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There are plenty of places in the world which can honestly claim that there is never a bad time to visit. Few of them, though, can honestly say it’s always a good time to visit. California’s third city may often be overshadowed by Los Angeles and San Francisco, but it truly can make that claim. Sunny San Diego never disappoints.
Just 15 miles north of the point where California makes way for Baja California, San Diego was, until 1848, Mexican. Still the meeting point of two very distinct North American cultures, from the moment you arrive in this bayfront paradise, you’ll notice a distinctly more relaxed vibe than in its larger neighbors to the north.
Packed full of fascinating museums, unique historic districts and a culinary scene which transcends borders, San Diego is built for city breaks. Whether you’ve dropped in for a weekend of cultural immersion or a week of carefree basking, you’ll always find plenty to keep you busy.
San Diego is everything you’d expect of a city on the Californian shore of the Pacific. But it’s more than that. Once you’ve seen all the sights your guidebook has raved about, there are a bucketload more unusual things to do in San Diego.
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1. Experience Life in the Old Wild West
Like most people who grew up outside America, my first impressions of the U.S. were formed by films. Those stock images remain ingrained upon my mind; sprawling megapolises with never ending skylines, leafy suburban mansions and tumbleweed rolling down wide empty streets.
All too often when we travel, the image we’ve built up in our minds doesn’t play out in reality. One of the many reasons I love traveling to the U.S., is that this isn’t the case here. Topping the list of unusual things to do in San Diego is a visit to the Old Town. Tumbleweed aside, the Old Town fits the Old West bill perfectly.
Dubbed “the birthplace of California”, the Old Town was a seat of government when California joined the U.S. in 1850. It’s history dates back far further, though. Well over 10,000 years ago, the Native American Kumeyaay tribe made this area their home.
Today, much of the Old Town is given over to a State Historic Park containing a mesmerising collection of traditional Old West buildings complete with original furnishings. 32 historic sites, plus the original Presidio of Mexican San Diego make up the park.
Many of the buildings come from San Diego itself, whilst some have been moved from elsewhere in California. A true traditionalist might question its authenticity, but whatever your stance, a visit to the Old Town is a must.
Experiencing the Unusual Things To Do in San Diego Old Town
Kickstart your visit with a ride on an Old Town Trolley. These replica trolley buses roll through the streets of the Old Town and beyond. A full tour lasts around two hours, but tickets are good for one or two days, and you can hop-on-hop-off as much as you like.
Next up, pay a visit to Whaley House Museum. The house itself was built in 1857 for Thomas Whaley, a businessman drawn to California from New York by the gold rush. After you’ve worked your way round all the historic sights, unwind with a beer at the slightly-overly, but endearingly so, Old Town Saloon.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN), you can take a free shuttle to the Old Town. The San Diego Flyer runs daily, departing every 20-30 minutes between 0445 & 0030.
2. Relive Top Gun
Over the years, San Diego has had more than its fair share of appearances on the big screen, but the most famous of all came in 1986. There can be no arguments: Top Gun is iconic. I’m not a big fan of action movies, but Top Gun managed to do something most don’t.
Set, for the most part, at Naval Air Station Miramar, a real life U.S. Navy flight school in San Diego, much of the film was shot in and around the city. If you’re a Top Gun fan, scouting the locations has to be on your San Diego bucket list.
Where To Go
One of the most unusual things to do in San Diego is to step aboard the USS Midway. This former Navy aircraft carrier saw service in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf before being decommissioned in 1992. In 2004, she opened as a museum ship.
Now, I’ll admit to being a bit of an av-geek, but I can honestly say the Midway is my favorite museum in the whole U.S. Better still, to get there, there’s no need to take the Highway to the Danger Zone. Just stroll along North Harbor Drive, show your ticket, and walk up the gangplank.
Another must for Top Gun fans is a harbor cruise. The sights are beautiful and you might even encounter a colony of California Sea Lions. I always prefer to go at sunset for the best views, but whatever time of day you set sail, it’s well worth the ride. Aside from the experience itself, you’ll get up close views of Naval Air Station North Island. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch fighter jets roaring overhead.
Of course, there’s only one fitting place to end a Top Gun themed day in San Diego. Kansas City Barbeque on West Harbor Drive serves up epic sandwiches and BBQ favorites. But it’s not the food you’re going for.
