Things to do in Central San Diego
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Central San Diego
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
Most popular experiences in Central San Diego
Tours & day trips
See all 243 activities
San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea
History & culture
See all 88 activities
USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate
Private & custom tours
See all 65 activities
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour
Cruises & boat tours
See all 52 activities
San Diego's City Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
Wildlife & nature
See all 19 activitiesSan Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea
What to do in Central San Diego
Popular places to visit
San Diego Zoo
One of the largest zoos in America housing around 4000 creatures, San Diego Zoo offers an enchanting and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Balboa Park
One of America’s largest urban green spaces, Balboa Park is an exciting spot packed with art, culture, and a world-renowned zoo.
Hotel Circle
Hotel Circle is just one of the places to see in San Diego, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
Snapdragon Stadium
Catch an event at Snapdragon Stadium during your trip to San Diego. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Fashion Valley Mall
You can search for that perfect souvenir at Fashion Valley Mall during your stay in San Diego. Take in the fascinating museums and beautiful sunsets in this walkable area.
Westfield UTC
You can do some window-shopping at Westfield UTC during your stay in San Diego. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
San Diego Natural History Museum
From ancient artifacts to rare gemstones to stunning artwork, learn about the natural world, past and present, in Balboa Park’s exceptional museum.
San Diego Air and Space Museum
From a hot air balloon dating back over two centuries to the Command module used on Apollo 9, let your imagination soar amid an array of flight-related exhibits.
San Diego Mormon Temple
You can learn about the history of San Diego with a stop at San Diego Mormon Temple. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Areas of Central San Diego
Mission Valley
Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.
Old Town San Diego
The ample dining options and beautiful seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Town San Diego. A stop by Old Town San Diego State Park or Whaley House Museum might round out your trip.
Hillcrest
Visitors to Hillcrest enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Marston House is worth a stop.
North Park
North Park is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Natural History Museum.
Clairemont
Restaurants, beaches, and shopping are some highlights of Clairemont. You might stop by Mission Bay or Fashion Valley Mall while you're in the area.
Miramar
Restaurants, beaches, and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Miramar. Make a stop by Marine Corps Air Station Miramar while you're exploring.
- Hotels near San Diego Zoo
- Hotels near Balboa Park
- Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Hotels near San Diego State University
- Hotels near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
- Hotels near Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
- Hotels near Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater
- Hotels near San Diego Natural History Museum
- Hotels near San Diego Mormon Temple
- Hotels near Convoy District
- Hotels near Old Globe Theater
- Hotels near Whaley House Museum