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Discover more about San Diego travel destinations in the USA with Klook Vietnam. You'll surely find the perfect itinerary at one of the most enchanting destinations on the planet.
If you're looking to travel to the West Coast of the USA - a place blessed by Mother Nature with majestic landscapes and newly opened enticing hotels, then don't ever overlook San Diego. When immersed in the sunset, watching the sun set on the cliffs of La Jolla with a distant seal colony, you'll wonder why you didn't come here for a vacation sooner.
With the advancement of technology and various service industries, San Diego is gradually stepping out of the shadow of its 'big sister' American travel destinations to become one of the most worthwhile cities to visit. Traveling to San Diego is perfect for families as this land offers countless attractive destinations for all ages, especially theme parks. Explore with Klook the most beautiful and appealing destinations for travelers below!
Famous San Diego Travel Destinations
1. USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Strolling along the San Diego waterfront on Embarcadero, you'll be amazed to spot one of the largest ships of the United States military. The USS Midway has ceased operation and is now permanently docked at Navy Pier.
A visit to the USS Midway Museum will take you through various exhibitions featuring 30 restored aircraft and information about over 225,000 servicemen who served aboard this ship. Additionally, you can opt for a self-guided audio tour to learn all about the ship's history. For an extra fee, you can also try a simulated flight on an aircraft.
2. The Fleet Science Center
The Fleet Science Center is a 'must-go' destination for science enthusiasts. It hosts over 100 different exhibitions with fascinating, informative, and sometimes mysterious content. This science center is also one of the rare places that combines science exhibitions with movie theaters, providing the most immersive experience possible for every traveler's senses.
After retirement, the Star of India was bought by maritime enthusiasts and is now an official National Historic Landmark. Fully restored, the Star of India is meticulously maintained and sets sail at least once a year.
3. Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Diego Maritime Museum is where travelers from all around the globe come to experience walking on the deck of the magnificent Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship. The ship has sailed around the world for many years, from the United Kingdom to India and then to New Zealand. After numerous challenging voyages, the ship became a salmon carrier from Alaska to California.
The museum is also known for restoring, maintaining, and operating historical vessels. Here, the most grandiose evidence of the world's maritime industry in general and the United States in particular are preserved and stored, including noteworthy vessels like the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley or the 1904 steam yacht Medea.
4. San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Automotive Museum is where the achievements of the automotive industry are preserved. Here, you can witness cars from the most renowned collections to date, boasting retro designs yet still exuding luxury. For those passionate about machinery and automobiles, this is truly a paradise for them. The exhibitions will make viewers feel like they're watching a slow-motion reel of the giants in the automotive industry, from the early mechanical age to cutting-edge technologies.
5. San Diego Seaport Village
If you long for a carefree life, spending time only to enjoy the beauty of nature and unique cultures, then head to San Diego Seaport Village. Nestled by the riverbank, not far from the city center, it's incredibly convenient to get around. This village is a hub of dining spots, souvenir shops, and a complex with pebble-paved pathways, ponds, and romantic gardens with unique architecture.
To explore this seaside village, you can rent a speedboat to save time exploring with attractive prices from Klook.
6. La Jolla Cove
Surrounded by some dramatic cliffs along the coast, the quaint and romantic La Jolla Cove is one of the most beautiful spots favored by photographers along the California coastline. It's also an ideal spot if you want to observe marine creatures.
Aside from lounging under the radiant sunshine on the beaches, visitors can swim, snorkel, and kayak in these waters. Additionally, you also have the opportunity to witness beautiful sea lions exploring caves and sunbathing around. For the utmost convenience in exploring this beautiful coastal cove, you can consider La Jolla resorts.
7. Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter is considered the premier dining, shopping, and nightlife destination in San Diego. It originated in 1850 when a man from San Francisco, William H. Davis, built a house for his family on land he wanted to develop into a town. That joint venture failed, but his houses still exist today. Once a notorious party spot, it has now been cleaned up, both in appearance and reputation, and is known as the Gaslamp Quarter. The area now boasts over 200 restaurants, along with shops and art galleries.
8. Coronado Island
A trip to Coronado Island is a chance for you to refresh your energy after days of exhausting work. The small island with its beautiful town is a peaceful retreat, ensuring comfort for you to fully enjoy the services and delicious food here. Activities that #teamKlook can experience include biking around the town, watching the sunset over the sea, or visiting art museums here.
9. Cabrillo National Monument
Located at Point Loma, the Cabrillo National Monument is built to honor Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the Spanish explorer who arrived at San Diego Bay in 1542. He was the first European to set foot on the West Coast of present-day United States. The Cabrillo National Monument is a fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities here include whale watching in the Pacific Ocean or hiking along the two-mile Bayside Trail with stunning views of the city and bay. Other trails lead to tidal pools and the restored Old Point Loma Lighthouse for visitors to easily admire the beautiful scenery here.
