Take a walk on the wild side—even by zoo standards! This revolutionary zoo park boasts open-air, cageless exhibits to give its furry, scaly, and feathery residents the most enriching environments possible. Come visit giant pandas, elephants, rhinos, big cats, reptiles, birds, and much more, all in replicas of their natural habitat.

It’s not every day that you get to step aboard a piece of floating history! This docked aircraft carrier was once the longest-serving vessel of the 20th century and now houses an interactive museum for learners of all ages. At this dockside naval museum, you can see over 30 restored aircraft and 60 onboard exhibits, offering visitors a glimpse into the world of maritime aviation.

Fun fact: this district takes its name from the iconic gas lamp street lights that have illuminated this bustling downtown hub for over a century. While some of the Victorian facades have remained the same over the decades, nowadays this part of town is known as the primary nightlife district in San Diego! Grab a bite to eat at one of the chic restaurants here before dancing the night away at a bar or club.

If your group ever needs to get away from it all, a day hike through this stretch coastline should be on your itinerary. Take in the ocean air and sounds of crashing waves from the scenic overlook trails of this rocky plateau. And when you’re ready to give your legs a rest, dip your feet in the chilly waters of the Torrey Pines State Beach and relax in the SoCal sunshine.

Calling all builders! Both young travelers and the young-at-heart are sure to love spending the day at this popular San Diego attraction. Located about an hour from the city’s center, this amusement and resort park is home to an aquarium, roller coasters and rides, and a miniature park with small-scale replicas of the country’s iconic monuments and buildings.

This monument and surrounding park are perched on the southernmost tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, the place where Europeans first set foot on the North American west coast in 1542. Here, your history buffs and outdoor adventurers can explore a historic lighthouse and inspect the wildlife in the Point Loma tidepools. Be sure to stop for a group selfie with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean as your background—on clear days, you can even spot parts of Mexico from this scenic lookout!

Generations of locals and visitors alike have flocked to this beachfront amusement park for nearly a century! Come take a ride on the Giant Dipper (the park’s 1925 wooden roller coaster), take in the vintage boardwalk atmosphere, and peruse the shops and restaurants of this historic San Diego landmark.

Looking for oceanfront recreation? This massive aquatic park can’t be missed! Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made center for watersports in the country, with 4,235 acres of shoreline and paved trails. Bring your group of water skiers, wind sailors, joggers, roller skaters, cyclists, sunbathers, and more—all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts will find something to do here.