Things to do in Central San Diego
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Central San Diego
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
Most popular experiences in Central San Diego
Tours & day trips
See all 241 activities
San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea
History & culture
See all 87 activities
USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate
Private & custom tours
See all 65 activities
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour
Cruises & boat tours
See all 52 activities
San Diego's City Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
Wildlife & nature
See all 18 activitiesSan Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea
What to do in Central San Diego
Popular places to visit
San Diego Zoo
See nature up-close and personal at one of the country’s largest and most educational zoos.
Balboa Park
Culture and nature converge in this diverse park located in the heart of the city.
Hotel Circle
Hotel Circle is just one of the places to see in San Diego, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
Snapdragon Stadium
You can take time to visit Snapdragon Stadium during your travels to San Diego. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Fashion Valley Mall
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Fashion Valley Mall during your trip to San Diego. Take in the fascinating museums and beautiful sunsets in this walkable area.
Westfield UTC
You can do some window-shopping at Westfield UTC during your trip to San Diego. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
San Diego Natural History Museum
From ancient artifacts to rare gemstones to stunning artwork, learn about the natural world, past and present, in Balboa Park’s exceptional museum.
San Diego Air and Space Museum
Let your imagination take flight with a simulated trip to the moon or a browse through exhibits dedicated to flying machines.
San Diego Mormon Temple
You can learn about the history of San Diego with a trip to San Diego Mormon Temple. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Areas of Central San Diego
Mission Valley
Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.
Old Town San Diego
The abundant dining options and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Town San Diego. A stop by Old Town San Diego State Park or Whaley House Museum might round out your trip.
Hillcrest
Visitors to Hillcrest enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Marston House is worth a stop.
North Park
North Park is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Natural History Museum if you have time to explore the area.
Clairemont
Clairemont is well liked for many features, particularly its restaurants, beaches and shopping. Though there may not be top sights in Clairemont, consider stopping by Mission Bay or Fashion Valley Mall, located nearby.
Miramar
Restaurants, beaches and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Miramar. Make a stop by Marine Corps Air Station Miramar while you're exploring.
- Hotels near San Diego Zoo
- Hotels near Balboa Park
- Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Hotels near San Diego State University
- Hotels near University of San Diego
- Hotels near Snapdragon Stadium
- Hotels near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
- Hotels near Westfield UTC
- Hotels near Mission Valley Mall
- Hotels near San Diego Air and Space Museum
- Hotels near Old Globe Theater
- Hotels near Whaley House Museum