10. SeaWorld San Diego
With over 130 million visitors since opening in 1964, SeaWorld is the top tourist attraction in San Diego and one of the most famous marine parks in the world. Through shows, exhibits, and display areas, tourists can learn about the world's oceans and the creatures living there such as dolphins, killer whales, seals, penguins, and polar bears.
Các Công Viên Giải Trí Hàng Đầu San Diego
As one of the cities famous for its amusement parks, there's no reason not to visit these parks when you're in San Diego. If you're still unsure which park to go to among the plethora of options here, let Klook suggest some for you right below!
11. San Diego Zoo
The zoo is an ideal place for families with young children to visit. Here, children will witness animals they've only seen in books or on TV before. San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 600 species from meat-eating predators to rare birds. Not only are the animals fascinating, but the plant life here is also incredibly rich and diverse.
12. Safari Park
Safari Park is another fantastic destination for families to marvel at wild animals. It houses over 2,600 animals from more than 200 species, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Visitors can take an electric tram to explore the park, capturing photos of wild animals at close range. With its large scale, spacious layout, and diversity of animals and plants, families will have a truly memorable trip to the Safari Park.
13. Belmont Park
If you're someone who loves outdoor activities and adrenaline-pumping rides, Belmont Park is definitely one of the places you can't miss when visiting San Diego. Situated in a strategic location near Mission Beach, this park features attractions such as roller coasters, zip lines, carousel rides, and giant ferris wheels. No matter what age you are, you'll easily find a suitable ride for yourself. Admission to the park is free, but you'll have to pay to experience the rides here.
14. Legoland California
Legoland California is a theme park built by the famous Lego toy company, where you can easily spot popular characters from blockbuster movies made in Lego form. The park currently has over 15,000 different models, created from 35 million Lego bricks, an astonishing number, isn't it? Moreover, kids also have the chance to experience the water park here with fun-filled activities.
15. Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium, located in La Jolla, is home to a variety of marine creatures such as seahorses, seaweeds, and various underwater invertebrates. These marine creatures mainly originate from the Pacific Ocean with a relatively diverse and abundant population. The aquarium allows visitors to experience feeding sessions for animals, while witnessing the feeding behaviors of different fish species. It's also a favorite spot for children with play areas, clubhouses, and climbable towers, sparking their curiosity and desire to explore and learn.
58. Family-Friendly Destinations in San Diego
16. Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach in La Jolla is a renowned beach located near the highway with restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and a safe play area for children by the lagoon. The empty stretches of land above the beach are part of the 1,750-acre Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree (found only here), and other native wildlife in its natural habitat. With family-friendly trails, the park offers a fantastic hiking experience for all members of all ages.
17. Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach has been recognized by the Travel Channel as 'one of the top 10 family beaches in North America' for several years, but that doesn't mean it's just for kids. Along the wide expanse of white sand are impromptu soccer, volleyball, and softball games. In the village of Coronado, the atmosphere of a quaint town is ideal for strolling, shopping at local fashion boutiques and surf shops, while enjoying a sandwich or ice cream at an outdoor cafe. Bike rentals available at the Coronado Ferry Landing are the perfect way for kids to explore the island freely.
18. Shell Beach
Shell Beach, located at the southern end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, is a fantastic space where families can watch the tide ebb and flow. Additionally, children can observe seals and sea lions frolicking, resting, and sunbathing on a large offshore rock and small sandy cove at the southern end of this beautiful beach.
19. Balboa Park
Balboa Park boasts 17 museums ranging from art, automobiles to photography and natural history. If you have young children, you can take them to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the San Diego Natural History Museum (also known as The Nat), which is filled with exhibitions about insects, dinosaurs, mammals, geology - everything related to the natural world. For teens, head to the exhibitions at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, featuring the only Apollo 9 Command Module and real GPS satellite on display in the world. The photography museum, particularly strong in social documentary photography and photojournalism, is also a fine choice when visiting Balboa Park.
20. Mission Bay Park
This man-made aquatic playground at Mission Bay offers plenty of great park spaces where families can relax and play. There are many structures designed for all ages, especially young children for climbing and swinging, with extensive stretches of sand beneath their feet. Mission Bay also features bike lanes for larger family members. Particularly, the coastal breezes and vast grassy areas make this park an ideal spot for kite flying.
Unique and Unparalleled San Diego Travel Experiences
21. Explore San Diego's Old Town
To explore the beautiful city of San Diego, there's nothing better than renting a Trolley Hop On Hop Off tour. This mode of transportation is similar to a tram, allowing you to stop at many famous tourist spots around San Diego. Moreover, the spacious interior of the tram allows for a refreshing breeze, so you won't have to worry about getting car sick like when sitting in a car!