This is the spot where Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer provided that not so pitch perfect rendition of Great Balls of Fire. The restaurant also provided the jukebox which played You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ in the very last scene. Whilst we can’t promise you’ll find Tom and Kelly McGillis propping up the bar, there’s nothing to stop you recreating some of the famous scenes.
3. Have a Party on a Paddle Steamer
The first couple of our favorite unusual things to do in San Diego are great fun, but once you’ve ticked them off, it’s only right to let your hair down. After all, you can’t come to California and stay busy the whole time.
The next of our unusual things to do in San Diego is the perfect opportunity to chill out and unwind. Head out to Mission Bay to take a cruise on a paddle steamer. This is no ordinary paddle steamer, but a “paddle pub”. Aside from the chance for some cocktails in the sun, you’ll get a 90-minute cruise around Mission Bay with great views of the city.
Travel Tip: If you’re not in the mood for partying, getting out on the water is still a great idea. Swap wine for whales with a 3-hour wildlife cruise.
4. Take a Day Trip to Mexico
I don’t think there’s ever a time you should turn down the chance for an international day trip. You’ll need to remember your passport, but as long as you’ve got that, this is one of those times you really can just cross a border on the spur of the moment.
If you live in Europe, crossing a national border several times a day isn’t something you think twice about. In North America, however, it’s a much bigger deal. For it’s uniqueness alone, crossing the Mexican border for a day trip to Tijuana is up there with the best unusual things to do in San Diego.
Tijuana may be less than 20 miles south of Downtown San Diego, but it feels like a different world. Gritty, edgy, everything you’d expect of a border town, Tijuana hasn’t always had the best reputation, but that’s all the more reason to go.
Travel Tip: Although statistics don’t lie, they can be misleading. In 2023, Tijuana had the second highest homicide rate per capita in the world. But St Louis, Missouri was only two spots behind and no one frets about visiting the Gateway Arch. Crime in Tijuana is, for the most part, infighting between cartels. Stick to the tourist areas and you’ll feel just as safe as you do in San Diego.
A day trip to Tijuana gives you the chance to explore its museums, relax at the beach and indulge in some divine Mexican street food. Don’t leave before you’ve sampled the incredible craft beer scene. If you fancy sticking around into the evening, or even staying the night, Tijuana nightlife is next rate.
Getting from San Diego to Tijuana
The easiest way to visit Tijuana is to join an organised day trip from San Diego. You’ll be guided from start to finish with someone on hand to help with the border formalities. This half day tour covers all the main sights with a stop for some authentic Mexican tacos.
That said, visiting Tijuana independently is very easy. Simply take the Trolley light rail system from the Old Town or Downtown to San Ysidro. From the station, follow the signs for Mexico and you’ll be at passport control within five minutes. Once you’re over the other side, there’s always taxis waiting to take you into town. If you prefer, you can walk from the border to Avenida Revolucion.
5. Walk Across a Suspension Bridge
Built in 1912, San Diego’s quirkiest bridge spans 114 meters. Crossing the Kate Sessions Canyon, it was built to allow residents to transfer between two streetcar lines which had stations on either side of the canyon.
With the streetcars long gone and the neighborhoods on either side of the canyon connected by road, the bridge remains more a tourist attraction than a necessity. Regardless, crossing it is worthwhile for the novelty value.
Another unusual, and even older, bridge- Quince Street Bridge– is just a few blocks away. Head south on First Avenue from Spruce Street to tick them both off.
6. Kayak Through the La Jolla Caves
We’ve made it no secret that La Jolla is one of our favorites areas in San Diego. It’s got great art galleries, amazing beaches and is home to the best pancakes in town. On top of that, La Jolla offers yet another of the unusual things to do in San Diego.
Hidden within serene La Jolla Cove are seven sandstone sea caves. Only one, Sunny Jim’s Cave, is accessible by land. To reach the others, you’ll need to dip your toe in the ocean. The best way to see them is to join a kayaking tour with an expert guide.
Over two hours, you’ll paddle through La Jolla Ecological Reserve. Aside from getting up close and personal with sea lions and seals, plus possibly catching sight of whales or dolphins, you’ll guide your kayak through the caves themselves.
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