Living in San Diego, we have a myriad of options for fun activities. Whenever we have visitors or when people ask us for suggestions on what to do, we have a few activities that always please! It really all depends on what you’re looking for, which is why I’ve broken down the best things to do in San Diego by category! The best thing about San Diego really is the weather so no matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’ll always have a great time! Read ahead for a list of the best attractions in my town!

Hiking

There are lots and lots of hiking trails in San Diego for any level of difficulty. And since we have great weather year-round, you can go on a hike on pretty much any day of the year! My favorites are:

Torrey Pines

Hike alongside the ocean. Combine the cool ocean breeze and awesome San Diego weather, this is a must!

Cowles Mountain

A relatively easy hike that prizes you with 360 degree views of the city at the top.

Potato Chip

One of the most famous hikes in the area, the trails take you to a rock that resembles a potato chip.

Amusement Parks

The amusement parks here are fun and our zoo is one of the best in the country!

• Legoland
• San Diego Zoo
• Safari Park
• Sea World
• Birch Aquarium

Beaches

A 70-mile stretch of coastline, you’ll likely end up at the beach during your visit. And while you can’t really go wrong with any part of our beautiful sandy beaches, below are my favorites:

Pacific Beach

A younger crowd with lots of bars but if you like people watching and volleyball and fun, this is a great beach to visit.

Windansea

A quieter beach that’s very family friendly. Just a bit north of Pacific Beach, you’ll find more locals here.

Moonlight Beach

Although not in San Diego city, this Encinitas beach is probably my favorite.

Shopping

San Diego has two open air malls – Fashion Valley and UTC Westfield. If you’re looking for designer shops, Fashion Valley is the place to go.

La Jolla Downtown is great for strolling, grabbing a bite on the patio of one of the many restaurants. There are super cute boutiques and eateries. If you’re looking for a combination of well-known brands and local boutiques, this is where you’ll find it!

Seaport Village is a water-front shopping venue with lots of shops, restaurants and entertainment year-round. An easy stroll from the USS Midway, this is a great place to spend the afternoon.

Water Activites

Kayaking

The kayak tours with Everyday California are my favorite. The tour guides are fun and friendly!

Surfing

You can rent a surf board or take sign up for surfing lessons at just about any beach. Check out groupon for great deals!

Paddle Boarding

Mission Bay is our favorite since there are no waves and the water isn’t as cold!

Museums

The Children’s Museum is such a fun experience for the little ones. If you’re traveling with kiddos, be sure to stop by!

Balboa Park is an outdoor museum and has many museums throughout. Strolling the park, you’ll find a carousel, the colorful Spanish Village Art Center along with museums such as the Science Center, Air & Space Museum and many other museums worth exploring. The San Diego Zoo is located in this park too!

The USS Midway is one of the city’s emblems and the tour is neat! Don’t forget to visit the Save the Kiss statue out front!

San Diego Sunsets

There are few things quite like California’s sunsets. Even after several years of living here, I try to catch the beautiful sunset any chance I get. While you can bid farewell to the sun just about anywhere, below are the prettiest spots:

Torrey Pines Gliderport

Perfect for a romantic evening, there really is something awesome about watching the sunset behind colorful hand gliders in the air!

La Jolla Shores

Some of the most beautiful cliffs and unobstructed views of the ocean. A perfect place to watch the sun go down while hanging out with the local sea lions!

Sunset Cliffs

Located in the Point Loma peninsula, this could almost fall into the hiking category. It’s a pretty flat walk but the long stretch can quickly feel like a workout. A perfect spot to catch the sun set (hence the name!).

Strolling through San Diego

Old Town

The birthplace of San Diego and California’s first settlement. You’ll quickly feel like you’re in a small town in Mexico (kind of, ok not really) but you can eat at one of the many Mexican restaurants and shop the specialty boutiques. You’ll always find food, folklore and fun!

Coronado Island

With great views of downtown San Diego and more fun to be had, this friendly beach town is a great spot for strolling! You can take a ferry or drive over the bridge to get there!

Have you been to San Diego? What are your favorite spots? I’d love to hear from you!