Must-See California Theme Parks & Attractions

San Diego is packed with great things to see and do including these top theme parks and attractions.

SeaWorld San Diego

Spread across 190 acres on beautiful Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld is known for its amazing animals, interactive attractions, aquariums, rides, beautiful landscaping and education programs for all ages.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is the only attraction to offer this popular day sail adventure experience aboard San Salvador, a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. These 4-hour Sailing Adventures are for people who love history and sailing. Few 21st Century people have sailed aboard a 16th Century galleon. You can become one of them. No sailing experience is required. An invaluable addition to your experience is the onboard historian who will explain how the San Salvador was sailed, navigated and defended. 

In addition to learning about the exploration of the West Coast, guests can assist the sail crew, enhancing their back-in-time experience.

Your tickets include general admission to visit the Museum fleet of ships and exhibits before your sail!

Enjoy a BBQ Dinner and spectacular fireworks viewing from the McKinney Deck of the 1898 Berkeley, a national and state historic landmark, or the waterfront barge to the rear of the Berkeley.

Maritime Museum of San Diego hosts this annual favorite every year welcoming locals and visitors for a front row seat to the Big Bay Boom. Adult BBQ dinners include pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, chips, and cookie. Child BBQ dinners includes hot dog, potato salad, chips, and cookie. Plant-based vegetarian pulled pork or hot dog options will be available upon request. Additional snacks including cookies or chips may be purchased too. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased online in advance. Seating is first come first serve.

Are you in town for the weekend? Or are you a local San Diegan and want to get out on the Bay to learn about Naval History?

Be a part of history and ride the only active passenger carrying Swift Boat in the country. Feel the power of the twin 12 cylinder 2-stroke Detroit Diesel engines as you take a behind the scenes 75-minute narrated tour of San Diego’s military history. 

Tour route heads under Coronado Bay Bridge, Naval Base San Diego, and then Naval Amphibious Base. It then heads back by the aircraft carrier basin and Naval Air Station North Island before returning to the Museum, plus a high speed run to feel the unique power of the Swift Boat.

This is a narrated tour describing PCF 816’s role in the U.S., Malta, Viet Nam, Swift Boat sailors, and the above establishments on the Bay.

The GoCar Exotic Driving Experience is for anyone that wants to get away from the busy city life and take in the fresh air and beautiful scenery in the mountains. You’ll be driving a 2020 Vanderhall Blackjack with GoCar technology.

Start in Old Town San Diego before taking the winding streets through the mountains to an Old Mining Town. Julian is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains just an hour east of San Diego. The drive to Julian is full of breathtaking views with changing landscapes. As you enjoy the drive, it takes you to all the best sites, recommends restaurants, cracks jokes and tells the stories that bring the destination to life. Learn the history, stop for lunch, take a bite of Julian’s famous apple pie, and much more.