things to do
The below are only some of our favorite suggestions for exploring San Diego! We also recommend looking at this list of many other cool things to do in San Diego!
San Diego Zoo
The world famous San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park. It houses more than 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies! The San Diego Zoo has been a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits that re-create natural animal habitats. The zoo is active in conservation and species-preservation efforts, and has reintroduced more than 30 endangered species back into the wild. Definitely worth a visit if you’ve never been!
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park immerses you in an active, hands-on safari experience where herds of animals roam natural habitats in a vast reserve. Choose from a variety of exciting safari expeditions by caravan truck, cart, zip line - there's even an overnight option! Engage in close encounters with animal ambassadors, explore walking trails that lead to beautiful vistas and endangered species like the Sumatran tiger, and discover the adventure of conservation in action at this leading-edge wildlife park.
Beach Time!
San Diego is a world-class beach town, with over 70 miles of coastline to take advantage of! Don’t forget your sunscreen and swimsuit so you can enjoy the sun and surf!
Balboa park
Balboa Park is San Diego’s answer to Central Park, with a zoo, more than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions. With a variety of cultural institutions among its 1,200 beautiful and lushly planted acres, there is something for everyone.
Petco Park
Although the San Diego Padres won’t be in town during our wedding weekend, Petco Park offers daily tours to go behind-the-scenes of this beautiful ballpark!
San Diego Rooftop Cinema Club
For the ultimate outdoor film experience, head to the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego’s fourth floor rooftop theatre. The Rooftop Cinema Club gives you a luxe movie experience with panoramic views of downtown San Diego, state-of-the-art wireless headphones and comfy deck chairs, craft brews, movie-themed cocktails, and upscale eats.
“Beeramar”
San Diego is home to more of the country’s top 50 Craft Brewers than any other place in the country, and there are a mind-boggling 85+ breweries total. The industrial park area of Miramar is where most of San Diego’s beer is brewed. Nicknamed “Beeramar,” the breweries’ close proximity to one another makes it easy to organize a tour to sample some of the best.
Coronado Island
Situated just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado is consistently voted best beach in the U.S. Coronado's coastline offers wide sandy beaches with sparkling sand, courtesy of the mineral Mica, that draw visitors from around the world. With its elegant gardens, old-world mansions, quaint shops, and oceanfront dining with spectacular sunset views, no wonder this charmed small town has been dubbed "The Crown City," as Coronado means "the crowned one" in Spanish. Coronado is also home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888 and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Make an adventure of your visit and board the Coronado Ferry at either the Broadway Pier or the Convention Center for a quick, 15-minute ride across San Diego Bay to Coronado Ferry Landing!
Chicano Park
Chicano Park is an 8 acre park located beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge in Barrio Logan, a predominantly Chicano or Mexican American and Mexican-immigrant community in central San Diego, California. The park is home to the country's largest collection of outdoor murals, as well as various sculptures, earthworks, and an architectural piece dedicated to the cultural heritage of the community. Because of the magnitude and historical significance of the murals, the park was designated an official historic site by the San Diego Historical Site Board in 1980. Make the most of your visit by grabbing a delicious lunch at the famous Las Cuatro Milpas!
Explore North Park
We fell in love with San Diego after spending a weekend in North Park. North Park is among San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods, and its housing stock includes a number of Craftsman-style and turn-of-the-century California bungalows. North Park is easy to walk around, and is home to some of the best casual restaurants, coffee shops, independent boutiques, and craft breweries in San Diego.