Tourist San Diego Summer Attractions

Visiting San Diego? Overwhelmed by this city's myriad of stunning tourist options? Uncertain where to visit, make a priority, and enjoy? Check no further than this handy-dandy guide of the top summer tourist attractions in town. Hit the best San Diego has to offer and don't miss out on a thing!

Balboa Park

The first attraction on the list is Balboa Park ­ the nation's largest urban cultural park. The park began in 1868 as 1,400 acres of land, known then as "City Park." There’s a massive variety of things to do in Balboa Park, like museums, gardens, recreation spaces, and multiple theatres for the performing arts; you could spend the entire day in Balboa Park and still not do everything! Plan to visit a museum or two and walk through a couple of gardens. Don’t miss out on the famous San Diego Zoo (which will take quite a bit of time). The various productions and shows happening in the nationally renowned Old Globe Theatre can satiate dance and theatre lovers alike. If you have kids, be sure to buy a ticket to the puppet or junior theatre shows as they will be sure to get a laugh (or many) out of your kids. Before leaving, don’t forget to stop in the gift shop! Inside the Visitors Center, the gift shop has a variety of gifts ranging from handmade creations by Park artists and Balboa Park logo­ware to books, videos, CDs, and more!

San Diego Museum of Man

Another attraction you must see is actually inside Balboa Park. The San Diego Museum of Man is the place to go to learn about the world and build a better community. Explore elements of Anthropology, History, Sociology, Human Anatomy, Biology, Art, Fashion Design, and more in exhibits that will captivate you at every turn. Unlike any museum you’ve ever been to, the Museum of Man features a host of notable exhibits ­such as BEERology ­(learn about the history of the beverage), Cannibalism: Myth and Reality (learn that cannibals aren’t what you think they are), and Monsters! (learn how we turn our fear into mythical creatures). The museum even has educational programs for children. Self­-guided museum explorations, guided tours, and workshops are just some of the fun activities your children can partake in while visiting the museum. 

Belmont Park

In the early 1900s, a wealthy sugar mogul, John D. Spreckels, was committed to furthering the development of San Diego. In 1925, in an effort to promote his electric railway and revitalize real estate sales, Spreckels built Belmont Park (then known as Mission Beach Amusement Center). Nowadays the park is a beacon for fun­lovers alike. When visiting, make sure to ride the 2,600 foot Giant Dipper roller coaster at least once, but who is to say you can’t ride it more times? Visit The Plunge, which was once the largest salt­water pool in the world. In 1940, however, the salt­water was traded in for fresh water, making the pool the largest indoor heated pool in Southern California. The park also has many more attractions for kids and adults alike. Laser tag, arcade games, rock climbing, zip lining, and a ropes course are just some of the fun attractions at the park, but don’t forget the rides as well! Belmont Park has a variety of thrilling rides ­and some classics like the Tilt­a­Whirl, bumper cars, Octotron, and Crazy Submarine. All in all, if you decide to visit Belmont Park (which you should), you’re in for an awesome day.

La Jolla Cove and Caves

La Jolla Cove is a small beach in San Diego tucked away between sandstone cliffs. Because of its stunning beauty, La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California. In the summer it’s the perfect place to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive. Safety is important, especially at La Jolla Cove. There are permanent lifeguard stations patrolled by San Diego Lifeguards to keep everyone safe. The cove lies within the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which helps to ensure that marine life remains plentiful. Just east of the cove is seven sea caves that comprise the La Jolla Caves. Within a sandstone sea cliff that is 75 million years old, the caves (from east to west) are White Lady, Little Sister, Shopping Cart, Sea Suprize, Arch Cave, Sunny Jim’s Cave, and Clam’s Cave. To go in and see the majestic caves (save Clam’s Cave and Sunny Jim’s Cave which can both be seen and accessed by land), hop in a boat or kayak. Don’t have one? There are local stores that offer kayaking rentals and tours of the caves. Also don’t forget to stop in The Cave Store to buy curios, seashells, memorabilia, and more!

Legoland California Resort

Have kids? Make sure Legoland California Resort is on the top of your list! The resort, just north of San Diego, is a fun­-filled theme park based on the Lego toy brand. The resort includes Legoland California, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Water Park, and a Legoland Hotel. In Legoland California there are more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions that are sure to keep children happy and having fun. Plan to spend one whole day solely in this area, as your children will probably want to do every single thing. Also have your kids wear bathing suits under their clothes and bring a towel or two because there are many interactive water attractions in the park. The Aquarium houses over 5,000 living creatures as well as play zones and quiz trails. The Legoland Water Park has about seven slides, sandy beaches, and a one-of-a-kind Build­A­Raft River where kids can build a raft of their choosing and float it down the 1,000-foot river! The Legoland Hotel has 250 themed rooms and over 3,500 Lego models throughout the building that are sure to wow your kids. With all of that, you won’t be short of things to do at this San Diego attraction!