trip to san diego itinerary

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Home » North America » San Diego

SAN DIEGO Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

San Diego is a bustling city, known for its beaches, parks and warm weather! It’s the eighth-largest city in the United States of America, which means that there’s always something to do as well as a great number of activities to take part in.

In this itinerary for San Diego, we’ll make sure you find the best places to visit in San Diego in 2 days. Taking a trip to this modern metropolis doesn’t get easier! Start booking your flights, cause we’ve put together some of the most irresistible activities and sightseeing tours for you to take part in.

If you’re spending a weekend in San Diego, you’re in for a real treat. The contrast between their famous natural deepwater harbor, epic beaches, and the hustle and bustle of busy city life makes planning a trip to San Diego a breeze!

Here’s everything you need to know about how to plan a trip to San Diego!

A Little Bit about this 3-Day San Diego Itinerary

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This itinerary takes in San Diego itself (Downtown, Marina etc) as well as taking in some of the wider, surrounding beauty stops. The magic of San Diego is not really found in the city centre so do take the time and make the effort to get around the area.

Further in this guide we have covered tips about how to get around San Diego and public transportation info is also provided with details and each attraction.

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3 Day San Diego Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in San Diego: Balboa Park , Museum of Art , Lunch in Marina , USS Midway , Embarcadero , Gaslamp Quarter
• Day 2 in San Diego: Point Loma , Cabilla Monument , San Diego Historic Park , Coronado Beach
• Day 3 in San Diego: Belmont Park , Children’s Pool Park , Liberty Public Museum , Hotel Del Coronado , Torrey Pines Gliderport

Looking for accommodation for your trip? Check out our epic San Diego Hostel Guide for the best places to stay!

With a San Diego City Pass , you can experience the best of San Diego at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

We’re going to make the decision easy by giving you some of the best places to stay in San Diego in 2 days.

Ocean Beach is a great neighborhood for beach bums and surfers! You’ll find the streets lined with surf shops and quaint coffee shops open early. You’ll find that the neighborhood is home to a collection of old school bungalows. Street vendors and street performers take to the sidewalks to bring you the best entertainment and tasty treats.

If you enjoy a laid back vibe, then Ocean Beach is definitely your scene!

The Gaslamp Quarter is filled to the brim with students and young professionals looking to party the night away. A thriving nightlife is what this fantastic little neighborhood has to offer. There are a wide variety of nightlife scenes in this bustling neighborhood! Clubs, dive bars, lounges, and sports bars are all an option if you stay in the Gaslamp Quarter! So if you’re looking to sleep all day and party all night on your vacation in San Diego, this is the place for you!

La Jolla is literally a hidden gem in San Diago . Located a little way out of the bustling city, it provides the peace and quiet that the city sometimes lacks. It’s a beachside neighborhood that is bordered by rocky cliffs that are a great adventuring opportunity! You’ll also find a nature reserve and an underwater park in this location, so if you’re up for a little exploring, this is a perfect fit.

Now that you know some of the best neighborhoods to stay in, it’s time to look at hotels and amazing San Diego hostels that should be added to your itinerary!

Best Hostel in San Diego – Lucky D’s

This colorful hostel is situated in a very central location, making it a breeze to travel to all the very best San Diego points of interest. If you’re wondering what to see in San Diego, their friendly staff are sure to point you in the right direction! Wake up to free breakfast every morning and take part in the hostel’s pub crawl and other nightly social events.

Best Airbnb in San Diego:  Studio in the action of Old Town

Located in the heart of Old Town is this little cottage vacation home in San Diego . Besides the excellent location this home has, there is a hot tub you can dip your feet in after a long day exploring the beaches. And in the morning, enjoy your cup of joe in the peaceful shared courtyard. It is simple but quaint, and you can’t beat the location! It’s just footsteps away from the trolly and impeccable cafes you have to try.

Affordable Luxury Home near Ocean Beach – House w/ 360-Ocean View Rooftop Deck

Located across from Ocean Beach is the delightful coastal neighborhood of Mission Beach, where this incredible luxury property resides. Boasting 360 degree views from its private rooftop deck, plus ocean views from inside the property, those wanting a beach-side vacation in San Diego will love this place. This property comes with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (one bedroom being in an attached studio), plus a gourmet kitchen, private garage and huge dining table that can accommodate all 10 guests. Downtown San Diego is just a 10-minute drive away.

If you’re spending one day in San Diego, you need to make sure you’re adding all the main attractions to your itinerary! On your first day, you’ll spend the day strolling through nature and exploring the most beautiful sights in the city.

10.00 am – Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1200 acre urban park that could easily rival the world’s best! There’s no better way to start your morning than by exploring these expansive and absolutely beautiful grounds.

There is a network of cultivated gardens scattered around the park that contains over 350 different plant species, making this a great adventure for nature lovers!

The gardens were created by a botanist named Kate Sessions in the very early 1900s. Kate is now referred to as the  Mother of Balboa Park .

In the gardens, you’ll also find  Botanical House , which is one of the largest lath buildings in the world. In it, you’ll find over 1,200 individual plants and a marvelous pond decorated with a scattering of lily pads and lotus flowers.

• Cost –  Free to stroll around
• How long should I stay here?  60 minutes taking in the grounds
• Getting there –  Plenty of busses drop here

11.00 am – San Diego Museum of Art

This museum is every art-lovers dream! Although the museum mainly contains art from the Spanish Renaissance and Baroque paintings, in recent years many paintings have been donated that contain a variety of different styles. Now you can expect to see symbolist and expressionist works, as well as paintings from the new objectivity movement, which adds a variety to the museum that wasn’t there before!

You can expect to see works from El Greco, Murillo, Goya and Zurbaran, as well as Dutch masters such as Veronese, Canaletto, van Dyck, Rubens and Frans Hals.

The museum was built in 1926 in the same style of the buildings that were built in 1915 to create a harmonious look to Balboa Park!

The museum holds many events, so it may be a good idea to check out their website to see the up-and-coming events. Expect cocktail evening, film screenings and discounted after hours art viewing!

• Cost: USD $15
• How long should I stay here? 60 minutes
• Getting there – Plenty of busses drop here

12.30 pm – Lunch at Marina

By this point you will probably be feeling a bit hungry. The good news is that our next calling point is situated in the San Diego Marina and there are plenty of great food spots nearby to head into beforehand. There are food trucks selling taco’s but if you want a high quality, sit down meal then check out Salore, Lion’s share or Eddie V’s Prime Sea Food.

• Cost:  $10 – $30 per person
• How long should I stay here?  60 minutes
• Getting there –  To save time take cab. 8 minutes and approx $15

2.00 pm – USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway was commissioned in 1945 and served in the Vietnam war, as well as Operation Desert Storm before being transformed into the largest museum dedicated to aircraft carriers in the world.

There are self-guided tours that give you the opportunity to explore the ship and see over 30 restored aircrafts.

These will consist of 8 propeller planes, 14 jet aircrafts, and 8 helicopters. If you’re not that into aircrafts, don’t worry. There’s plenty more to see!

The tour will lead you into the ship, where you’ll explore the galley, the brig, the crew’s sleeping quarters, the pilot’s ready room, and the engine room. You will also have a chance to hear snippets from people who served aboard the USS Midway.

The tour is very interactive and gives you the chance to get involved in simulations, climb into the cockpit of airplanes, and watch documentaries about the dramatic events that took place aboard this great ship. If you’re a history lover, you’re sure to enjoy this adventure! It’s one of the best  things to do in San Diego .

• Cost:  USD $22
• How long should I stay here? 120 minutes
• Getting there –  Walk here from the Marina

4.00 pm – Explore Embarcadero

A tour to San Diego is simply not complete without a visit to the beautiful Embarcadero harbor! The harbor has a beautiful view of Coronado Island and is filled with interesting shops, eateries and sights.

During summer nights, you’ll hear a symphony orchestra playing along the promenade where you can stop to enjoy a free concert as the sun sets over the water.

The harbor is always filled with the most exotic cruise ships! These are massive ships that take guests on trips to places all around the world.

Take a lengthy stroll around the harbor to explore the many points of interest along the way. You’ll find interesting statues, a kiddie playground, and many pop-up stores and street performers. There’s no lack of entertainment at this wonderful San Diego attraction!

• Cost:  Free

6.00 pm – Gas Lamp Quarter

The Gas Lamp quarter is hip and lively district known for it’s nightlife. Our San Diego itinerary ends the first night here where you can stroll around people watching, keep some find food and maybe a few drinks if you are in the mood. There are establishments to suit all tastes from American diners, cool restaurants, trendy wine bars and craft ale pubs.

How long you linger and how late you stay out in the Gaslamp Quarter depends on you. Many bars will stay open until midnight or even 2am. Just remember we have day 2 tommorow!

• How long should I stay here?  120 minutes
• Getting there –  You can walk from the Marina

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If you’re spending 2 days in San Diego, you get a chance to explore the wider area. Some of the distances between stops are pretty big so this day is a lot better with a car. However, it is possible by public transport if you don’t mind a good few hours of bus time.

8.00 am – Point Loma

Point Loma has a rocky coastline that offers unforgettable views and a myriad of different photo opportunities. A visit to this coastline is one you’ll surely want to remember, so don’t forget to bring your camera along for the trip!

In 1542, Europe sent its first expedition to explore America, and Point Loma was their very first landing point.

There are many attractions and sights in Point Loma because of its wonderful history and beautiful scenery. Because of the exposed coastline in this area, there has always been a strong military presence.

There is a 77.5-acre fort, called Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery that contains over 100,000 graves. It’s an incredible sight to behold! There are also a couple of meaningful monuments dedicated to those who died in a tragic accident that claimed the lives of many.

From the coastline, you can enjoy the solitude of whale watching or fishing, or if you’d like more of a thrill you could join the rock climbers that scale the cliff face.

• Cost:  Free!
• How long should I stay here?  Take the whole morning
• Getting there –  We suggest renting a car or using a Ride share like Uber or Lyft. Public transport takes nearly 2 hours

11.00 am – Cabrillo National Monument

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s expedition landed in Point Loma in 1542 and named the bay San Miguel which was later changed to San Diego in 1602. The statue of Cabrillo was donated to San Diego by the Portuguese government in 1939!

If you’d like to know more about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his voyage across the ocean, be sure to visit the Cabrillo National Monument Museum !

You can watch a movie and see exhibits and maps of the trip that took him along the Californian coast.

Check out the Old Point Loma lighthouse while you’re in the area, as it has now been converted into a museum full of historical artifacts! Take in the San Diego skyline as you explore the bay area. If you visit during the early morning, you’ll be able to see a colorful sunrise as the first rays of light hit the city skyline!

• Getting there –  Walk here from Point Loma

1.00 pm – San Diego State Historic Park & Old Town

The State Historic Park can be found in San Diego’s Old Town, and you’ll find it scattered with old buildings that date all the way back to the 19th century when settlers first built permanent residents in the US!

One of the oldest buildings you’ll find in the area is the Casa de Estudillo which was built in 1827 and is the oldest remaining Spanish architecture in the US.

The Park gives you interesting insights into the culture of the Spanish and Mexican settlers that soon developed into an American settlement.

There is constant activity in the park, that mimics the activity of centuries past. You’ll find plenty of burros to pet and shopkeepers to chat to, that will tell you an awful lot about the history of the area.

In the historic park, you’ll find shops, museums, and restaurants, all worth exploring! The historic Plaza also has a full schedule of events and celebratory occasions, so be sure to have a look at what’s going on at the historic park during your stay. You may have a little extra to add to your San Diego itinerary!

• How long should I stay here?
• Getting there –  By bus take the 84 until Rosecrans St & Canon St and change to the 28

3.00 pm – Coronado Beach

Pack a picnic and venture down to one of America’s most beautiful beaches ! The beach is long, flat and soft, giving visitors plenty of space to have fun on the beach without it getting too cramped.

The beach has a higher mica content than that of many others, giving the sand a wonderful shimmery effect.

The area has the largest pacific swells, however, it remains a very safe beach to swim and there is a whole team of lifeguards ready to save you if you run into any trouble!

Insider Tip: There are bikes to rent along the beachfront, so if you don’t feel like tanning in the sand, you can cycle along Ocean Boulevard and take in the pretty scenery. At the end of the beach, there are fire pits that you can rent for the evening and make smores until you simply can’t eat anymore.

• How long should I stay here?   120 minutes
• Getting there –  Take the Sante Green Line Metro to 12th Imperial and then the 901 bus until Orange Av.

Whether you’ll take part in these activities or not depends on how many days in San Diego you decide to stay. If you’re taking more than just a weekend trip to San Diego, you’ll need a few more activities to fill up your 3-day itinerary in San Diego! There is an abundance of day trips to take from San Diego , too!

1. Belmont Park

The amusement park was opened by John.D Spreckles in 1925, making the park almost 100 years old! Belmont Park has 12 rides, one of which is named the Giant Dipper. Over the years, this wooden ride has become a right of passage for children and teenagers throughout San Diego.

The rollercoaster has become a national historic landmark all on its own, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t many other great rides at the park!

Along with the other rides, comes a great deal of attractions, the most popular among these is the 18 hole mini-golf course which is lots of fun for the whole family. Although there are plenty of challenging holes, there’s also enough opportunity for a hole in one to make the course exciting!

There are 3 oceanfront eateries that you can visit during the course of your day visit. They serve incredible sit down meals, and give you the opportunity to order a beer or a cocktail to cool off from the heat of the day. There’s  also a brewery tour  if you want to have even more fun after the rollercoasters. ( Just be sure to do the tour after the rollercoasters, not before.)

If you’re not in the mood for a sit down meal (or your kids won’t allow it), then there are plenty of stalls that sell yummy on the go food, including a giant monster cone waffle ice cream.

• Cost:  Adult – USD $53 Child – USD $43
• How long should I stay here?  At least half a day
• Getting there –  Take a Uber or Lyft ride share

2. Children’s Pool Beach

The waves in San Diego are absolutely spectacular and are any surfer’s dream, however, the currents are strong and dangerous, so children are discouraged from swimming in these areas!

In 1931 Ellen Browning Scripps decided she would create a solution to the problem, and gift it to the children of the city. She commissioned a concrete wall to be built in the ocean, that would shield a small bay from the strong ocean currents.

This created the perfect environment for children to safely swim in the ocean!

What nobody bargained for is the fact the sea lions and seals would enjoy the bay just as much. From December to May every year they wallow in the bay and give birth to their pups, before moving on to another area! It’s advised that you don’t go swimming during this time, as the animals are very dangerous, especially when they’re protecting their young.

Going to see them from a distance is a great idea.  Seeing the seemingly lazy creatures  soaking up the sun is quite a sight to behold! Be sure to take your travel camera along to document the herd of seals and sea lions! If you don’t yet have the perfect travel camera, you can  browse our camera guide here .

• How long should I stay here?  A few hours
• Getting there –  Bus or ride share to Jolla

3. Liberty Public Market

The Liberty Public Market is a foodie destination of note! It’s an urban market that showcases some of the areas best wine, cheese, beer, fruit, veg, meat, fish, pastries, sauces, and arts and crafts.

There are plenty of prepared meals on sale too if you’re looking for a meal while you’re there. With a variety of pop-up eateries in the area, you’re sure to leave feeling fully satisfied!

If you love to explore indoor stalls, this is the perfect place for you to spend your 3rd day in San Diego. You’ll find a collection of jewelry, clothing and trinkets that are perfect to take home as souvenirs to your family and friends back home.

You’ll even find a store that does on the spot tech repairs, so if you happen to drop your phone during your holiday, they’re sure to fix it for you!

Visiting the market in the evening is also a great idea as the area turns into a hub for socializing and dining together as a community. Many people meet up with friends for an informal dinner and catch up, making this a great place to mingle with the locals and make a few friends.

