coronado

A small island town in San Diego Bay, Coronado is known for its fascinating beginnings, its idyllic setting and of course, its beautiful beach resorts. The founders of Coronado Island were visionaries, building an entire community around the idea of drawing tourists from around the globe. They did it knowing that people from all walks of life would come. They would come to soak in the San Diego sun and to see the stunning sights of the San Diego Bay. And they couldn’t have been more correct. 
Throughout its more than 120-year history, millions of visitors have traveled to Coronado to enjoy the waterfront ambiance, dine at the fabulous restaurants, shop at the upscale boutiques and view the many historic buildings. They also came to be spoiled by the lavish amenities of the world-Famous Hotel del Coronado.

San Diego Mercato In Little Italy

Eat, shop, and enjoy at the Little Italy Mercato every Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. The Wednesday market runs from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and the Saturday market from 8 am to 2 pm. The Little Italy Mercato is the city market for downtown San Diego residents and visitors, with booths lining West Date Street — from Kettner Blvd. to State St. on Wednesdays, and from west of Kettner Blvd. to Front St. on Saturdays — offering farm-fresh produce, artisan foods, and specialty items.

How To See San Diego in 2 Days

San Diego is California’s second largest city – home to many beautiful sights, exciting attractions and historical points of interests. Old Town Trolley Tours, with many stops and more than 100 sights, offers a great way to see all the best of San Diego in 2 days.

Here’s a list of the San Diego attractions we recommend you spend more time at and the best order to see them in:

Piazza Basilone Memorial

With tables and chairs, benches and stoops, with a fountain constantly gurgling a serene background noise and the bay just within eyesight, this urban piazza in the heart of Little Italy is just amazing. Enjoy a coffee, a rendezvous or a book while you bask in a sunlit day with a cool bay breeze. This memorial to neighborhood soldiers who died during the Korean War is a beautiful monument to these heroes. It serves as a tranquil oasis in the middle of one of the busiest blocks in the city.

Little Italy

Throughout the nation, Little Italy neighborhoods symbolize the tremendous contribution that Italians have made to the culture and history of the United States. Covering a gorgeous and walkable 48-square-block area of northwest downtown San Diego, this ethnic enclave is the largest of its kind in the country. Hosting several festivals throughout the year, the neighborhood boasts street-side cafes, art galleries and a beautiful urban park.

Fleet Science Center

Children of all ages are in for a real treat when visiting the Fleet Science Center. From virtual reality to interactive exhibits and the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater, most folks are having too much fun to realize they’re learning! In the IMAX Theater, see the biggest films on the planet and feel the sensation of floating in space. Travel from outer space to under the ocean and see the planetarium shows. Then, tour the more than 100 touchable, try-able exhibits in five different galleries. There’s even a special area just for kids under six.

Natural History Museum

The San Diego Natural History Museum is the second oldest scientific institution in Southern California and home to a variety of intriguing exhibits. Watch in wonder how the Foucault pendulum swings back and forth, knocking over different dominoes throughout the day, signifying the Earth’s rotation. Invented in 1851 by French physicist Jean Foucault, observers enjoy learning how the pendulum works.

How to See San Diego in 1 Day

San Diego is known for its amazingly beautiful beaches, perfect weather and abundance of interesting attractions. If you only have one day, you can still see it all by following Old Town Trolley’s guide.

Coronado Ferry

Just a short, scenic 15 minute sightseeing trip across San Diego Bay takes you to The Ferry Landing Marketplace, Coronado’s specialty shopping and dining center. Browse through unique shops and galleries. Dine at Peohe’s, Coronado’s premier waterfront seafood restaurant. Enjoy casual California cuisine at Bay Beach Cafe. Grab a quick bite at a fun food eatery. Rent a bicycle. Experience magnificent city views.

Petco Park

PETCO Park is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget.

Asia Pacific Thematic Historic District

The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing.

