Solana Beach

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Port of San Diego
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in San Diego Metropolitan Area

Port of San Diego

8.7
4.7/5
249 reviews
Port of San Diego is one of the main naval ports for the US Navy's Pacific Fleet. The harbor is deep and wide, with various warships such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and nuclear submarines moored year-round. Standing on the shore, you can feel the massive scale of the warships up close. A highly recognizable landmark in the port area is the decommissionedUSS Midwayaircraft carrier. It is moored by the harbor and has been converted into an aircraft carrier museum open to the public, with various retired carrier-based aircraft displayed on the flight deck. In the park next to the aircraft carrier stands the "Embracing Peace" sculpture—a giant statue based on the classic V-J Day photo, capturing the moment a sailor and a nurse kiss. In the same park, there is also a group of bronze statues depicting a pilot who has just stepped off a plane, a kneeling nurse, a wounded soldier on crutches, a veteran in a wheelchair, as well as sailors, marines, ordinary citizens, and children. Strolling through the port area, red tiles and green trees contrast with the blue sea and sky, and in the distance, you can see the Coronado Bridge spanning the bay. On the other side of the harbor, there is a large private yacht marina with a forest of masts, offering a unique coastal charm. The pedestrian area is dotted with vintage sailboats and street performers playing guitar, as well as a century-old carousel.San Diego · 29.8km from Solana Beach
San Diego Zoo
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

San Diego Zoo

7.5
4.5/5
200 reviews
The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park in Southern California, USA. It is a large urban zoo that combines animal exhibits, plant views, and conservation education. The zoo is home to over 10,000 animals, covering more than 600 species and subspecies, including many rare and endangered ones. The park also features hundreds of thousands of plants, with eucalyptus forests and various succulents giving it the charm of a botanical garden. Visiting the zoo feels like strolling through a plant garden. Giant pandas are the star attraction here: pandas "Yunchuan" and "Xinbao" live in the expanded "Panda Ridge" exhibit, where you can watch them munching bamboo, rolling around, or napping through the glass—often making it one of the park's most popular stops. Nearby the entrance, the "Koalafornia" exhibit features koalas mostly snoozing on eucalyptus branches or chewing leisurely, looking perpetually sleepy. The "Lost Forest" area showcases a gorilla family, while the "African Rocks" zone has groups of waddling African penguins on the sandy shore. In the polar bear exhibit, the bears often swim close to the water's surface, visible in striking detail through the glass. The park offers year-round educational animal shows, where animal ambassadors make appearances under keeper guidance. The double-decker sightseeing bus and "Skyfari" cable car provide two efficient ways to explore the park. The cable car crosses overhead, serving as both a convenient shuttle between park sections and a vantage point for canopy views of the zoo and Balboa Park. The zoo is built along the canyon terrain with many slopes and steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Try to visit the pandas earlier in the morning for shorter wait times. A full walk around the park with stops usually takes most of the day, so planning your route in advance can help avoid backtracking. △ Watch adorable giant pandas up close △ Watch marine creature show △ Overlooking the zoo panorama by cable carSan Diego · 30.5km from Solana Beach

Experiences you can't miss in Solana Beach

Featured Culture & history in Solana Beach

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USS Midway Museum: Skip The Line Ticket
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49 booked
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USS Midway, Old Town San Diego City Tour from Los Angeles
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 7.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From€179.61
1-day tour to La Jolla Cove + USS Midway Museum + Unconditional Surrender + Old Town
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From€134.48
San Diego GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Balboa Park Sights
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4.6/5
· 16 reviews
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GPS Talking Electric GoCar: 2 Hour Coronado Tour
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4.6/5
· 12 reviews
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Featured Food & drink in Solana Beach

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Europa Village Wine Tour, Food Pairing & Wine Blending
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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5% off
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From€124.12€130.66
All Inclusive Temecula Wine Tour - Tastings, Lunch, Hotel Pickup
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4.9/5
· 211 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
28 consecutive positive reviews
From€160.30
Newport Beach: City Cruises Champagne & Brunch Buffet Cruise
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2 hrs
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5% off
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From€95.90€100.95
Gaslamp Quarter Food & Drink Tour: Brothels, Bites & Booze
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4.8/5
· 212 reviews
Duration: 150 mins
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33 consecutive positive reviews
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San Diego: City Cruises Buffet Breakfast and Brunch Cruise
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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San Diego Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Pastries, & More
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San Diego: Old Town Tales, Tacos, and Tequila Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From€72.23€76.04

Featured Outdoor & sports in Solana Beach

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Fun and Educational Private Surf Lesson with Board and Wetsuit
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Stand up Paddle Board Lesson on The San Diego Bay
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4.8/5
· 25 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
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San Diego: City and Beaches Guided Highlights Tour
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
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1-day tour to SeaWorld San Diego, Old Town, La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores Park
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Duration: 9 hrs
English
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Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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San Diego: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions
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5.0/5
· 1 review
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From€83.94€88.36