4. Hotel del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado is a massive hotel that has become renowned for its look and location, overlooking the Coronado beach. When the hotel was built back in 1888, there it was the largest resort hotel in the world! Unfortunately, it no longer holds that title, but it is still very impressive!

The hotel is known to be visited by the rich and famous, including many Hollywood stars! Every president since President Eisenhower has visited the hotel, making it a must-see during your travels to San Diego.

The hotel is so beautiful, that its iconic towers have appeared in as many as 12 films over the years, including  Some Like it Hot , which was released in 1959.

If you don’t want to tour the hotel from the inside, then head down to the beach for the perfect view of the hotel from the outside. We can almost guarantee you’ll recognize the Hotel del Coronado immediately from some movie or another!

If you  do tour the hotel , be sure to look out for celebrities, movie stars, or political legends that might be staying there during your visit.

5. Torrey Pines Gliderport

This is a spot with a magnificent view! Many people come here to sit and enjoy the ocean views and spend time in nature, but for those with an adventurous spirit, you’ll hardly be able to resist the temptation of taking off in tandem flight over the pacific ocean.

The area is famous as a site that hanggliders use to take off from the cliffs. They jump over the edge of the cliffs and soar high above the ocean!

You can either pick a bench and watch them as they do their thing, or join in the spectacular fun!

You can take a tandem flight in this area that allows you to experience the thrills of soaring through the air, without having to worry about the logistics of the flight. Your knowledgeable and experienced guide will handle the controls, while you take in the views!

If you’re not in the mood for an adrenaline rush, be sure to take a stroll along the cliff’s edge to take in the amazing views. There are plenty of benches along the way for you to stop off and relax for a while.

There is also a cliffside restaurant that provides amazing views and a delicious bite to eat as you take in all the action around you!

• Cost  – Free
• How long should I stay here?  2 or 3 hours to explore
• Getting there –  Rent a car or ride share it

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in San Diego:

Old Town is an area of San Diego that marks the birthplace of the state of California. It is the site of the first Spanish settlement in the early-1800s and today still retains much of its historic charms and architecture.

• Visit the Junipero Serra Museum to see exhibits and displays on the life in Old Town.
• Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day in Presidio Park
• Visit the Whaley House Museum, which is rumoured to be the most haunted house in America.

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It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

San Diego’s climate is mild all year round, making it perfect for laying on the beach and touring the city any time of the year.

Peak season in San Diego is in the fall (September to November), this is when the days are warmer and nights are cooler. The temperatures are very consistent and there’s little chance of rain! You’ll also find there are plenty of activities around this time of year, especially outdoor film festivals that can be stacks of fun, as well as some of the must-see San Diego attractions.

During winter in San Diego (December – March), it’s not the ideal time to visit the beach, however, it never gets too cold! This is a great time to visit if you’re more interested in visiting the San Diego landmarks or enjoying their famous balloon festival.

Here’s what you can expect from San Diego each month of the year!

If you want to plan a trip to San Diego, you’re going to need to know how to navigate the city. Here are some of the easiest and best ways to get around the city!

The coaster is a train that leaves from downtown San Diego and takes its passengers to the communities on the outskirts of the city. If you’re looking to adventure outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a great transportation option.

The Coronado Ferry and water taxis can take you around San Diego Bay and transport you between Broadway Pier and the Convention Center. They’re fairly cheap and provide wonderful sightseeing opportunities along the way.

Trolleys run throughout the downtown area, transporting you to locations across the city. This is the perfect form of transport for navigating the city without the hassle of dealing with traffic.

Renting a bicycle is also a great option when you’re traveling short distances as the streets are very cyclist-friendly. Many roads have cycling lanes that make navigating the streets very easy! You’ll also get the chance to see a lot more of the city while pedaling around.

San Diego is a very safe city, and leaves little for you to worry about during your 2 perfect days in San Diego. However, problems may arise where you least expect them, so here are some things you must watch out for to make sure your San Diego itinerary doesn’t get compromised during your trip!

While you’re touring San Diego, you’re sure to pay a visit to the beach at least once or twice during your vacation. Although the San Diego beaches are beautiful and the weather is just right for swimming, you do need to be aware of the strong rip tides that plague the coastline.

Backwash is also a problem in the La Jolla area and is caused when big waves hit the harsh cliffs that overlook the beach. Be sure that you check for signs, as many of the beaches have caution signs that warn you not to swim where it is too dangerous! Also, make sure there is always someone watching you from the beach that can warn authorities if you’re being swept out.

If you decide to rent a car, be aware that San Diego has one of the biggest crossings in the country and the exits can be very confusing. It’s important to plan our route before you head out, as you’ll need to be aware of which lane you should be traveling in to take the right exit.

It’s often advised to take public transport instead of renting a car in San Diego, as the locals know the logistics of traveling the city better than any tourist could!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for San Diego

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their San Diego itinerary.

How many days you need in San Diego?

Exploring San Diego within 3 days is definitely possible, but you will have to plan ahead so you can use your time efficiently. Having an extra day to chill or change plans spontaneoulsy will make your itinerary a lot more relaxed.

What is there to do in San Diego?

There are so many attractions in San Diego that it’s hard to choose what to do. Check out Klook or Airbnb experiences for the best activities, tours and tickets.

What are the most popular attractions in San Diego?

The Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are the most popular attractions in San Diego. However, we’d also recommend checking out the Coronado Beach, one of America’s most beautiful beaches.

What needs to be on a San Diego itinerary for couples?

Couples will absolutely love these attractions in San Diego: – Coronado Beach – Balboa Park – Embarcadero Harbor

If you’re a first time visitor to this awesome city, be prepared for the time of your life! Get ready for the best 2 days in San Diego that you’ll ever have!

No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be a few amazing activities to satisfy your thirst for adventure. The city offers everything from surfing and lazing on the beach, to historic tours that are sure to blow your mind.

With such a rich and long history, the city really does have more to offer than many of its surrounding cities. Being so close to the border, it’s very easy to take a day-trip from San Diego into Mexico if you’d like to experience even more culture!

Be sure to fill your San Diego itinerary with some of these exciting activities to be sure you’re making the most of your holiday!

San Diego awaits you! It’s time you start creating your very own San Diego itinerary!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Art Patterson

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San Diego Itinerary: 9 Unmissable Things To Do In 3 Perfect Days

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: August 13, 2020

San Diego is an outdoors-orientated, laid back and trendy city boasting the best tacos in America. You’re in the perfect place to plan your first time San Diego vacation itinerary, we’ll show you the best things to do in just three days.

San Diego has an enormous amount of fantastic things to do for first time visitors, from beaches to museums and from the zoo to awesome photography locations.

It’s a place you visit on vacation, fall in love with and begin planning your move to Southern California.

Three days is the perfect timeframe for a first time visit to San Diego but you will also find a modified one and/or two day San Diego itinerary in case you have less time available.

To help you plan your entire San Diego vacation efficiently, we will cover the 4 major aspects of planning: how you get there, the best things to do, where you should eat and where you should stay.

In addition, you will discover all of the top photography locations around San Diego.

(We promise not to quote the entirety of Anchorman – that would be very Veronica ‘Corny’ stone of us)

Let’s get planning your San Diego vacation itinerary!

Get To Know San Diego

Before we dive into the itinerary, here’s a roundup of what you can expect from your San Diego adventure, featuring key information, top reasons to visit San Diego and some fun facts!

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway ? Don’t miss our popular guide to the 23 best places to visit on the drive from San Diego to San Francisco along Highway 1.

How To Get To San Diego

Flights To San Diego

Flights to San Diego International Airport – You can fly direct into San Diego from many parts of the US.

Internationally (outside of continental North America) you can fly direct to/from Zurich, Frankfurt, London and Tokyo. See map of direct flights in/out of San Diego

Flights to Los Angeles – We highly recommend checking prices for flying to LA, hiring a car and driving to San Diego.

It is very likely international travelers to San Diego will find better value for money in this option. Plus, you’ll need a car in San Diego to hit the highlights so you’ve ticked that box with a hire car.

If you’re flying into San Diego or Los Angeles,  search for flights with Skyscanner for best value and most options, remembering that if you are budget conscious it could be cheaper with a change of airport on the way.

Afterward  compare prices for a hire car with Rental Cars and check value against other car hire companies to see if you can find a better price.

Read: Our 15 money saving booking flights tips every time you travel.

Driving To San Diego

Downtown los angeles to san diego.

Take I-5 South for 120 miles all the way down to San Diego. It doesn’t get much easier!

Without incident or worse than usual traffic, the drive should take around 2 hours. However, be prepared for a much longer journey.

We got stuck in a very slow moving traffic jam the entire way and it took closer to 4 hours.

LAX to San Diego

Los Angeles airport isn’t far from Santa Monica and you have 2 choices to get to San Diego. You need to get onto the I-5, so you can either:

• Head East towards Anaheim to join I-5
• Or take I-405 South to join the I-5 just past Newport Beach

Journey time and distance are similar (125 miles / just under 2 hours), it could come down to potluck of traffic on the day.

Other Notable Driving Times

• Las Vegas is around 5 hours drive
• Joshua Tree National Park is 2 hours 45 minutes away
• Phoenix is 5 hours 30 minutes drive
• San Francisco is 8 hours 30 minutes drive

Getting Around in San Diego

San Diego has a very walkable downtown, particularly around Gaslamp and Embarcadero along the harbor front. However, you will need a vehicle to access many of the best bits outside of town.

Public transport is a little slow in San Diego and most people drive here. There are a lot of one way roads downtown, so make sure your GPS is up to date!

Use Uber if you don’t have a car and need to travel across town.

Even though we had a car, we left it parked at the hotel and took an Uber from Balboa Park to Embarcadero -more on these places below.

San Diego’s climate is perfect for exploring, it rarely gets too hot like Death Valley – or too cold like Yosemite in Winter brrrrrr!

9 Best Things To Do On Your San Diego Itinerary

San Diego is overflowing with awesome things to do for first time visitors. But there are some things you simply can’t miss.

This is one of the best places to visit in the USA and we want to help you plan the perfect vacation.

You will find the top things to do below but there will be more included in your San Diego itinerary later.

1. Balboa Park

What Is Balboa Park?

Balboa Park is not just a park with grass, dog walkers and early morning joggers. No, this is San Diego’s sparkling inner-city cultural diamond.

Balboa Park is a 2,000 acre sprawling urban park containing beautiful gardens, performing arts and more museums than you can shake a stick at.

Why Visit Balboa Park?

Balboa Park is the perfect family day. You could spend an entire day here and still not explore every museum, garden and arts center!

There are walking trails if you’re an early bird staying close by and one of San Diego’s best photography locations is right in Balboa Park (more later).

Oh, and the world famous San Diego zoo is here too!

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular places to visit for you to consider adding to your itinerary:

San Diego Air and Space Museum

San Diego air and space museum features collection from the early gliders and hot air balloons to jets and helicopters from the world wars.

• Opening Hours : 10.00am – 4.30pm
• Tickets : US$ 19.95 adult
• Air and Space Website

Balboa Park Alcazar Gardens

Alcazar gardens design and pattern is a replica of the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain from 1935.

You will find manicured gardens filled with vibrant flowers, ornate fountains and colorful Moorish tiles.

• Opening Hours : 6.00am – 10.00pm
• Tickets : Free

Botanical Building and Lily Pond

A gorgeous, calming lily pond sitting in front of the Botanical Building and forms one of Balboa Park’s most iconic photographs.

Inside, the Botanical Building features more than 2,000 permanent plants and beautiful seasonal flowers.

• Opening Hours : 10.00am – 4.00pm, Fri – Wed (closed Thur)

Spreckels Organ Pavillion

The Spreckels organ contains more than 5,000 pipes, ranging in length from minuscule to gigantic. Think a few inches to over 30 feet!

This is the largest outdoor organ in the world and if you time it right on a Sunday at 2pm (no matter the weather), you will be able to watch a 1 hour free concert.

• Opening Hours : Always open

San Diego Museum of Art

You can find over 20,000 objects dating from as far back as 3,000BC at the San Diego Museum of Art.

The museum holds Spanish, Latin American, Asian and European art from Renaissance and Baroque to Modern and Contemporary.

A must for art lovers visiting San Diego!

• Opening Hours : Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sat – 10.00am – 5.00pm; Weds – Closed, Fri – 10.00am – 8.00pm, Sun – 12.00pm – 5.00pm
• Tickets : US$ 15.00 adult
• Art Museum Website

The Old Globe Theater

You may have heard of the old globe before but most likely associated with Shakespeare’s old globe in London.

Well, San Diego modeled their performing arts theater on the very same one right inside Balboa Park way back in 1935.

More than 250,000 people attend a variety of shows at the Old Globe and as you can see from our photo above one of those is Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, which is performed each year before Christmas.

Coming from England and New York respectively, it is surreal to consider Christmas while wearing shorts on a beautiful sunny day!

• Opening Hours : Varied
• Tickets : Varied
• Old Globe Website

Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden of was 1991 as an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama in Japan.

Beautifully curated and manicured gardens are extremely popular in Japan and here you have the chance to immerse yourself into Japanese culture of serenity.

The 12 acre plot of land is filled with flora, arranged stones and water features to resemble a traditional Japanese garden but has been adapted to suit San Diego’s climate.

Over 250,000 tourists visit the garden each year.

• Opening Hours : 10am – 6.00pm
• Tickets : US$ 12.00 adult
• Friendship Garden Website

San Diego Museum of Man and California Tower

San Diego’s Museum of Man ( recently rebranded to Museum of Us ) features a weird and wonderful collection of, well, almost anything you can think of!

From human relationships, connections and self-reflection to the history of beer, monsters and even cannibalism. Like we said, weird but maybe wonderful?!

The iconic California Tower is almost 200 feet tall and can be seen from across Balboa Park. The finely intricate tower can be toured as part of the Museum of Us.

• Opening Hours : 10.00am – 5.00pm
• Tickets : Museum – US$ 13 adult, Museum & Tower – US$ 23
• Museum of Us Website

Spanish Art Village Center

In a Spanish Village with traditional Spanish building and tiled floors you will find over 200 working artists creating art year round.

Walk among painters, sculptors, glass, enamel and clay artists to appreciate the craft and observe the processes taking place.

• Opening Hours : 11.00am – 4.00pm
• Spanish Village Website

2. San Diego Zoo

What is the San Diego Zoo?

San Diego zoo is one of the most famous and revered zoo’s in the US, receiving a staggering 4 million visitors each year.

It was one of the pioneers for creating open air natural habitats for many of its resident animals and houses over 3,000 animals.

The zoo’s most iconic animals were giant pandas who were repatriated to China in 2019.

Why visit the San Diego Zoo?

It doesn’t get much better if you are traveling to San Diego as a family with children but you don’t need to have kids to enjoy this mammoth sized zoo.

You will lose a lot of time but it is one of the best zoo’s you’re likely to visit.

You can take a tourist double decker bus around the entire zoo or walk from one area to the next, including Australian Outback and Africa Rocks.

• Opening Hours : Weekdays – 9.00am – 6.00pm, Weekends – 9.00am – 7.00pm
• Tickets : US$ 65 adult | Buy tickets here
• Zoo Website

3. Gaslamp Quarter

What is the Gaslamp Quarter?

Gaslamp is the 16 square block beating heart of San Diego, the focal point drawing tourists in like an unstoppable gravitational force.

It is here you will find over 100 restaurants, bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs, cafes, rooftops and live music venues.

The name derives from gas lamp street lights and the neighborhood retains its Victorian-era feel while modernizing with skyscrapers.

Why visit the Gaslamp Quarter?

This is the place to be see and be seen, the place to eat and the place to party in San Diego.

During the day you can find artisan markets and boutique shops running the length of the street.

