AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Things to do in San Diego
Book unique activities hosted by local experts on Airbnb.
Top-rated activities
View our most highly rated experiences, loved by guests.
Night Cooking class
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 7945 reviewsKayak in La Jolla Sea Caves and Marine Reserve
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 569 reviewsPasta cooking class
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 944 reviewsSunset Sailing Yacht Experience on San Diego Bay
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviewsA Vintage Volkswagen Timeless Day on San Diego's Coastline
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviewsItalian Bread Making
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 18 reviewsExperience Mexican Wines in Old Town
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 964 reviewsRescue Dog Walk by the Bay
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 549 reviewsExplore San Diego Tide Pools with a Marine Biologist
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 1511 reviewsIncredible Slot Canyons to the Pacific
Something for everyone
Your guide to San Diego
Where do locals hang out in San Diego?
San Diego locals do love the beach and the outdoors, but there’s also an impressive art and theater scene here too. La Jolla Playhouse and Old Globe are some of the venues that have pumped out a string of shows that made it all the way to Broadway, and for theater lovers, it’s a great excuse to see plays before they hit it big. Balboa Park is not only home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, it is also where you can find the San Diego Art Museum where in-the-know art lovers get lost in an afternoon of exhibits and special collections. Bring it all together — art, outdoors, beach— in North Park, with a coffee in hand, as you stroll past murals before tacos and beach time.
What are the best ways to spend a day at the beach?
Kayak at La Jolla beach
You don’t have to be an experienced kayaker to enjoy the marine reserve at La Jolla Cove, an area where another set of locals (think seals, otters, and sea turtles) call home. Guided kayak excursions are a great way to safely explore places like Emerald Cave.
Spend time at Shelter Island
Shelter Island is a neighborhood within Point Loma, and offers some of San Diego’s best hidden gems (and best fishing). West of downtown San Diego, walking trails stretch along the peninsula where people walk their dogs, bike, and enjoy public artworks including the Yokohoma Friendship Bell, Tunaman's Memorial, and the Pacific Portal.
Go sailing
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there’s nothing better than enjoying San Diego on the water. The pleasant year-round weather makes it easy to plan a day out on a boat cruise or sailboat to spot wildlife and get up-close views of places like Coronado Island.
What are the best things to do at night in San Diego?
Go on a ghost tour of the Gaslamp District
Today, the Gaslamp District is a go-to spot for nightlife in San Diego, but if you’re not into bars and clubs, there’s a darker side to explore. On a guided ghost walk, you can learn all about the city’s more sinister past at places such as the William Heath David House, Pioneer Park, and the former city hall.
Head to the beach for a bonfire with locals
When it comes to a real San Diego experience, there’s nothing like sitting around a bonfire after a long day of surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding on the water. Friends and family circle around their manmade pits to swap stories, play music, and enjoy a beach picnic. Bonfires are not permitted from midnight to dawn (always check hours ahead of your visit), but it’s fair game the rest of the day.
Take a date night cooking class
For a unique take on a dinner date, join locals in their bistros or homes to learn how to make pasta, among other Italian dishes, to elevate your cooking game (and love language).
Discover more activities near San Diego
- Sightseeing United States
- Entertainment United States
- Wellness United States
- Art and culture United States
- Nature and outdoors United States
- Sports activities United States
- Food and drink United States
- Wellness California
- Food and drink California
- Entertainment California
- Nature and outdoors California
- Art and culture California
- Sightseeing California
- Sports activities California
- Art and culture San Diego County
- Entertainment San Diego County
- Nature and outdoors San Diego County
- Food and drink San Diego County
- Sports activities San Diego County
- Sightseeing San Diego County
- Wellness San Diego County
- Art and culture San Diego
- Food and drink San Diego
- Nature and outdoors San Diego
- Sports activities San Diego
- Entertainment San Diego
- Sightseeing San Diego
- Wellness San Diego