San Diego in summer: best things to do and see

From making the most of the oceanfront location to exploring the amazing zoo, these summer activities in San Diego are surefire vacation hits.

San Diego is an amazing destination at any time of year, but summer is when it's most enjoyable. Miles of sunny beaches, beautiful parks, marine life off the Pacific Coast, and summer activities the whole family will enjoy. And that's before you discover the city's incredibly rich historical and cultural legacy in its museums.

There's nothing quite like summer in California. Whether you are sitting on a beach, exploring coastal landmarks, or snorkeling through glittering coves, you're guaranteed a wonderful time. Discover the highlights of a trip to San Diego in summer with this roundup of the season’s best activities.

Best outdoor activities

Take a thrilling boat ride on San Diego Bay

1. Take a thrilling boat ride on San Diego Bay

Get ready for an adventure aboard the Patriot. This jet boat will let you feel the sea breeze running through your hair while your experienced captain executes spins, tricks, and fast turns. See San Diego's waterfront from a thrilling perspective on a Patriot Jet Boat ride.

Highlights:

Your exhilarating ride will whirl you past San Diego's best waterfront attractions to a soundtrack of pounding rock music.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting point: 955 Harbor Island Dr, CA 92101. Start times vary.

Go wild at San Diego’s world-famous zoo

2. Go wild at San Diego’s world-famous zoo

Experience the animal world like never before at San Diego Zoo, widely considered the best zoo in the world. Grab a San Diego Zoo 1-day admission ticket and get straight to exploring more than 100 acres and seeing more than 4,500 rare and endangered animals.

Highlights:

Make sure you see the 17 Galapagos tortoises at the Discovery Outpost and ride the Skyfari aerial tram for a bird's-eye view.

Address and opening hours:

2920 Zoo Dr, CA 92101. Open Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-6.00 PM, Friday-Sunday 9.00 AM-9.00 PM.

Tour city and ocean on an amphibious bus

3. Tour city and ocean on an amphibious bus

Experience San Diego like never before with a SEAL City Tour by amphibious bus. Explore the streets and waterways of the city in your hybrid bus boat, then launch into the Bay for a trip out to Shelter Island without changing vehicles.

Highlights:

Enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego skyline and see the city from a new perspective.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting point: 825 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. Start times vary.

Explore underwater on a beach trip to La Jolla

4. Explore underwater on a beach trip to La Jolla

La Jolla is known for its rugged coastline and fascinating history. See it up close on this 2.5-hour kayak and snorkel tour. Paddle to La Jolla's ecologically rich sea caves by kayak, then snorkel to get up close to the marine life, led by a professional guide.

Highlights

Make sure to visit Sunny Jim's Sea Cave and meander through the impressive coves before snapping memorable pictures at Scripps Coastal Reserve.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting point: 2144 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037. Start times vary.

Best water activities

Embrace the Cali spirit with a surf lesson

5. Embrace the Cali spirit with a surf lesson

Interested in surfing and experiencing the thrill of the waves? Take a private surf lesson. Master the basics of surfing with a professional instructor and a small, supportive group of fellow surfers. The surf is waiting for you.

Highlights:

This private surfing experience will help you get your technique down and learn about tides and ocean conditions.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting point: A beach of your choice. Start times vary.

Marvel at massive marine life in the Bay.

6. Marvel at massive marine life in the Bay.

The warm coastal waters of San Diego Bay are a haven for migrating wildlife. Excitingly, this includes gray whales, blue whales, and dolphins. You can see these magnificent creatures and a host of other marine wonders on a trip to spot whales and dolphins.

Highlights:

Make sure to watch out for other wildlife, including a variety of other whales and dolphins, sea lions, and cheeky harbor seals. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the seabirds that flock here in abundance.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting point: Pier 2, 970 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Start times vary.

Chill on a harbor cruise

7. Chill on a harbor cruise

Live your best life on the ocean waves. An evening cruise offers you a new perspective on San Diego's coastline. Take it all in from the deck while sipping a fine California wine on a harbor cruise — the perfect summer activity.

Highlights:

Relax and soak in the city while you learn the history of Coronado Bridge, Downtown San Diego, Midway Aircraft Carrier, and much more.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting point: 990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. Start times vary.

Catch the sunset from a luxury yacht

8. Catch the sunset from a luxury yacht

Set sail on a stunning yacht offering the ideal setting for a serene evening on the water. With a sunset sailing experience, you can witness the beauty of the bay at dusk in a way few others get to experience.

Highlights:

See the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, North Island Coronado Naval Station, and the San Diego skyline as you sail on by.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting point: 955 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. Start time: 3:30 PM.

Get nautical at a massive maritime museum

9. Get nautical at a massive maritime museum

The USS Midway Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in American history, naval power, or military operations. There are over 60 incredible exhibits to take in, so experience a unique opportunity to step aboard a floating piece of history with a USS Midway Museum ticket.

Highlights:

Make sure you catch the 25 restored aircraft, engine room, galley, and jail.

Address and opening hours:

910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Go underground at the La Jolla caves

10. Go underground at the La Jolla caves

For a favorite family summer activity, explore sea caves and cliffs as you kayak through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve on a kayak tour of the Seven Sea Caves. Discover three crucial coastal habitats in this reserve: the rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds.

Highlights:

Keep your eyes peeled for shovelnose guitarfish, sea lions, and leopard sharks.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting point: 2158 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming or relax by the water in San Diego?

La Jolla's Coronado Beach and Mission Beach are the most relaxing beaches in San Diego for swimming and water sports. If the city beaches are too crowded, there are plenty of options along the Pacific Coast. To the north, Solana Beach, Ocean Beach, and Torrey Pines State Beach and Park are all great.

Are there any great summer festivals in San Diego?

This patriotic city puts on a great firework display for the 4th of July, and The Big Bay Boom Fest is one not to miss. Other popular summer festivals include Freedom Fest, Powerman Fest, and She Fest.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in San Diego?

San Diego is famous for its Naval history, famous landmarks, and pristine beaches. Take a walking tour of the USS Midway Museum or spend several days soaking up the history in the numerous museums in Balboa Park.

What are some great day trips to take from San Diego in the summer?

San Diego has endless options for day trips throughout California. La Jolla is nearby, offering a great day trip to cool off in the clear, crystal waters.

What are some fun activities with kids in San Diego in summer?

Kayak, snorkel, and surf La Jolla and the many beautiful beaches along San Diego's extensive coast, visit San Diego Zoo, or take the SEAL amphibian land and sea tour.