The street often closes to traffic and restaurants open up outdoor seating spilling into the road, creating an electric but chilled atmosphere.

Try out a rooftop bar, taste some craft beers or treat yourself to some fine dining.

We loved Gaslamp Quarter, even if it is a little touristy.

4. USS Midway Museum

What is the USS Midway?

The USS Midway was the longest serving Aircraft Carrier in the 20th century before its decommission in San Diego, 1992.

Among the Midways achievements are first carrier to extensively operate in Sub-Arctic waters, first landing of a jet with autopilot, Vietnam war pilots shooting down MiG’s, evacuation of Saigon and Persian Gulf flagship.

It has been a museum since 2004, receiving around 1 million visitors each year.

Why visit the USS Midway?

The Midway has over 10 acres worth of exhibits to explore through the hangar, flight deck and below deck.

Plus, you can discover over 30 restored aircraft and helicopters, including the F-14 Tomcat made famous by the 80’s movie Top Gun.

You will also find simulators, programs and theaters discussing all things aircraft carrier. USS Midway is perfect for families and anyone interested in seeing the vast inside of a decorated Naval ship.

• Opening Hours : Everyday 10.00am – 5.00pm
• Tickets : US$ 26 adult | Buy tickets here
• Midway Website

5. Embarcadero (Bayfront)

What is the Embarcadero?

Embarcadero is a popular promenade style walking area hugging San Diego bay.

You will find marinas, seal watching tours, USS Midway, seafood restaurants, international cruise ship terminal, Maritime Museum and the Star of India Museum.

The area is an L shape following the curve of San Diego bay, right behind the convention center close to Gaslamp.

Why visit the Embarcadero?

You will naturally find you are drawn towards the bay after dinner in Gaslamp, this is the perfect area to wander slowly during the evening.

Don’t miss the statue of unconditional surrender which is surrounded by Joshua Trees, Star of India sailing ship museum and you can even look inside submarines at the maritime museum.

A great way to see the Embarcadero from the bay is by taking this popular San Diego harbor cruise tour .

6. La Jolla

What is La Jolla?

La Jolla (pronounced La Hoya) is a very popular upmarket village-like neighborhood in Northwest San Diego, renowned for its fine dining and upscale village atmosphere.

San Diego’s crown jewel is surrounded on three sides by ocean but stretches 7 miles up the coast to encompass Torrey Pines (think best golf courses) and many educational institutes.

Why visit La Jolla?

Many people stay in La Jolla and day trip into San Diego, making their itinerary more of a beach vacation.

You can surf, scuba dive and kayak around headland coves, or watch seals and sea lions playing on rocks and beaches.

Photographers can explore the dramatic coastline shooting amazing piers and be part of a chilled community.

7. San Diego Beaches / Coastline

What is the San Diego Coastline?

As a run on from La Jolla which is on the coastline, San Diego is famed for its chilled beach culture and on a first time visit to the area, you can’t leave the coastline off your itinerary.

Each beach area / neighborhood offers its own atmosphere and audience.

Why visit the San Diego Coastline?

You can’t visit San Diego and not go beach hunting!

Jump in your car and spend an afternoon / early evening driving from one beach to the next from Black’s Beach near Torrey Pines, down to Sunset Cliffs.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular beaches and coastline attractions from North to South.

Torrey Pines & Black’s Beach

Torrey Pines is best known for hosting the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour each Winter. But just to the South of the famed gold club, you can find Torrey Pines Gliderport and Black’s Beach.

The Gliderport is a cool place to watch members running down a hill and leaping off the cliff edge!

Plus, views over Black’s Beach are exceptional from the Gliderport, in case you don’t have time to venture down to the beach.

Also in the area is Salk Institute for Biological Research and the University of California San Diego.

Ellen Browning Memorial Pier

Just a few minutes drive South you will find Scripps institution of Oceanography which hosts Birch Aquarium and a mesmerizing pier on its beachfront.

The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier is one of the most photogenic piers you are likely to see and the beach area here is extremely sparse compared to the more popular trendy beaches closer to San Diego.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is the artsy, hippy, bohemian, class SoCal beach in San Diego with an awesome pier, hundreds of surfers and a fantastically laid back vibe.

Many locals visit this beach because it is quieter than touristy Mission Beach and Pacific Beach (between La Jolla and Ocean Beach).

Newport Avenue close to the pier is filled with boutiques, antiques and restaurants.

Ocean Beach stretches from Newport Ave popular with surfers, up to Dog Beach where a ton of dogs are running riot!

Visit this beach to mix with the locals, surf, eat burgers, see art, check out the long pier and experience the different vibe to downtown San Diego.

Note : Mission Beach just to the North has a huge beach, Belmont amusement park and Sea World San Diego. If traveling with kids, Mission is a better fit than Ocean Beach.

Sunset Cliffs

Just over a mile to the South of Ocean Beach Pier, you will find dozens of cars driving in the same direction as daylight comes to a close.

They are all heading to Sunset Cliffs to watch a stunning Californian sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

This has to be on your San Diego itinerary, particularly if you’re not from the West and don’t get to see these sunsets often.

Sunset cliffs headland edges will begin to fill up and you will have a hard time finding a parking space but all you need to do is drive up a residential street and park – not obstructing drive ways!

You won’t be there long, just enough time to watch the sky illuminate deep orange before fading into darkness.

8. Coronado

What is Coronado?

Coronado is a peninsula in San Diego bay, accessible by a magnificent 2.1 mile long curving bridge crossing the bay not far from Embarcadero and Gaslamp Quarter.

Ronald Reagan was the first person to drive across the bridge when it opened in 1969.

Alternatively, you can take a short ferry directly from the Convention Center / Broadway Pier (next to USS Midway) to Coronado Ferry center, a shopping mall on the waterfront.

Coronado is a popular resort town famous for its grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, surfing and of course its beach. Nearby Coronado has a resort town center with cafes and bars.

Why visit Coronado?

Coronado is easy to access from Gaslamp and Downtown, even without a car, which means almost all tourists can visit the peninsula.

But the main reason to visit is to get the best San Diego night views across the bay from Centennial Park (more later in best photography locations).

9. Old Town San Diego

What is Old Town San Diego?

Old Town was created as a settlement back in 1769 and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the birthplace of California dating back to the 1820’s.

You will find 19th century homes and businesses maintained to allow an insight into colonial living, plus dozens of restaurants, shopping, entertainment and hotel options.

Why visit Old Town San Diego?

Learn about the Mexican-American history of San Diego, visit over 100 speciality shops, wander around Fiesta de Reyes ( check events calendar ) and eat excellent Mexican food with a cocktail.

Another place to visit in Old Town is the Whaley House Museum , the most haunted house in America. Not one for us!

San Diego Pass

It is definitely worth considering buying a San Diego Pass if you’re the type of traveler who loves to see and do everything in a new place.

You can choose between two San Diego attractions pass options.

We always recommend (and use ourselves!) attractions passes when visiting cities with tons of fun things to do.

These passes allow you to visit more attractions at a lower overall cost. It really is that simple.

In San Diego you can choose between the following:

Go City San Diego Pass

San diego citypass.

The Go City San Diego Pass features over 50 fun attractions ranging from SeaWorld and Legoland to kayaking and whale watching. The San Diego Zoo is of course included, as are most of the places inside Balboa Park.

The Go City San Diego Pass comes with two very different options for visitors, which gives more flexibility to the user.

You can either buy an attractions based pass or a day based pass.

• The attractions pass allows you to choose a specific amount of attractions you would like to see from 2 – 7 attractions.
• The day based pass allows you to choose a specific amount of days you would like to have access to all 55+ San Diego attractions from 1 – 7 days.

We would recommend an attractions based Go City San Diego Pass to anyone who just wants to see a few very select attractions in San Diego and save money. This pass is better for solo travelers.

However, we would definitely recommend the day based Go City San Diego Pass to anyone who wants to spend a few days experiencing as much as possible in San Diego. This pass is better for couples and families.

>> Head over to the Go City San Diego Pass official website for more information on both pass types.

Alternatively, you can buy a San Diego CityPASS, which only offers a handful of pre-selected attractions at a set price point.

You can choose either SeaWorld or Legoland, or you can choose both of those two top attractions. After that you can select three more top attractions from a total of six.

CityPASS typically only give the most popular tourist attractions as options to keep it nice, easy and simple.

This pass is best suited to solo travelers, couples who just want to see the top sights and families who don’t want to be rushing around trying to tick off as many attractions as possible.

>> Head over to the San Diego CityPASS official site for more information.

Best Photography Locations In San Diego

One of the biggest surprises for us was how photogenic San Diego and its surrounding areas are. You will find a list of the best photography locations below so you can shoot the most awesome spots in the city.

Cabrillo Bridge – Located in Balboa Park close to Museum of Us, visit the bridge at night to shoot downtown San Diego from above I-5 to get the car lights blur with long exposures.

Sunset Cliffs – As mentioned above, this is the best place to photograph sunset.

Coronado Bridge – You’ll need to gain elevation for sunrise and the enormous bridge crossing San Diego bay is your perfect sunrise photography location.

Scripps Pier – Again, we’ve mentioned this above, the pier offers a phenomenal tunnel-like image that appears as though it could be a portal to another dimension!

Salk Institute of Biological Sciences – Ahh the pain we feel. There’s an awesome symmetrical photograph to be taken inside the research facilities grounds, however, it’s not particularly easy to get inside. When we tried to enter the grounds we were stopped by security. After explaining we just wanted to take a photograph, they wouldn’t allow us to go in. Sigh.

Coronado – For awesome night photography of the San Diego skyline and USS Midway, simply head over Coronado bridge to Centennial Park. You can set up in a quaint small park with unobstructed views across the bay. Plenty of room to go around.

3 Days in San Diego Itinerary

Now you know the best things San Diego has on offer for first time visitors, you can begin to construct a day by day itinerary for your visit.

But to give you a helping hand, here’s an example of how we would spend 3 days in San Diego most efficiently:

Day 1 – Balboa Park, Old Town and Little Italy

Balboa Park

• Begin your day at the famous San Diego Zoo. It opens at 9 so you can get a good early start.
• There are plenty of parking lots throughout Balboa Park. If the zoo parking lot is full, find another nearby, you’ll be walking around Balboa Park for hours anyway!
• The zoo is huge so you’ll need a few hours here, especially if traveling as a family.
• After the zoo, explore Balboa Park and its numerous museums, gardens and attractions.
• Here are the museums you can choose between: Air & Space Museum, Automotive Museum, Comic-Con Museum, Fleet Science Center, Natural History Museum, Model Railroad Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, Mingei International Museum, Museum of Man / Us and Museum of Art.
• Phew! You are not short of options but isn’t it great to have such a diverse group of museums in one small space?
• Don’t forget to explore the Alcazar and Japanese friendship gardens and check out the Spanish Village Art Center. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, stay for the 2pm Organ concert.
• If there are any theater performances during your San Diego itinerary, book a show at the Old Globe.
• In the mid afternoon once you can’t take in anymore educational museums, drive just 6 miles to San Diego Old Town.
• Old Town will take far less time to explore than Balboa Park.
• Spend the late afternoon walking around Fiesta de Reyes, Plaza de las Armas and the old town colonial buildings.

Little Italy

• If you haven’t gotten ‘lost’ in an Old Town cocktail bar, drive to Little Italy (or back to your hotel and walk / Uber to Little Italy).
• This famous neighborhood comes alive in the evening, with a ton of restaurants and wine bars to choose between (see where to eat below for options).
• If you want to walk off dinner and wine afterwards, you’re just a block or two away from the North end of Embarcadero and the bay front.
• Or if you’re into photography, drive just a few miles back to Balboa Park where you can photograph cars entering / leaving San Diego on I-5 with the city skyline behind.

Day 2 – Embarcadero, USS Midway, Coronado & Gaslamp

Gaslamp District (Part 1)

• Begin with breakfast (breakfast republic is great) in Gaslamp, check out the shops and artisan market on Sundays.
• Stop at Ghirardelli’s for hot chocolate … and actual chocolate!
• Head South to the Convention Center but walk around / over it to the marina. When we visited San Diego, America’s got Talent were holding auditions inside and there were security guards posted all around the building.

Embarcadero

• From Embarcadero Marina South, walk Northwest along the bay front.
• Crowds will begin to grow as you approach USS Midway. Before you go to the museum, check out the statue of unconditional surrender. This sailor kissing a woman statue can be found in multiple locations around the world and is based on a photograph of this very scene from Times Square on V-J day in 1945.
• There are also Joshua Trees nearby if you haven’t had a chance to visit Joshua Tree National Park .
• Time to hit the decks on the USS Midway and spend the next few hours learning about its service, plus checking out jets!
• If you’re interested in military or maritime history, you can’t miss the Star of India and Maritime Museum just a little further up from Midway.
• This area does have a slight ‘theme park’ feel because it is touristy but its your first visit to San Diego and you should embrace it!
• With Car – Jump in your car and drive over the impressive and curving Coronado Bridge. Park up near the beach, take a walk along the coast, spot the famed Hotel del Coronado and stay here for sunset.
• After sunset, drive 1.5 miles up to Centennial Park to see the San Diego skyline at night across the bay.
• Without Car – If you don’t have a car or don’t want to move it from your hotel (we hear you!), simply take the ferry from Embarcadero South Marina to Coronado Ferry Center. You can take bus #904 from close to Ferry Center to the beach and hotel area or walk 1.5 miles (under 30 minutes walk).
• Take the bus or walk back to Ferry Center but before you get the ferry across to Embarcadero, be sure to check out the San Diego skyline from Centennial Park.

Gaslamp (part 2)

• Walk back around Convention Center to Gaslamp or drive back to your hotel, drop the car off and walk / Uber to Gaslamp.
• You’re in the liveliest part of town at night, choose the right place to eat (use our suggestions later) to avoid tourist traps.
• Restaurants here open out into the streets and you will discover a chilled but fun vibe with plenty of places to drink beer and cocktails.

Day 3 – San Diego Coast, La Jolla, Ocean Beach & Sunset Cliffs

Torrey Pines

• After 2 days in the city it’s time to get some fresh coastal air and some exercise!
• Drive up to Torrey Pines Gliderport and park right on the cliff edge. Try to get a photograph at Salk Institute (unless they have some top secret research going on … yes, we’re still bitter!) and watch as people run off the edge of the cliff to take off.
• You can walk down paths to the beach but they are fairly steep and will take up a good chunk of your morning. Views over the beach from the top are awesome.
• If you’re into golf, you can’t miss Torrey Pines right next to the Gliderport. See if you can have a walk around the clubhouse area. If you’re a San Diego resident a round will cost US$ 63, if not you’re looking at an eye watering US$ 202.
• Just a few miles South you can’t miss Scripps Pier, make sure you get right in the center of it and take a ton of photographs. It almost looks like an optical illusion.
• Plus the beach here is quiet, so now is the time for a brisk walk if you need the exercise.
• Grab lunch with sea views in La Jolla (see options later).
• Walk around La Jolla Cove, watching seals and sea lions playing or sunbathing! Try a kayak tour or even scuba diving from the cove beach area, you’ll see plenty of others doing just that.
• Check out La Jolla boutique stores and take a leisurely stroll around the area.
• This is a lovely part of San Diego so take your time.

Ocean Beach / Mission Bay

• If you have kids with you on your San Diego itinerary, your next stop could be Belmont Amusement Park or SeaWorld San Diego just South in Mission Bay.
• Otherwise, head to Ocean Beach to check out the pier, different culture and surfers.
• Walk up Newport Avenue, grab a beer in a seafront bar and choose a spot for dinner (see options later).
• After an early dinner, head down to Sunset Cliffs to watch a beautiful orange sun setting across the Pacific Ocean with hundreds of others lining the headland.
• If you’re visiting San Diego in Summer, sunset will be later than in Winter, so you might want to watch the sunset first and then go back for dinner afterwards. Check sunset times here .

