102 Ideas for a San Diego Bucket List (I Did 'Em All!) (2024)

We lived in San Diego for seven years and it was still not enough time to see everything that America’s Finest City had to offer. This Southern California city is fantastic.

That certainly didn’t stop me from trying.

What you’ll find on my San Diego bucket list is what makes San Diego so iconic as one of the most touristed cities in the United States. It’s also what made me smile, impressed me, and filled my belly when I was out there exploring a city I called home for all of those years.

These will come at you in no particular order, as I’m way too invested in so much of what I’ll get into here to rank it!

1. Eat the In-N-Haute burger at Juniper & Ivy.

Sorry, vegetarians. You can have a lot, including better health, but you can’t have this.

This is an ode to the beloved burger chain from celebrity chef Richard Blais. If you have my luck, he’ll be there cooking on your visit.

They only make a certain number of the burgers each night, so dine early if you’re interested. Juniper & Ivy is great even if you don’t eat the burger, by the way. It’s one of the most popular San Diego bucket list restaurants and my favorite restaurant in the city.

2. Visit the San Diego Zoo.

I put a cheeseburger above this world-famous zoo, but I warned you that this wouldn’t come in any particular order. The San Diego Zoo is indeed very impressive.

Is it the most impressive place in San Diego?

You’ll have to go visit and see for yourself. Just don’t expect the pandas, as they’ve been shipped back to China.

3. Do the wobble on the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge.

The 7 Bridges Hike, my favorite urban hike in the city, will give you a broad look at some of San Diego’s best neighborhoods if you have the time for a 5.5-mile trek.

If you don’t, though, see the most iconic in the group, the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. There’s a lot said about its sway, but it’s really not at all scary, and the scene of many a wedding photo shoot.

4. Pick up some fresh seafood at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.

You’ll need to get up early for the freshest catch, but it’s well worth adding this to a bucket list in San Diego when you’re grilling up fresh fish from the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.

My favorite stop is always the booth from Johnny Glawson and his fishing vessel —and wife —the Nicole Ann. They’ll have lobster and crab when it’s in season, but expect more unique fish year-round, like sheepshead and rockfish.

5. Catch a ballgame at Petco Park.

Watching the San Diego Padres play my hometown Chicago Cubs every year had become a tradition for us while living in San Diego. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, though, a visit to Petco Park is quite a fun experience.

First of all, the food there is delicious, and the craft beer is flowing. You also don’t have to pee in a trough, which Wrigley Field fans will appreciate.

6. Enjoy high tea at the Coral Tree Tea House.

Put on your fanciest, frilliest garb — or don’t — and head to the adorable Victorian Village of Heritage County Park for tea time.

The Coral Tree Tea House operates out of the historic McConaughey House and it’s truly as adorable as it sounds, especially if you’re a big fan of tea, both the gossip kind and the hot brew kind.

7. Drink a beer at Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle.

Fathom is our favorite place to grab a beer in the city, and that’s saying quite a bit considering San Diego’s place among the country’s best beer towns. The staff is second to none, including one of the most welcoming small business owners in San Diego, and the tap list is impressive.

Pair your pour with one of their pretzels and you’ll have yourself a wonderful time.

8. Hike down to the beach at Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Torrey Pines boasts some of the best views in and around San Diego. The best way to really experience the state park is by hitting the most popular trail there, the Beach Trail. It’s less than a mile but descends 300 miles to the beach.

What goes down must come back up, but it’s worth the effort.

It’s even popular on locals’ San Diego summer bucket list musts, as you’re able to refresh at the bottom once you get there.

9. Marvel at brave folks at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.

The Torrey Pines Gliderport is some of the best people-watching you’ll get in the city. You can watch the paragliders and hang gliders jump off a cliff from there, or sign up to do the same.

My favorite activity there is having lunch at the Cliffhanger Cafe. You can have quite the delicious sandwich overlooking the hang gliding happening right next to the patio seating.

