SCUP's 48th Annual, International Conference

San Diego Attractions

Welcome to San Diego, California’s second largest city, where blue skies keep watch over 70 miles of majestic coastline and a gentle Mediterranean climate and friendly locals create a welcoming vibe all its own.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains to the east, and Mexico to the south, the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego are spread out over 4,200 square miles, offering endless opportunities for exploration and activities. Spend a day relaxing in one of the many beach communities, then hiking in the east San Diego County mountains the next. Explore the urban neighborhoods of San Diego’s downtown, from the iconic Gaslamp District to the eclectic community of Hillcrest. Visit the quaint and charming island town of Coronado or the picturesque village of La Jolla. San Diego’s regions are so unique and diverse; there are plenty of options to discover something new each time you visit.

Learn more about what to see and do by visiting the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Save money on restaurants, attractions, activities and more while you are in town. Download Discount Coupons!

Explore the Area

Coronado
Just across the bridge from downtown and San Diego’s Big Bay, Coronado offers stunning beaches, gentle surf, and sparkling mica sand. Coronado is accessible by car via the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, but water taxis are a great alternative—just a 15-minute ferry from downtown. The San Diego Bay Ferry departs from two downtown locations, Broadway Pier and Convention Center, and arrives Coronado Ferry Landing, a waterfront marketplace full of over 25 unique shops and restaurants. Shopping isn't Coronado's only attraction. Orange Avenue, Coronado's main street, is full of galleries, restaurants, and more. Visit the Historical Museum, play a round at Coronado's 18-hole golf course, or relax at one of Coronado's beaches.

Ferry Rates and Schedule
Coronado App for iPhone or Android

Embarcadero
The San Diego Embarcadero is a boardwalk along the downtown waterfront that extends from the Embarcadero Marina to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The Embarcadero is also home to Embarcadero Park North, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Seaport Village, the USS Midway Museum—America’s longest-serving aircraft, Tuna Harbor Park, the Cruise Ship Terminal, and several restaurants and shops.

Balboa Park
The 1,200-acre Balboa Park—just minutes from downtown—is ranked one of the Best Parks in the World. Balboa Park is home to over a dozen museums, several performing arts venues, lovely gardens, and many other cultural and recreational attractions, including the famous San Diego Zoo. Plan ahead and find out what's happening in Balboa Park while you're in town! There are also several guided park tours available.

Most of the cultural attractions in Balboa Park are independently managed non-profit organizations, so admission prices vary by institution. Admittance to the park itself is free, as is the Botanical Building and most of the gardens. Special Park Passes: The Passport to Balboa Park, San Diego's best cultural value, offers visitors the chance to experience 14 museums in the Park, with savings of more than 50% and the convenience of a one-time purchase—$83 USD for adults, $47 USD for children 3-12 years old. The Stay-for-the-Day Pass, allows you to choose any 5 of the 14 specially-listed museums on the same day, for only $39 USD per person. 

Gaslamp Quarter
The beating heart of San Diego’s downtown rests in the Gaslamp Quarter, comprised of 16 ½ square blocks in the city’s central core. With a colorful array of restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries and boutiques, you will find plenty of things to do on foot. During the day, the Gaslamp Quarter is a great place for families. Visit the New Children’s Museum or explore the historic Victorian architecture preserved throughout the district. Shop at Horton Plaza or catch the Trolley to Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo or Old Town. As night falls, the quarter transforms as the sophisticated nightclub scene comes to life. From award-winning restaurant to happening dance clubs, jazz and rooftop bars, you'll find it in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Old Town State Historic Park
Old Town State Historic Park is where the city of San Diego began. The original mission and presidio were nearby and the town developed below as retired soldiers and settlers built homes here. Today's Old Town recreates the setting of California life during the Mexican and early American periods, 1821-1872. It became an historic park in 1968. Three original adobes have been restored, the Casa de Estudillo, Machado y Stewart, and Machado y Silvas. Park visitors will enjoy museums, shops, and restaurants during their stay. Guided tours are offered daily from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

San Diego Missions
San Diego's Spanish heritage is rooted firmly in its dramatically beautiful missions. It was here the missionary monks, led by Father Junipero Serra, began their chain of missions. Two missions and two assistencias can be found in the county. No other California county has more than one mission; in fact, many were bypassed entirely by the padres, who founded 21 missions throughout the state. [more information]

Explore More San Diego Neighborhoods

San Diego Tours

Trolley Tours
Old Town Trolley Tours provides tours that highlight the best San Diego attractions, including Old Town, the USS Midway, Seaport Village, Horton Plaza, the Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and more. Visit the website for rates and schedules. 

Salk Institute Tours

Harbor Tours

• Sail the high seas with Pirate Ship Adventures offering one-of-a-kind boat tours aboard an 83-foot black galleon ship.
• Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the San Diego Bay by day or night with San Diego Sailing Tours.
• San Diego's only amphibious tour, Seal Tours - Sea & Land Adventures begins as a bus ride through downtown San Diego, ending at Shelter Island, where the "bus" changes into a "boat" and this 90-minute narrated tour continues along the north end of San Diego's Big Bay.

Architecture and Walking Tours

• Another Side of San Diego offers several walking and Segway tours of the San Diego area.
• The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation offers several walking tours, including the William Heath Davis House Museum and children’s tours of the Gaslamp Quarter.
• Try any one of San Diego's food tours—the Hometown featuring some of San Diego's oldest restaurants and local favorites, the 2.5-hour Restaurant Hop, or a Taste of Downtown featuring an 18-block sampling of downtown restaurants.
• So Diego Tours offers a variety of unique and lively tours that showcase the nightlife, restaurants, and history of San Diego.
• The Save Our Heritage Organisation offers several walking tours, including Marston House Museum & Gardens, Bankers Hill, and Historic Seventh Avenue.
• The San Diego Architectural Foundation offers several design tours, including the popular Orchid Tour, custom tours, and a 60-minute Podcast Walking Tour.

Ghost Tours
Learn about history with a chill up your spine with Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. This two-hour tour is a combination bus and walking tour. Visitors board The Ghost Bus at Best Western Hacienda Hotel in Old Town. The tour is narrated with haunted tales and takes you to historic locations believed to be haunted, including a graveyard, The Whaley House, the oldest downtown house, and a hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. Tickets are $35 USD per person.