2 Days in San Diego Itinerary

If you’re planning a 2 days in San Diego itinerary, you have plenty of options that don’t involve missing too much of the action.

Our 3 day example above is a slow relaxing chilled pace, you could simply quicken the pace.

Here’s how you can merge some of the major neighborhoods into 2 days:

• Balboa Park – Begin your first day here but spend less time at the zoo / go into fewer museums and generally be more selective about which attractions you visit.
• Little Italy – Instead of dinner, stop in Little Italy for brunch / lunch (see options below).
• Embarcadero – Walk along the bay front, quick visit to USS Midway, take the ferry / drive to Coronado.
• Coronado – Walk along the beach or Ferry Center shopping mall area, be sure to check out San Diego skyline.
• Gaslamp – Ferry back / drive back to your hotel, spend the evening in Gaslamp with dinner and drinks.
• Old Town – Spend the morning walking around Old Town and Fiesta de Reyes.
• Torrey Pines – Drive up to the Gliderport and work your way down past Scripps Pier to La Jolla.
• La Jolla – Spend the early afternoon walking around the cove and headland, grab lunch (see options below).
• Ocean Beach – Continue down through Mission Bay to OB, see the pier, Newport Ave and surfers.
• Sunset Cliffs – Watch the sunset at the aptly named best place in San Diego.
• Gaslamp/Old Town/ Little Italy – Choose whichever is more convenient for dinner.

One Day San Diego Itinerary

Ok, we’ll admit one day in San Diego is not going to allow you to plan the perfect itinerary. You’re going to have to compromise and leave a couple areas out.

Here are some of the most efficient ways to hit some of San Diego’s highlights in one day:

• 1 – Downtown Day : Spend the entire day walking around Gaslamp, Downtown, Little Italy and Embarcadero (in no particular order).
• 2 – Coastal Day : Spend the morning at old town and along the coast / La Jolla, drop the car off at your hotel and spend the evening in Gaslamp / Little Italy.
• 3 – Museum Day : Spend the whole day at Balboa Park ending at Little Italy or Gaslamp.
• 4 – Maritime Day : USS Midway, ferry to Coronado, Maritime Museum, eat along Embarcadero.

Where To Eat In San Diego

Did you know San Diego is known as the craft beer capital of America?

If you’re a fan of beer (who isn’t?!) and fantastic food including the best tacos in the country, you’re in for a real treat.

Gaslamp isn’t the only neighborhood to look at for food options. In fact, Little Italy, La Jolla, Ocean Beach and Old Town are less touristy and in some cases more authentic.

Here are some of our top recommendations for you to consider:

• The Lion’s Share – Less common meat selection and fantastic cocktail list | Menu
• Taka – Popular Sushi Japanese restaurant using fresh fish flown in from Japan | Menu
• Lola 55 – Contender for the best Tacos in San Diego (up for debate!) | Menu
• Meze – Awesome Greek restaurant with relaxing vibe and fantastic food | Menu
• Duke’s La Jolla – Hawaiian food with stunning sea views | Menu
• Catania – Excellent Italian food with rooftop views | Menu
• Bistro Du Marche  – French bistro gastronomy fusion | Menu
• Nine-Ten – Award winning fine dining (looks amazing) | Menu
• Hodad’s OB – Extremely popular burger joint | Menu
• Wonderland Ocean Pub – Beach side beer grub and sports | Menu
• Bo-Beau’s – French comfort food bistro (lovely inside) | Menu
• OB Noodle House – One of San Diego’s best Asian fusion | Menu
• The Crack Shack – Amazing Southern Fried Chicken and Eggs | Menu
• Kettner Exchange – Popular brunch, lounge and dinner American food | Menu
• Juniper & Ivy – Award winning fine dining not for those on a budget | Menu
• Italian Food – Choose between Bencotto | Civico 1845 | Nonna
• Tahona Bar – Classy Tacos and Cocktails | Menu
• Pizza Bella – Highly rated pizza restaurant | Menu
• Harney Sushi – Trendy Sushi restaurant with happy hour | Menu

Where To Stay In San Diego

With over 30 million tourists visiting each year, there is no shortage of hotel rooms in San Diego.

We have narrowed down hundreds of hotel options into just 20 top picks in our helpful guide to the best hotels in San Diego , which breaks down the popular neighborhoods and lists only the top rated hotels for every budget.

Always shop around and dig for the best prices, but if you’re in a hurry, here are just some of the top rated hotels by previous guests visiting San Diego:

• Staypineapple (Gaslamp)
• Hotel Pendry (Gaslamp)
• Tower 23 (Pacific Beach)  
• Pantai Inn (La Jolla)

For first time visitors planning a San Diego itinerary, consider which district you would prefer to set up base. 

We suggest you look at Gaslamp, La Jolla, Pacific Beach or Downtown San Diego as the best places to search for hotels. Families might also want to consider Coronado and resorts around SeaWorld.

• Gaslamp – In the heart of San Diego, easy access to bars, restaurants & walks along the bay .
• La Jolla – Perfect for those who prefer a relaxing base next to the beach & drive into town.
• Downtown – Bulk of hotels with cheaper options between Gaslamp and Little Italy districts.

Choose the district first and the perfect hotel will follow!

Read : Our 15 travel savvy ways to save money when booking hotels .

San Diego Itinerary Map

Click into this interactive map, zoom in / out, scroll around and click on any icon to see details of everything we mention in the itinerary.

Spending just a few minutes working out where things are really helps when you arrive.

We hope this guide helped with planning your San Diego itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help with your planning .

You Stay Classy, Planet Earth ,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

6 thoughts on “San Diego Itinerary: 9 Unmissable Things To Do In 3 Perfect Days”

Amazing. So easy to follow!! Can’t wait to use all this info in my trip. Thank you.

Hi Lisa, you’re very welcome and we hope you have a wonderful trip to San Diego!

You guys have amazing content!!!! this helped me a lot 🙂

Thank you Anu! We’re glad it helped and have a great trip to sunny San Diego!

San Diego seems like an amazing place to visit, with many attractions on your doorstep. I even think I could live there with the nice climate unlimited golf and fishing. Great itenary for a short visit, I would love to be in a position to use it.

Thanks Graham! Yes San Diego is such a cool place to visit, we really enjoyed our 3 days there and will definitely go back again soon. The golf would be great with perfect weather and ocean views. Hopefully you can visit San Diego one day!

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San Diego Itinerary Ideas from 1 to 3 Days (+ Maps & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 31, 2023

Are you planning a trip to San Diego in California and looking for ideas on what to see and do in San Diego in 1, 2, or 3 days ? In this article, we share the best San Diego itinerary suggestions for up to three days. Find out!

With popular song titles like Hotel California, California Dreamin’, California Love, and Californication , perhaps you’re wondering why so much hype surrounds the beautiful U.S. state of California? It’s such a beautiful state and San Diego is probably the best of California in one place. A city you have to see!

So in this post, we cover the best things to see and do in San Diego, California in one to three days and show you just how amazing this area is. 

Whether you have just one, two or three days in San Diego, our suggestions and practical tips will help you get the most of your trip, no matter how much time you have.

Below you can find detailed day to day itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 days in San Diego.  I also included a  map  for each itinerary. That way you have a better idea of where all those places are. Of course, you don’t have to follow these itineraries precisely, but it gives you a good idea of the main landmarks of the city and surroundings, and the time you need to see them.

Good to know: While you can see the best of the city of San Diego in one day, the surrounding communities of La Jolla, Encinitas, Del Mar, and Carlsbad should not be missed.  Depending on your interests, I recommend a minimum of three days in the area. But if you really want to see all the best places, you can spend five days or even more exploring the San Diego area.

San Diego Itinerary Suggestions – Overview:

• Introduction
• Best time to visit

1 day in San Diego

• 2 days in San Diego
• 3 days in San Diego
• Tips for a longer San Diego vacation
• Where to stay

Visiting San Diego – Introduction

San Diego is a coastal city located on the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. It’s known for its year-round idyllic climate, cultural parks, and 70 miles of pristine beaches.  Within its borders, San Diego county actually encompasses 18 other cities and several other charming coastal communities.  

When people speak of “San Diego” they are typically referring to the entire area that includes San Diego’s downtown historic Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and Little Italy, as well as La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, and Carlsbad, just to name a few.

With booming art and culinary scene, loads of family-friendly attractions, and year-round outdoor recreation, it is no wonder that San Diego appeals to guests of all ages from around the world.

When to visit

June, July, and August are peak tourism months in San Diego. Prices are high and all the attractions are the busiest. 

During the spring months of March-May, temperatures are mild and there are relatively fewer crowds. San Diego is one of the best USA destinations to visit for spring break ! 

The fall months of September-November also boast of pleasant temperatures. Many festivals are held throughout the city during this time and it’s a great time to be here. 

Budget travelers can get the best hotel rates during the winter months between December and February.

The best time to visit San Diego is in the shoulder season, March-April and September-November. The weather is nice and the temperatures are mild, it’s not as busy as in the summer, and it’s a bit cheaper than in the high season.

San Diego Itinerary Ideas

Below you can find suggested San Diego itineraries for one to three days. This article has been written by our guest writer Jen, who lives in the US and has visited San Diego with her family multiple times. All of these itineraries and suggestions are therefore based on her personal experience and are filled with some insider tips for visiting San Diego for the first time. 

No two trips will be exactly the same, of course, so use these itinerary suggestions as a guideline. You’ll need to adjust your San Diego itinerary as needed to account for the weather, how much time you spend at each landmark, and the varying interests of your group or family members.

The suggested itineraries will give you a good idea of the places that are worthwhile visiting, approximately how much time you need to see them, and how to best plan your own San Diego itinerary.

Don’t try to ‘see it all’ on a short trip to San Diego. If you like to travel deeper, it’s better to visit fewer places and take your time to enjoy the amazing sights and the scenery, instead of rushing from one place to the other and ticking the boxes. On the other hand, if you are visiting San Diego for the first time and really want to see it all, these itinerary suggestions will show you how it can be done.

TIP: If you are planning to visit some of the San Diego attractions or do any tours or organized actvities, it’s really worthwhile getting the Go San Diego Card . It includes free entrance to many top attractions in San Diego area, as well as a huge choice of activities like bike and kayak tours, whale watching, and many more.

We have two suggested itineraries on how to spend one day in San Diego : one if you have a car and want to use it and the other one – without a car. Take a look!

TIP: We recommend leaving the car at the car parking and exploring San Diego city itself without a car!

San Diego 1 Day Itinerary by Car

If you only have one day in San Diego and you want to use a car , I suggest that you drive downtown San Diego and visit at least two of its iconic neighborhoods. Little Italy, Cortez Hill, Columbia, Core-Columbia, Gaslamp Quarter, East Village, Marina, and Embarcadero (the waterfront boardwalk) all have their own unique culture, architecture, and flair.  

My three favorites are Core-Columbia , the waterfront area that is home to the USS Midway Naval Aircraft carrier museum , and the Gaslamp Quarter and Marina District . Gaslamp Quarter features historic Victorian buildings. Marina District encompasses the nautical and charming Seaport Village, a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.  

The USS Midway, Gaslamp Quarter, and Seaport Village are all within a mile of each other (so you can easily walk between them, which is the best way to explore).  The Gaslamp Quarter is all about the architectural charm that can be felt simply by walking around the neighborhood. The electric versions of the old gaslamps that gave the street its name are fun to see.

Suggested morning itinerary: Visit Gaslamp and Core Columbia . You can park at the USS Midway and walk to those parts of the city. If you are into history and exhibits, you could probably spend up to 3 hours at the USS Midway Museum . However, you can also visit the ship in just 1-1,5 hours as well.

From there walk to Seaport , which is just a few short blocks from the USS Midway. If visiting San Diego with kids, don’t miss the Seaport Village Carousel and get some delicious ice cream there. You can do all of this before lunch.

TIP: Because the USS Midway Museum is one of the most popular San Diego attractions, we recommend getting skip-the-line tickets in advance .

Before lunchtime, drive across the Coronado Bridge (a sight in itself) that connects downtown San Diego to Coronado Island .  This immensely popular island is home to the famous red-roofed Hotel Del Coronado . The white sandy beaches of Coronado Island rank in the “Top 10” of the entire U.S. 

Though you can easily spend 1 or 2 days on Coronado Island alone, having just one day in San Diego means that you’ll have to do with just 3 to 4 hours. Keep in mind that it’s is extremely difficult to find parking on the island.

If parking lots by the beach are full, most visitors end up parking on residential streets located throughout the island (which is allowed at the time of writing).  Alternatively, leave your car in the city center and take a ferry.

I recommend having lunch on the terrace of Hotel Del Coronado or at one of the premier waterfront restaurants in the Ferry Landing Marketplace .  This island is simply not to be missed!

Depending on your interests, head back over the bridge and spend the rest of the afternoon at either Balboa Park (an urban cultural park home to 15 museums), the world-famous San Diego Zoo , or the kids’ favorite, SeaWorld San Diego .

However, if you have just one day in San Diego, it’s probably not worth getting expensive tickets to the zoo or SeaWorld and only spending a few hours there. Balboa Park is probably a better choice for a short visit.

Lastly, finish off your day in San Diego by dipping your toes into the ocean and watching the best San Diego sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park . 

To help you plan your day in San Diego, I made a map indicating all the places mentioned in this 1-day itinerary.

Take a look below!

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

San Diego 1 day Itinerary without a Car

My recommendation for visiting San Diego in 1 day without a car is by joining an organized day tour. My absolute favorite tour is the San Diego Hop-on-Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour . 

With 10 different stops on its route among the most popular areas of downtown San Diego (including a ride across the bridge to Coronado), riders have unlimited ‘on and off’ privileges for the entire day.  The ride is fully narrated between stops and is entirely family-friendly.  

Needless to say, this is a much more relaxed way to see the best of San Diego in one day without having to worry about navigating the busy traffic or looking for where to park your car at each of the attractions.

Please take a look at the itinerary suggestions above for the best places to see on your hop-on hop-off tour. Don’t miss the USS Midway Museum and make sure to get your skip-the-line tickets in advance.

Our tip (based on our experience): Take the hop-on-hop-off trolley . Enjoy someone else doing the driving for you and not having to worry about parking. Start in Old Town and stop at the USS Midway (where you can take a short harbor cruise – see further), Hotel Del Coronado, and Balboa Park. These stops will give you a taste of everything!

This is by far our favorite way to see the best of San Diego in one day. It’s great for kids too.

TIP: Make the most of your day in San Diego by taking a harbor cruise. It runs from a pier near the MSS Midway ship, so it’s very easy to incorporate this into your one day San Diego itinerary. You can choose between the South Harbor or North Harbor tours (each takes 1 hour), or do a combination of both in 2 hours. It’s one of the most popular things to do in San Diego and a great way to see a lot in a short time. You can check availability and book your San Diego harbor cruise here .

Practical information:  There is ample parking in downtown San Diego, and rates can vary from $8-$36 dollars a day. It might pay off to research and reserve your parking online in advance.

To help you plan your day in San Diego without a car, I made a map indicating all the places mentioned in the itinerary above. Take a look below!

2 Days in San Diego

If you have two days in San Diego, in addition to visiting all the best places in the downtown area, you should try to explore some of San Diego’s coastline and the city’s famous family-friendly attractions. Below is a suggested 2-day San Diego itinerary . Take a look!

Start the day by visiting the San Diego Zoo first thing in the morning. Make sure to book skip-the-line tickets in order to make the most of your time. Alternatively, visit the museums of Balboa Park . You could spend the whole day at the San Diego zoo alone, but since your time is limited, I’d allocate 3-4 hours to it.

