This guide will share a list of fun things to do in San Diego, California that is perfect for a weekend trip or any trip to San Diego! Including top-ranked restaurants, cool bars, beautiful parks, and more. Plus an overview of where to stay in San Diego during your trip.

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Since moving to Southern California we have made the short drive down to San Diego a number of times already. But until recently, we had never stayed overnight and had the chance to really explore what the city had to offer. For my birthday, we decided it would be the perfect opportunity to take a weekend trip to San Diego. I did a TON of research before our trip so we could fit all of the best things to do in our weekend visit. Now I will share the things that we did during our trip to San Diego along with a few other things that we’ve done there on other trips and recommend.

Note: This post is geared more towards fun-loving adults, whether it be couples or a group of friends or even a solo traveler. A lot of these recommendations aren’t made with kids in mind (i.e. the aforementioned cool bars), but you can still probably find some interesting points in here for family travel regardless.

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Where to Stay in San Diego

If you’re planning a weekend trip to San Diego, I suggest staying Downtown. I guess this isn’t just for those planning a weekend trip, but the central location will make it easier for you to check off more of the top “things to do” and make the most of your visit. Most of the things to do in San Diego on this list are within walking distance of Downtown!

It all depends on your travel style though. Maybe you’d rather drive or Uber anyway, and you’d prefer to stay in the relaxed seaside town of Ocean Beach. Or you can stay in the hip and happening Little Italy, if you don’t mind the sound of the airplanes overhead flying in and out of San Diego International Airport. Or if you want to party all night stay in the Gaslamp Quarter closer to the action. But you can walk to Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter from Downtown!

Where we stayed in Downtown San Diego

The one short-coming of The Sofia Hotel: it doesn’t have its own parking. It was like $30 a day to park in the lot next to the hotel, which isn’t a bad price for big city parking. Again, most hotels Downtown either do not have parking or charge for it. One of the downfalls of staying downtown overnight.

Book your stay: The Sofia Hotel on Hotels.com

More Hotels in Downtown San Diego

After doing some research, here are other hotel options in Downtown San Diego or nearby Gaslamp that are highly rated. Depending on your budget or travel style, there are options ranging from hostels to luxury 5-star hotels in the Downtown area.

Hostel in Downtown San Diego: HI San Diego
Luxury Hotels Downtown: Manchester Grand Hyatt, The US Grant, Pendry San Diego
More top-reviewed hotels: Omni San Diego, Kimpton Hotel Palomar, The Westin

Things to do in San Diego for a Weekend Trip

All of the recommendations on this list of things to do in San Diego are things that I have personally done, with just a couple that I haven’t done yet, but I plan to as they have been highly recommended to me by close friends. But I am very confident in these things to do in San Diego and hope that you find them useful in planning your own trip to San Diego.

Spend a day at the San Diego Zoo

Cost: $56 Adult, $46 Child for One-Day Pass
Website: San Diego Zoo

If you’re an animal lover like me, this one is a no-brainer. San Diego Zoo was voted the #1 Zoo in the World. It boasts over 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and sub-species. A few animals of note: giraffe, elephants, rhino, koalas, penguins, monkeys, leopard, tiger, cheetah, and soo much more.

The San Diego Zoo is huge, which is great, but keep in mind when planning your San Diego trip itinerary that you could easily spend all day here. Both times we’ve visited we spent about 4 hours at the zoo, but both times we didn’t get to see everything or linger at any particular animal too long. And the San Diego Zoo is technically a part of Balboa Park, which has a ton of other things to check out.

Stroll through Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200 acre park in San Diego with gardens, walking paths, museums, and the San Diego Zoo. Check out their website to plan your visit and buy a pass if you plan on visiting a lot of the museums. There is so much to do in Balboa Park that it would probably take days to do it all. We were only there for an afternoon and just had time for a cocktail at Panama 66 and were able to walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a 12 acre traditional Japanese garden featuring manicured landscapes, stone arrangements, koi ponds, and exhibits. The entrance fee is $12 for an adult, $10 for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 years old. You can buy tickets online or at the booth at the entrance.

