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35 San Diego Trivia Questions That Will Take You Beyond the Beaches

San Diego is not just famous for its sun-kissed beaches and year-round perfect weather, but it also boasts some of the world’s best attractions. From the iconic USS Midway Museum to the renowned San Diego Zoo, home to rare giant pandas, this city is a hub of culture, history, and nature. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, challenge your knowledge about this vibrant coastal city and uncover some fascinating facts!

Did you know San Diego hosts the famous Comic-Con International, drawing thousands of pop-culture fans each year? Or that the city’s mascot, the San Diego Padres’ Swinging Friar, is a beloved symbol in the sports world? Test yourself on these trivia and discover how deeply intertwined San Diego’s landmarks, history, and events are with American pop culture and natural wonders.

Enjoyed learning about San Diego? Dive into more exciting quizzes like our landmarks and monuments trivia, test your knowledge of supernatural phenomena, or explore the fascinating world of pop culture trivia. There’s a whole universe of fun facts waiting for you!

Does San Diego have beautiful beaches?

Yes, San Diego has beautiful beaches.

Yes, San Diego has beautiful beaches.

Only a few small, unremarkable beaches.

Only a few small, unremarkable beaches.

No, San Diego’s beaches are mostly rocky.

No, San Diego’s beaches are mostly rocky.

San Diego is landlocked and has no beaches.

San Diego is landlocked and has no beaches.

Is San Diego known for its year-round sunny weather?

Yes, San Diego is known for its year-round sunny weather.

Yes, San Diego is known for its year-round sunny weather.

San Diego is a very cloudy city.

San Diego is a very cloudy city.

San Diego experiences harsh winters.

San Diego experiences harsh winters.

No, San Diego is known for its unpredictable weather.

No, San Diego is known for its unpredictable weather.

Name an iconic landmark in San Diego, as mentioned.

Pike Place Market is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Pike Place Market is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Balboa Park is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Balboa Park is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Space Needle is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Space Needle is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Is the USS Midway Museum an iconic landmark in San Diego?

No, the USS Midway Museum is located in Hawaii.

No, the USS Midway Museum is located in Hawaii.

The USS Midway Museum is a fictional landmark.

The USS Midway Museum is a fictional landmark.

Yes, the USS Midway Museum is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

Yes, the USS Midway Museum is an iconic landmark in San Diego.

No, it’s a small, lesser-known attraction.

No, it’s a small, lesser-known attraction.

What is the name of the aircraft carrier that has been turned into a museum in San Diego?

The USS Midway is an aircraft carrier that has been turned into a museum in San Diego.

The USS Midway is an aircraft carrier that has been turned into a museum in San Diego.

The USS Saratoga

The USS Saratoga

The USS Intrepid

The USS Intrepid

The USS Enterprise

The USS Enterprise

What attractions in San Diego are considered among the best in the world?

The San Diego Art Museum and History Center

The San Diego Art Museum and History Center

The San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter

The San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter

The San Diego Maritime Museum and Old Town

The San Diego Maritime Museum and Old Town

The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are considered among the best in the world.

The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are considered among the best in the world.

Is Balboa Park home to the San Diego Zoo?

Yes, Balboa Park is home to the San Diego Zoo.

Yes, Balboa Park is home to the San Diego Zoo.

No, the San Diego Zoo is in Escondido.

No, the San Diego Zoo is in Escondido.

No, the San Diego Zoo is in Mission Bay.

No, the San Diego Zoo is in Mission Bay.

Balboa Park only contains museums, not zoos.

Balboa Park only contains museums, not zoos.

When and where was WD-40 invented?

In 1960 in a garage in Los Angeles.

In 1960 in a garage in Los Angeles.

In 1948 in a factory in New York.

In 1948 in a factory in New York.

WD-40 was invented in 1953 in a small laboratory at Rocket Chemical Company in San Diego.

WD-40 was invented in 1953 in a small laboratory at Rocket Chemical Company in San Diego.

In 1972 at Stanford University.

In 1972 at Stanford University.

In what U.S. city is the 2004 movie ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ primarily set?

The 2004 movie ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ is primarily set in San Diego.

The 2004 movie ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ is primarily set in San Diego.

Chicago

Chicago

Los Angeles

Los Angeles

New York City

New York City

What is the San Diego Zoo renowned for regarding pandas?

Its historic first-ever panda exhibit in the US.

Its historic first-ever panda exhibit in the US.

The San Diego Zoo is renowned for its successful panda breeding program, with six cubs born there.

The San Diego Zoo is renowned for its successful panda breeding program, with six cubs born there.

Its large collection of red pandas.

Its large collection of red pandas.

Its extensive research on panda habitats.

Its extensive research on panda habitats.