10. Take a stroll down Black’s Beach.

There’s a path down to Black’s Beach from the Torrey Pines Gliderport that’s a little sketchy, or you can take the long way along a path that starts on La Jolla Farms Road. It’s a little strenuous heading back up, but for some, it’ll be worth the journey.

I say it like that because Black’s Beach is San Diego’s only nude beach, making this one a must on your list of San Diego beaches. Do or do not. There is no try. Don’t miss the Mushroom House while you’re there, either.

11. Eat Mexican food in Old Town.

Yes, it’s cheesy. I mean that literally. The food here often comes with a layer of melted queso, much to my delight.

Some may say it’s overrated. I call these people jerks because a Mexican dining experience in Old Town is all about good times. Cafe Coyote or Miguel’s Cocina are local favorites, and both will likely come with some live mariachi music.

Fun fact: The Mormon Battalion Historic Site in Old Town is a good place to visit if you’re looking to convert to Mormonism. If you’re not interested, avoid the tour there at all costs.

12. Get wild at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

You’ve done the zoo and loved it, but want even more creature action. Get yourself to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, then, to see your favorite animals in more spacious surroundings.

The park’s in Escondido, about half an hour north of the city on a good day, but it’s worth the drive, especially if you spring for one of their special experiences like a tented overnight. Its interactive possibilities make it a popular option for things to do in San Diego with kids, too.

13. Peruse the local goods at the Little Italy Mercato.

San Diego is home to some incredible farmers markets. There is one that stands out above all the rest, and that’s the Little Italy Mercato in one of San Diego’s best neighborhoods, Little Italy.

Visit every Saturday from 8am-2pm for food and goods from the best San Diego artisans, and an array of food trucks that will get your day started off right. Sometimes you’ll even get a side of live music with your visit.

14. Swim with leopard sharks in La Jolla.

If you’re in San Diego from June to October, consider getting up close and personal with some of the most intriguing underwater friends of La Jolla, the leopard sharks. They’re mostly harmless, and I trust you’re all there to observe rather than mess around.

It’s best to sign on with a snorkel tour from a place like La Jolla Kayak for the best leopard shark-spotting sites.

Note: If you’re prone to seasickness, take your medication before any trips out to snorkel with the sharks. I’m a delicate enough flower that I felt barfy snorkeling in choppy waters. I’m a wimp. I get it.

15. Day trip to Julian.

Julian is one of my favorite San Diego day trips, especially if you’re visiting in the fall. You’ll get fall foliage and all of the apple things you may be used to coming from somewhere with seasons.

My favorite activity while there is rediscovering my favorite slices of apple pie. Julian Pie Company and Moms Pie House are local favorites. Yes, Mom leaves off the apostrophe.

READ MORE: Plan the perfect day out in Julian with my guide to the best pie stops, hiking trails, and more!

16. Hit a beer festival.

San Diego is a mecca of craft beer. One of the best ways to decide on your favorite is to hit up one of San Diego’s beer festivals and taste your way through some of your options. The San Diego Brew Festival is the most popular, offering up hundreds of beers for your amusem*nt.

If you try hard enough, you can likely find an event monthly if you’d like. That sounds like a separate challenge when it comes to bucket list things to do in San Diego.

17. Ride the Crazy Mouse at the San Diego County Fair.

The San Diego County Fair in Del Mar is quite the expensive day out. It seems like those giant corn dogs increase in price by about 50% every year. You know what never feels like a mistake, though? Riding the Crazy Mouse.

Take a spin (literally) and see what I mean. You’ll be giggling like you’re five years old again in no time.

18. Go on a ghost hunt at the Whaley House.

The Whaley House is one of San Diego’s most historic homes. It was the city’s first commercial theater and a granary at one point, whatever that means, but it was also the scene of much doom and despair.

That’s what makes this spot in Old Town one of the most haunted places in America, made proof positive by the one-and-only Regis Philbin.