Featured Day tours in Solana Beach

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Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
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4.4/5
· 243 reviews· 122 booked
Duration: 135 mins
English
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27 consecutive positive reviews
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
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4.1/5
· 116 reviews
Duration: 2–8 hrs
English
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Explore Coronado Island by E-Scooter with Photos Included
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5.0/5
· 19 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
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San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Visit Pass Ticket
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4.2/5
· 72 reviews
Duration: 4–8 hrs
English
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From€128.90
Solana Beach Today's weatherCloudy 16-22℃
Solana Beach weather for the next 2 days11/1: 17-22℃, 11/2: 13-22℃

Free things to do in Solana Beach

What travellers say about Solana Beach

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띵미니4 June 2026
5.0
visited when our children were young, and now that they’ve grown—to ages 12 and 14—we went back again, and they really enjoyed it. Since it was a weekday, it was a bit disappointing that a few places were closed; however, we still had a great time riding the attractions and having fun. Above all, the value for money was absolutely excellent.

LEGOLAND California

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 March 2026
5.0
La Jolla Bay is like a jewel polished smooth by the waves. Seals lazily bask in the sun on the rocks, completely oblivious to the onlookers. At low tide, the tide pool reveals a miniature marine world—anemones' soft tentacles sway with the waves, and hermit crabs hurry along carrying their shells. On the cliffside paths, you'll always see people carrying surfboards heading towards that azure expanse. The beauty here is ordinary, so ordinary that it makes you want to stay and live here.

La Jolla Cove

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notmaxp29 August 2026
5.0
Business Hours:Address:Tips:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend: SeaWorld San Diego county

SeaWorld San Diego

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喜欢猫的虎30 October 2022
5.0
The Port of San Diego was built in 1542, became a Spanish military fortress in 1769, belonged to Mexico in 1834, was occupied by the United States in 1846, was established as a city in 1850, and was built into a US naval base in 1920. After 1980, it became the main support base for the US 3rd Fleet. The eastern part of the naval base is located in the middle of the bay, with a pier line of 16.5 kilometers and a water depth of 6 to 11 meters. The western part of the base is located in the north of Coronado Island, at the entrance of the Port of San Diego, with an amphibious base and a naval air station. The headquarters of the US Navy's 3rd Fleet and many of its troops are stationed here, and more than half of the fleet's ships include

Port of San Diego

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_TI***do26 October 2026
5.0
Absolutely good experience, it’s better than I expected, it’s worth to visit

USS Midway Museum

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Bobby-C23 November 2019
5.0
The day before yesterday, San Diego had its first heavy rain in six months. The sunny San Diego after the rain was particularly charming. This morning I went to Torrey Pines State Beach. It was beautiful.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

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M27***8530 May 2025
5.0
Very good zoo. The pandas are quite fat and worth seeing. The other animals are also very lively. The parking lot is free. There are also many things to eat and drink inside. Different shops have different characteristics. You must leave enough time, otherwise you will not be able to finish the tour.

San Diego Zoo

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西溪老翁11 January 2021
5.0
Seabirds in La Jolla La Jolla (Jewelry in Spanish) is located in the north of downtown San Diego. It is a famous natural ecological reserve in Southern California and the main residential area for wealthy people in San Diego. There are good beaches, rock walls, reefs and caves here. It is a paradise for sea lions and seals, as well as seabirds, probably because this sea area has rich fish and shrimp resources. Here you can see sea lions and seals playing in the water, and you can also see flocks of seabirds flying. There are also many seabirds resting on the beach and rocks.

La Jolla Shores Park

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老少皆宜()2 October 2022
5.0
The southern U.S. city of San Diego is a border city close to Mexico and an important military port. The Mexican town on the border here is a scenic tourist destination with Mexican style. If you have the chance, you should come and see it.

Old Town

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M32***2316 March 2020
5.0
We returned to Balboa Park. We enjoyed going to the museums, having lunch, and also seeing this historic fountain - Plaza de Panama Fountain. Its is from the Panama exposition that was held there.

Balboa Park

Popular cities near Solana Beach

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Solana Beach?

Don't miss these attractions in Solana Beach: LEGOLAND California, La Jolla Cove, and SeaWorld San Diego. If you like Culture & history, try USS Midway Museum: Skip The Line Ticket. If you enjoy Food & drink, try RH Ocean Grill - Popular Restaurant Reservation Service in Los Angeles, USA.

You can give RH Ocean Grill - Popular Restaurant Reservation Service in Los Angeles, USA and Europa Village Wine Tour, Food Pairing & Wine Blending a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach, San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket, and Explore Coronado Island by E-Scooter with Photos Included. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 31 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Solana Beach is around EUR 34.71 – EUR 134.48. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.