Bar Hop in the Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp District, or the Gaslamp Quarter, is a historical neighborhood of San Diego now known for its nightlife. With clubs, bars, and cocktail lounges on every corner it is no wonder why.

Visiting the Gaslamp District is definitely touristy, whether for the bars or the architecture of the Victorian-era buildings. But the streets were alive on the Saturday night that we visited which made it all the more enjoyable. The energy was high, the people watching was prime, and the bars were fun.

BIGA Pizza

Before hitting the bars, have yourself some dinner! After researching where to have dinner in San Diego, I noticed BIGA mentioned on numerous lists. BIGA is known for their quality Italian dishes and traditional Napoletana pizza in a casual setting. After trying it I can confirm, it is delicious. I especially enjoyed the classic Margherita! Here is a picture of our “Diavola & Polpo” pizza.

The Nolen

If you’re craving a good cocktail with an even better view, check out The Nolen. You can find this open-air rooftop bar at the top of the Courtyard hotel in the Gaslamp District. It sits 14 floors high to be exact. The dress code for this very posh rooftop bar is smart casual, so come prepared. The Nolen’s menu is definitely a little on the pricey side, but you’re paying for not only a good drink but also for the experience.

Altitude Sky Lounge

The Altitude Sky Lounge is San Diego’s highest open-air rooftop bar. It is perched 22 stories high at the top of the Marriott hotel. Complete with a DJ, the Altitude Sky Lounge has more of a party vibe than the chill sophistication of The Nolen. It was nonetheless fun, but undeniably clubby and crowded. Looking down on all the city lights of San Diego at night was well worth the visit.

Trailer Park After Dark

If you’re looking for a fun, eccentric theme bar in San Diego for reasonably priced drinks then look no further than Trailer Park After Dark. This bar will seriously remind you of the tv-show Trailer Park Boys. The seats at the bar are converted shopping carts, the string lights are made of red solo cups, and they serve tall-boys in a paper bag. Not to mention that actual trailers sitting in this bar that you can go inside of! Complete with astro-turf.

Gran Havana Cigar Lounge

We didn’t actually get to go to the Gran Havana Cigar Lounge ourselves (yet), but it was recommended to us by a good friend. It looks like a fun thing to do if you’re down to try a cigar or smoke hookah. Apparently, you can tell them your preferences and they will roll a cigar made especially for you. So if I, someone who doesn’t smoke, asked for one they could make me something very light.

Besides cigars and hookah, the Gran Havana has coffee and desserts to meet your late-night snacking needs. They don’t serve alcohol, but are open until 2am. We were planning on stopping here after some bar hopping but were too tired (we’re old now).

Eat & Drink in Little Italy

Little Italy is the fast-growing, trendy, foodie hotspot of San Diego that shouldn’t be ignored for any trip to San Diego. Lots of amazing restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges, and cafes can be found in this young and hip neighborhood. And it’s only a 13-minute walk (or 5-minute scooter ride) from Downtown San Diego.

False Idol Tiki Bar

Since moving to Southern California, Peter and I have been disappointed by the lack of tiki bars in our area. So when a friend told us about False Idol in San Diego we made it a priority during our visit. We were not disappointed. Everything from the elaborate, tropical decor to the delicious tiki drinks were on point.

This speakeasy tiki bar is “hidden” within Craft & Commerce in Little Italy, behind a faux freezer door within the entrance of the restaurant. Unfortunately, when we arrived there was a line which ruined some of the mystery. But I appreciate the effort.

Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood is an upscale restaurant in Little Italy with a trendy, indoor-outdoor space. The kitchen has a wood-fired oven and offers artisanal pizza, pasta, and small plates prepared in a simple, rustic style with quality ingredients. Herb & Wood is also known for its strong cocktail game.

Our weekend trip to San Diego was for my birthday, so I requested one “fancier” dinner location to celebrate. I chose Herb & Wood. We called in advance and were able to squeeze in a reservation for that night. The space is absolutely beautiful and the service was impeccable. And the food and drinks were incredible. But what surprised us the most – our wallet was not as light as we were expecting it to be when we left for such an upscale place.