Historic District

William Heath Davis House

 The William Heath Davis House is considered to be one of the most significant buildings in San Diego’s history. Visitors are intrigued by the exciting stories of the people who lived in it and the fact that it is the oldest wooden structure in San Diego. Its first owner, William Heath Davis, was the first to attempt to develop the new town—yet it was not until Alonzo Horton came along that the true city began to boom. And it is Horton that is credited with being San Diego’s founder. Incredibly, the William Heath Davis House was bought by Alonzo Horton and lived in by him and his wife for several years.

Gaslamp Quarter

Stained glass windows, moldings, carvings, columns and railings are just a part of the fantastic masterpieces that line the streets in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Equipped with today’s gaslamps, brick sidewalks, landscaping, galleries, theaters, boutiques and shops, more than 100 restaurants, bars and nightclubs, the Gaslamp Quarter is where San Diego’s amazing history still thrives. Visited by millions of travelers each year, the area pulsates with activity from morning until the late night hours.

San Diego Convention Center Visitor Guide

The San Diego Convention Center is a cornerstone of the city’s evolution into a premiere destination for innovation, culture, and global events. Since its grand opening in 1989, the convention center has served as the beating heart of San Diego’s business and cultural scene. Positioned along the stunning San Diego Bay, its iconic architecture and waterfront location have made it a landmark for both visitors and locals.

Designed to accommodate a wide range of events, the San Diego Convention Center features state-of-the-art facilities, including expansive exhibit halls, flexible meeting spaces, and the renowned Sails Pavilion.

SEAL Tours

Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by sea AND land. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience. Your fully narrated tour will depart from San Diego’s Seaport Village on Harbor Drive or Embarcadero, and will tour the historic streets of San Diego before making its way into San Diego’s Big Bay.

Maritime Museum

The world-renown Maritime Museum of San Diego was founded in 1948 by a group of local historians and maritime experts. Here visitors from around the globe come to walk the decks of the magnificent Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Built in 1863, the Star of India made her first voyage on November 14 of that year. The ship sailed for many years from Great Britain to India and then to New Zealand. After many difficult journeys, the ship became a salmon hauler from Alaska to California.

Presidio Park

San Diego’s history dates back centuries. Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history.

As a testament to the foundational beginnings of California, heralding exploration by Spain and Mexico, this national historic landmark reminds all who visit of the obstacles, successes and struggles of the long period of colonization.As a testament to the foundational beginnings of California, heralding exploration by Spain and Mexico, this national historic landmark reminds all who visit of the obstacles, successes and struggles of the long period of colonization.

El Campo Santo Cemetery

Located in Old Town, second oldest cemetery in San Diego had burials from 1849 to 1880. In 1933, the San Diego Historical Society restored in the cemetery based on descriptions and photographs, but over the years some of the boundaries have been moved to accommodate for city development. In 1889 a horse-drawn streetcar line was built through part of the cemetery, which later became San Diego Avenue. In 1942 it was paved over, leaving as many as 18 graves under the street and sidewalk. The Ghosts and Gravestones San Diego Tour takes visitors on an intimate nighttime journey through the cemetery to explain the haunted history of this Old Town landmark.

Harbor Cruises

The best way to see the Big Bay, as it is referred to by the locals in San Diego, is hopping on board a Harbor Cruise. While cruising in the North Bay, visitors will hear an informative narrative about the San Diego bay and experience picturesque views along with historic sights like the North Island Naval Air Station, the United States Naval Submarine Base and Point Loma.

Those that choose the South Bay cruise get the opportunity to see the Coronado Bay Bridge, the bustling Navy Shipyards and the surface fleet.

