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The San Diego Bucket List

San Diego, California:

So much to see, so much to do. To help you narrow down where to start, we compiled this bucket list full of the essential San Diego activities. Bookmark this page and use it as your guide to how to have the best time in America's Finest City! 



Catch Some Live Music: When in America's Finest City, you absolutely must experience the vibrant music scene. Whether you're into intimate acoustic sets or high-energy concerts, San Diego's music scene has something for everyone. Catch amazing acts at iconic venues like The Rady Shell, Belly Up, and The Casbah, among many others. For a thorough list of concerts happening today, we've got you covered here.


Hit The Best Festivals: San Diego's festival scene is on the rise, with each year bringing more impressive lineups and new events to our sun-soaked city. As word spreads about our magnetic culture, more and more festivals are choosing San Diego as their home. Stay ahead of the curve and keep track of the exciting festivals coming in 2025 – we've got all the info you need to beat the crowds and make the most of San Diego's booming festival season.


Have Some Free Fun: If you want to enjoy America's Finest City on a budget, see our big list of Free Things To Do in San Diego. There's no shortage of great stuff to do for free! Oh, and don't forget about your Free Museum Days!


LFGSD: We ride for our Padres, even if they don't really ride for us. Get to know your way around Petco Park, where you can taste, sip, and cheer on our boys with local pride.


Music Sounds Better Outside: The best part of our city (and maybe why we pay a little too much to live here) is our lovely weather. Making this the ideal spot to head to an outdoor concert. Ofc we made you a list of outdoor shows to live out your summer session dreams.


DoMORE: We get it. Life in paradise can get expensive, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice all the fun! With DoMORE you can get access to some of the city's best live events for just $7/month. 



Food Festivals, Events, and Markets, Oh My: Food takes center stage at San Diego's most mouthwatering events. From the culinary extravaganza of Restaurant Week to a smorgasbord of festivals celebrating every cuisine imaginable, we've got your taste buds covered all year round.


For The Lovers Of Both Breakfast & Lunch: Forget your basic morning coffee chat–we're talking food that'll wake up your taste buds! We've rounded up the city's best brunch spots, so grab your crew and dive in. You can thank us later over mimosas and mile-high pancake stacks!


Eat a Lot of Barbecue: Dig in, and don't be afraid to get a little messy. We have the list of SD's BBQ spots that will have you licking your fingers and coming back for more. 


Aspiring sommelier? Maybe just like wine? Perfect. When it comes to vino, we’ve got you covered: Check out our list of the Best Wine Bars in San Diego


Pizza Hot Out Of The Oven: Move over, New York–San Diego's pizza scene is bringing the heat, and it's not just from our wood-fired ovens. From crispy thin crusts to gourmet toppings, our guide to SD's best pizzas proves that America's Finest City can toss pies with the best of 'em.

 

Forget Brain Freeze: San Diego's ice cream scene is melting hearts and blowing minds. With An's Dry Cleaning scooping up national acclaim, our guide to SD's coolest treats proves we're not just about beaches and burritos–we're the unexpected ice cream capital you never saw coming.


Get Your Fish Tacos Here: 1 fish, 2 fish, San Diego’s got the ultimate fish taco wish! This town is swimming in Baja-style goodness, and honestly, we’re just here to enjoy the ride. It’s not our fault we lucked out with the best fish tacos around—we don’t make the rules, we just eat them.


Hold The ABV: Dry January? Sober October? NOvember? Whether you’re taking a breather or embracing a new lifestyle, we’ve got the scoop on where to find the best mocktails—because going booze-free doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. Cheers!


Salt or Tajin? From spicy rims to fruity twists, these margs are worth every salted sip. Ready to find your new favorite? Click through and let the lime lead the way!



Take a Hike: As we all know, the scenery in SD is what keeps this place special and exclusive. Go on an adventure and breathe in the fresh air—the trails are calling!


Downward dog with an ocean view? Yes, please! Dive into San Diego's outdoor yoga scene and let the California sunshine be your studio lights – just don't blame us if a seagull steals your zen.


For The Sunset Chasers: From rugged cliffs to sandy shores, these are the views that’ll have you saying, “One more pic… okay, maybe two.”


Park It At The Park: Trade screen time for green time! San Diego’s parks have you covered, from Balboa’s iconic beauty to secret spots perfect for a chill picnic or a casual hike. Grab your crew (or just yourself) and find your favorite patch of green!


Low Tide Play Time: When king tides roll through San Diego, they leave behind more than just big waves—they reveal a playground of tide pools brimming with sea stars, anemones, and other hidden treasures. It’s nature’s way of saying, “Come play!"



Shop Fresh & Local: Fresh fruits and veggies, anyone? Lettuce turnip the beet and guide you to San Diego's cream of the crop farmers markets – where you can veg out on farm-fresh flavors and soak up


Out With The Old and In With The Old: Treasure hunters, grab your haggling hats! Grab your wallet and sense of adventure as we uncover San Diego's hidden flea market gems.


Macklemore Level Style: Hey SD, can we go thrift shopping? Duh! 

Got Plants? We've unearthed San Diego's hidden gems for all things green and growing. Dig up some new secret gardens in our city's best plant shops and nurseries.  


Record Shops: Girl, put your record on! Tell me your favorite...Record Store. 


Let's Do Weird Places: San Diego isn't just beachfront views and blue skies. Look a little deeper, and you'll find our city's weirdest places to satisfy all you freaks out there.

4/20 Friendly 24/7: In the wise words of Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, so what we smoke weed. Meet us at a the dispo so we know its real.



Let us know what you want to see more of in 2025! Send us an email at [email protected].