Things to do in San Ysidro

Activities, attractions and tours

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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

What to do in San Ysidro


Popular places to visit

Frequently asked questions

Is San Ysidro worth visiting?
San Ysidro offers an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional food, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in San Ysidro?
Kick your day off with a visit to Sesame Place San Diego and Imperial Beach. Then, check out different areas of San Ysidro for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Ysidro?
The top tourist attraction in San Ysidro is North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, so don't forget to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in San Ysidro?
You can easily tour leading attractions like North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Sesame Place San Diego and Imperial Beach with a three-day break in San Ysidro. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to San Diego County.
Is San Ysidro a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Ysidro is a great place to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Sesame Place San Diego and Las Americas Premium Outlets. Then take a stroll through Otay, located 5 kilometres from the centre, and Nestor, which is roughly 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in San Ysidro with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our ideas for what to do in San Ysidro with kids.

What to do in San Ysidro for adults?
Kaiser Permanente Otay Mesa Medical Offices is one of the main things to do in San Ysidro. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in San Ysidro?
In San Ysidro, Imperial Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in San Ysidro.