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
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★ 4.8
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA, USA
Explore →79,096 reviews
★ 4.8
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →53,338 reviews
★ 4.7
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →66,953 reviews
★ 4.4
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Explore →54,389 reviews
★ 4.6
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →32,299 reviews
★ 4.8
Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Explore →12,778 reviews
★ 4.6
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Explore →17,981 reviews
★ 4.8
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Explore →8,883 reviews
★ 4.7
Waterfront Park
1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →9,943 reviews
★ 4.6
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →10,369 reviews
★ 4.7
Liberty Public Market
2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Explore →8,166 reviews
★ 4.7
Mission Beach Boardwalk
W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Explore →6,551 reviews
★ 4.6
San Diego Air & Space Museum
2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →6,102 reviews
★ 4.7
Botanical Building
1550 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →5,069 reviews
★ 4.8
Kate Sessions Memorial Park
5115 Soledad Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Explore →2,851 reviews
★ 4.5
Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Explore →4,443 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.
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Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in San Diego
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in San Diego
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in San Diego
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Day TripsDay Trips in San Diego
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in San Diego
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in San Diego
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in San Diego
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in San Diego
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in San Diego
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in San Diego
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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
Plaza BonitaRestaurant
★ 4.5
Phil's BBQ$$
★ 4.6
In-N-Out Burger$
★ 4.6
Liberty Public MarketRestaurant
★ 4.7
In-N-Out Burger$
★ 4.5
Tacos El Gordo$
★ 4.5
Mission ValleyRestaurant
★ 4.3
Where can I shop in San Diego?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in San Diego from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.6
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
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★ 4.5
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
650 Gateway Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92102, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
2345 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
4605 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.1
Walmart Supercenter
1200 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
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★ 4.6
Costco Business Center
7803 Othello Ave, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
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★ 4.1
Walmart
4840 Shawline St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
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★ 4.0
Walmart Supercenter
3412 College Ave, San Diego, CA 92115, USA
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★ 4.7
Trader Joe's
1072 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
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★ 3.9
Walmart
3382 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
1090 University Ave Ste G100-107, San Diego, CA...
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★ 4.3
Whole Foods Market
711 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
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★ 4.2
Ralphs
101 G St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
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What events are happening in San Diego?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 46 upcoming events in San Diego across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Hypocrisy
Aug 22, 2026
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ConcertMad Hunny plus guest
Aug 22, 2026
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Joe Gatto
Aug 22, 2026
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ConcertBleach: 30 Year Anniversary w/ special guests
Aug 22, 2026
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San Diego FC vs Colorado Rapids
Aug 22, 2026
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Arts & TheatreWater for Elephants (Touring)
Aug 22, 2026
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Grupo Arriesgado
Aug 22, 2026
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ConcertGrupo Arriesgado
Aug 22, 2026
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Seven Lions: Asleep in the Garden of Infernal Stars Tour (18+ Event)
Aug 22, 2026
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ConcertCheekface, Catbite (21 and Over)
Aug 22, 2026
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DJ Quik
Aug 22, 2026
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Cheat Codes
Aug 22, 2026
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Arts & TheatreWater for Elephants (Touring)
Aug 23, 2026
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San Diego Padres vs Minnesota Twins: Kids Giveaway - Ruff Plush Keychain
Aug 23, 2026
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EventMorricone Youth (21 and Over)
Aug 23, 2026
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Hulvey 'Could Be Tonight' Tour
Aug 23, 2026
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Toad the Wet Sprocket
Aug 23, 2026
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OMAR COURTZ - POR SI MAÑANA NO ESTOY USA TOUR
Aug 23, 2026
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OMAR COURTZ - POR SI MAÑANA NO ESTOY USA TOUR
Aug 23, 2026
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Snapdragon Stadium Tours
Aug 23, 2026
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San Diego Padres vs Pittsburgh Pirates: Merrill Robbery Bobblehead
Aug 24, 2026
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Snapdragon Stadium Tours
Aug 24, 2026
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San Diego Padres vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Aug 25, 2026
Get Tickets →
ZAYN: The Konnakol Tour
Aug 25, 2026
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Concert
AUG
22
Hypocrisy
1055 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA
Concert
AUG
22
Mad Hunny plus guest
3350 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA
Get Tickets
USD 13
Arts & Theatre
AUG
22
Joe Gatto
818 B 6th Ave,, San Diego, CA 92101, San Diego, CA
Concert
AUG
22
Bleach: 30 Year Anniversary w/ special guests
1055 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA
Sports
AUG
22
San Diego FC vs Colorado Rapids
2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, CA
Arts & Theatre
AUG
22
Water for Elephants (Touring)
3rd & B St., San Diego, CA
Concert
AUG
22
Grupo Arriesgado
1337 India Street, San Diego, CA
Concert
AUG
22
Grupo Arriesgado
1337 India Street, San Diego, CA
Get Tickets
USD 48
Concert
AUG
22
Seven Lions: Asleep in the Garden of Infernal Stars Tour (18+ Event)
1600 Pacific Highway, 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.