How many baby giant pandas have been born at the San Diego Zoo?

Two baby giant pandas.

Two baby giant pandas.

Six baby giant pandas have been born at the San Diego Zoo.

Six baby giant pandas have been born at the San Diego Zoo.

Ten baby giant pandas.

Ten baby giant pandas.

None, they only house adult pandas.

None, they only house adult pandas.

Where was the largest giant panda population outside of China before 2019?

The National Zoo in Washington D.C.

The National Zoo in Washington D.C.

The largest giant panda population outside of China was in the zoo of San Diego.

The largest giant panda population outside of China was in the zoo of San Diego.

The Berlin Zoo in Germany.

The Berlin Zoo in Germany.

The Ueno Zoo in Japan.

The Ueno Zoo in Japan.

What animal theme park and oceanarium is located in Mission Park in San Diego, CA?

Mission Park in San Diego, CA is home to a SeaWorld location.

Mission Park in San Diego, CA is home to a SeaWorld location.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood

Disneyland

Disneyland

Which of the three SeaWorld parks in the U.S. was the first to be founded?

SeaWorld Discovery Cove

SeaWorld Discovery Cove

SeaWorld San Diego was the first of the three SeaWorld parks founded in the U.S.

SeaWorld San Diego was the first of the three SeaWorld parks founded in the U.S.

SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando

What was Shamu?

Shamu was a female orca captured in 1965.

Shamu was a female orca captured in 1965.

A mascot character for a theme park.

A mascot character for a theme park.

A type of exotic fish.

A type of exotic fish.

A famous dolphin trainer.

A famous dolphin trainer.

What did Shamu become the star of?

A popular animated movie.

A popular animated movie.

Shamu became the star of SeaWorld San Diego’s theatrical orca shows.

Shamu became the star of SeaWorld San Diego’s theatrical orca shows.

An Olympic swimming team.

An Olympic swimming team.

A marine biology research program.

A marine biology research program.

What is the first city you hit in Mexico if you head directly south from San Diego?

Mexicali

Mexicali

Rosarito

Rosarito

Tijuana is the first city in Mexico south of San Diego.

Tijuana is the first city in Mexico south of San Diego.

Ensenada

Ensenada

What international point of entry connects Mexican Federal Highway 1 in Tijuana with Interstate 5 in San Diego?

The San Ysidro international point of entry connects Mexican Federal Highway 1 in Tijuana with Interstate 5 in San Diego.

The San Ysidro international point of entry connects Mexican Federal Highway 1 in Tijuana with Interstate 5 in San Diego.

Otay Mesa

Otay Mesa

Tecate Border Crossing

Tecate Border Crossing

Calexico Port of Entry

Calexico Port of Entry

What is the busiest international point of entry in the Americas?

San Ysidro is the busiest international point of entry in the Americas.

San Ysidro is the busiest international point of entry in the Americas.

Peace Bridge (Buffalo, NY)

Peace Bridge (Buffalo, NY)

Ambassador Bridge (Detroit, MI)

Ambassador Bridge (Detroit, MI)

Port of Miami

Port of Miami

What is the fourth busiest international point of entry in the world?

San Ysidro is the fourth busiest international point of entry in the world.

San Ysidro is the fourth busiest international point of entry in the world.

Dover-Calais

Dover-Calais

Hong Kong-Shenzhen Bay

Hong Kong-Shenzhen Bay

Eurotunnel Folkestone

Eurotunnel Folkestone

Since when has Comic-Con International been held in San Diego?

Since 1995

Since 1995

Since 2000

Since 2000

Comic-Con International has been held in San Diego since 1970.

Comic-Con International has been held in San Diego since 1970.

Since 1985

Since 1985

What annual San Diego tradition now draws thousands of pop-culture enthusiasts?

The San Diego Film Festival

The San Diego Film Festival

The San Diego Jazz Festival

The San Diego Jazz Festival

The annual San Diego tradition, Comic-Con, now draws thousands of pop-culture enthusiasts.

The annual San Diego tradition, Comic-Con, now draws thousands of pop-culture enthusiasts.

The San Diego Marathon

The San Diego Marathon

What annual event at the San Diego Convention Center names the museum in Balboa Park that USA Today named the country’s Best Pop Culture Museum in 2023?

The annual Comic-Con held at the San Diego Convention Center names the museum in Balboa Park that USA Today named the country’s Best Pop Culture Museum in 2023.

The annual Comic-Con held at the San Diego Convention Center names the museum in Balboa Park that USA Today named the country’s Best Pop Culture Museum in 2023.

The San Diego Auto Show

The San Diego Auto Show

The San Diego Food and Wine Festival

The San Diego Food and Wine Festival

The San Diego Boat Show

The San Diego Boat Show

When did San Diego officially dedicate May 29th to Tony Hawk?

