Don't Miss San Diego

Attractions

From exotic animals to thrilling rides, you'll find it in San Diego

The only hard part is choosing what to do first

San Diego is home to many of Southern California’s top attractions, with plenty of options for adventure-seeking, fun-loving explorers. Have a close encounter with an exotic animal. Take a wild ride down a 375-foot water slide. Step aboard a real aircraft carrier. Or even take a day trip to Disneyland, just a short drive north to Anaheim. Plus, you can save time and money with the multi-attraction Go San Diego card. Purchase attractions tickets right here on this site, just click to buy tickets from the list below.

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San Diego Attractions

Things to Do|

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Must-See California Theme Parks & Attractions

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

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

Just minutes from downtown, explore the history, legacy, and future of this ever changing, always amazing cultural park.

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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.

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Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at SeaWorld

Jul 4, 2021

SeaWorld will celebrate Independence Day with a 15-minute display of fireworks set to a patriotic soundtrack.

More details to come.

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Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

Jun 11 - Sep 6, 2021

Stay after dark and help us celebrate summer during Nighttime Zoo. Come "rock and roar" every day this summer with live music and other amazing entertainment experiences. There's so much to do, see and hear at Nighttime Zoo - it's a good thing summer hours are longer!

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Fireworks at SeaWorld

May 19 - Jun 26, 2021

The spectacular SeaWorld Fireworks show is back! Celebrate spring with a visit to SeaWorld and end your day watching fireworks light up the sky! Fireworks begin 15 minutes before closing on the dates listed below.

Enjoy SeaWorld fireworks safely with limited capacity and enhanced safety procedures. Take in the spectacular presentation from a variety of physically-distanced viewing areas available around the park.

Friday, May 21

Saturday, May 22

Friday, May 28

Saturday, May 29

Sunday, May 30

Monday, May 31

Saturday, May 22

Friday, May 28

Saturday, May 29

Sunday, May 30

Friday, June 4

Saturday, June 5

Friday, June 11

Saturday, June 12

Friday, June 18

Saturday, June 19

Friday, June 25

Saturday, June 26

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$15 Swift Boat Naval History Tour w/Admission!

May 29 - ongoing

Only $15 for this exciting and educational Maritime Museum Swift Boat Tour. Ride the only active passenger carrying Swift Boat in the country. Feel the power of the twin 12 cylinder 2-stroke Detroit Diesels as you take a behind the scenes 75 minute narrated tour of San Diego's military history.

Weekends only. 12:15, 2:15 pm

Swift Boat Veterans have assisted crew, guided visitors on tours, supported the ship maintenance staff, and generated funds to keep the PCF 816 Swift Boat in tip-top condition. They are a passionate force that can be counted on now just as they were in the past when Swift crews patrolled the waterways.

Tour route heads under Coronado Bay Bridge, Naval Base San Diego, and then Naval Amphibious Base. PCF 816 then heads back by the aircraft carrier basin and Naval Air Station North Island before returning to the Museum.

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Must-See California Theme Parks & Attractions

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

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SeaWorld San Diego

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Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at SeaWorld

Jul 4, 2021

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Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

Jun 11 - Sep 6, 2021

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Fireworks at SeaWorld

May 19 - Jun 26, 2021

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$15 Swift Boat Naval History Tour w/Admission!

May 29 - ongoing

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Discount Attraction Passes

Visit Famous Balboa Park!

Balboa Park is America’s largest urban cultural park. Experience all it has to offer with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass! You will have access to more than a dozen venues including museums, gardens and more, with big savings over buying admission to individual venues. Add the San Diego Zoo to a Multi-day Pass for the ultimate Balboa Park experience!

Visit Explorer.BalboaPark.org for more information.

BALBOA PARK EXPLORER PASS

GO SAN DIEGO EXPLORER PASS - SAVE UP TO 60%

The Go San Diego Explorer pass is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility. Save up to 60% on admission to 3, 4, 5 or 7 attractions of your choice. Choose from a list of over 50 top attractions and shows, including your choice of San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, Go Car Tours, jet ski rentals, snorkeling, kayaking bike rentals, and more. Enjoy the flexibility to choose attractions as you go and take up to 60 days to use your pass.

Visit GoSanDiego.com to choose the pass that’s perfect for you.

Go San Diego

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Advance Purchase Rate

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

Valid: Jan 12, 2021 - ongoing

Plan Ahead & Save! The early bird gets the worm! Plan in advance and save up to 20% ! Must be booked at least 60 days in advance. You deserve a waterfront getaway at Island Palms in...

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Accommodation

Independence Day Sale

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

Valid: Jul 3 - Jul 5, 2021

Ignite Huge Savings This July 4th! Celebrate summer at the Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel & Marina! When you book your stay in the next 72 hours, you'll receive a nightly $25 food and...

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Accommodation

Good Neighbor Rate

Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego

Valid: Jan 12 - ongoing

California and neighboring states residents, plan your exclusive getaway in San Diego. 15% off our Best Flexible Rate Waived Guest Amenities Fee ($25 value per night) Complimentary upgrade based on...

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Visitor planning guide

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