22. Kayak Experience
If you're experienced in kayaking, that's great. However, if you've never kayaked before, it's not a big deal. You can easily learn how to kayak in a short time, then paddle along La Jolla shores or the San Diego Bay. Surely, this will be a fantastic sport on sunny days.
23. Surfing in La Jolla
In the same area, you can both kayak and experience surfing here. La Jolla's coastline is a popular surfing area attracting many tourists due to its professionalism. Here, you'll be supported by experienced trainers, ready-to-rescue teams, and rinse-off spots with showers. The waves in this area are also quite gentle with long swells, making it especially suitable for beginners.
24. Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Mission Bay
If you feel like kayaking isn't quite 'it', you might want to try stand-up paddleboarding. With this activity, you'll need a bit more strength and experience to avoid falling off the board too often. The calm waters of Mission Bay along with moderate winds make it a favorite spot for water sports enthusiasts visiting San Diego.
25. Diving and Exploring Underwater Wonders
La Jolla and Point Loma are popular destinations for diving enthusiasts to experience the thrill of exploring the ocean with its myriad of fascinating sights. If you're visiting San Diego for an extended stay, consider diving into the depths with the enthusiastic and professional guidance of instructors here. San Diego is also renowned for its underwater photography services and dive gear rental shops.
Must-Do San Diego Tours
Guided tours are the perfect choice if you're not too familiar with the ins and outs of getting around in San Diego. With these tours, you'll travel alongside knowledgeable tour guides who are fluent in the local language, well-versed in the local culture, and extremely friendly and professional. Check out the most popular San Diego tours currently available on Klook!
26. SEAL San Diego Tour
With this tour, you'll experience exploring San Diego on a SEAL boat. The 90-minute tour takes you and your loved ones through picturesque streets of this city and explores the beautiful scenes of San Diego Bay. It's a fantastic opportunity to get a closer look at the city with romantic ocean waves and relaxation all around.
27. San Diego Dinner Cruise
The luxury of a yacht is no longer out of reach when visiting San Diego. A dinner cruise in San Diego takes you out into the bay, enjoying the fresh air and salty sea breeze, sipping complimentary champagne, and indulging in a luxurious 3-course dinner. Additionally, there are DJs onboard to keep the atmosphere lively with live music.
28. San Diego Harbor Cruise
A luxurious yacht departing from the San Diego harbor will take visitors to explore the city's most famous landmarks. Instead of strolling through the city, you'll admire it from the sea with endless blue waters and the soothing sound of waves. The San Diego harbor cruise will take you past the Coronado Bridge, the Naval Base, and provide sightings of marine life including sea lions and seals.
29. Mini F13 Speedboat
If you're a wave enthusiast who can't stand the rocking sensation on the sea, then experience the Mini F13 speedboat right away. This boat travels faster and is smaller in size, so it won't make passengers feel seasick. Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to take the helm, pass by the Coronado Bridge, USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Seaport Village, and more.
30. Champagne Brunch Cruise in San Diego
Experiencing the Champagne Brunch Cruise in San Diego will also bring guests a luxurious, extravagant feeling that is not easily found elsewhere. This cruise serves breakfast and lunch with a buffet counter allowing customers to choose unlimited delicious dishes. Additionally, customers here can enjoy top-notch champagne freely with only a one-time payment.
Essentials for Self-Guided Touring in San Diego
For a complete San Diego trip, never overlook the following essential amenities. Properly preparing travel services and amenities before your trip will somewhat determine the quality of your experience throughout the journey.
1. US 4G SIM Card
When purchasing a US 4G SIM card, you will be equipped with full calling, messaging, and 8GB data capacity. With thorough preparation, you won't have to worry about finding SIM card vendors in the US upon arrival at the airport but can use it immediately. Customers ordering SIM cards will have them delivered to their doorstep in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
2. eSIM - Listen, Call, Use Network Without Physical SIM
With technological advancements, you can now use a phone SIM through QR code scanning instead of using a traditional physical SIM card. This will allow you to switch regions easily without having to remove the SIM card from your phone.
3. Global 4G SIM Card
If your trip extends beyond the US to many other countries, consider getting yourself a 4G SIM card usable in 72 countries. With this versatile SIM card, you can enjoy internet access freely for 30 days. However, you can only use 4G data with this SIM card, no calling or texting is available.
For more enriching travel experiences in the US, you can explore handy solo travel tips for the US, visa app for US travel, or the comprehensive top US travel destinations favored by many travelers! Additionally, there are plenty of fresh articles about US travel such as Las Vegas Travel Spots, Los Angeles Travel Spots, SeaWorld Orlando Park, Las Vegas Desert Travel Spots, DIY East Coast US Travel Experience, Central Park New York Park, Brooklyn Bridge, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, DIY West Coast US Travel Experience for Independent Travelers...
Which San Diego travel destination do you like most from this list?