Kettner Exchange

This was a close second to my birthday dinner choice. So we didn’t actually end up eating here, but it also looked amazing. Like Herb & Wood, Kettner Exchange is getting a lot of attention for its interesting dishes. They have a New American menu full of Asian flavor. Besides the highly rated food, the Kettner Exchange also boasts a rooftop lounge.

Extraordinary Desserts

Extraordinary Desserts is known for their, uh, extraordinary desserts. Pastries, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and more. Not only are they delicious, but they are show-stopping. Each dessert is impeccably garnished with some kind of decoration, fruit, or even gold leaf. Full from dinner, Peter and I split a dessert and it was, in fact, extraordinary.

Crack Shack

To be honest, Crack Shack is like a delicious, fancier Chick-fil-A. It’s a chicken and egg-focused, hip, casual diner that’s getting a lot of buzz right now. You wait in line and place your order at a counter then eat your food in a cool outdoor space complete with a giant rooster statue. The portions are big too! Both times that I have visited I’ve gotten the kids meal and I regret nothing. But Peter loved both of the eccentric and flavorful chicken sandwiches that he’s tried.

Ballast Point Brewing Company

Ballast Point is a San Diego brewing company that started in 1996. They have since expanded to multiple locations throughout San Diego and Southern California. Before visiting this location in San Diego’s Little Italy, Peter and I had been to the locations in Long Beach and Downtown Disney in Anaheim. It’s a cool brewery will a large selection and variety of flavors – they even have a few different sour beers to choose from (my favorite kind of beer). If you also like sours, try the “Sour Wench”!

Walk around Old Town San Diego

Founded in 1769, Old Town San Diego was California’s first settlement and is now the historic heart of San Diego. Walk through the historic park or visit one of the many specialty shops or museums. Here you can get a glimpse of what life was like 100s of years ago at the city’s humble beginnings.

Shopping in Old Town

If you’d like to do some shopping in Old Town be sure to walk through the Bazaar del Mundo, an open-air market with 3 sides of shops surrounding a central fountain. Also stop by the Old Town Market, home to over 40 unique shops, live events, and outdoor shopping. Perfect for souvenir shopping.

Try Historic Candy

Who needs an excuse to have some candy? Head over to Cousin’s Candy Shop in Old Town to try some handmade salt water taffy – you can even watch them making it. They also have delicious fudge, licorice, and a large variety of other historic and nostalgic candy. Obviously, Peter and I loaded up on sugar.

Whaley House Museum

The Whaley House is a 160 year old house, now fully restored as a museum. It is also said to be haunted. Considering it was built on the site of a former graveyard, and the backyard was at one time the site of public hangings, it’s no wonder that it’s said to be haunted. Daytime tours cost $10 for adults and Nighttime tours cost $13.

Drive down Point Loma

Point Loma is a hilly peninsula of San Diego to the left of San Diego Bay. Enjoy one of the relaxed beach communities such as Ocean Beach, go to the Sunset Cliffs to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, or enjoy the panoramic views of the San Diego cityscape across the bay. Here are a few of the specific things that we did on Point Loma that I would recommend.

Cabrillo National Monument

The Cabrilllo National Monument on the southern tip of Point Loma commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542. Cabrillo was the first European to discover the West Coast of the United States. This is considered the birth of California! At the monument, you can learn about the history and discoveries of Cabrillo. There is also an incredible view of the San Diego Bay and city skyline from this spot.

Entrance fee to the monument is $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, or $10 per walk-in. Peter and I have the $80 America the Beautiful pass because we visit enough National Parks in a year to make it more than worth the price. The Point Loma Lighthouse and the Tide Pools are technically a part of the Cabrilllo National Monument so you’ll have to pay the entrance fee in order to visit them too.

Point Loma Lighthouse

At the end of Point Loma, you will find the old Point Loma Lighthouse. Built in 1855, the lighthouse guided sailors to the entrance of San Diego Bay for 36 years. Now the lighthouse stands as a reminder of the past. Visit the Point Loma Lighthouse to see the historically refurbished 1880s appearance, learn about the lives of lighthouse keepers of the past, and see how the old gas fueled lighthouses operated.

