Things to do in La Mesa

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A sunset over a mountainous landscape with scattered clouds.
Aerial View of the San Diego Suburb of El Cajon, California
A large cross against a sunset sky.
Mt. Helix cross with fence railing and a background of a cloudy blue sky in La Mesa, a city in San Diego, California.
A panoramic view of a city with a prominent hill in the background, surrounded by residential areas and greenery.

La Mesa Attractions

Smaller cities have a charm about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Jot down all the exciting things to see and do in La Mesa before you head off so you can see as much as possible during your vacation. You'll soon see that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

Explore the sights of La Mesa with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {287 fun activities in La Mesa fun activities in La Mesa}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning the ultimate vacation.

Things to do

LEGOLAND® California Resort

LEGOLAND® California Resort

$86
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® California Resort
Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

$57
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures
San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

$57
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Diego Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
San Diego: Luggage Storage in Marina

San Diego: Luggage Storage in Marina

$10
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
San Diego: Luggage Storage in Marina
patriot boat for cruise in san diego california

Patriot Jet Boat Sightseeing Ride on San Diego Bay

$45
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Patriot Jet Boat Sightseeing Ride on San Diego Bay
San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50 Percent - Includes USS Midway

San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50 Percent - Includes USS Midway

$124
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50 Percent - Includes USS Midway
San Diego Padres Baseball Game at Petco Park

San Diego Padres Baseball Game at Petco Park

$47
per adult
San Diego Padres Baseball Game at Petco Park
Speed Boat Adventure Tour: Thrills on the Bay

Speed Boat Adventure Tour: Thrills on the San Diego Bay

$95
per traveler
96% of travellers recommend
Speed Boat Adventure Tour: Thrills on the San Diego Bay
San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Tour

City Cruises San Diego: Best of the Bay Harbor Tour

$33
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
City Cruises San Diego: Best of the Bay Harbor Tour
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Most popular activities in La Mesa

Tours & day trips

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San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea

San Diego SEAL Tour by Land & Sea

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 221 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $56 per adult
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History & culture

See all 74 activities
USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate

USS Midway Museum with Direct-to-Gate

Activity duration is 1 day
9.8 out of 10 with 1531 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $41 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 62 activities
Luxury GPS Talking Tour Car: Balboa & Downtown

Luxury GPS Talking Tour Car: Balboa & Downtown

Free cancellation available
Price is $224 per traveler*
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Water activities

See all 25 activities
La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 231 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $80 per traveler*
La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 13 activities
San Diego Bay: 2.5 hour Catamaran Sailing Cruise with Drinks

San Diego Bay: 2.5 hour Catamaran Sailing Cruise with Drinks

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 17 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $119 per adult
San Diego Bay: 2.5 hour Catamaran Sailing Cruise with DrinksOpens in new tab

What to do in La Mesa

Free Things to Do in La Mesa

There's no need to run your credit card hot in La Mesa. The following won't even cost a cent.

Computer Museum of America - Young or not so young, this gallery will rouse your imagination and capture your attention.

Mount Helix Park - Pencil in time to play and add some more fun to your vacation here.

Mount Helix Park - If you take pleasure in hanging out in the garden, this attraction will satisfy your green thumb.

Things to Do in La Mesa with Kids

There are lots of incredible experiences in La Mesa that the entire gang will get a buzz out of. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in La Mesa? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular La Mesa attractions

Mount Helix Park

7.4/5 (59 reviews)
Perched atop a hill, Mount Helix Park offers stunning 360-degree views of San Diego County and the Pacific Ocean. Explore the serene trails or attend a performance in the historic 1,600-seat open-air amphitheater.
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Where to stay in La Mesa

Find the best La Mesa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about La Mesa
Learn more about La Mesa
A town with a mountain in the background, a clear sky, and scattered clouds.

Casa de Oro-Mount Helix

While Casa de Oro-Mount Helix might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mount Helix Park and The Magnolia.

Cross on Mount Helix, in La Mesa, California.

Mount Helix

While visiting Mount Helix, you might make a stop by sights like Mount Helix Park and FAITH CHAPEL.

Windsor Hills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Windsor Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater and Viejas Arena.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from La Mesa

San Diego

San Diego

A sunset over a mountainous landscape with a town in the foreground.

El Cajon

A panoramic view of a city with mountains in the distance and a partly cloudy sky.

Lemon Grove

A residential area with houses on a hillside, a clear sky, and the sun setting in the background.

Spring Valley

Frequently asked questions

Is La Mesa worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are many great things to do in La Mesa. Don't forget to experience the area's blend of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in La Mesa?
San Diego Zoo and San Diego Air and Space Museum are two excellent places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in La Mesa while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in La Mesa?
The top tourist attraction in La Mesa is San Diego Zoo, so be sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in La Mesa?
Three days in La Mesa is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Mount Helix Park, Boomers El Cajon and Computer Museum of America are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as San Diego County.
Is La Mesa a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to see and do in La Mesa. Several key attractions, such as Mount Helix Park and Computer Museum of America, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of La Mesa's best neighborhoods, Mid-City is 3 miles away from downtown, while Del Cerro is 3 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in La Mesa with kids?
Planning what to do in La Mesa with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in La Mesa for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there's no shortage of things to do in La Mesa for adults including Hotel Circle and The Salvation Army Kroc Center.
Are there free things to do in La Mesa?
In La Mesa, Mount Helix Park is a must-see spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in La Mesa.

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