What to see and do in San Diego

What to visit in San Diego · Midway, Zoo and Old Town

• USS Midway Museum
• San Diego Zoo Balboa Park
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in San Diego · Midway, Zoo and Old Town

museum

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway aircraft carrier houses a naval museum next to the San Diego Pier. The flight deck, aircraft and various interior spaces present life on board.

Activities for your visit

• Tour the areas of the ship open to the public.
• Learn about the aircraft and exhibitions included.

Tips for this place

• There are stairs and narrow spaces in part of the route.
• Check the accessibility and experiences included in admission.

Book tickets ↗

USS Midway Museum official general admission. Select the date of visit; Simulators and special activities may have their own conditions.

Reference sources and location

• USS Midway Museum admission

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, meeting point or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 32.7137, -117.1751.

USS Midway Museum admission

nature

San Diego Zoo Balboa Park

The Balboa Park Zoo allows you to learn about habitats from different regions and the conservation work of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Its trails connect wildlife areas and gardens.

Activities for your visit

• Choose the habitats of your interest.
• Consult the presentations and services included for the day.

Tips for this place

• The San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park are different venues.
• Choose the Balboa Park Zoo entrance if you visit this location.

Book tickets ↗

Purchase the San Diego Zoo pass. Check the validity and services of your modality; The Escondido Safari Park is a different visit.

Reference sources and location

• San Diego Zoo · official tickets

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, meeting point or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 32.7353, -117.149.

San Diego Zoo · official tickets

history

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Historic buildings, museums and interpretive programs bring San Diego closer to the changes between the Kumeyaay presence, the Mexican people and American expansion. You can walk around the square and choose the open spaces.

Activities for your visit

• Stroll through the public areas of the historic park.
• Get to know the exhibitions of the open buildings.

Tips for this place

• Check the museums enabled for your date.
• Paid guided tours are booked separately.

Check access ↗

The walk through the historic park does not require purchasing a tour. Guided tours, events, shops and restaurants may have their own charges.

Reference sources and location

• California State Parks Old Town San Diego

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, meeting point or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 32.7549, -117.196.

California State Parks Old Town San Diego

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

3-Day San Diego Itinerary · Midway, Zoo and Old Town

1. Day 1

   USS Midway and Embarcadero

   Tour the naval museum with your ticket and leave time to stroll along the bay front.

2. Day 2

   San Diego Zoo

   Dedicate the day to the habitats and services included in your Balboa Park Zoo pass.

3. Day 3

   Old Town

   Stroll through the square and visit the historic buildings open according to the state park program.

Tips for visiting San Diego · Midway, Zoo and Old Town

• Distinguish San Diego Zoo from the Safari Park located in Escondido.
• Check out the open areas of the ship and Old Town museums.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in San Diego · Midway, Zoo and Old Town

From the taquerias of the south to the seafood tradition of San Francisco and the barbecue of the Central Coast. These six dishes bring together flavors associated with different areas of California, with real photographs and their places of origin or preparation indicated.

San Diego · Influence of Baja California

Fish tacos

Fried or grilled fish in a tortilla, with cabbage, sauce, cream and a touch of lime. They come from the tradition of Baja California, in Mexico, and are an essential part of the coastal cuisine of San Diego.

Reference: San Diego Tourism Authority · Fish tacos

San Francisco Mission District

Mission style burrito

Large flour tortilla that wraps meat, beans, rice and other fillings such as salsa, cream and guacamole. The taquerias of the Mission District popularized this style; each house retains its combination.

Reference: San Francisco Travel · Flavors by neighborhood

San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf

Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl

Clam chowder served inside a round sourdough bread. The contrast between the hot soup and the crust of the bread is one of the classics of the San Francisco waterfront.

Reference: San Francisco Travel · Fisherman’s Wharf Gastronomy

Santa Maria Valley · Barbecue tradition

Central Coast tri-tip

Triangular cut of beef that is the protagonist of the Santa Maria Valley barbecue, north of Santa Barbara. The regional style uses salt, pepper and garlic and red oak coals; It is usually accompanied with pinquito beans, sauce and bread.

Reference: Santa Maria Valley · Regional BBQ

Los Angeles Brown Derby Legacy

Cobb salad

Hearty salad with green leaves, chicken, egg, avocado, tomato, bacon and blue cheese. It is associated with the historic Brown Derby in Hollywood; Currently there are many versions, like the one in Fresno shown in the photo.

Reference: Disney Parks · Hollywood Brown Derby Recipe

San Francisco · Fish and seafood soup

Cioppino

Seafood stew with a tomato base and a combination of fish and seafood that changes depending on the recipe. It is one of the classics of San Francisco, linked to its Italian heritage and the cuisine of the port.

Reference: San Francisco Travel · Local gastronomy