Looking for fun things to do in Old Town San Diego? The extensive list below offers plenty of ideas, from immersing yourself in the area’s rich heritage through museums and tours to indulging your creative side with workshops and craft-making.  This vibrant historic district is considered the birthplace of California, and time spent here can be both fun and educational, with a hands-on angle. And, there’s great shopping and food, too. Nearly every type of tourist visits Old Town San Diego attractions, from families and business travelers to history buffs and ghost hunters. Since many acti ..read more

2476 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 786-1143 whaleyhousesandiego.com An icon in Old Town San Diego and nationwide for ghost hunters, the Whaley House Museum is a popular addition to many San Diego itineraries. This Greek revival-style home is an official California Historic Landmark, a museum, and a paranormal hotspot. The house was built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, and it was the site of several tragedies that have led to its haunted reputation. The home opened to the public in 1960 as a museum and has had a live-in caretaker since 2007. Several tours and tickets ..read more

You probably already know this historic district as a fun destination for day trips and culturally immersive experiences. Still, if you haven’t yet explored the eclectic collection Old Town San Diego shops, you’re in for a treat.  Unique gifts with style. Food items to satisfy any palate. Children’s toys, home decor, blown glass, and colorful, one-of-a-kind presents to bring someone cheer. Books that bring history alive. Apparel that’s as elegant as it is comfortable. You’ll find these items and more when you spend time sightseeing and shopping in what is regarded as California’s birthpla ..read more

Chocolate lovers and fun seekers alike will enjoy Hershey’s Chocolate World, a visitor center open year-round and dedicated to sharing the joys of chocolate, and the adjacent Hersheypark, a seasonal theme park with amusement rides and water slides for all ages. Getting discount Hershey’s Chocolate World tickets in advance makes the experience that much sweeter.  Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this complex includes a factory tour ride where the velvety aroma of prepared chocolate surrounds you as you learn how cocoa beans are harvested and chocolate bars are made. Additional attractions ..read more

Shelter Island sometimes feels like one of San Diego’s secret hideaways. Built in the 1950s, this manmade peninsula is connected to the Point Loma community on the mainland. It serves as a literal shelter for boats docked in the harbor. One street, Shelter Island Drive, runs across the 1.3-mile-long island, home to (in a nutshell) four hotels, public art along a nice walking trail, Bali Hai restaurant, and a yacht club. Shelter Island’s proximity to the airport and reasonable hotel pricing make it appealing for a San Diego vacation base. You may also stay here in advance of fishing trips that ..read more

Spanning nearly four miles of beautiful Pacific coastline, Oceanside, CA, offers a varied selection of beaches, each with its own unique charm. To help you find the best beach to fit your vibe, I’ve created this list of the best beaches in Oceanside. Organized from north to south, each beach includes an overview, things to note, and directions and parking information. Whether you’re looking for incredible surf or a sandy stretch for family fun, Oceanside, CA, has the perfect beach for you. Oceanside Harbor Beach  Why Go: Widest and sandiest of the Oceanside, CA beaches with premier surf ..read more

San Diego is a popular vacation destination, in part, because of its many family attractions and theme parks. This now includes Sesame Place San Diego in South San Diego County’s Chula Vista neighborhood. Kids love meeting all their favorite Sesame Street characters and enjoying Sesame Street-themed rides and water slides. The whole family will also enjoy the interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood, parades, shows, dining, and shopping. The hotels near Sesame Place San Diego on this list are perfect for when you’re looking for a location as close as possible to the theme park. They’re among the ..read more

5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 438-5996 museumofmakingmusic.org The Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California, is an excellent addition to any San Diego vacation itinerary. This engaging music history museum is only 35 miles (56 km) north of San Diego and is a great stop during a California road trip.  The Museum of Making Music (MoMM) takes a hands-on approach to learning with interactive exhibits that highlight American music products industry history and showcase the evolution of musical instruments. MoMM lets kids and adults try their hand at banging th ..read more

1649 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 238-7559 MOPA.org The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is a film, art, and photography museum inside San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park. The museum features stunning and thought-provoking photography exhibits, modern film screenings, and even workshops that allow all ages to enjoy a visual learning experience. It’s a small but specialized museum with one my my favorite gift shops in the park. You should check their calendar before you go to see if there’s a film or special artist event on the day of your visit. And don’t forget about their ..read more

Whether you and Lady Luck are already besties or you hope to be, San Diego has the perfect resort casino to scratch your gaming itch in style. From the luckiest casino to the best casino resort pool, it’s on this list. These casinos and casino hotels made my list because they represent the best of San Diego gaming, chosen for their award-winning status, amenities, and connections to luxury resorts. All casinos listed here are in East San Diego County and are an hour away or closer from downtown. I share everything you need to know, plus the skinny on “best of” casino categories voted by San Di ..read more