Read about my experience with this haunted spot if you dare.

19. Catch a superbloom.

You’ll need some luck to make this one happen, as a superbloom doesn’t just happen on an annual basis. The main ingredient is a wet winter, something that’s becoming increasingly rare in a drought-stricken state.

When it does happen, though, it’s phenomenal. Head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for the best flower shows.

20. Drive over the Coronado Bridge.

The Coronado Bridge experience is San Diego’s version of the Golden Gate. Driving over is then a ride of passage, even if you’re afraid of bridges as I am.

While you’re not technically on an island once you’re on Coronado — there are other ways to reach fancy town — the scenery there is spectacular, and getting there is part of the intrigue.

21. Wander around the Hotel del Coronado.

You can’t visit San Diego without seeing the Hotel del Coronado, or the Hotel del. Just the approach to the historic hotel is pretty special, and stepping inside is an experience all on its own.

If you fancy yourself a very special person, plunker down some cash to stay there overnight.

22. Take your mom to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are a little overpriced in my opinion, but moms love them. Take yours — or your favorite mother figure —on Mother’s Day and see what I mean.

You may also run into a number of local influencers doing their thing with floppy hats and flowing dresses. Just let it all soak in.

READ MORE: While you’re in Carlsbad, use my guide to plan a day exploring the coastal getaway.

23. Have a scoop at Mariposa Ice Cream.

This ice cream shop in Normal Heights is a hit with locals and visiting celebrities. Check out the walls for proof. You could catch Will Ferrell enjoying some of their Mexican Chocolate.

My personal fave is the Banana Walnut. If you’re visiting on a Monday or Tuesday, you’ll be unfortunately out of luck. Mariposa is closed on those days.

24. Shop for tchotchkes in Seaport Village.

You don’t actually need to shop for tchotchkes on your stroll through Seaport Village, but this part of town is just one of those places that make you smile.

Recent expansion projects have only made it more impressive, but all of the old charm remains. Try to visit on an afternoon with live music, as it only makes the experience better.

25. Climb aboard the USS Midway Museum.

You’ll see it from afar from most spots along the city’s downtown harbor, so you may as well go see what all the fuss is about. The USS Midway Museum is essentially floating history.

You’ll be boarding a historical naval aircraft carrier on your visit, a feat all on its own. The highlight for me is always the collection of aircraft on the top deck.

26. Take a silly pic on Potato Chip Rock.

This isn’t my favorite San Diego hike. It’s crowded, hot, and pretty challenging for views you can get on so many other hikes around the city.

If you’re here for any length of time, though, you’ve got to go take a weird photo on Potato Chip Rock at the summit of Mt. Woodson. It’s a rite of passage, even if it doesn’t actually resemble a potato chip.

27. Explore the La Jolla Caves.

See them from the water on a kayak tour or buy a ticket at the Cave Store to see the Sunny Jim Sea Cave. You won’t need a life vest or to get wet for this one, but you will likely need to wait in line with other cave fans.

You’ll be climbing down a couple of flights into the cave, looking out onto La Jolla Cove from a pretty unique vantage point.

READ MORE: La Jolla is on most travelers’ lists of what makes San Diego such a stellar tourist destination. Learn why!

28. See panoramas from Cabrillo National Monument.

No matter how many times we head up to Cabrillo, it just never gets old. You can check out some tide pools, visit the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and catch stellar views of the San Diego Bay, all on the same visit.

If you’re there during whale watching season, you may even catch some spouts from up above, although I’ve never been that lucky. That’s more likely to happen on a whale-watching cruise.

29. Museum hop in Balboa Park.

San Diego’s best museums are all centered in Balboa Park. They’re not free like folks from Washington, D.C., may be used to, apart from certain days of the month for residents only.

Hit the original first, the San Diego Natural History Museum, or The Nat. The Museum of Us, formerly known as the Museum of Man, is another favorite.

