Find Car Rentals in San Diego
What are the top attractions in San Diego?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in San Diego, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
Book San Diego Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
Browse →
★ 4.8
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA, USA
Explore →78,615 reviews
★ 4.8
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →52,671 reviews
★ 4.7
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →65,906 reviews
★ 4.4
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Explore →53,793 reviews
★ 4.6
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →31,756 reviews
★ 4.8
Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Explore →12,698 reviews
★ 4.6
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Explore →17,844 reviews
★ 4.8
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Explore →8,733 reviews
★ 4.7
Waterfront Park
1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →9,815 reviews
★ 4.6
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →10,185 reviews
★ 4.7
Liberty Public Market
2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Explore →7,993 reviews
★ 4.7
Mission Beach Boardwalk
W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Explore →6,395 reviews
★ 4.6
San Diego Air & Space Museum
2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →5,988 reviews
★ 4.7
Botanical Building
1550 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →4,951 reviews
★ 4.8
Kate Sessions Memorial Park
5115 Soledad Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Explore →2,806 reviews
★ 4.5
Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →4,347 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in San Diego?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in San Diego include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
Viator300,000+ experiences • Free cancellation
Book →GetYourGuideFree cancellation • Instant booking
Book →Hop-On Hop-OffWalking ToursFood ToursDay TripsBoat CruisesSkip-the-LinePrivate ToursAdventure ToursPhotography ToursNight Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Day TripsDay Trips in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Private ToursPrivate Tours in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Photography ToursPhotography Tours in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in San Diego
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Where to eat and go out in San Diego?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in San Diego. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
In-N-Out Burger$
★ 4.6
Westfield Plaza BonitaRestaurant
★ 4.5
Phil's BBQ$$
★ 4.6
In-N-Out Burger$
★ 4.6
Liberty Public MarketRestaurant
★ 4.7
In-N-Out Burger$
★ 4.5
Tacos El Gordo$
★ 4.5
Mission ValleyRestaurant
★ 4.3
Nightlife
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy$$
★ 4.5
Casa Guadalajara$$
★ 4.4
The Fish Market$$$
★ 4.4
Ironside Fish & Oyster$$$
★ 4.5
C Level Lounge$$$
★ 4.6
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar$$
★ 4.4
Yard House$$
★ 4.5
Werewolf$$
★ 4.6
Shows & Events
Uada & Mortiis: The Witches of Dystopia Tour with special guestsMay 12
USD 32
Blue Man Group On TourMay 12
Snapdragon Stadium ToursMay 12
San Diego FC vs Austin FCMay 13
The Decibel Magazine Tour: Cryptopsy with special guestsMay 13
USD 40
Mo Gilligan - The Mo You KnowMay 13
PusciferMay 13
Vinyl WilliamsMay 13
Where can I shop in San Diego?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in San Diego from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.6
Seaport Village
$$
View →
★ 4.5
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
View →
★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
View →
★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
View →
★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
View →
★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
View →
★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
View →
★ 4.1
Walmart Supercenter
$
View →
★ 4.6
Costco Business Center
7803 Othello Ave, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
View →
★ 4.0
Walmart
$
View →
★ 4.0
Walmart Supercenter
$
View →
★ 4.7
Trader Joe's
$$
View →
★ 3.9
Walmart
$
View →
★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
View →
★ 4.3
Whole Foods Market
$$$
View →
★ 4.2
Ralphs
$$
View →
What events are happening in San Diego?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 48 upcoming events in San Diego across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
ConcertUada & Mortiis: The Witches of Dystopia Tour with special guests
May 12, 2026
Get Tickets →
Blue Man Group On Tour
May 12, 2026
Get Tickets →
Snapdragon Stadium Tours
May 12, 2026
Get Tickets →
San Diego FC vs Austin FC
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertThe Decibel Magazine Tour: Cryptopsy with special guests
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mo Gilligan - The Mo You Know
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Puscifer
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventVinyl Williams
May 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Concertsmokedope2016:The Comedown Tour
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sina Bathaie - White Lotus World Tour
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Jorge Lozano H - Libera La Fiera World Tour
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertHoly F*ck
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
St. Lucia
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
St. Lucia
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Snapdragon Stadium Tours
May 14, 2026
Get Tickets →
Blink 180TRUE and Babes Against The Machine
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
San Diego Wave FC vs Washington Spirit
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventSeussical The Musical (Touring)
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertFolk Auras: Thayer Plays Berg Violin Concerto
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertPennywise
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
Curebound Concert for Cures: P!NK
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertElectric Feels: Indie Rock + Electronic Dance Party
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertBanda R-15
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertGolden Era Rave | 2010’s EDM Classics
May 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
Concert
MAY
12
Uada & Mortiis: The Witches of Dystopia Tour with special guests
1130 Buenos Ave, San Diego, CA
Get TicketsUSD 32
Arts & Theatre
MAY
12
Blue Man Group On Tour
3rd & B St., San Diego, CA
Event
MAY
12
Snapdragon Stadium Tours
2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, CA
Sports
MAY
13
San Diego FC vs Austin FC
2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, CA
Concert
MAY
13
The Decibel Magazine Tour: Cryptopsy with special guests
1130 Buenos Ave, San Diego, CA
Get TicketsUSD 40
Arts & Theatre
MAY
13
Mo Gilligan - The Mo You Know
2891 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Concert
MAY
13
Puscifer
3rd & B St., San Diego, CA
Event
MAY
13
Vinyl Williams
2501 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
Concert
MAY
14
smokedope2016:The Comedown Tour
1055 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA
Frequently asked questions about San Diego
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in San Diego?
San Diego offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in San Diego?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in San Diego, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around San Diego?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM).
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in San Diego?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in San Diego?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.