Attractions
in San Diego, CA

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The city is full of hidden gems and treasures. If you’re tired of always hitting the same spots, take a look at all the options below. We showcase businesses near you where you could spend countless hours of endless fun with your entire family.

Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!
Belmont Park
Belmont Park

(858) 228-9283

3146 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109   Directions Website

Belmont Park truly has a little something for everyone. It has the distinction of being the only beach-side amusement park in southern California and its biggest draw is the Giant Dipper which is an original wooden rollercoaster.

Another popular attraction is the Plunge, a 175-foot-deep indoor heated pool, the largest in the state. There's also Pirate's Cove which is literally a 7,000-square-foot indoor playground. Plenty of places to shop and dine can be found here, too, so make plans to head to Belmont Park and leave happy.

Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium

(858) 534-3474

2300 Expedition Way
San Diego, CA 92037   Directions Website

Dating back to 1903, the Birch Aquarium is regarded as one of the best in the world. The impressive facility features 30 tanks and each one is filled with a stunning variety of fish and various other coral species.

One of the most popular exhibits is one called "Blue Planet" that focuses on water's importance to the earth. Another crowd-pleasing attraction is an interactive exhibit that allows you to generate your own thunderstorm!

Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument

(619) 557-5450

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr
San Diego, CA 92106   Directions Website

The Cabrillo National Monument majestically stands in San Diego Bay. It was named after the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who landed on this site in 1542. The monument is part of a complex that includes a museum that tells the tale of Cabrillo's explorations as well as those of other early explorers.

The site also features the Point Loma Lighthouse that towers 433 feet above the ocean and is not only the best location to view the bay, it also offers a breathtaking view of the San Diego skyline. It's the perfect attraction to learn about the city's history.

Coronado
Coronado

(619) 437-8788

1100 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118   Directions Website

Coronado's charm is largely due to it's location and all that it offers in a relatively small area of space. You can drive to it from the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, but if you have the time and want to take in the gorgeous scenery, take the ferry from Broadway Pier instead.

hen you get there, kick off your shoes and enjoy a luxurious walk on the sandy-white beaches. You can also choose from a great selection of attractions, restaurants, shops and other unusual little boutiques. Most of the activity can be found on Ocean Drive and Orange Avenue.

Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter

(619) 233-5227

614 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

Romance, music and a dash of history all prove to be the ingredients of the perfect romantic evening when you visit Gaslamp Quarter. Aside from being an obviously hip, lively collection of restaurants, clubs and bars that are part of the district's top-drawer nightlife, it's also a great vantage point to do some fun people-watching.

The Horton Grand Hotel, one of Gaslamp Quarter's most recognized buildings, was built in the late 19th century and is one of the many highlights over the course of this sixteen-and-a-half block quarter. If the two of you want to cool your heels but still be a part of the scene, hail a pedi-cab and let your romantic adventure continue well into the night.

Junipero Serra Museum
Junipero Serra Museum

(619) 232-6203

2727 Presidio Dr
San Diego, CA 92103   Directions Website

The Junipero Serra Museum was named for the founder of the California Missions and is located in Presidio Park. The attraction is dedicated to preserving the state's heritage, and offers a historical perspective of San Diego that is not normally featured in museums or other arenas.

It features artifacts that date back to California's Spanish occupation as well as items used by the Native Americans of the area that were found in the nearby archeological dig that is currently still underway. Overall, the museum paints a vivid picture of what life was like for the early settlers and the natives that shared what is now known as the state of California.

Knott's Soak City Waterpark
Knott's Soak City Waterpark

(714) 220-5200

8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620   Directions Website

If you and the kids are ready to take a really wild plunge, then Knott's Soak City Waterpark is the perfect place to land. If you've got a daredevil in your family, there's plenty here to make him or her really happy.

Knott's Soak City Waterpark features high-speed slides, tube slides and body slides that move at lightning-fast speeds. For those who prefer a little slower pace, there's a ¼ mile lazy river and wave pool that will allow for a more relaxing aquatic experience. Plus, there's also a kid's pool, mini-slides and a pool playground area - this attraction has something for everyone in the family. Knott's does a great job of recreating a cool 50s and 60s vibe, so get ready to catch a wave in classic style!

LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California

(760) 918-5346

1 Legoland Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92008   Directions Website

"If you build it, they will come" goes the popular saying. But in the case of LEGOLAND, the building is always a work-in-progress and that seems to suit all the visitors of this amazing park just fine.

In addition to traditional theme park rides, LEGOLAND built its identity on the reputation of the classic building blocks you used to play with as a kid, but now, that fun is on a much bigger scale. The kids can play with the Lego exhibits when in line for rides to not only pass the time, but they can express their creativity as well. Plus, don't miss Miniland USA, a collection of miniature models of famous cities and landmarks that is too incredible to be missed! If Legos were an essential part of your childhood, you won't want to miss this attraction.

San Diego Air and Space Museum
San Diego Air and Space Museum

(619) 234-8291

2001 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

The United States military's presence in San Diego is a vital, essential part of its fabric of life. To get a glimpse into the sacrifices and service that these very special men and women have made for our country, visit the San Diego Air and Space Museum.

The museum is packed with dramatic pieces and exhibits that detail our country's military history. This military attraction is located on the USS Midway, America's longest serving aircraft carrier, originally commissioned in 1945. When the Midway was decommissioned in 1992, it came to rest in San Diego and now continues to serve the memory of those that came before, as well as playing a vital role in the preservation and retelling of our nation's wartime history.

San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo

(619) 231-1515

2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

Don't just take the kids to the zoo; take them to the best zoo in the country! Widely regarded as the best zoo in the United States, the San Diego Zoo takes pride in their state-of-the-art habitat attractions that often house more than one species of animal in a single exhibit.

And since the zoo has been recognized as having a highly successful breeding program, you'll likely see baby koalas, pandas, monkeys, elephants and tigers cohabitating with their moms and dads. Plus, don't miss the aviaries and the reptile houses that offer even more wildlife that is just as interesting as it is entertaining.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park

(760) 747-8702

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd
Escondido, CA 92027   Directions Website

Safari Park is an extension of the San Diego Zoo and features over 3,200 animals in approximately 1,800 carefully designed, African-themed acres.

The African Plains habitat is the main attraction, which means the kids will get to see giraffes, cheetahs, and a wide variety of birds. Explore Nairobi Village and see residents as diverse as gorillas and lemurs. You can explore on your own down the paths that take you through all the exhibits or take a guided tour. Plus, there are special programs like sleepovers for the kids and behind-the-scenes tours that will make your time in Safari Park absolutely untamed!

Seaworld San Diego
Seaworld San Diego

(800) 257-4268

500 Sea World Dr
San Diego, CA 92109   Directions Website

The Seaworld park in San Diego offers visitors the chance to not only have fun and see some of nature's most famous aquatic creatures, but there's also great fun to be had on the rides that are found on the premises, as well.

See interactive dolphin exhibits and presentations, enjoy more interactive fun with Backyard Adventures, and of course, you won't want to miss the appearance of Seaworld's top attraction, Shamu! There are several concession areas as well as scenic lookout points in which you can relax and take a brief rest from all of the fun.

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