Fun Activities in San Diego, California
If you’re planning a trip packed with excitement and variety, look no further than San Diego. From high-adrenaline thrills to laid-back beach fun, the city offers a wide range of activities for every type of traveler. Here’s your ultimate list of fun activities in San Diego, California—complete with official booking links and Google Maps locations.
Amusement Parks
1. Belmont Park
Why go: This classic amusement park offers the Giant Dipper roller coaster, bumper cars, and beachfront dining. You can also enjoy arcade games and a zip line. Entry is free, but ride passes vary from $3 to $30.Iconic beachfront park with a historic wooden roller coaster, arcade games, zip lines, and mini golf.
2. SeaWorld San Diego
Why go: A combination of a theme park and marine life experience. Enjoy thrilling roller coasters, aquatic shows, and up-close animal encounters. Tickets start around $65 and include access to all rides and exhibits.Combines thrilling rides with animal shows and marine exhibits.
Ice Skating Rinks
3. UTC Ice Sports Center
Why go: Year-round ice skating inside a luxury shopping center. Skating sessions start at $15, including rental, and it’s a great indoor escape for families and couples alike.Located in the upscale Westfield UTC mall, offering year-round public skating and lessons.
4. San Diego Ice Arena
Why go: A community favorite with frequent public skating, youth hockey leagues, and figure skating classes. Entry fees range from $10–$18 depending on session and rental needs.Popular with locals, offers public skating, hockey, and lessons.
Popular Local Markets
5. Liberty Public Market
Why go: A foodie’s paradise with craft vendors, local beer, gourmet desserts, and live music. Entry is free; food and drink prices vary by vendor.Located in Point Loma’s Liberty Station, featuring local vendors, food stalls, and live music.
6. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Why go: A blend of history and culture with old-style markets, handmade goods, and performances. Free to visit, and great for learning about California’s early days.Outdoor market and historic attractions; ideal for souvenirs and traditional Mexican snacks.
Skydiving
7. Skydive San Diego
Why go: Tandem skydiving from 13,000 feet with ocean views is a must for adrenaline seekers. Prices start around $229 and include basic video packages and equipment.Tandem jumps from 13,000 feet, with views of the Pacific Ocean and Mexican border.
Scuba Diving
8. Ocean Enterprises
Why go: Offers guided dives and full scuba certification courses with rental gear. Prices for dives start around $90, and they offer beginner-friendly experiences.Offers scuba diving certification, gear rentals, and guided dive tours.
Bowling
9. Punch Bowl Social San Diego
Why go: Trendy entertainment venue with bowling, karaoke, and dining. Bowling lanes rent by the hour at about $14/person; food and drinks sold separately.Combines bowling, karaoke, and a full-service bar and kitchen in the East Village.
10. Mira Mesa Lanes
Why go: Classic bowling alley perfect for families or friends. Prices range from $6–$10 per game, with discounts for kids and weekday specials.Family-friendly bowling alley with leagues and nightly specials.
Water Parks & Water Rides
11. Aquatica San Diego (Now Sesame Place San Diego)
Why go: Water slides, lazy river, wave pool, and Sesame Street-themed attractions. Tickets start around $50 per person, often with online discounts.Water rides, slides, lazy rivers, and character-themed experiences.
Boat Rentals & Speedboat Tours
12. San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
Why go: Guided harbor tours using your own speedboat. $130–$150 per boat for a two-hour tour; includes training and safety gear.Self-drive mini speedboats in a guided harbor tour.
13. Seaforth Boat Rentals
Why go: Offers boats, jet skis, kayaks, and sailboats across multiple marinas. Jet ski rentals start at $85/hour; reservations recommended.Rent jet skis, sailboats, and powerboats at multiple locations.
Surfing
14. Pacific Surf School
Why go: Surf lessons available daily for all ages. Private sessions cost around $109 and include board and wetsuit.Surf lessons at Pacific Beach for all skill levels.
Off-Road Adventures & ATV Rentals
15. San Diego Dune Tours (Ocotillo Wells area)
Why go: Experience rugged terrain on guided ATV tours. Half-day packages start around $199 per person with gear and guide included.Guided off-road and ATV desert tours just outside San Diego.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
16. La Jolla Kayak
Why go: Paddle through sea caves and spot marine life on a 90-minute guided tour. Tours cost about $50–$65 and include equipment.Explore caves and sea lions with guided kayak tours.
Performing Arts
17. The Old Globe Theatre
Why go: Offers Shakespearean plays and modern dramas in an intimate park setting. Ticket prices range from $30 to $90 depending on the show.Watch Broadway-quality productions in Balboa Park.
18. San Diego Civic Theatre
Why go: Hosts national tours of Broadway hits and classical music. Ticket prices vary, usually $40–$150 based on seating.Major concerts, ballets, and touring productions.
Wellness Activities
19. Sunset Cliffs Yoga
Why go: Outdoor yoga at sunset with ocean views. Drop-in classes are about $20; mats available for rent on site.Outdoor yoga classes overlooking the Pacific.
Whale Watching Tours
20. San Diego Whale Watch
Why go: Offers year-round whale watching with guaranteed sightings or your next trip is free. Tours start at $48 for adults and $30 for kids.
21. Hornblower Cruises & Events (City Cruises San Diego)
Why go: Premium experience with indoor seating, bar service, and expert narration. Whale watching cruises from $60 for adults.
