Things to do in Lakeside

Activities, attractions and tours

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Photo by Jason Kenagy
Photo by Jason Kenagy

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Top places to visit

1. San Diego Zoo

Prepare to be amazed and enchanted by the diversity of animal life on display at San Diego Zoo, which welcomes 5 million visitors a year. The 100-acre (40-hectare) site is home to around 4,000 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies. Most exhibits are open air, and designed to be as close to the natural habitats of the animals they house as possible.
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San Diego Zoo which includes zoo animals

2. Mission Bay

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.
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Mission Bay which includes a beach

3. Balboa Park

This is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and one of the most diverse in the world. You could spend a week exploring its 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of walking trails and gardens, museums and galleries, theaters, restaurants, and world-famous zoo. This wealth of year-round entertainment makes it a popular location for both locals and tourists.
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Balboa Park which includes a pond

4. SeaWorld

SeaWorld® San Diego, located in trendy Mission Beach, has been pleasing crowds ever since it opened in 1964 and is a must for anyone traveling with children. Kids and adults alike flock to the many exhibits offering opportunities to interact with marine animals. Touch, feed and give training signals to the performing bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Point. With prearranged permission, you can even don a wetsuit and jump into the water with the majestic beluga whales.
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beautiful creatures

5. Petco Park

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.
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Petco Park

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What to do in Lakeside


Popular places to visit

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakeside worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are loads of great things to do in Lakeside. Make sure to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Lakeside?
When you've checked off top attractions like Mount Helix Park and Boomers El Cajon, spend the rest of your day discovering the retail and food options in Lakeside.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lakeside?
The top tourist attraction in Lakeside is Mount Helix Park, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Lakeside?
Three days in Lakeside is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests spend three days on average. Boomers El Cajon, Creation and Earth History Museum and Knox House Museum are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as San Diego County.
What are some activities to do in Lakeside with kids?
Planning what to do in Lakeside with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Lakeside for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Lakeside, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Old Mission Dam.
Are there free things to do in Lakeside?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Lakeside. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Knox House Museum is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.