After that, head to downtown San Diego and explore two or three of its neighborhoods by foot. You can have a late lunch in Seaport Village and then board the San Diego Coronado Ferry (adjacent to the cruise ship terminal) to spend the rest of the day on Coronado Island .  

In the afternoon, relax on Coronado Beach , tour the Hotel Del Coronado , rent a bike or a golf cart to explore the island, and stroll among the shops on Orange Avenue.  Wind down by watching a beautiful sunset here.

Practical Information:  The San Diego Coronado Ferry runs every hour on the hour from 9 AM to 9 PM (9 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday) between Broadway Pier and Coronado. It costs just $5 one-way. This is a popular means of transportation to and from the island.

TIP: I realize that this itinerary is rather busy for one day. It’s really meant for those who want to maximize their short time in San Diego area to the fullest. So – depending on your interests – you could potentially skip the zoo or go there the next day, instead of visiting SeaWorld.

If you want to take it easier, follow our suggested one-day itinerary without a car (see above).

In the morning, visit SeaWorld San Diego to get up-close-and-personal with whales, walruses, and dolphins.

If you haven’t visited the zoo on the previous day, you could do that instead. 

Both these places require a full day to properly explore, but if your time in San Diego is limited, you can see at least some of the highlights in half a day.

After lunch, travel 20 miles north of Downtown San Diego to the seaside village of La Jolla . 

Known as the “Rodeo Drive” of San Diego, La Jolla is home to world-class shopping and restaurants. But it has so much more to offer than that! When visiting La Jolla for a short time, don’t miss its famous resident population of wild seals and sea lions. 

Park on La Jolla Coast Boulevard and spend some time admiring the seals in the Children’s Pool area at Casa Beach. Dozens of seals and sea lions can be found lounging t ton this small sand beach.

TIP: One of the nicest things to do in La Jolla is kayak the sea caves of La Jolla Cove or dive/snorkel at La Jolla Underwater Park . We recommend joining this highly-rated kayak tour in the late afternoon of the second day of your 2-day San Diego itinerary.

Finish off the day by enjoying the marine life at Birch Aquarium and/or take a leisurely hike to see a magical sunset at Torrey Pines State Reserve .

Below is a map indicating all the places mentioned in this 2 days San Diego itinerary.

3 Days in San Diego

Below is our suggested itinerary for what to see and do in San Diego in three days.

Visit the San Diego Zoo, Downtown San Diego, and Coronado Island (see day 1 in the two-day itinerary above).

Same as the second day of the 2-day itinerary, except take it easier. If there are any activities that you can’t get done this day, move them to the next one.

Both the La Jolla sea lions and the breathtaking skyline views of the Pacific Ocean from Torrey Pines State Reserve are not to be missed. However, if you want to take your time and really enjoy both, you might run out of time. In that case, you could visit either La Jolla seals or Torrey Pines State Reserve on this day. Leave the other one for the 3rd day of this itinerary.

Start your day with La Jolla kayaking or a hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve, if not done the previous day.

Continue your travels by driving Historic Highway 101 from La Jolla to Oceanside, California. Along with taking in the picturesque scenery, stop in Del Mar to see the famous Del Mar Racetrack. You can also experience some more upscale shopping at the Del Mar Plaza.

Finally, end your 3 days in the San Diego area by spending the afternoon in the city of Carlsbad .  Carlsbad has so much to offer that you can easily spend three days here alone. However, for this itinerary, you’ll need to narrow down your options. Take a look at the possibilities below!

The kids’ choice will be Legoland California theme park, water park, and SeaLife Aquarium . Alternatively, you can play golf, visit the Museum of Making Music or simply relax on Tamarack Beach .

Another really nice thing to do in Carlsbad is to take a local food tour . Alternatively, stop at Carlsbad’s Pizza Port Brewery and Restaurant, a ‘laid back California feel’ eatery with memorable food, hospitality, and ambiance.

TIP: If you are visiting the San Diego area in spring (March to May), don’t miss Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Below you can see the map indicating all the places mentioned in this San Diego itinerary for three days.

TIP: The earlier mentioned Go San Diego Card is really worthwhile if you have three or more days in San Diego. In addition to tens of top attractions and activities, a 3, 5, or 7-day card includes one of the following premium options: day admission to SeaWorld, speedboat adventures, or two-day hop-on / hop-off trolley. Check it out if visiting San Diego for three days or longer.

What to See and Do in San Diego If You Have More Time

If you have more than 3 days in San Diego, I suggest seeing the same places mentioned above, but at a much slower pace. If you have enough time, I recommend allocating an entire day for places such as SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, and the Hop-on-Hop-Off Trolley Tour.

If you are planning a longer San Diego vacation, you can also play golf, surf, participate in water sports or spend days at one or more of San Diego’s amazing beaches (and there are many!).  Our favorites are Mission Beach along with adjoining Belmont Park , or Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas, CA. Here you can find more suggestions for the best beaches in San Diego for families .

The Point Loma tide pools , whale watching , taking a harbor cruise , visiting Cabrillo National Monument , and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are just a few other examples of other things to see and do in San Diego. 

To sum up, yes, you can see the main highlights in San Diego in one day. And yes, you can get a taste of the surrounding areas in another day or two. However, you can also spend a week in San Diego and never get bored.

I’m sure that if you visit San Diego for just a few days, you’ll be planning a future longer trip before you even leave.

Where to Stay When Visiting San Diego

Because all of San Diego county’s many attractions are relatively close to each other, you can choose to stay in one place for the entire duration of your trip to San Diego. 

For shorter trips of just 1 or 2 days in San Diego, staying in the downtown area is the best choice. Staying in San Diego downtown gives you quick and easy access to all local areas of interest.

There are many really nice hotels in San Diego downtown area and also quite a lot of options for short-term rental accommodations .

Here are some recommended hotels in the city center:

• $$$$ San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina .
• $$$ Hotel Indigo San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter).
• $$ Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center or Best Western Plus Bayside Inn .

In general, the further you get away from downtown San Diego, the cheaper your accommodations will be. This rule breaks down when you get to La Jolla, which is lovely but pricey.

However, La Jolla has probably the very best location for a San Diego vacation of 3 days and more . Just as everywhere, there are some really expensive hotels, but also some budget-friendly lodging options in La Jolla. So I’d definitely check what’s available before deciding where to stay in San Diego. Here you can check availability and prices for La Jolla accommodation .

For those who are on a lower budget and are spending more than three days in San Diego area , we recommend staying in a central location like Encinitas or Del Mar.

We love staying in Encinitas – there are some really nice holiday homes available, which is perfect for families with kids. Encinitas is a bit of a ride from San Diego, but it’s quite centrally located for exploring the area. So for example, for this 3 day San Diego itinerary it would mean going south one day, staying in the middle the other day, and north the next day.  You can use a rental car to go back and forth between cities and attractions.

We recommend planning at least 3 days for San Diego. This will allow you to explore the city center, visit one or two theme parks, and potentially also catch a glimpse of the beautiful coastal areas nearby. However, if you have more time, you can easily fill 5-7 days in San Diego and you’ll find plenty to do.

The best time to visit San Diego is in the spring and in the fall (March-May and September-November). The weather is pleasant, it’s not as busy as in the peak summer months, and you can find better deals for accommodations.

If you are in San Diego for just 1 or 2 days and want to see the main landmarks, staying in the downtown area is the best choice. If you are spending a longer vacation in San Diego, it’s better to stay at one of the beach areas northwest of the city, such as La Jolla or Pacific Beach. For more budget-friendly options, check out Encinitas or Del Mar.

You don’t need a car for visiting the main attractions in San Diego city. However, if you are in San Diego for a few days and are planning to explore the areas outside the city center and its wide surroundings, we recommend renting a car. We use and recommend the RentalCars website to find the best deals for your rental car.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Los Angeles Itinerary for 3 Days

You may also like these guides to some of our favorite places in the U.S.:

• Arizona: Best Places to See in Arizona & Phoenix-Scottsdale Itinerary
• Las Vegas: Tips for Visiting Las Vegas & Best Things to Do in Las Vegas  & Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
• Yellowstone:  Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
• Mt Rushmore:  Complete Guide to Visiting Mount Rushmore
• Grand Canyon:  Grand Canyon in 1 Day & 2-days Itinerary for Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon
• Utah:   Best Things to do in Moab
• Chicago:  2 Days in Chicago & Chicago Travel Tips
• NYC: 1 Day in New York City
• Philadelphia: 1 Day in Philadelphia
• NP:  Amazing Lesser-known National Parks in the United States

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Image credits: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock.com//Gloria V Moeller/Shutterstock.com// Dancestrokes/Shutterstock.com// f11photo/Shutterstock.com// Hit1912/Shutterstock.com// Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com// Sherry V Smith/Shutterstock.com// Benny Marty/Shutterstock.com// Wang Sing/Shutterstock.com// Alexandre Olive/Shutterstock.com// Manuela Durson/Shutterstock.com//James Kirkikis/Shutterstock.com// Roka/Shutterstock.com// f8grapher/Shutterstock.com//

Looking for more travel inspiration? Take a look at our guide to the best National Parks in the United States that should be on every bucket list.

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Tuesday 8th of October 2019

If you’re in La Jolla on a Sunday, they have a wonderful Farmer’s Market from 9:00 - 1:00 at the La Jolla Elementary School.

Friday 11th of October 2019

Thanks for sharing this, Laurel.

One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

Ultimate Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego

June 26, 2023 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

How to Spend One Day in San Diego + Extra Things to Do if You Have More Time

San Diego attracts visitors from all over the world for its beauty, warm weather, world-class beaches and attractions, dynamic craft beer scene, and terrific restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend the day…or longer than 24 hours!

San Diego has a particularly special place in my heart.

I moved to San Diego right after college and stayed there for over a decade. A job opportunity for my husband moved us up to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago, but San Diego is still my adopted hometown and where I feel most like “me”.

Luckily, we still have wonderful friends who live down there that always open a spare room to us so I visit every chance I get. This also means I’m in a unique spot to put together a San Diego visitor guide with both a local and visitor perspective.

Read on to find out how I recommend you spend the perfect day in San Diego. I’ve also included some recommendations under the “modified itinerary section” below that will help you out if you have extra time in San Diego or want to get off the beaten path a bit more.

More San Diego Trip Inspiration: 15 Best Day Trips from San Diego

When to Visit San Diego

San Diego is known for being the land of sunshine and perfect weather all year ‘round, but as locals will tell you, this isn’t exactly true.

If you love sunshine while being on the coast, you might want to stay away from San Diego during the months of May and June. During those months, the city is prone to “May Gray” and “June Gloom” when the marine layer stretches a cloud of gray over the skies for most of the day.

Keep in mind that even in the summer months, the nights can get a bit chilly by the coast so bring long sleeves to cover up with after the sun goes down.

Book Your Trip Like a Pro!

• Find the most interesting and fun tours with Viator
• Book the best hotels via Booking.com , Expedia , or Agoda
• Find amazing vacation rentals via VRBO
• Compare reviews on TripAdvisor .
• Choose the cheapest and most comfortable hostels on Hostelworld
• Rent cars effortlessly and for low prices on RentalCars
• Find the cheapest flights with CheapOair  
• Choose the most appropriate travel insurance for your trip with VisitorsCoverage
• Bring along a top-rated guidebook
• Find your perfect walking/hiking shoes
• Get a comfortable and convertible daypack

San Diego Top 10 Things to Do

Here’s a quick list of my top 10 things to do in San Diego.

I’ll go into these in more detail below.

• Mission Beach / Belmont Park
• Coronado Island
• Beer Tasting at Local Breweries
• Eat Fish Tacos

La Jolla Cove

• San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
• Balboa Park
• San Diego Zoo
• Best Beaches

Before we get into all those top things to do and see during one day in San Diego, let’s cover some logistics of visiting America’s Finest City.

Accommodation in San Diego

Wondering where to sleep in San Diego? Here are some of my top picks. I’ve either stayed at all these places or have been inside to visit the lounges or restaurants.

San Diego Luxury Hotels

Hotel Del Coronado – With white sides and striking red roofs, the Hotel Del Coronado stands out from the shoreline. Luxurious rooms amidst a historic ambiance. Location: 1500 Orange Avenue Phone: 619-435-6611 Cost: From $279 per night

• Click here for prices and pictures of Hotel Del Coronado.

The US Grant – A palatial hotel built in 1910 with a beautiful lobby that retains the charm from that era. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter. Location: 326 Broadway Phone: 619-232-3121 Cost: From $314 per night

• Click here for prices and pictures of the US Grant.

San Diego Mid-Range Hotels

Tower 23 – A contemporary lifestyle hotel located right next to the boardwalk of PB. Stylish rooms with ocean views. Location: 723 Felspar Street Phone: 858-270-2323

• Click here for prices and pictures of Tower 23.

Hotel Indigo – An upscale city hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter with modern amenities and is pet-friendly. Location: 509 9 th Avenue Phone: 619-727-4000

• Click here for prices and pictures of Hotel Indigo.

Paradise Point – Gorgeous landscaped grounds make up this well-appointed resort located on Mission Bay. Location: 1404 Vacation Road Phone: 858-274-4630

• Click here for prices and pictures of Paradise Point.

La Valencia Hotel – A can’t-miss-it pink hotel nicknamed “the Pink Lady of La Jolla” overlooking the La Jolla Cove with an oasis of a pool area and sumptuous rooms. Location: 1132 Prospect Street Phone: 858-454-0771

• Click here for prices and pictures of La Valencia Hotel.

San Diego Budget Accommodations

Old Town Inn – A comfortable and affordable hotel within walking distance to Old Town and right across the street from a bus and trolley station, making it ideal for someone visiting San Diego without a car. Location: 4444 Pacific Highway Phone: 800-643-3025

• Click here for prices and pictures of Old Town Inn.

Hotel Circle – This cluster of hotels in Mission Valley offers some of the best values for accommodation in San Diego at well-known hotel brands, such as Comfort Inn, Travelodge, Best Western, and more. Many restaurants and shopping opportunities are nearby. Check out www.hotelcircle.net for a list of hotels and rates. Location: Mission Valley off of the 8 Freeway

Getting to San Diego

The San Diego airport was completely renovated a few years ago and is a good introduction to the laidback lifestyle of San Diego. The San Diego Airport is located right near the harbor and is just a 5-10 minute drive from downtown.

Catching a train into the city center from a distant city in California is easy with Amtrak, which has a stop right in downtown San Diego.

It’s Southern California, land of the massive freeways, so of course San Diego is easily accessible by car. Just connect with the 5 or 15 Freeway from wherever you’re coming from, head south, and you’ll find your way into San Diego. (Just keep an eye open for the “last exit before Mexico” signs, you don’t want to spend your one day in San Diego in customs).

San Diego is an itinerary stop for several cruise ships and the harbor of San Diego is conveniently located within easy walking distance to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, and the Santa Fe Depot from which you can easily hop on public transportation to another part of San Diego.

Getting Around San Diego

The Coaster

The Coaster connects downtown San Diego to the coastal cities of North County San Diego. You can head all the way up to the Coaster’s northern most stop in Oceanside (which is also an Amtrak station) or use it to simply get between downtown and Old Town. The Coaster stops cover three zones and includes the following stops from south to north: San Diego – Santa Fe Depot (downtown), San Diego – Old Town, Sorrento Valley, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad Poinsettia, Carlsbad Village, and Oceanside. Buy tickets at the station before boarding and keep it handy – attendants will come through and check that you have one once onboard.

Also, for those flying into San Diego and staying outside the city center, there is a bus, MTS bus 992, from the airport, which connects with the Santa Fe Depot station.

