Must-See San Diego Attractions

If you brought the whole family with you to San Diego, they’ll need a fun way to spend the day while you’re busy networking and honing your skills at our CME seminars. Make sure they check out some of these great San Diego theme parks and attractions for a memorable trip!

Belmont Park from above
Image credit: sandiego.com

Belmont Park is a must for any family. You can eat at oceanfront restaurants, throw on your swimsuit and ride on one of their wave machines, do a little shopping, or enjoy one of their many amusement park rides. You’ll find a full arcade, roller coasters, laser tag, mini golf, rock climbing and more. Admission and parking are free so you can save your money for all the great attractions Belmont has to offer!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the city’s most recognizable attractions. It was founded just shy of 100 years ago and is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals. In fact, the San Diego Zoo was one of the first to pioneer the idea of open-air, cageless exhibits that more naturally mimic an animal’s habitat. The zoo is heavily focused on wildlife conservancy and social responsibility and has played a part in reintroducing more than 30 endangered species back into the wild. The zoo is also famous for the birth of several giant pandas.

The LEGO Sphinx
Image credit: wickedgoodtraveltips.com

While not within the city limits of San Diego, Legoland California is just a quick drive up I-5 south of Carlsbad and it’s not a spot to be missed. The park boasts plenty of LEGO-themed rides like a water park and Star Wars Miniland for fun and adventure. You’ll find plenty of shops and interactive areas so your kids can build their own creations and take them home. The park also includes an aquarium and dining!

If you want to visit an aquarium without having to fight the crowds, check out Birch Aquarium. San Diego public transit can get you to the aquarium and back as it is a bit north of the city itself. At the aquarium, your children can enjoy touch pools, views of the ocean, and many small to medium-sized displays. It’s the perfect way to experience the wonders of the ocean in a more intimate setting.

If you have older children that wouldn’t be interested in theme parks (or if you’re traveling alone) consider visiting the San Diego Museum of Art. The museum features elaborate Spanish décor and architecture with a collection of art that spans the globe and dates back several thousand years. While the design and layout is heavily influenced by Spanish history, you’ll find art from all regions of the world!

The gigantic USS Midway
Image credit: kpbs.org

War buffs will love visiting the USS Midway Museum. The museum is actually the decommissioned USS Midway aircraft carrier. It includes over 60 individual exhibits and 25 restored aircraft onboard as well as a flight simulator! Take a self-guided audio tour and learn about the carrier’s history and its role in military exercises.

What attractions or theme parks will you visit when you are in San Diego for our CME conference? Let us know in the comments below which spots you’re excited to see!