Point Loma Tide Pools

Past the Lighthouse and down the hillside lies the Point Loma Tide Pools. The area is made up of rugged rocks shaped by ocean waves, providing a striking landscape with hidden nooks and caves to discover along with wonderful ocean views. While hanging out at the Tide Pools, Peter and I saw seals out in the water, kelp crabs all along the shore, and plenty of pelicans flying overhead.

Walk Around Ocean Beach

If you’re tired after exploring all that the Cabrilllo National Monument and Point Loma have to offer, stop in the relaxed seaside neighborhood of Ocean Beach (also known as OB). Walk along the pier, grab a drink on the rooftop of OB Brewery, stop into the charming shops along the main street, or grab something to eat.

We stopped at Wailua Shave Ice after having it recommended to us, and it was just as delicious and refreshing as it looks. Pizza Port was also highly recommended, but unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to eat here (definitely going next time we visit OB).

Visit Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a 14-acre waterfront property of unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s definitely touristy, but worth a visit for its charm. Seaport Village is the link between the harbor and the bustling downtown of San Diego. Come here to do some souvenir shopping, grab a bite to eat, and then stroll along the waterfront.

After perusing the village, we walked out onto the little peninsula of Embarcadero Marina Park North, where we sat on a patch of grass and watched the boats pass through the bay for a while. There was a lovely view of the Coronado Bridge. Then we rented scooters and rode up North Harbor Drive, past the USS Midway Museum (another cool thing to do that we will have to stop by during our next visit to San Diego), and back to our hotel. I just love how close and connected everything in San Diego is!

Eat Asian Cuisine on Convoy Street

This one might seem random, but one of my favorite things about visiting big cities is the variety of cultures and FOOD. Convoy Street in San Diego, called San Diego’s Asian Restaurant Row, is home to a variety of popular Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese restaurants. Convoy Street is home to the popular ramen shop Menya Ultra. But we came here in search of dim sum.

Growing up in Northern Michigan I had never even heard of Dim Sum until taking a trip to Chicago with friends in college. Now I make it a point to get these delicious Chinese eats whenever I visit a big city that has a popular dim sum location. Like whenever we visit Toronto, we always make sure to stop by Toronto’s Chinatown for dim sum.

Eat Dim Sum at Jasmine Seafood

Called San Diego’s best dim sum, Jasmine Seafood made it onto our weekend itinerary. Dim sum is traditionally a brunch food, so we went Saturday morning and didn’t have to wait at all thanks to the huge seating area. Once seated, servers pushing carts of dim sum make their way around the restaurant offering different options. If you take something, they mark a paper at your table that will determine your bill at the end of your meal. Your standard dim sum setup.

Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs and we ordered way too much. We were stuffed. And it was all delicious. Out of everything that we ordered, my favorites were the xao long bao (soup dumplings) and the glazed BBQ pork buns. Mmmmm.

Scoot around San Diego with a Scooter Rental

During our recent travels to other big cities, Peter and I have been noticing more and more of these app rental electric scooters around. But in San Diego they were everywhere! Sitting in clusters on nearly every street corner with people riding them all over town.

Scooter Brands

There are a few different brands of scooters available to rent. Bird is probably the most well-known, and the one that we tried. There is also Lime, Jump Bikes (by Uber), Lyft, and more. It’s a big craze right now and there are a ton of new companies and brands jumping on board the trend. But regardless of which branded bike or scooter you decide to take for a ride, it’s easy to get started. All you have to do is download the app and follow the simple instructions. And it’s a great way to get around the well-connected downtown even faster and explore more of the city!

How to Rent a Scooter

We rode Bird scooters throughout our weekend visit. Once you have the app, all you have to do is scan the barcode on the scooter you want to rent and start riding! When you’re done, park the scooter in one of the designated areas (we usually parked it next to a group of other parked scooters), “End” your ride within the app, and you will be prompted to take a picture of the parked scooter. That’s it. The rides usually just cost a couple of dollars.

What are some more fun things to do in San Diego?

Are you planning a weekend trip to San Diego? Have you visited before? If so, what are some other recommendations of things to do in San Diego? Please share them in the comments below!

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