When you think of California cities, San Diego is likely among the names to come to mind. The year-round weather in San Diego is some of the best in the US. There are countless entertainment opportunities, dining options, and activities to explore. Here is a list of 20 of them.

1. Cosmopolitan Hotel

Even if you do not spend the night at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, you can grab a bite to eat at its excellent restaurant. Specialties include a fantastic brunch menu, amazing margaritas, and Cali burritos. Stop in at the saloon for a Bandini Plan made of Corralejo Anejo Tequila, jalapeno, and maple syrup, with an orange twist.

2. Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp is among the favorite San Diego neighborhoods. There are all sorts of entertainment and fun from outdoor malls, speakeasies, galleries, and restaurants. It is an excellent place to start a visit to San Diego. Some areas offer convenient and reasonable prices to park a car, better than feeding the meters or parking on the street.

3. Hotel Del Coronado

The famous Hotel Del Coronado resort is located on the ocean. It has been featured on TV, in novels, and movies. The ‘Del.’ as some call it, has been host to celebrities, international royalty, and US presidents since the 1880s. People who do not stay there stop by to take photos along the beach.

4. Lolita’s Mexican Food

The ‘Surfer Burrito’ or ‘California Burrito’ was born in San Diego. This burrito is featured at Lolita’s Mexican Food restaurant. It is a burrito loaded with French fries, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole inside.

5. Lou and Mickey’s

Close to the famous Gaslamp Street sign and the convention center, Lou and Mickey’s has the ideal location in the Gaslamp District. They consistently offer excellent service and high-quality food. The seafood and surf-and-turf steak options are the main events.

6. Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala

The then New Spain was the first to establish the historic Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala. The church was established in 1769. It holds regular masses and is open for tours to the public. The fascinating history includes being the location of the first California vineyards planted. The Padres ball team was named for the Franciscan friars who founded the missions throughout the region.

7. Old Town San Diego

The most historical region of San Diego is Old Town San Diego. It is known as California’s birthplace. The first European settlement was in 1769. It has historic buildings, interesting museums, lots of souvenir shops, and authentic Mexican restaurants. You watch demonstrations in woodworker and blacksmith shops and read a 19th-century newspaper.

8. Omni San Diego

You can walk to the Gaslamp District from this hotel. There is access to the best entertainment, nightlife, and restaurants. A direct walkway from the hotel leads to Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres. It provides access to games for those who stay at the Omni San Deigo hotel. The hotel features a spa and an outdoor pool.

9. The Salton Sea

A legend of a ‘Lost Ship of the Desert’ makes the Salton Sea interesting. It is a shallow saline lake two-and-a-half hours from San Diego. Stories passed down tell of a large 16th-century Spanish galleon ship discovered half-buried in the 1800s. It supposedly came through an unusually high tide from the Gulf of California loaded with gold.

10. Salvation Mountain

A two-and-a-half-hour drive east of San Diego, you see Salvation Mountain. It is a rock mound painted in folk art and religious symbolism. Many TV shows and movies featured Salvation Mountain. It is a classic roadside attraction and an excellent spot for an Instagram photo.

11. The San Diego Padres

From April to September, the San Diego Padres play their home games at Petco Park. It is near the Gaslamp Quarter. Watching a Padres game is a fun way of spending an afternoon or evening. When the Padres are not playing at home, visitors can walk along the streets near the outfield to view the park.

12. San Diego Wine Country

San Diego County has more than 100 wineries. Many of them are family-owned. They are within an hour's drive or less from downtown. There are over 60 varieties of grapes cultivated in the region. They provide an excellent selection of high-quality wine. The tasting room of the San Pasqual Winery is a favorite.

13. The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park

Balboa Park has 16 exciting tourist attractions, shops, beautiful gardens, and museums. A popular area inside the park is the San Diego Zoo. The world-famous zoo is consistently listed as one of the best zoos in the US. There are nearly 650 species and 4,000 animals.

14. Ì Salud!

Salud, located in historic Barrio Logan, has award-winning, authentic, delicious tacos and an excellent bar menu. The line stretches from the door to around the building. It is popular with locals because it is a little drive from the main tourist attractions. The incredible local cuisine is worth the trip. Do not miss the Hooch Horchata, street tacos, and carnitas.

15. Sea World

There are over 25 animal habitats to see at Sea World. They include the famous orca killer whales, sea lions, dolphins, and touch pools. You can watch sea turtles being fed by animal care specialists. There are fun theme park rides that include virtual reality expeditions, shot-n-drop towers, and roller coasters. End the day with a presentation of spectacular fireworks that happen ten minutes before the park closes.

16. Sunset Cliffs

If bars, theme parks, and museums do not interest you, catch a sunrise or sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Two favorite visitor locations are near Pappy’s Point. Parking is readily available. It is 68 acres that stretch along the Pacific Ocean.

17. Tiajuana

You are most certainly going to find the day trip from San Diego to be the most popular. The Mexican border town is 30 minutes from San Diego. You will need a passport and the time allotted for a lengthy border crossing. Tourists frequently visit Tijuana, so, there are lots of activities geared toward them.

18. Vin De Syrah Speakeasy

If speakeasy bars are to your liking, check out Vin De Syrah. The door is covered in ivy. You go down a ‘rabbit hole’ to experience a bar that feels a little like Alice and Wonderland. You see watches and clocks embedded in the walls, booths decorated with ivy, and the ceiling papered with a deck of cards. Interesting murals add to the ambiance.

19. Unconditional Surrender Statue

A fun San Deigo Instagram photo shot is the Unconditional Surrender Statue. Based on the famous ‘V-J Day in Times Square’ photo, the 25-foot-tall statue is near the USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier museum in downtown San Diego. it is along N. Harbor Drive in Tuna Harbor Park that is open from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

20. Whaley House

The Whaley House is thought to be haunted. Countless unexplained noises, odd scents, and strange sightings have been reported. Many investigating reports have been televised. The self-guided tours do have access to helpful staff in most of the rooms.

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