1999

1999

2010

2010

2005

2005

San Diego officially dedicated May 29th to Tony Hawk starting in 2014.

San Diego officially dedicated May 29th to Tony Hawk starting in 2014.

What is the mascot of the San Diego Padres known as?

The Desert Fox

The Desert Fox

The Golden Bat

The Golden Bat

The mascot of the San Diego Padres wears a brown robe and is known as The Swinging Friar.

The mascot of the San Diego Padres wears a brown robe and is known as The Swinging Friar.

The Surfing Padre

The Surfing Padre

What San Diego team is expected to cut its payroll by about 20% in 2024?

The San Diego Wave FC (NWSL)

The San Diego Wave FC (NWSL)

The Padres MLB team will cut its payroll by about 20% in 2024.

The Padres MLB team will cut its payroll by about 20% in 2024.

The San Diego Gulls (AHL)

The San Diego Gulls (AHL)

The San Diego Chargers (NFL)

The San Diego Chargers (NFL)

In what year did Fernando Tatis, Jr. become the first Padres shortstop to make the All-Star game in eight years?

2018

2018

Fernando Tatis, Jr. became the first Padres shortstop to make the All-Star game in eight years in 2021.

Fernando Tatis, Jr. became the first Padres shortstop to make the All-Star game in eight years in 2021.

2019

2019

2020

2020

When did the San Diego Padres last appear in the World Series, and to whom did they lose?

1992, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays.

1992, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays.

1984, losing to the Detroit Tigers.

1984, losing to the Detroit Tigers.

The San Diego Padres last appeared in the World Series in 1998, losing to the New York Yankees.

The San Diego Padres last appeared in the World Series in 1998, losing to the New York Yankees.

2000, losing to the Boston Red Sox.

2000, losing to the Boston Red Sox.

What San Diego brewery often names its beers after locally found fish?

Stone Brewing

Stone Brewing

Modern Times Beer

Modern Times Beer

Ballast Point Brewing in San Diego often names its beers after locally found fish.

Ballast Point Brewing in San Diego often names its beers after locally found fish.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

What classic teen film features Kirsten Dunst and Eliza Dushku as rival cheerleaders at a San Diego high school?

Mean Girls

Mean Girls

Clueless

Clueless

Varsity Blues

Varsity Blues

Kirsten Dunst and Eliza Dushku play rival cheerleaders at a San Diego high school in the film Bring It On.

Kirsten Dunst and Eliza Dushku play rival cheerleaders at a San Diego high school in the film Bring It On.

What is the name of the most historic—and haunted—home in San Diego?

The Julian Gold Rush Hotel

The Julian Gold Rush Hotel

The Whaley House is the most historic—and haunted—home in San Diego.

The Whaley House is the most historic—and haunted—home in San Diego.

The Villa Montezuma

The Villa Montezuma

The Horton Grand Hotel

The Horton Grand Hotel

What type of house and museum is the Whaley House Museum?

A Victorian mansion built in 1900.

A Victorian mansion built in 1900.

A Spanish Colonial mission from the 1700s.

A Spanish Colonial mission from the 1700s.

A modern art gallery built in the 1950s.

A modern art gallery built in the 1950s.

The Whaley House Museum is a Greek Revival house and museum built in 1857.

The Whaley House Museum is a Greek Revival house and museum built in 1857.

Where is the Whaley House Museum currently located?

In Balboa Park

In Balboa Park

In Old Town State Historic Park

In Old Town State Historic Park

The Whaley House Museum is currently on San Diego Ave.

The Whaley House Museum is currently on San Diego Ave.

Near the Gaslamp Quarter

Near the Gaslamp Quarter

What iconic beach resort in San Diego is said to be haunted by the ghost of Kate Morgan?

The Hotel del Coronado is said to be haunted by the ghost of Kate Morgan.

The Hotel del Coronado is said to be haunted by the ghost of Kate Morgan.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

The US Grant Hotel

The US Grant Hotel

The Grand Hyatt Manchester

The Grand Hyatt Manchester

What 1959 Marilyn Monroe movie featured Hotel del Coronado?

How to Marry a Millionaire

How to Marry a Millionaire

Hotel del Coronado was featured in the 1959 Marilyn Monroe movie Some Like It Hot.

Hotel del Coronado was featured in the 1959 Marilyn Monroe movie Some Like It Hot.

The Seven Year Itch

The Seven Year Itch

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

You can do better

Not bad

Great!

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My passion for travel seamlessly integrates with my love for trivia, as I spend a lot of time on the road. I create engaging trivia quizzes based on the information I gather about new locations, food, music, customs, and people.

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