The Trolley

For getting around the city of San Diego, the trolley is a great option as it extends from Old Town through eastern San Diego (such as to the popular Fashion Valley mall) and down to the San Diego Convention Center. The Trolley is basically an above ground metro system, but has the charm of looking like an old-fashioned trolley from the outside.

There is even a trolley San Diego tour! Don’t miss a wonderful chance to explore San Diego by trolley. Click here to book this fun tour.

Taxis are easy to find in most areas of San Diego, though you may have to wait for one if looking for a cab right when the bars close (at 2 a.m.) in one of San Diego’s prime nightlife districts (such as PB, OB, Gaslamp Quarter, or North Park). Taxis are always metered and ask before getting in if they take credit cards or are cash only. There are also plenty of Uber drivers working in the city.

San Diego’s bus system, part of the Metropolitan Transit System, connects the majority of San Diego that the trains don’t reach. Visit Click here for bus routes and timetables.

San Diego is predominately a driving city.

To get to most of the beaches and other popular sites, you’ll need a rental car, unless you want to take a taxi or bus. Check prices and availability here .

In summer, keep in mind that heavy traffic starts earlier in the afternoon with people coming back from the beach or ditching work early to get to the beach. The 5 Freeway is backed up a large majority of the time.

If you run into traffic, consider taking the scenic Coast Highway – it’s not always faster due to stoplights, but at least you have views of the Pacific while you wait out traffic. Though if short on time in San Diego, try to avoid having to be on freeways for a long period of time during rush hour.

One Day in San Diego Itinerary: How to Have the Perfect 24 Hours

Now for my recommended itinerary for how to spend one day in San Diego, which is set up to give you a taste of the cultural and modern influences of San Diego and what makes the city a popular destination.

A modified itinerary section is included after it for those who may have particular traveling interests with recommendations on how to switch up the day to include them.

Coronado: San Diego’s Beautiful “Island”

One of the most noticeable landmarks of San Diego is the Coronado Bay Bridge, and over that bridge is the “island” city of Coronado, which is home to (debatably) San Diego’s nicest beach and most famous hotel.

When you arrive in Coronado you’ll see signs for the naval base and the Hotel Del Coronado; follow the latter.

The Hotel Del Coronado with its red roofs, which has catered to Hollywood royalty over the years and even has some ghost stories, may be too expensive for most people to stay in, but it warmly welcomes visitors into its grand lobby and bars and restaurants. Sit out on the patio of one of the Hotel Del’s bars and enjoy a cup of coffee or mimosa while taking in the view of the nearly white, pristine sand.

The beach across from the Hotel Del is one of the widest in San Diego County and also the most uncluttered. The wealthy residents of Coronado must like their beach perfect, because I can barely even find a piece of seaweed on its combed sands.

Coronado Quick Tips :

Location: Just west of downtown San Diego across the Coronado Bay Bridge (Highway 75). Hotel Del Address: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado Parking: The Hotel Del Coronado has valet parking, which can get quite expensive. There is also usually free street parking that can be found on Ocean Boulevard. Short on Time Tips: Start out your day in Coronado early in the morning to get there before the crowds and enjoy views of the gorgeous beaches and the hotel public areas without so many people milling about. Grab a mimosa or coffee and simply enjoy the morning view. Don’t spend more than 90 minutes or so exploring Coronado. There’s much more on the mainland of San Diego to see.

Tour Tip: Explore gorgeous Coronado and learn about its history with this small-group tour that’s under 3 hours.

Old Town San Diego

After getting an early morning view of the beach, soak up the history of San Diego. For that, Old Town is where you want to be. At first glance, Old Town appears to be filled with Mexican restaurants and kitschy souvenir shops. However, amidst the array of tourist-oriented shops, there are some interesting artifacts and historical buildings that can be found, most of which are free though some require a small fee to tour.

Casa de Estudillo

Built in 1825 for a Spanish aristocrat, the Casa de Estudillo became a safe haven for women and children during the American Occupation of 1846. In 1887, a new owner stripped the house of much of its windows, tiles, and other features to sell. In 1910, architect Hazel W. Waterman oversaw its reconstruction to bring it back to its former glory, and today it stands as an excellent example of early Spanish architecture in California. Address: 4000 Mason Street

Mason Street School

Was San Diego’s first one room schoolhouse. Children will enjoy sitting at the desks and seeing various school objects from the 1800s. Address: 3966 Mason Street

McCoy House

Originally built in 1869, the McCoy House was home to San Diego’s first sheriff, James McCoy. Reconstructed in 2000, the McCoy House shows the type of house that wealthier settlers of California built. Address: 4002 Wallace Street

Old Adobe Chapel

This building dates back to the 1830s and the chapel served as the first parochial church in the first parish of California following the secularization of the missions in 1832. Address: 2476 San Diego Avenue

Whaley House

The Whaley House is the oldest brick structure in San Diego, however, these days Whaley House’s main claim to fame derives from the rumors that it is haunted. Tour the house and hear about the supernatural occurrences that have been documented at Whaley House. Address: 2482 San Diego Avenue

Heritage Park

Head to Heritage Park, located right next to Old Town, to see Victorian homes and San Diego’s first synagogue. The park also has an idyllic grassy area. Address: 2454 Heritage Park Row

Mid-Day San Diego Lunch Break: Fish Tacos!

Before leaving Old Town, grab lunch – some of the best Mexican food in all of San Diego is found in Old Town. Order a fish taco if you’ve never had one – it’s a San Diego delicacy. Here are two of Old Town’s most popular Mexican restaurants, both of which I’ve eaten at multiple times and have always enjoyed the food:

Café Coyote – An award-winning Mexican restaurant that has been serving up traditional Mexican dishes for over 20 years. Has an excellent patio for those wishing to eat outdoors. Address: 2461 San Diego Avenue Phone: 619-291-0715

Old Town Mexican Café Restaurant – This popular Mexican restaurant has been around for over 30 years and has also won its fair share of awards and has a large dining room with tasty Mexican food favorites and is the home of the original handmade tortilla makers in Old Town. Address: 2489 San Diego Avenue Phone: 619-297-4330

Tour Tip: Combine Old Town and tacos on the San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour. Book early, this one tends to sell out!

Mission Beach & Belmont Park: San Diego’s Most Fun Beach

Fun for the whole family can be found at Belmont Park in Mission Beach.

Belmont Park is an amusement park which has been open since 1925. With an old-school wooden roller coaster and other rides plus fair-inspired games and food located right next to the beach, Belmont Park is reminiscent of a bygone era of carnivals and ocean breezes.

Head to the Wave House, a bar and restaurant which features a sand floor and wave simulators where you can watch novices and experts do tricks on surfboards (or fall). You can even try it yourself if you dare.

Or you can rent a surfboard and go try it in the real waves of the Pacific Ocean located right behind Belmont Park. Mission Beach is the type of San Diego beach people go to when they want a scene that looks straight out of the opening sequence from Baywatch.

Short on Time Tip: If short on time and you really want to see a wide range of San Diego, don’t spend more than an hour or two at the beach. If you want more time, well, you’re certainly not the only one as San Diego’s beaches are a major draw for the city – see the modified itinerary section for a list of San Diego’s most popular beaches.

Belmont Park Quick Facts

Location: 3146 Mission Boulevard Cost: It is free to enter Belmont Park, but rides require you to purchase tickets. Phone: 858-488-1549 Parking: A free parking lot is available next to Belmont Park. There is also street parking nearby and parking located along Mission Bay Drive by Mission Bay Park.

Don’t Forget to Pack These Items!

Quick break from the itinerary (the gorgeous, can’t-miss La Jolla Cove is up next!) to call out a few things you should pack for your one day in San Diego. You probably know to bring a swimsuit and good walking shoes, but here are some other items you won’t want to forget.

• Or a cozy blanket poncho like this one for cool nights. The coastal breezes tend to drop the temperature quite suddenly after the sun goes down in San Diego, even in the summer.
• Love this brand.
• You’ll be glad you have one if you want to swim in the ocean for a long period of time, particularly if it’s not July or August.
• There’s not much shade on San Diego beaches — this beach umbrella that also looks kind of like a half tent is really cool!

La Jolla Cove on the North Tip of San Diego

La Jolla is the northernmost neighborhood of San Diego and is located right along the coast.

The beach area just west of La Jolla’s downtown village area is the La Jolla Cove and is one of the most stunning pieces of coastline in all of Southern California.

The La Jolla Cove curves around a bay that is home to leopard sharks, seals, spiny lobster, and many types of fish. If you’re going to snorkel or scuba dive during your time in San Diego, this is the place to do it (see itinerary modifications).

Small patches of sand with large rocks cover most of the coastline of the La Jolla Cove. These rocks are fun for children and adults alike to explore when the tide is out as you can find crabs, octopuses, and mussels caught in the small tide pools that form among the rocks.

Framing the rocks is a walking path, which is also bordered by a large grassy area for much of it; perfect for a picnic on a sunny day or letting the kids run around and get some energy out.

Head south along the walking path and you’ll come to Children’s Beach – named for being shallow and ideal for children…until marine animals took it over. Now children (and adults!) delight in seeing sea lions and seals play in the water and sunbathe on the sand and nearby rocks.

Visitors can also visit a sea cave via land at the Cave Store. This store is located at the north end of the cove and has information and souvenirs about La Jolla and is built around an entrance to a long staircase leading down through the rock to Sunny Jim Cave, which visitors can head down into for a small fee.

Tour Tip: Explore and learn more about La Jolla on this guided tour .

La Jolla Cove Quick Facts

Location: West of Prospect Street in La Jolla. Parking: The closest parking is available on Coast Boulevard which connects with Prospect Street, or you can take Girard Avenue down to it. If parking is full, there is plenty of street parking in La Jolla village along Girard Avenue and Herschel Avenue and their side streets, though some are only one to two hour parking spots (which will be marked by a street sign). There are also pay lots located throughout La Jolla.

Short on Time Tip: If you do one circle loop on Coast Boulevard and around La Jolla Village and can’t find a parking spot, just opt for a pay lot to save time. There is an affordable lot on Coast Boulevard across from the Cave Store. There is also a parking garage right off of Prospect Street by Herschel Avenue and if you buy anything in the shops of the building the parking garage is adjacent to, some or all of your parking can be comped.

San Diego Breweries

San Diego is one of the premier regions for microbreweries, and San Diego breweries are constantly winning awards for their diverse and tasty beer.

After catching the sunset (or before depending on the time of year), head to a brewery to try a flight of local beer before going to dinner. Here are some of the top breweries located within the city of San Diego (the county of San Diego as a whole has many, many more).

Tour Tip: Don’t worry about driving. Instead, take a brewery guided tour that takes you brewery hopping in a fun open-air vehicle.

Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits – Brewery tours are offered daily at at this popular San Diego brewery. There is also a tasting bar which has 27 beers on tap and serves up tasters or pints. As the two original owners (it was sold to Constellation Brands for $1 billion in 2015) love fishing along with beer, you’ll find beers by the name of Longfin Lager and Black Marlin on tap – both of which are great choices for a drink. Ballast Point also makes one of my absolute favorite beers: the Grapefruit Sculpin. Location: 10051 Old Grove Road Phone: 858-695-2739 AleSmith Brewing Company – With their award-winning, hand-forged ales, AleSmith Brewing Company has developed a devout following of fans. Try the Belgian-style Grand Cru or the malty, dark Speedway Stout in the tasting room. Location: 9366 Cabot Drive Phone: 858-549-9888

Green Flash – Featuring a tasting room and beer garden, the acclaimed brewery, Green Flash, is an excellent place to grab a pint. The tasting room serves up their pilsners, porters, and pale ales in a fun setting. The brewery also offers tours for $5 per person; they fill up quickly so call to book in advance. Location: 6550 Mira Mesa Boulevard Phone: 858-622-0085

Pizza Port – This local brewery chain has several locations in San Diego County. If staying right in San Diego, head to the one in Ocean Beach (OB), a laidback beach community located north of Mission Beach. Grab a pitcher of the popular Shark Bite Red Ale and take a seat on one of the long benches. The big tables and bench seating setup also makes this a nice brewery to bring kids to. Plus, the pizza’s awesomely good. Location: 1956 Bacon Street Phone: 619-224-4700

For True Diehard Beer Lovers: Stone Brewing Company – Hands down in my opinion, the most impressive brewery (and some argue, the brewery with the best beer) is Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido, a city located in the northeast region of San Diego County. It’s a drive, though, from San Diego. If you time your drive when there’s no traffic, it takes about 30 minutes to get there from San Diego. Upon arriving at Stone Brewing, you’ll be met with a gorgeous beer garden that consists of walking trails, koi ponds, and trees and other greenery. The inside is also impressive with views of the steel brewing barrels, which you can arrange a tour to see up close during your time there. Take advantage of their many beers on tap, of which the Stone Pale Ale (my favorite!), Stone IPA, and Arrogant Bastard Ale are popular local favorites. The brewery also has a full restaurant with many organic and farm to table menu options. For dessert, try the “beer float” variation of a root beer float. Location: 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido Phone: 760-294-7866

Also, though I don’t think it’s quite as unique of a space, Stone also has a restaurant with a large outdoor bar area in the Liberty Station center, which is located within San Diego city limits.

Itinerary Modifications (or What to Do if You Have Extra Days in San Diego)

Is there something else you want to see or do in San Diego? Here are some other great options based off of common traveling interests, with recommendations on what to switch out from the previous recommended itinerary.

San Diego Beach Bum Itinerary Modification

Want to nix some of the sites and just be a beach bum during your day in San Diego? No one will blame you. The beaches of San Diego are ideal for lounging around on all day and playing in the waves.

Keep in mind that the water is too cold for most people outside the months of July through September so you may want to rent a wetsuit if planning on frolicking in the ocean.

Here is my list of San Diego’s best beaches:

Coronado Beach

As I mentioned earlier, this beach is pristine, posh, and perfectly positioned for gorgeous views of both land and sea.

Pacific Beach

Party central for beach-goers with beachside bars, music usually being blared, and beach games being played on the sand. Also, great waves for boogie boarding. The coast lining the northern part of PB is great for surfing, and is zoned to keep out swimmers and boogie boarders, making it a favorite spot of local surfers.

Mission Beach

With its location next to Belmont Park, this is a fun beach for families, and has a great boardwalk in front of the beach.

Windansea Beach

A cragged piece of beach with outstretches of rock breaking up soft, clean sand in southern La Jolla.

Small pockets of sand surrounded by tall pieces of rock give a different type of beach ambiance than most of San Diego’s long, wide open beaches.

La Jolla Shores

A wide stretch of beach in northern La Jolla with many water sports available for rent.

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Depending on how long you want to stay at the beach, skip the morning spent in Coronado and instead start your day in Old Town. Then bypass Belmont Park (unless the beach you’re heading to is Mission Beach) and spend your late morning and afternoon at the beach. Grab a pint of local beer at one of the many bars in San Diego that carries them instead of visiting one of the breweries, and then head to La Jolla for the sunset.

Hiking Enthusiasts Itinerary Modification

If you enjoy hiking, here is the place you won’t want to miss doing so in San Diego.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Framed by the ocean to the west and heavily wooded, a hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve feels like you’re a world away and not just a couple miles from a big city.

With ocean views from nearly every part of the trail system winding through a mesa, you can hike up and down the steep side of the park, getting in a good workout and possibly seeing wildlife along the way. There is no place on the reserve to buy drinks or food so bring plenty of water and a snack to keep your energy level up on your hike.

Location: 126000 North Torrey Pines Road Phone: 858-755-2063 Hours: Daily, 7:15 a.m. – Sunset. The Sunset time will be posted upon entering the park (varies between 5 p.m. in winter to 8 p.m. in summer depending on the time of year). Cost: There is a vehicle charge for Torrey Pines State Reserve and parking lots are located at the base of the reserve and at the top of the mesa. (Opt for the lot on the top as it’s faster access to the best trails.)

