You Should Add San Diego to Your Vacation Bucket List ASAP

San Diego isn't just a beach town where the weather's always perfect (though that's a welcome bonus). It's also a city with unique neighborhoods that are steeped in history, culture, nature and local talent — which is apparent in every attraction and activity there is to do and see in "America’s Brightest City."

Whether you're planning a family vacation, scoping it out for a girls' trip or are returning to an old favorite to see what's new, there are undoubtedly at least a few places on this list that will get your travel bug buzzing. And because we know it can be overwhelming, we did all the work for you to find the most raved-about places in San Diego that will make your vacation complete.

Looking for an easy breezy beach day? Check. How about a day of learning at a museum? Double check. Need a bite to eat or a place to stay? We've got you covered. There are theme parks that will fulfill your kids' wildest dreams, animal encounters that will make you feel like you're on the other side of the world and natural sights you won't believe until you see them for yourself. As for entertainment, you could see shows and concerts for a week straight and still have some left.

It was difficult to narrow down 40 must-visit places, because San Diego is that bustling and colorful. If you've never considered a SoCal trip before now, you'll want to add it to your list after this.