If you don’t love the food options in the park itself, head south to Golden Hill or east into South Park for all kinds of delicious eats.

READ MORE: Balboa Park has more than museums. Many locals name it as their favorite spot in San Diego. Read why!

30. Ride the Giant Dipper.

Belmont Park in Mission Beach is good for one thing: The Giant Dipper. Get your tickets, available both in person and online, and ride this historic wooden roller coaster.

Then you’ll need to leave, unless you’re 13 years old and looking to win a giant stuffed something for your current crush.

31. Do yoga with goats.

I’m not sure why it took me moving away from San Diego to tick this one off my list. You’ll need to drive to Ramona for your goat yoga at Blackledge Farms, but it’s really not that far. You can have some wine at one of the many small wineries in the area, too.

I wrote all about my experience with the goats, but I’m sure you can already guess that I loved it.

32. Do go chasing waterfalls.

San Diego has waterfalls. They’re not gushing Yosemite-style, but they’re there. Most require some effort in the form of challenging hikes. Bring water and shoes with good traction.

My favorite is Cedar Creek Falls just east of Ramona. It’s particularly lovely after the city’s seen some rain.

33. Imagine your wedding at Rancho Guajome Adobe.

This historic 18th-century adobe hacienda is in Rancho Guajome Adobe County Park in Vista, somewhat of a haul from the city as it’s an hour’s drive from San Diego.

Once you get up there, though, it’s all quite lovely. You’ll understand why it’s a popular wedding venue for San Diego folks today.

34. Ride the kiddie coasters at LEGOLAND.

LEGOLAND isn’t for thrillseekers. It’s for kids who love LEGOs and adults who once loved LEGOS. This place is very cute and fun for an afternoon.

I’ve been twice, but I’ll be honest with you. The tickets were free both times as a reward for my chaperoning skills in my teacher years. Would I go again? Depends. You payin’?

35. Watch bicycle racing at the San Diego Velodrome.

If you’ve never seen live outdoor bicycle racing, don’t say you’re not into live outdoor bicycle racing. The San Diego Velodrome in Balboa Park boasts some heart-pumping action that will certainly have you at the edge of your seat.

You can visit on most Tuesday and Friday nights but consult the race schedule for exact times and dates.

36. Try for Comic-Con tickets.

Comic-Con just keeps growing bigger and bigger. That means tickets are just getting harder and harder to acquire. Just trying for Comic-Con tickets has become an annual event for people, and I do say that somewhat snarkily.

If it doesn’t happen for you, head down to the Gaslamp on the weekend it’s happening anyway. The people-watching is amazing and it’s one of the best things to do in downtown San Diego.

37. Climb the California Tower.

While you’re at the Museum of Us, bump up your ticket for a tour of the California Tower. You’ll have a docent doing the climb with you, stopping at each floor with some historical facts.

At the top, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the park.

38. Feed your sweet tooth at Donut Bar.

Donut Bar has become a franchise now, but the original is still in downtown San Diego.

See what all the fuss is about —this one has been featured on quite a few of the daytime talk shows and morning programs —and wait in line for some very fun, very delicious pastries. Try the Homer for a classic or a Butter Beer if you’re a Potterhead.

39. Have a mai tai — just one —at the Bali Hai.

The Bali Hai is just one of those San Diego establishments you need to try at least once. This all depends on what you remember from your first visit. I’ve never eaten here, but I’m sure the restaurant’s just fine.

You’re here for the mai tai, one of the strongest drinks you’ll nab in the city. They say you can’t have more than two, but one is definitely plenty.

40. Go wine tasting in Temecula.

At just about an hour’s drive, Temecula is one of the most popular day trips from San Diego for ladies and gentlemen alike looking for some terrific wine times. Look, this isn’t Napa or Sonoma. This is Southern California.

