Things to do in Lakeside

Activities, attractions and tours

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Photo by Michele Butts
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Photo by Jason Kenagy
Photo by Jason Kenagy

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Top places to visit

1. San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo welcomes around 5 million visitors every year, and it’s easy to see why. Spanning a huge site, the zoo houses about 4000 animals from over 650 different species and subspecies. All of these creatures live in realistic habitats, with most exhibits out in the open air.
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San Diego Zoo showing landscape views, zoo animals and a pond

2. Mission Bay

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.
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Mission Bay featuring a sandy beach

3. Petco Park

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.
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Petco Park

4. Mission Beach

The first holiday homes were built along the shore at Mission Beach all the way back in the 1920s. The resort boomed in the 1960s with new developments re-invigorating the place. And ever since then the visitors have not stopped returning to lounge beneath the West Coast sun and wander along the boardwalk by the beach where street performers and artists, rollerbladers and skateboarders keep the atmosphere lively.
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A seaside village and a popular spot for holiday-makers for over a century, which today still retains its antique charm.

5. Balboa Park

Spanning a vast space of 486 hectares, the huge Balboa Park contains an incredible and eclectic wealth of attractions. Home to gardens and trails, museums and galleries, theatres and restaurants—not to mention its own world-famous zoo—the park is a popular spot, frequented by visitors and locals alike.
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One of America’s largest urban green spaces, Balboa Park is an exciting spot packed with art, culture, and a world-renowned zoo.

What to do in Lakeside


Popular places to visit


 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Lakeside worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are loads of great things to do in Lakeside. Make sure to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Lakeside?
When you've checked off top attractions like Mount Helix Park and Boomers El Cajon, spend the rest of your day discovering the retail and food options in Lakeside.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lakeside?
The top tourist attraction in Lakeside is Mount Helix Park, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Lakeside?
Three days in Lakeside is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests spend three days on average. Boomers El Cajon, Creation and Earth History Museum and Knox House Museum are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as San Diego County.
What are some activities to do in Lakeside with kids?
Planning what to do in Lakeside with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Lakeside for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Lakeside, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Old Mission Dam.
Are there free things to do in Lakeside?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Lakeside. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Knox House Museum is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.