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Skip Belmont Park and Mission Beach and instead get your excitement and beach views from your hike.

Golf Course Itinerary Modification

Love to golf? Here are two memorable places to do so in San Diego.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

If you’re a golf addict who gets thrills out of playing at the best courses, you may not want to pass up your chance to play at a top one located right in La Jolla. The Torrey Pines golf course has been used for many high profile golf tournaments, including the PGA Tour and U.S. Open, and the best players in the world have hit balls on the greens of Torrey Pines. Plus, the golf course has gorgeous views of the San Diego coastline.

You have two course options when golfing at Torrey Pines – the North Course and the South Course, the latter of which is considered to be more challenging and is where the epic 2008 U.S. Open was played. Location: 11480 North Torrey Pines Road Phone: 877-581-7171 Tee Times: A reservation is a must – walk-ons are very hard to come by at Torrey Pines.

Coronado Golf Course

If you love to golf, but aren’t sure Torrey Pines is the right fit for you due to the cost or course difficulty, a cheaper and less challenging golfing option is the Coronado Golf Course. The holes are less planned out and elaborate than Torrey Pines, but it still has great San Diego views. Location: 2000 Visalia Row Phone: 619-435-3121

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Skip spending your morning at the beaches of Coronado and instead head to the golf course of Coronado or of Torrey Pines. Head to Old Town afterwards, and know that golfing may mean you have less time at the beach in the afternoon.

Scuba/Snorkeling Itinerary Modification

With an assortment of fish, shellfish, and reef sharks, plus a kelp forest, the La Jolla Cove is a prime place to scuba dive or snorkel, either on your own or with a guide. Plus, since it’s a beach dive, it’s usually fairly affordable to dive in the Cove since a boat isn’t needed to get to the dive spot.

Scuba San Diego – This outfit offers scuba diving in the La Jolla Cove with an expert guide. The dive includes equipment. They also offer a snorkel excursion at 10 a.m. every day that includes equipment and a guide. Phone: 619-260-1880

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Since scuba diving is typically best in the morning, bypass Coronado. If you really want to see Coronado, head there instead of Belmont Park and Mission Beach in the afternoon.

Kayaking Itinerary Modification

San Diego has many spots for kayaking, but two of the best ones are at La Jolla Shores and Mission Bay. There are a number of companies who offer kayak tours and rentals, but here are a couple options I’ve used:

La Jolla Shores Kayaking

Kayaking here is great for nature and animal lovers. You’re bound to see sea lions and seals, and they may even swim right underneath your kayak. There are also caves that can be kayaked into with a guide, an excursion that costs extra but is worth it. A good outfitter option:

La Jolla Kayak : Offers both kayaking tours starting from $39, and kayak rentals starting from $30. Location: 2199 Avenida de la Playa Phone: 858-459-1114

Mission Bay Kayaking

See stunning views of San Diego and wildlife from the calm, relaxing waters of Mission Bay. A great place for beginners to try kayaking. A good outfitter option:

Aqua Adventures: Located right on Mission Bay with an adjacent dock and ample parking, Aqua Adventures ensures you’ll get in and out fast with more time in the water. Which is ideal for someone who is short on time in San Diego. Kayak rentals start from $16.50 for up to 1 ½ hours. Location: 1548 Quivira Way Phone: 619-523-9577

More Kayak Tours: Staying more inland? Easily book a kayak exploring tour here (no experience required!)

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Shorten your time at the beach and get your fun in the sun via kayaking instead. If kayaking at Mission Bay, you’ll still have time to head to Mission Beach for a little while, and if kayaking in La Jolla, head to La Jolla Shores or Windansea Beach after.

Zoo Lovers Itinerary Modification

You can’t go to San Diego without at least considering going to the San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Zoo consistently makes the top 10 lists for zoos around the world and is a greenery-filled masterpiece of a zoo.

The animals’ enclosures are made to be as close to their natural habitat as possible and as the zoo is so big, there are many, many different types of animals to see.

The scale of the zoo is also why this is a modified itinerary recommendation; it’s very possible to spend the whole day at the zoo and if you only have one day in San Diego that may not be how you want to spend your time.

—> Get your 1-day pass ticket to San Diego Zoo here .

Location: 2920 Zoo Drive Phone: 619-231-1515

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: For those who want to make visiting the San Diego Zoo a priority, get there as early in the day as possible and then plan on leaving mid-afternoon to check out La Jolla Cove or another beach before sunset.

Boaters Itinerary Modification

If you love sailing or marina life, head to Shelter Island, San Diego’s most nautical neighborhood. I wrote up a comprehensive guide to Shelter Island San Diego here .

Read More: Hidden Gems in San Diego You Don’t Want to Miss

Museum Mavens Itinerary Modification

USS Midway Museum : A unique museum experience in San Diego is the USS Midway. You’ll get the chance to walk around a former naval ship that’s now permanently docked in San Diego harbor. Learn about how these types of ships operate and more about the military past of the USS Midway while walking around it. If you love history, it’s easily one of the neatest things to do during your day in San Diego.

Tour Tip: This is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego, so if you’re short on time, I highly recommend getting this skip-the-line ticket for the USS Midway Museum.

Location: 910 N Harbor Dr. Phone: 619-544-9600

Balboa Park – This large park is home to San Diego’s best museums. Marvel at physics in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, find out more about San Diego’s history at the San Diego History Center, and learn about San Diego’s art scene at the San Diego Art Institute. Or visit one of the over a dozen other museums onsite in Balboa Park. Location: 1549 El Prado (Balboa Park Visitors Center) Phone: 619-239-0512 (Balboa Park Visitors Center) Admission and Hours: Prices and hours vary depending on the museum; visit www.balboapark.org for a breakdown of museums.

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Get your San Diego history fill here instead of Old Town, if you still want time at the beach. If you can live without lounging on the beach for a couple of hours during your time in San Diego, head to Balboa Park or the USS Midway after Old Town instead of Mission Beach.

Shopaholics Itinerary Modification

Want to do some retail therapy while in San Diego? Here are the best places to go shopping in San Diego.

Read More: Best Girls Getaway Spots in San Diego

Fashion Valley

A huge shopping mall located in Mission Valley with favorites such as J.Crew and designer meccas like Louis Vuitton. Address: 7007 Friars Road

The area next to La Jolla Cove is full of boutiques with high-end clothing, plus some unique furniture and art stores. Address: The area east of Prospect Street

Seaport Village

A quaint little area on the harbor that features an array of souvenir shops, clothing stores, and restaurants. Address: 849 W Harbor Drive

Westfield Horton Plaza

A large shopping mall located in downtown San Diego with outdoor walkways and is also adjacent to an ice skating rink. Address: 324 Horton Plaza

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Head to the shops instead of the brewery. Many of the shopping areas are located adjacent to restaurants and bars that serve local breweries if you still want to try one on tap before leaving San Diego.

Good Eats in San Diego

Access to amazing cuisine is one of the things I miss most about living in San Diego. Here are some of my favorite places to eat at when I’m in San Diego.

Always Popular San Diego Favorites

Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a double cheek kiss at this Italian run eatery in PB serving up some of the best Italian food in San Diego. It’s hard to pick only one, but this just may be my favorite restaurant in San Diego. Location: 1932 Balboa Avenue Phone: 858-272-2702

Indigo Grill

Inventive cuisine that mixes in a variety of tastes and seasonings in a lively, trendy setting. Location: 1536 India Street Phone: 619-234-6802

Alexander’s on 30 th

A nearly all-white interior gives a romantic vibe to this restaurant in North Park and the upscale twist on comfort foods offers a great dining experience. Location: 3391 30 th Street Phone: 619-281-2539

Urban Solace

Gourmet American comfort food such as macaroni and cheese and pot pie is served alongside entrees like duck and pork cheeks at this foodie haven located in North Park. Location: 3823 30 th Street Phone: 619-295-6464

OB Noodle House

A funky restaurant in OB serving up delicious Asian food – try the pho. Location: 2218 Cable Street Phone: 619-450-6868

Paying homage to the best seafood and farm ingredients, downtown Searsucker is located in a warehouse-style building and is led by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey. Searsucker also has a location in the small coastal city of Del Mar, just north of San Diego. Location: 611 5 th Avenue Phone: 619-233-7327

Island Prime / C Level

Located on stilts over the San Diego Bay, the restaurant of Island Prime and its adjacent C-Level lounge serve up delicious seafood and steaks with great views of San Diego and Coronado. Location: 880 Harbor Island Drive Phone: 619-298-6802

Cucina Urbana

Italian food is taken to new levels at Cucina Urbana, a Banker’s Hill restaurant that manages to be hip and traditional all at the same time. Location: 505 Laurel Street Phone: 619-239-2222  

Best Breakfast/Brunch  Spots in San Diego

The Mad Beet 

Two words: Acai Bowl. Location:  933 Garnet Ave Phone:  858-529-5129

I haven’t eaten here yet, but I hear this is the cool new place for brunch in San Diego. Location: 967 Garnet Ave Phone: 858-230-6567

World Famous

Excellent views of the ocean and good breakfast eats, especially the eggs Benedict. Location: 711 Pacific Beach Dr Phone:  858-272-3100

Fine Dining Eats in San Diego

George’s at the Cove

Some of the best fine dining in San Diego can be found in George’s at the Cove California Modern dining room, plus one of the best ocean front patios at their Ocean Terrace bistro with a view of La Jolla’s cove. Location: 1250 Prospect Street Phone: 858-454-4244

Bertrand at Mr. A’s

A top-floor restaurant in a high-rise building with an excellent view of the San Diego skyline – and most importantly, stellar modern American food. (Still somehow haven’t eaten here, but I have only heard good things!) Location: 2550 5 th Avenue Phone: 619-239-1379

Marine Room

This La Jolla restaurant is known as much for its proximity to the ocean (in high tide, ocean waves hit the dining room windows — book your reservation well in advance for these dates) as its gourmet cuisine. Location: 2000 Spindrift Drive Phone: 858-459-7222

Cheap Eats in San Diego (But Delicious!)

Rocky’s Crown Pub

Always a contender and often the winner in ongoing debates of the best burger joint in San Diego. (It’s my favorite which is why it’s on the list over the other fave: Hodad’s 😉 Rocky’s only serves burgers and fries, plus beer and wine, and is cash only. Location: 3786 Ingraham Street Phone: 858-273-9140

South Beach Bar & Grille

A small dive bar located in OB with some of the best fish tacos in San Diego. Get there early or expect to be waiting for a table for a while. Location: 5059 Newport Avenue #104 Phone: 619-226-4577

Pizzeria Bruno Napoletano

Traditional Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza, located in North Park. Also serves up beer and wine. Location: 4207 Park Boulevard Phone: 619-260-1311

A taco shop located in University Heights serving up some of the best fast Mexican food around (no small feat in San Diego). If you’ve never tried Carne Asada fries, get them here. Location: 4642 Park Boulevard Phone: 619-692-1652

Offers affordable and delicious hand-crafted sushi and other Japanese cuisine favorites in three different San Diego locations with hip décor, including one located downtown. Location / Phone: 228 W. Washington Street / 619-231-9597; 135 Broadway / 619-233-3072; 7986 Armour Street / 858-292-5515

Short on Time Tip: Make a reservation at these restaurants if possible to avoid having to wait for (or missing out on) a table.  

San Diego Nightlife

Now that I’m a frazzled mom, I’m glad I took advantage of the San Diego night scene back when I still had the energy to go out drinking and dancing until two in the morning. Here are some classics, plus a few new ones I had to get input about from my friends who are still “cool”. 😉

Pacific Beach (PB)

Pacific Beach, known as PB by locals, is party central with a laidback, beach vibe. Bars stretch alongside either side of busy Garnet Street and along Mission Boulevard by the coast. Any night of the week – and pretty much any time of day – you’ll find coeds and the young at heart dancing the night away or enjoying drinks on patios. So grab your flipflops and enjoy the beach party life. Here are some favorite bars of mine in PB:

BeachWood – A beach vibe with a retractable roof and ocean views. Also has outdoor seating during the day on the roof-top terrace. Address: 4190 Mission Boulevard

Tower 23 – An outdoor patio right on the boardwalk and stylish décor makes this a sophisticated place to grab a few drinks in PB, with great ocean views. Address: 723 Felspar Street

Turquoise Bar – Located in quieter North PB, Turquoise Bar has a Spanish flair and serves up tapas with Sangria and other drinks. Often has live music. Address: 873 Turquoise Street

Johnny V’s – A more upscale dance club with a garden-style area that feels like an outdoor courtyard and a large central bar. Address: 945 Garnet Avenue

Bub’s Dive Bar – A popular laidback bar that has baskets of peanuts on tables and peanut shells covering the ground. Along with its fun and lively setting, Bubs also attracts a loyal patronage by having some of the best bar food in PB – try the Archie wings or tater tot nachos. My husband and I spent a ton of time here when we first started dating so it will always hold a special place in my nightlife memories! Address: 1030 Garnet Avenue

Gaslamp Quarter

In the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, keep the flip-flops packed and bring out your best downtown shoes. The Gaslamp Quarter covers 16 ½ blocks and is the epicenter of downtown San Diego’s shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Gaslamp Quarter gets its name from the faux gas lamps erected in the area during a revamp to give it a more Victorian feel in the 1970s, a much-needed facelift after nearly a century of serving as a seedy brothel zone. Today, it’s hard to believe that the Gaslamp Quarter wasn’t always as classy and trendy as it is now. This vibe also makes it an excellent place to spend your evening and late night hours, with many clubs and bars that are prime for socializing and dancing, and even some singing.

Maloney’s Tavern – A basement club with a pub feel and pool tables. Address: 777 5 th Avenue

Shouthouse – A dueling piano bar with good food and drinks and a raucous, fun atmosphere. Address: 655 4 th Avenue

House of Blues – Music lovers should check which bands are playing here the night you’re in San Diego. The hip venue gets some great bands. Address: 1055 5 th Avenue

Whiskey Girl – Dance the night away once the sun goes down in a large room that is more laidback than some of the other downtown dance clubs, with a Karaoke downstairs in the lounge. Address: 702 5 th Avenue

Vin de Syrah – A posh, garden-inspired wine bar that turns into a dance club in the late night hours. Oh, and be careful with the door. You’ll understand once you get there. Address: 901 5 th Avenue

Basic – This place serves up some of the best pizza in town during the day and evening; later it turns into a popular dance club. Address: 410 4 th Avenue

Noble Experiment – A prohibition-style speakeasy with excellent drinks in a lounge setting with skull-covered walls. Reservations needed. Address: 777 G Street

Top of the Hyatt – The name tells it all. This bar is located at the top of the Hyatt hotel and offers 360˚ panoramic views in a sumptuous setting. I spent a fun Fourth of July here once – it’s a very cool place from which to watch the fireworks. Address: 1 Market Place

North Park / South Park / University Heights

Those who like hitting the latest up and coming hot spots will love North Park and its neighboring communities of South Park and University Heights. Attracting students, urban professionals, hipsters, and beach bums alike, the mix of restaurants and bars is eclectic, fun, and hip, and often with a focus on local businesses and agriculture.

Small Bar – This “small” bar in University Heights packs a big punch with urban decor and is popular for their excellent mules. Try the Small Bar Elephant Mule. Location: 4628 Park Boulevard

Hamilton’s Tavern – This dive bar in South Park has one of the most extensive craft beer menus on tap in San Diego. Location: 1521 30 th Street

Tiger! Tiger! – Great local beer and grub in a hipster setting in North Park with communal tables and dark wood accents. Location: 3025 El Cajon Boulevard

Mosaic Wine Bar – A stylish bar in North Park with an excellent and eclectic wine list from around the world. Location: 3422 30 th Street

Splash Wine Lounge – A unique wine bar in North Park that has self-serve wine bottles arrayed around the bar offering 1 oz. servings of wine. You can try a few tastings before selecting a glass to sip on for the night or just keep tasting new ones! Location: 3043 University Avenue

Have a Fun Day in Gorgeous San Diego!

