San Diego Tourism Authority

Home to the San Diego Symphony, The Shell is a new waterfront special event venue steps away from the San Diego Convention Center and lively Gaslamp District. Enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the waterfront and downtown skyline. The scenic sunset steps and patios overlook a large, beautifully landscaped public park. The flexible layout is perfect for hosting a variety of events from seated galas to general sessions to private concerts and networking receptions. Featuring a new, 13,000 sq. ft. stage, ancillary back of-house facilities and state-of-the art production packages. The Shell offers on-site catering highlighting local San Diego cuisine. This venue is truly a world-class destination which is all San Diego at heart.

The cultural heart of San Diego- Just minutes from downtown, you'll find an amazing cultural center and beautiful botanic paradise right in the middle of San Diego. Balboa Park is a cultural oasis that includes 17 museums, gardens galore and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of North America’s most iconic urban parks and a must see on any visit to San Diego. Located just blocks from downtown San Diego hotels, the park has a rich history reflected through its stunning architecture, thought-provoking exhibits installations, and cultural events throughout the year. Balboa Park has a storied history – one that is central to the story of San Diego. It started 150 years ago, when civic leaders took the audacious step of setting aside the scrub-filled mesa overlooking downtown to establish a city park. Today, Balboa Park continues to be a potent mix of what makes San Diego so unique. Ethnically diverse, historically rich, culturally abundant, naturally breathtaking, Balboa Park is where you can experience San Diego’s past and see its future.

Thanks to its mild, sunny climate and a wide array of landscapes and natural features, San Diego County contains diversity so spectacular that it takes even local residents by surprise. Hiking is one of the best ways to get close to nearly all of it. On San Diego's coastline, you'll find miles of sparkling beaches overlooked by hikable sandstone bluffs containing the rare Torrey pine. Head inland just a few miles, and you can climb rugged peaks to attain panoramic views of landmarks over 100 miles away. A trip to the mountains will let you wander tranquil, stream-lined meadows under the shade of oaks and pines. You can discover hidden palm oases and contemplate silence and space in the vast expanses of Anza-Borrego Desert. This hiker's paradise truly has something for everyone.

The award-winning San Diego-Coronado Bridge quickly became an area landmark after it opened in 1969. The distinctive curve and soaring sweep of the bridge joins the island of Coronado and the city of San Diego. Consistently ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the U.S., Coronado's coastline offers gentle surf and sparkling sand beaches (courtesy of the mineral Mica) that draw in visitors from around the world. Add to this a charming small-town quaintness, with elegant gardens, old-world mansions, unique shopping experiences, and dining options with spectacular ocean views, no wonder it's been dubbed as "The Crown City" (Coronado is Spanish for "the crowned one").Enjoy the charming shops and watching the military in action at North Island Naval Station

Enjoy your next event at Petco Park, where everything is possible! Architecturally magnificent Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres is situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, adjacent to the Gaslamp Quarter and the Convention Center. The ballpark offers stunning views of the San Diego Bay and the San Diego skyline. The ballpark is ideal for unique events with a dazzling array of venue options, virtually every square foot of the ballpark is available for rental including the playing field, clubhouses, concourses, terraces, rooftop, restaurants and lounges. You will find a venue to suit your event objectives perfectly - no matter what size, shape, or budget. With more than 20 exclusive venues, the ballpark is designed to host events from 10 to over 10,000 people. Petco Park is perfect for any event you can imagine: private concerts, corporate meetings, tradeshows, networking receptions, holiday parties or fantasy baseball games. Offering sumptuous catering, first-class service and impeccable attention to detail, our events staff will cater to your every need. The Petco Park Events team will help you plan your event from start to finish, working closely with top-quality vendors to coordinate exciting enhancements and decor to take your event to the next level. With its remarkable versatility, stunning architecture and ideal location, Petco Park is truly a venue like no other. Whatever your plans may be - big or small, elegant or casual - we will bring them to life and create a truly memorable event that will be sure to wow your guests!

A great place to spend the day exploring! Located adjacent to Downtown San Diego along the Big Bay, San Diego's Embarcadero is a testament to the region's colorful maritime history complete with historic ships, museums and harbor tours, as well as a working fishing harbor, cruise ship terminal and plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops.

The USS Midway is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Conveniently located in downtown San Diego along the Embarcadero, imagine holding your next event on the longest serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Naval History. Activities for all ages including self-guided audio tours, theater, flight simulators, climb-in aircraft, ejection seats and cockpits, guided tours of the bridge and more. Spectacular flight deck views of the downtown skyline, San Diego Bay Bridge, and active U.S. Navy ships! Midway is an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of San Diego, original home of TOP GUN.

