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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Activate Fam Mode with Kids Free San Diego this October

100+ deals at popular attractions, hotels and restaurants

Activate unlimited recess vibes and unbelievable family savings with Kids Free San Diego—where kids eat, stay and play for free all October long. With more than 100 deals at popular attractions, hotels and restaurants, and special savings on awesome activities, it’s the perfect time to take a sunny getaway to San Diego and activate smile mode for the whole family.

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San Diego Attractions

Things to Do|

What's On|

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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Inside Look Tours at the San Diego Zoo

Feb 22, 2019 - ongoing

The Inside Look Tour is a two-hour entertaining and educational adventure offering special behind-the-scenes views and interesting information about how we take care of our animals. It is filled with experiences and stories you can’t get anywhere else. You’ll be part of a small group traveling the Zoo on foot and in a shuttle cart visiting off-exhibit areas. See the Zoo the way everyone wishes they could—from behind the scenes! Which Inside Look will you choose?

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MMSD hosts Parade of Lights Viewing & Dinner

Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2019

Maritime Museum of San Diego has been known for years as the best place on the waterfront to view the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, which takes place along the north embarcadero.

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Birch Aquarium’s Haunted Aquarium:Sea Monster Mash

Oct 25 - Oct 27, 2019

Enjoy close encounters with Scripps Oceanography scientists and search the exhibits for unusual underwater creatures rarely seen at Birch Aquarium. Discover a sea of glowing monsters (big and small), get sticky with slime, enjoy spooky stories, and boo-gie down to live music, all while having a monstrously good time. Recommended for ages 2+.

*This is a special after-hours event. You will need to purchase a separate ticket for the special event. The aquarium closes between 5 and 6 p.m. General admission discounts and coupons do not apply. Kids Free in October coupons cannot be used for this event.

**Member discount is available only for pre-purchase tickets, which are sold online. Member guest passes cannot be used for Haunted Aquarium.

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2019 Halloween Spooktacular

Sep 21 - Oct 27, 2019

Our Halloween Spooktacular is our biggest fall festival, with weekends brimming with family fun. Catch spooky live shows, join in on Halloween activities and let the little ones trick-or-treat throughout the park in a safe, family-friendly environment.

This popular event is included with park admission, and takes place every Saturday and Sunday from September 21 through October 27, 2019.

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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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Inside Look Tours at the San Diego Zoo

Feb 22, 2019 - ongoing

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MMSD hosts Parade of Lights Viewing & Dinner

Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2019

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Birch Aquarium’s Haunted Aquarium:Sea Monster Mash

Oct 25 - Oct 27, 2019

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2019 Halloween Spooktacular

Sep 21 - Oct 27, 2019

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Discount Attraction Passes

Balboa Park Explorer Pass

The Balboa Park Explorer Passes are San Diego's best cultural value. The one-day pass offers admission to 5 museums, while the multi-day (seven consecutive days) offers admission to all 17 museums, with savings of more than 50%. The Multi-Day Explorer/Zoo Combo includes the Balboa Park Multi-Day Explorer Pass plus a one-day admission ticket to the San Diego Zoo, all for one low price.

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Go San Diego Card - Save up to 55%

The Go San Diego Card all-inclusive pass allows you to visit as many attractions as you’d like for one low price. The more you do the more you save…up to 55% vs. paying at the gate. Choose as you go from over 40 top attractions including the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld and more.

Or if you already know which attractions you plan to visit you can "Build Your Own" Go San Diego Pass. Purchase any 2 or more attractions and save 20%.

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

San Diego Go Card

Deals just for you

Activity

San Diego Zoo Package

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

Valid: Jan 24 - ongoing

Let us help you plan the San Diego family vacation of your dreams. With the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa's San Diego Zoo package, experience the best that San Diego has to offer with ease. Take...

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Accommodation

Saving So Good, we give it an AAA+ !

Four Points by Sheraton San Diego - SeaWorld

Valid: Jun 5, 2019 - ongoing

Use your AAA/CAA Membership card to receive exclusive savings.

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Accommodation

Hotel Deals for AAA/CAA Members

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Valid: Jul 8, 2019 - ongoing

IHG® has over 5,500 hotels worldwide, and is pleased to welcome AAA/CAA members with hotel deals and discounts (at participating hotels). In addition to hotel discounts, IHG® Rewards Club...

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Visitor planning guide

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.