That said, there is some delicious wine to be had here. End your day at the Briar Rose Winery for the most whimsical wine experience you’ll have in these parts or read my Temecula guide for more on Temecula Valley Wine Country.

41. Go wine tasting in Escondido.

You can be in Escondido in about half an hour if you’re not meeting much traffic on your drive from San Diego. Sometimes it’s all about convenience.

To be honest, some of the wine here is just as delicious as it is in Temecula, but you do need to know where to look. Our current favorite there is Hungry Hawk Vineyards.

42. Go wine tasting along Highway 94.

This is the last one, I promise. So you’ve spent a day in Temecula and you’ve spent another day in Escondido. Yet you’re still thirsty for more wine. This one’s a little more off-the-beaten-path, but that’s what makes it cool.

Try Granite Lion Cellars in Jamul for a variety of wines that will certainly take some of the heat off the day.

43. Indulge in some omakase.

You’re in a city with access to some of the freshest seafood in the country. One of the most baller ways to experience that is by dropping some coin on an omakase experience, a great example of San Diego’s best sushi.

Fun fact: Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you.” That means you’re trusting your sushi chef to offer up something amazing.

I’d recommend two eateries that do it in spectacular fashion: Hidden Fish and SOICHI.

44. Check out the views from Sunset Cliffs.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park would likely top my list if this list was ranked and if it didn’t get so crowded. Come early for fewer crowds and the same views, although you may need to contend with some fog.

If you’re there for the sunsets, expect to compete with others looking for the same. Arrive early to search for parking.

45. Go to Mexico.

It’d be a shame not to take advantage of being so close to Mexico while in San Diego. We’ve done it a few times, and our favorite was a day trip to the Valle de Guadalupe for a day of carne asada tacos and wine tasting.

There are tour companies that will set it all up for you and drive you around, or you can do a self-drive yourself. My favorite over-the-border town is Rosarito for all that lobster.

Note: Please make sure there aren’t any travel restrictions at play when you’re planning your trip over the border. You’re all adults here.

46. Feed the kitties at ​​Lions Tigers & Bears.

You don’t want places like Lions Tigers & Bears to exist because that means sanctuaries are still needed to house abused animals or animals born into captivity. You do hope that they’re as ethical in their treatment of animals as this place.

One of the most amazing experiences we’ve had in San Diego is feeding their big cats, under the supervision of the keepers, of course.

47. Hike to Eagle Rock.

The payoff at Eagle Rock in Warner Springs is pretty fantastic. The rock does actually look like an eagle, so even the most cynical won’t be disappointed with this one on their San Diego list.

You’ll also be hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail to get there, so you can have yourself a Wild moment of your own on the way. The hike is just over six miles roundtrip, but there’s not a ton of elevation gain.

48. Nail down your favorite fish tacos.

I couldn’t just choose one. I like Blue Water Seafood because I can just order one of their giant tacos and be satisfied. Mitch’s Seafood is where we loved taking visitors because the food’s great, and the views are even better.

Then there’s Kiko’s Place, operating in a food truck out of a gas station parking lot. Their Baja-style tacos are delicious. Find your bliss.

49. Find your favorite speakeasy.

San Diego is fully on board with the nation’s speakeasy trend, and I am loving it. I haven’t been to them all, but I have my favorites.

Raised by Wolves in La Jolla is a treat if only because you ride a bookcase in like you’re in Harry Potter. Realm of the 52 Remedies is apothecary-themed. Make reservations no matter where you go!

50. Go on a brewery crawl in North Park.

There are over a dozen breweries and tasting rooms within walking distance of one another in North Park, San Diego. I said walking distance here, so you don’t need to be doing any driving while you’re ticking this one off.

Fall Brewing Company is one of my favorites and a must for your San Diego brewery list, if only for the Humpty Dumpty that sits inside. You’ll see what I mean.

This is also where we purchased a home. North Park is a fantastic neighborhood worthy of extra time on any San Diego itinerary, whether you’re ticking things off a bucket list or not.