A visit to San Diego's "only" National Park offers tremendous views of the San Diego region and excellent opportunities to explore the natural, historical and cultural history of the area. The "Age of Exploration" exhibit, films, and ranger-guided programs present interesting insights into the history of Cabrillo. A short walk leads to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This picturesque structure is restored to its 1880’s appearance and presents life as it was for the light keepers and their families. In the adjacent Assistant Keeper's Quarters, interactive exhibits tell the story of the Lighthouses of Point Loma. In a nearby historic Military building, the exhibit "They Stood the Watch" presents the history of Fort Rosecrans. The bayside trail begins near the lighthouse and offers breathtaking views of the harbor and the city of San Diego. South of the Lighthouse is the Whale Overlook. This vantage point offers pleasant views of the Pacific Ocean and the New Point Loma Lighthouse. Whales are often seen from here in January and February . On the western side of Point Loma lies the rocky intertidal zone, a window into the ocean ecosystem that lies along of San Diego's coast. During periods of low tide, pools form along this shore in rocky depressions (low tide is considered at 0.7 or below). In them you may find anemones, elusive octopus, spongy deadman's fingers, and a myriad of other creatures.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An oceanographic museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps Oceanography scientists on climate, earth, and ocean science and includes interactive elements.

Chicano Park is the geographic and emotional heart of Barrio Logan, located in Logan Heights, San Diego's oldest Mexican-American neighborhood. The park is home to the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world

Black's Beach sits beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines in La Jolla, CA

Pictured: Maderas Golf Course In San Diego, golf is a year-round experience with enough variety in the sunshine, winds and temperature to keep conditions interesting. With 93 courses scattered throughout the county, golfers can play desert, mountain and coastal courses all with distinctive challenges. Numerous courses are designed by a Who’s Who of golf luminaries including Tom Fazio, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Gary Roger Baird and Ted Robinson Jr. It is no wonder San Diego is called “The Sweet Spot for Golf.”

This burgeoning hub for life and culture is a historic destination filled with nearly 120 galleries, museums, artist studios, and distinctive event spaces. Host your special occasion, attend an event, experience unique dining, and Enjoy beautifully restored buildings with lush landscape. This new gathering place within 360 waterfront acres of the former Naval Training Center features historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, vast landscaped open spaces and plenty of free parking. Liberty Station is a destination where visitors and locals can stroll the 100 park-like acres, discover something new each time and make lasting memories. Many of the 38 historic buildings are now bursting with authenticity, heritage, creativity, and innovation. From artists and dancers to boutique shops, a historic golf course, seasonal holiday ice rink, an array of community event venues, luxury cinemas, local restaurants and a public market, Liberty Station abounds with entertainment, annual festivals, and innovative cultural and culinary experiences.

An urban paradise for all ages, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Winding paths through the tropical oasis of a botanical garden bring you to more than 4,000 rare and fascinating animals, including koalas, Galápagos tortoises, leopards, roaming peacocks, and more. Explore Africa Rocks to discover penguins, baboons, the mysterious fossa, weaver birds, and others unique creatures. The festive, lively atmosphere makes the San Diego Zoo a great place for family fun and gathering friends. Discover the wonders of wildlife with animal encounters, interactive experiences, and exciting animal presentations and shows. A leader in animal care and conservation, the San Diego Zoo is at the heart of the San Diego experience.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park immerses you in an active, hands-on safari experience where herds of animals roam natural habitats in a vast reserve, and the only two platypuses in the US swim and splash. Choose from a variety of exciting safari expeditions by caravan truck, cart, zip line—there's even an overnight option. Everywhere you look, there are amazing views lions lounging in the grasslands, antelope and giraffes mingling, rhinos wallowing in waterholes, storks and cranes on the march, and more. Engage in close encounters with animal ambassadors, explore walking trails that lead to beautiful vistas and endangered species like the Sumatran tiger, and discover the adventure of conservation in action at this leading-edge wildlife park.

Old Town San Diego features acres of Mexican heritage, historical sites, colorful shops, eclectic restaurants, a theater and tons more to explore!

Located on the surf and sand of Mission Beach, Belmont Park is San Diego's only beachfront amusement and entertainment center! From the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster to the dynamic oceanfront restaurants, Belmont Park is the quintessential Southern California beach experience. Take a stroll through the park and grab a Monster Waffle Cone then check out all the action on the Boardwalk. Sit down for a delicious bite to eat or one of 69 beers on tap at Draft South Mission after a fun-filled day of mini golf, rock climbing, and rides. No matter your age, the park has something everyone in the family can enjoy. However you choose to spend your day, Belmont Park is the best way to play!

SeaWorld San Diego is home to world-class animal shows, presentations and exhibits, spread out on beautiful Mission Bay Park. Spend an unforgettable day diving into the world of dolphins, sharks, orcas and hundreds of other fascinating marine animals. Witness natural orca behaviors live and up close, while an expansive infinity screen presents fascinating, detailed information about killer whales during Orca Encounter, a documentary-style presentation highlighting SeaWorld’s treasured family of killer whales. Dive into the world of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales as these magnificent marine mammals exhibit natural behaviors in Dolphin Days. And California sea lions Clyde and Seamore are always engaging in SeaWorld’s classic animal presentation Sea Lions LIVE.

The Del Mar Racetrack is a world-class Thoroughbred racing destination welcoming the industry's top athletes and California's most spirited partygoers during it's Summer (mid-July through early September) and Fall (November) seasons.

AWESOME AWAITS at LEGOLAND® California Resort, where families have interactive, hands-on experiences to make memories that last a lifetime!