20 fun and unique things to do in San Diego today

San Diego Balboa Park at dusk in San Diego California USA

Whether you’re a San Diego resident or planning a trip here, one thing is clear: there is an abundance of areas to explore in California’s second largest city. Popular tourist attractions like the beach and the zoo are great options, but if you’re looking for unique things to do in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place.

Known for its perfect year-round climate, delicious food, and friendly locals, San Diego has something to suit you, whatever your age or interests. Many fascinating places await you, including the amazing hidden gems of the city.

You may be looking for things to do with the kids or yourself to get away from the kids. Anyway, here are a few different ideas based on what locals love to do in San Diego. Come for a fun glimpse inside β€œAmerica’s Most Beautiful City”.

unique things to do in San Diego
Close-up image of a 405 sign in Irvine, California looking south to San Diego

San Diego Family Activities

The musical bridge

This interesting piece of street art is hidden behind a railing that separates traffic from the sidewalk on 25th Street. It’s easy to miss it unless you’re looking for it or hearing the music coming from the bridge. A man named Joseph Waters created it in 2003. There are 488 chimes, all of which respond to your steps on the bridge, creating a beautiful piece of music.


763-799 25th street

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

Hidden swings

Secret swings are located on this beautiful hill in La Jolla, just 12 miles north of downtown San Diego. You’ll have to hike a bit to get to these hidden swings. It is definitely worth it as you will have one of the most amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.


2555 Ruette Nice, La Jolla, CA 92037

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

Total raptor experience

If you are fascinated by birds of prey, then Total Raptor Experience, located in Ramona, San Diego County, has the ultimate adventure for you. With group lessons and private experiences available, you will have the opportunity to be up close with these incredible creatures. You can also check out our recent article and our video tour.


326 Oak St # 1906, Ramona, CA | 619-535-7307

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

unique things to do in San Diego

Airbnb experiences in San Diego

From ghost tours to exploring sea caves by kayak, there are over 100 unique adventures for the whole family that you can book through Airbnb. See all your options on this link.


πŸ’» WEBSITE

unique things to do in San Diego unique things to do in San Diego

San Diego away

Jim’s sunny cave

If you like unusual historical places then visiting Sunny Jim Cave is a must. Located in La Jolla, near the northwestern part of the county, this is a tunnel that was dug in the early 1900s. It was used by smugglers during the Prohibition era to bring in smuggled alcohol and opium into the city.


1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA | 858-459-0746

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

Harper’s topiary garden

Harper’s Topiary Garden is one of San Diego’s best hidden gems. Edna Harper and her husband Alex from Missions Hills weren’t willing to cut the bushes just for cosmetic reasons, so they came up with a solution that didn’t require destroying existing shrubs. Harper’s Topiary Garden took more than 20 years to create. Keep in mind when you visit here, this is a private residence.


3549 Union Street | 619-867-5309

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

California State Parks

Of the 280 beautiful state parks in California, the Coastal District of San Diego manages 13. Immerse yourself in the parks’ natural experiences and varied terrain. And if you can’t make it to one of these parks in person, they offer fascinating virtual experiences.


πŸ’» WEBSITE

unique things to do in San Diego unique things to do in San Diego

Outdoor dining in San Diego

From ocean views to rooftops with the best skyline, enjoy great food, craft cocktails, and the best beers in San Diego, all while supporting local businesses in a safe environment. We’ve compiled a list that includes 33 of San Diego’s best outdoor dining restaurants.

Space invaders

Many famous street performers from across the country have participated in the creation of this hidden downtown gem. The exhibition is entitled β€œViva La Revolucion: a dialogue with urban landscapes”.


πŸ’» WEBSITE

Balboa Park Museums

Balboa Park Explorer Pass

Occupying 1,200 acres overlooking downtown San Diego, Balboa Park offers 17 museums, performing arts, entertainment, exquisite gardens and more. Since there is a ton of things to see and do here, you can purchase the Balboa Park Explorer Pass for year-round access so you can enjoy all of the park’s attractions anytime during your visit. Take a look at our recent article on the Balboa Park Explorer Pass for more information.


πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

unique things to do in San Diego unique things to do in San Diego

New Comic-Con Museum

Now you can enjoy the magic of Comic-Con all year round at the new Comic-Con Museum at Balboa Park in San Diego. It will fully open to the public later in 2021, so be on the lookout for updates. It will be the first museum to open in the park in almost 20 years. Currently, you can still enjoy the museum and participate in online programs. Find out more here.


2131 Pan-American Square | 619-414-1020

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

facebook icon facebook icon

Day trips from San Diego

Day trip to Temecula

Take a day trip to Temecula for wine tasting or spend the night in one of its vineyards. It is only an hour from San Diego and offers excellent restaurants, spas, hot air balloons and more.


πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

facebook icon facebook icon

Day trip to Julien

Julian is just over an hour from San Diego. Take a drive for the famous Julian apple pie or rent a chalet for a mountain getaway. There are plenty of things to do like hiking, gold mining tours, and picnics just to name a few.


πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

unique things to do in San Diego

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is just hours from San Diego in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California with pretty lakes and streams. You can go mountain biking, fly fishing, camping and more. Yosemite National Park, with its beautiful granite cliffs and ancient redwoods, is also nearby.


πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

facebook icon facebook icon

Coronado

Grab your bike or rent one and hop aboard the Coronado Ferry and explore Coronado as you cycle around this seaside town on a San Diego Bay peninsula. There is also an off-leash dog beach. Coronado Ferry Landing has shops and restaurants. And nearby, Centennial Park offers views of the San Diego skyline.


2131 Pan-American Square | 619-414-1020

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

facebook icon facebook icon

San Diego concerts

SOrgan pavilion Preckels

The Spreckels Outdoor Organ at Balboa Park is the largest pipe organ in the world, with 5,000 pipes, ranging in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet. Weekly live concerts are presented to the public every Sunday afternoon. Enjoy music. Then take a close look at the pipe organ to see how it works. See our visit to the Spreckels organ pavilion.


2125 Pan-American Road East | 619-702-8138

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

unique things to do in San Diego

The new venue for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra “The Shell”

The Rady Shell in Jacobs Park will open very soon on August 6, 2021. And they’ve released their concert series for the summer. They even have cool movie nights like Star Wars where the symphony plays the game.


200, marina park path | 619-235-0804

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

unique things to do in San Diego

Things to do for adults

Deep Sea Fishing in San Diego

Deep sea fishing is the perfect adventurous getaway with built-in social distancing. You can take a half day trip, a full day trip, a multi day trip, up to 18 days to catch tuna and wahoo or just locally to catch yellowtail flounder. But before you get on the water, you’ll need to be prepared. Recently, Pete Gray, President of LetsTalkHookUp.com, showed us what to know before setting off on the boat.


πŸ’» WEBSITE

facebook icon

Harrah’s Resort Southern California

There is so much to do at Harrah’s Resort Southern California, a fun and friendly casino and an AAA Four Diamond Award hotel. While the play is left to adults, children will enjoy the many other areas of the resort. We recently visited Harrah’s Resort SoCal – Watch the video.


777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082 | 760-751-3100

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

facebook icon facebook icon

Del Mar Racing Season

The Del Mar racing season runs from July 16 to September 6 and November 3 to 28. This thoroughbred horse racing track hosts major competitions and has stadium seating, trackside restaurants and suites. Customers must be at least 18 years old to bet. But children 17 and under are allowed to attend as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.


2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014 | 858-755-1141

πŸ“ DIRECTIONS

πŸ’» WEBSITE

facebook icon facebook icon

For more ideas on planning your next trip to San Diego, watch this video or visit sandiego.org.

Comments are closed.