As I’m pretty tired from the aggressive listicle above, the rest will just be listed for you. That doesn’t make these any less important, but they may be more obscure and more San Diego bucket list-seekers with more time in the city.

51. See the Chicano Park murals.

52. Snack on rooftop sushi at Lumi.

53. Talk like a pirate at the Maritime Museum.

54. Drive to the top of Mount Soledad.

55. Keep the bros away from the sea lions at La Jolla Cove.

56. Try the carrot cake at Extraordinary Desserts.

57. Spot the skateboarding bulldog in Pacific Beach.

58. Spot the rollerblading Slomo, a retired doctor, while you’re there.

59. Snag a breakfast burrito at Kono’s Cafe.

60. Try standup paddle boarding in Mission Bay.

61. Take your pooch to Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, one of the nation’s first and San Diego’s best doggie playground.

62. Devour a lobster roll from Wicked Maine Lobster at Liberty Public Market.

63. Make your spouse row you along Lake Cuyamaca.

64. Snap the iconic Balboa Park photo at the Botanical Building and Lily Pond.

65. Try surfing.

66. Or just watch the surfers off the Ocean Beach Pier.

67. Grab a biscuit from Twiggs Bakery.

68. Check out the sand art at the annual US Sand Sculpting Challenge.

69. Sip on a sangria flight at Queenstown Public House.

70. Sweat it out at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

71. Pack a picnic for Spanish Landing Park.

72. Stroll the gardens at Mission San Diego de Alcalá.

73. Cheer on the Blue Angels at the Miramar Air Show.

74. Order an ice cream flight at Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream.

75. Book a cabana at the Kettner Exchange.

76. Experience a blast from the past at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

77. Check out the critters at the Birch Aquarium.

78. Attend the Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition.

79. Cruise under La Jolla’s “troll bridges.”

80. Work up an appetite at Mission Trails Regional Park and Cowles Mountain.

81. Find La Jolla’s “secret” swings.

82. Test your photo skills at Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier.

83. Taste a lavender mint latte at Cafe Madeleine.

84. Feel the power of nature at The Marine Room’s high tide dinners.

85. Find the Munchkin House in La Jolla, and decide on the myths for yourself.

86. Decide on both at Gelati & Peccati.

87. Give Richard Blais more of your money at The Crack Shack.

88. Watch the pros at the Farmers Insurance Open.

89. Fly a kite at the OB Kite Festival.

90. Day trip to Oceanside and the California Surf Museum.

91. See stars at Palomar Observatory.

92. Learn the art of Ah-boong at SomiSomi.

93. Catch a show at the Old Globe.

94. Stroll the boardwalk along Carlsbad State Beach.

95. Face your fear of heights on the Stonewall Peak Trail.

96. Eat all the wings at Bonchon Chicken.

97. Work through at least five courses at the Michelin-starred Addison.

98. Taste San Diego’s best barbecue at Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs.

99. Hike to epic views with few others at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve.

100. Drive under Cabrillo bridge at night.

101. Dress up for the views at Mister A’s.

102. Take a day trip up to Disneyland.

San Diego Bucket List FAQs

Is San Diego a fun trip?

San Diego is a very fun trip, but it’s also an incredible place to call home.

There is no doubt in my mind that we’ll be back. There are so many things I’ve yet to get to, like the evening grunion runs that evaded me for all of those years.

Look it up and tell me if you would’ve prioritized that one.

San Diego easily ranks near the top of my favorite cities in the United States for a reason. It offers a diverse range of activities no matter what you’re after, is delicious, and it’s basically perfect weather all the time. I miss it!

Need even more California inspiration? Check out these guides:

• A Detailed Guide for Planning California Travel
• Underrated University Heights, San Diego
• San Diego Has Polish Food! Here’s Your Guide
• Top Things to Do on Santa Barbara Trips
• Take a Drive from LA to San Francisco

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