Immaculate Conception Church

Completed in 1917, the Immaculate Conception Church traces its history back to the first Catholic Mass celebrated in California. Captain Sebastian Vizcaino had a tent hastily erected so that three Catholic priests accompanying his Spanish expedition could celebrate a mass of gratitude for a safe voyage Nov. 12, 1602. The current house of worship replaced an adobe structure built in 1851. The bell tower houses one of the two original bells from the San Diego Mission. The other is located at the Mission San Diego de Alcala.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum sits in San Diego at the Navy Pier welcoming and enriching guests from around the world. Its patriotic service and military operations are brought to life throughout this interactive museum. Relive the legacy of the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Naval history-47 years! “Midway Magic” became a recognized term describing the amazing tenacity of the Midway and its crew. When other ships broke down or headed for port, the Midway continued to respond, to perform from the end of WWII all the way through Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Embarcadero Marina

A visit to the San Diego Harbor is not complete without a stroll through the Embarcadero Marina Park. Surrounded by the bay on three sides, the Embarcadero Marina provides an authentic San Diego experience complete with scenic views and fresh sea air. Visitors also get a chance to discover the loyalty and courage of many of our Naval Military personnel through various memorials and statues including the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, The Homecoming Statue, and the USS San Diego Memorial.

Star of India

San Diego’s Star of India is the ‘world’s oldest active sailing ship’. When many were still being created out of wood, this iron ship built in 1863 was a great experiment. Beginning the stages of her life known as Euterpe, this full-rigged ship continued until changes were made almost four decades later. The ship’s sailing began with rough seas. Within two trips to India she endured a cyclone, the death of her first captain, collision and a mutiny. Surviving this difficult beginning, she was turned into a cargo ship and returned to India four more times. In 1871, her ownership turned to London where she began a 25-year run of moving British emigrants to the South Pacific. In that quarter century, she circumnavigated over twenty trips. Her log suggests those trips often found her ‘laboring and rolling in a most distressing manner’, but she was the little iron ship that could. Life for the ship was as difficult as it was for those aboard. Emigrants spent time in cramped quarters, with limited rations and suffering disease and malnutrition. Although some perished during the journey, most saw a successful life in their new home of New Zealand.

Seaport Village

Seaport Village is one of San Diego’s most iconic waterfront destinations and is located where the harbor breeze meets the energy of downtown. With year-round sunshine and bayfront views in nearly every direction, it’s easy to see why this open-air shopping and dining district draws visitors and locals alike. Joggers, sightseers and families stroll along the water’s edge throughout the day, often stopping for a coffee, a caricature drawing or a souvenir.

Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum is an environmentally sustainable building that provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families – a place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps and educational programs. Across the street from the new building is a beautiful park, extending the museum visit outdoors with space for running, climbing, family picnics and a view of the trains and trolleys going by.

Mormon Battalion Memorial

Serving with distinction during the Mexican-American War, the volunteer Mormon Battalion was the only religiously based unit in U.S. military history. Commanded by Regular Army officers, the unit made a grueling overland march along the Santa Fe Trail from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego. The hands-on exhibits and other resources of the Mormon Battalion Historic Site chronicle the history of this unique military unit and the role that it played in the country’s westward expansion. Located at 2510 Juan Street in Old Town San Diego, the free museum is open seven days a week. Docents lead a 45-minute tour while attired in period dress.

San Diego SEAL Tour Tickets

Buy discount tickets online for the San Diego SEAL Tour departing from Seaport Village. See the best first and learn about famous sites with our sightseeing tour.

Old Town Community

Adjacent to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Old Town Community exudes colonial beauty and the flavors and heritage of its early settlers. Several restaurants serve up Mexican and Californian cuisine, while quaint stores and boutiques provide unique shopping experiences. Up the hill is Heritage Park, a protected county park and the setting for seven of San Diego’s most splendid Victorian homes that were relocated and restored to their original grandeur.

Old Town Market

Join us for free, historic storytelling, shows and entertainment every day of the week. Shop in our 40 unique gift stores, watch working artisans, or enjoy a bite to eat. Learn about the rich history of Old Town San Diego in our free museum. We invite you to visit our Festival Marketplace and experience Old Town San Diego, the Birthplace of California.