So there you have it! My ultimate guide to San Diego. Did I miss your favorite thing to see, do, or eat in San Diego? Let me know in the comments below. 🙂

Read More: Continuing your California vacation? Check out our guides on San Francisco and Santa Barbara . Plus, read about the 1 0 best small cities in California , the most romantic destinations in California , and the best girl getaways in California !

Found this article helpful? Pin to read again later!

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

December 21, 2017 at

Oh you so should! There are so many great things for kids to do while there. This post was just for things to do in the city limits, but there are even more in North County San Diego like the Safari Park and Legoland.

Me too! 🙂 Could use some sunshine right now.

There is so much to do there. It’s one of the things I love about San Diego. Glad you got some ideas for your next trip there from the post!

Fall is a great time to go! The weather and water are still warm, but the summer crowds are gone. 🙂

Hope you have a wonderful time!

December 18, 2017 at

Love your modification options – it’s a great post! I’ve been to San Diego once too and loved it! Really enjoyed walking through Old Town and Balboa Park. The lobster tacos at the pier (don’t remember the name) were extremely delicious too!!

Super! Saving this post, as going to Cali in January 🙂

December 17, 2017 at

wow this is so comprehensive! I love San Diego… but I haven’t been in a long time. I love Cornado Beach and the food. And the weather (although I didnt realize that about May and June) I think I have only been in the fall and winter!

I love flying down to San Diego from Central California. It’s such a great city to explore. I’ve only done a fraction of the things on the list so I’m excited to try out your suggestions next time I make a trip.

Great post! I love hiking in Torrey Pines when I visit! I wish I could be in San Diego right now!

This is such a fantastic guide! We visited San Diego with our eldest son when he was 18-months old, and we absolutely loved it! This post really makes me want to go back again now he said a bit older and our youngest son is about that same age – there’s definitely stuff we missed!

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5-Day Best of San Diego Itinerary

To take in all the best of San Diego in five days, you’re going to be very, very busy. Fortunately, between your museum-hopping, boutique-browsing, and enjoying the sights, sun, and sand, you’ll have a chance to fuel up at over a dozen delicious cafes and eateries.

Get an early start and head up to the San Diego Zoo , where the animals are always livelier in the morning. Watch the pandas cuddle and the polar bears swim, then go next door to Balboa Park for lunch at Panama 66, a sculpture garden-restaurant with hot sandwiches and a terrific tap list.

Your first stop for an afternoon of museum-hopping is to peruse the minor masterpieces at the San Diego Museum of Art. Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building.

Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby.

Grab a couple of gourmet tacos at City Tacos, a great first stop before exploring the local beer scene. Start at North Park Beer Co., then walk around the corner to visit Toronado.

Take the ferry to Coronado and wander the impressive Hotel del Coronado. Spend some time on Coronado Beach, then grab lunch at Coronado Brewing Company before heading back on the ferry.

Stroll up the Embarcadero and visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego and USS Midway Museum. After gazing at ships both antique and modern, walk north to Little Italy, where you can sample more local beers at Bottlecraft before dining at one of the neighborhood’s fantastic restaurants, such as Herb & Wood.

After dinner, stroll through the charming neighborhood to reach decadent Extraordinary Desserts. The sugar rush should get you started for a night out in the Gaslamp District club scene; if you prefer something chill, the swanky retro cocktail bar Prohibition Lounge is a great way to finish the night.

Start the day with donuts and coffee from Nomad Donuts, which will fuel you without leaving you too full for a day of action.

Catch a morning surf lessons from Surfari Surf School at north Mission Beach, and enjoy some prime people-watching on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk while you catch your breath. You’ll have worked up quite an appetite, so sate it the way a local surfer would—with fish tacos from Oscars Mexican Seafood.

Next up is Mission Bay, where you choose your speed: kayak, Jet Ski, wakeboard, or sail. (Hint: There’s time to do two.) After playing all day, you’ll need serious nourishment.

Roll up to La Jolla for sustainable ingredients perfectly prepared at George’s at the Cove. If you still have energy, nourish your mind with a destined-for-Broadway show at La Jolla Playhouse.

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Spend a long morning in Old Town State Historic Park, exploring the adobe buildings and browsing the many gift shops. You’ll be tempted to sit down for a Mexican lunch at one of the tourist restaurants, but save your appetite for a more genuine experience at El Indio, just up the street in Mission Hills.

After lunch, ride over to Ocean Beach for a walk along the lengthy Ocean Beach Pier, a great vantage point for watching surfers. Grab your own spot of sand and enjoy the local color while you soak up some sun.

Hit happy hour at Wonderland Ocean Pub when you get thirsty, then sit at the window to wait for an incredible sunset. Or, make your way up to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to stroll the cliffs and experience the panoramic pink, purple, and bright-orange majesty as the sun goes down.

Finish off the day over the hill at Officine Buona Forchetta, where some of the city’s best Italian dishes include handmade pasta and authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.

Beat the crowds into La Jolla and grab a cup of local coffee at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.

Take advantage of the calm morning conditions to snorkel or scuba off La Jolla Cove and experience the vibrant below-sea-level nature reserve of the La Jolla Underwater Park. This will prime your appetite for a fish taco plate at El Pescador Fish Market, in La Jolla Village.

Walk it off along the famous shoreline, then spend the afternoon exploring neighborhood shops and art collections, including the Madison Gallery and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Prior to sunset, head up the hill to gape at the panoramic views from the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Then roll south to the city’s best sushi at Sushi Ota in Pacific Beach, followed by tiki cocktails and decor to match at The Grass Skirt.

Ian Anderson

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A Local’s Guide to the Perfect San Diego Itinerary

Looking for the perfect San Diego itinerary? This guide – written by a local – covers the can’t-miss tourist attractions as well as the gems that locals love.

California has to be on everyone’s bucket list – exploring more of this sunny state is certainly on mine (I mean, is there anything better than a California road trip ?).

And one of the coolest cities in California is San Diego. Situated right on the Pacific Ocean with a great climate, it draws crowds year-round.

So what should you do on your first trip to San Diego – or your second or your fifth visit? I’ve asked travel blogger and Californian Mimi to share her tips to create an amazing San Diego itinerary .

Over to you, Mimi!

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

Why plan a trip to San Diego?

A little lost in the planning stages for your San Diego itinerary ? This article has you covered with a handful of things to check out during your visit (or even staycation) in the greater San Diego area. There are tips for your first trip to San Diego – and some new ideas if you’ve visited San Diego before.

I lived in San Diego for five years while I was attending UCSD, and from the start of my first year in school the city quickly became one of my favourite places in the U.S.  San Diego truly has everything – great beaches , great nightlife, great food – which is why it appeals to so many different types of people.

There are so many unique things to do in southern California and a trip to San Diego should be at the top of that list. Here’s how I’d recommend you use your time in this beautiful city by the ocean.

Can’t-miss San Diego tourist attractions

Here are a few ideas of the things to do in San Diego that every first-time visitor must experience. Yes, they’re touristy, but they’re popular for a reason!

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is easily one of San Diego’s most popular attractions and certainly what draws a lot of visitors to the city.

The park quite literally has something everyone can enjoy! It’s a mecca for fun activities, interesting museums and inspiring art exhibits, from its 15 museums and art galleries, to the performing arts and even a zoo.

You may want to set aside more than just an afternoon to fully grasp the park in its entirety.

But if being inside isn’t your vibe, Balboa Park of course has numerous gardens and trails to stroll through. Not to mention, this part of the park is the perfect way to have a fun day if you’re not looking to spend much money.

Hike at Torrey Pines

A must-see for anyone’s San Diego itinerary and a great activity for both the outdoor enthusiasts and the low-key wanderers who just want to soak up sweeping coastal views is a beautiful San Diego hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve .

It’s easily accessible by car (or bike for the more active) and has a few different trail options that are a great balance of easy hiking, natural beauty and education.

Visit a brewery (or four!)

San Diego is home to over 130 craft breweries , making it the best place to let those beer bellies out and try some brews.

Even the locals can’t keep up with every new brewery that pops up these days, though they’ll certainly try.

One of the best ways to hop to each brew spot is to schedule a brewery tour ; there are tons of companies that offer this service, and a lot include a free flight or pint along with the shuttled tour. Here’s a San Diego brewery tour that’s really focused on creating an educational but fun experience.

Stroll around La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a stretch of San Diego coastline that’s broken up by cliffs on either side, making the cove feel tucked away and providing excellent clifftop views.

The cove is part of a marine reserve so you’re almost guaranteed to see some incredible marine life any time of the year: sea lions, star fish, birds and the protected Garibaldi fish are present – sometimes all at once!

It also has the added benefit of being right next to swanky shops and foodie spots in downtown La Jolla, if you want to go somewhere nice after a day near the water.

Top tip: Want to save money when you visit? Pick up a San Diego CityPASS for huge discounts on attractions such as the USS Midway Museum.

Local favourites for your San Diego itinerary

Looking for more local experiences for your San Diego itinerary? Here are some spots that locals love.

Sunset Cliffs

The name kinda gives it away but Sunset Cliffs is the perfect location to take in spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean at sunset, sitting on top of some of San Diego’s rugged cliffs.

Sunset Cliffs has a small, but fun, little network of trails which are sandwiched between a quiet residential neighborhood and a few popular surfing beaches.

Blacks Beach

Speaking of surfing beaches, Blacks Beach is a favourite local surf spot along La Jolla Shores. The slightly treacherous and heart-pumping route down to the beach makes it a little more secluded than most beaches in town, providing some excellent space to sunbathe.

Heads up, though: sections of the beach are also a local nude beach so don’t be surprised if you see some free birds out and about.

San Diego is BIG on tiki bars , so be sure to pack your Hawaiian shirt! Certainly no one can resist the sugary goodness of a boozy pineapple drink, complete with a cocktail umbrella.

One of the best places to immerse yourself in this San Diegan past-time is at Bali Hai , a local favourite known for its strong cocktails and amazing downtown views.

Where to eat in San Diego

It’s really hard to narrow down just a few places to eat in San Diego, but here are my top picks if you’re short on time!

The best place that really gets what breakfast means is The Cottage in downtown La Jolla. Their classic dishes like Mexicali Benedict or their cinnamon swirl pancakes will have you considering ordering seconds. It’s a cute spot for breakfast or brunch , plus it’s completely acceptable to round out your meal with a fresh mimosa.

If you’re looking for the best taquerias in San Diego , I’d definitely recommend stopping by Oscars Mexican Seafood , Tacos El Gordo or Las Cuatro Milpas .

The best dessert that you’ll find (by far) in San Diego is Extraordinary Desserts – one bite of their passionfruit cheesecake and you’ll never want to leave.

Best San Diego nightlife

Wanna hit the town? Here’s where to find the best things to do at night in San Diego.

Gaslamp Quarter

You can’t say you’ve visited San Diego without spending a night out in the Gaslamp Quarter . There are clubs, breweries, country bars, dive bars, rooftop bars, jazz bars, classy bars, gay bars – you name it, this is the best place to experience San Diego nightlife .

Kick up your boots and hop on the mechanical bull in the country bar Double Deuce !

The Gaslamp would certainly be the place to show off that out-on-the-town outfit you’ve been saving for a fun night out.

There are a couple of interesting night tours in the Gaslamp area:

• Learn about the area’s questionable past on this Brothels, Bites and Booze tour
• Check out the city when it’s all lit up on this City Lights Night Tour

Looking for cool, themed, hipster bars ? Head into San Diego’s North Park district !

This neighbourhood has more of a casual vibe overall but there are oh-so-many gems if you’re looking for a new night out experience.

One of my all-time faves is Seven Grand , which is the coolest whiskey bar you may ever set foot in.

Pacific Beach

Way casual beach vibes await you in Pacific Beach on any given night. This is the place where all the college kids go out for the cheap drinks and tacos (especially on Taco Tuesday!).

Late night eats – especially delicious and greasy Mexican food – are available nearly anywhere you go. Stroll up and down PB’s oceanside streets all night long for a classic tequila-fuelled San Diego night out experience.

Where to stay in San Diego

As long as you’re relatively close to a central location, you really can’t go wrong. Generally, you’ll be able to find pretty inexpensive vacation homes in the more beach-y locations for your San Diego trip, but spending some big bucks in the downtown area is fun to embody the high-roller lifestyle.

Here’s a run-down of each neighbourhood :

Gaslamp : If you want to be right in the heart of historic downtown San Diego , this is the neighbourhood to stay in. There’s a wide range of budget options in downtown, whether you’re looking for an affordable party hostel or a swanky high-rise hotel.

Pacific Beach: Central location, right along the beach and in the centre of PB nightlife. Great spot for a romantic getaway or a group trip with friends.

North Beach : The artsy and alternative neighbourhood that’s known for its great coffee shops, music venues and brunch spots. If you’re looking to indulge in the culture of San Diego and you’re into design-friendly spaces (and good coffee) this is the place to be.

Ocean Beach : A neighbourhood that is full of hippies and skaters , Ocean Beach is seen as a bit rough by some. However, it’s a great place to stay if you’re a surfer or looking for that quintessential laidback San Diego lifestyle . The sunsets from the beach are phenomenal and shops here sell everything from bongs to kitschy souvenirs.

La Jolla : The only downside to La Jolla is that it’s not super central and it’s expensive. It’s also not a great place to be based if you’re wanting to experience the San Diego nightlife options because it’s pretty far from most of the ‘going out’ neighbourhoods. However, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of San Diego , and a great spot for families and those who are looking to spend a little more on their vacation in San Diego.

Compare rates for hotels in San Diego on Booking.com and Expedia .

How to get around San Diego

Being a classic Southern California city, San Diego is pretty expansive, so if you’re planning on hitting a lot in one day, renting a car or calling a rideshare app is what you’ll want to bank on.

There’s a fairly thorough bus system in the county. But it usually takes forever to get around on, so it’s not something I’d recommend using for long distances (i.e. from La Jolla to downtown San Diego).

If you’re planning on spending your day just in Pacific Beach or just in Gaslamp you can easily make your way on foot. Or, even more fun, on two wheels by renting a Cruiser bike (San Diego is pretty flat in most places).

There are other fun modes of transportation for your San Diego itinerary. Ferry, trolley, or sailboat are other options depending on where you are in the city!

About the author

Mimi McFadden is a travel blogger and freelance writer . Originally from California, she has been slowly travelling the world since 2013. When she’s not writing, you can probably find her sipping on a pint of craft beer, chasing waterfalls, or planning her next adventure in a foreign land.

After living abroad for five years in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Greece and Portugal she has finally found a home in San Francisco, California. You can find her on Instagram , Facebook and her blog, The Atlas Heart .

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Have you visited San Diego? Leave your tips for an amazing San Diego itinerary in the comments below!

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• Book flights to and around the USA online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find a great hotel in the USA. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
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• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to the USA will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

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Three Days in San Diego: Awesome Itinerary for SD Fun!

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: October 3, 2022  - Last updated: March 30, 2024

San Diego is worth both a leisurely vacation and a quick trip. Any amount of time will be fun, but never quite enough. This plan for 3 days in San Diego is absolutely ideal if you’re visiting with kids or on your own. With a blend of outdoors, culture and history you’ll love this three day itinerary for the best of SD!

3 Day San Diego Itinerary

So, what do you include in a three day visit to San Diego? How can you possibly choose what to leave out? We’ve got you covered, and even though it’s not everything this amazing city has to offer, it’s the perfect mix.

Day 1: the San Diego Coastline

Let’s start by exploring the coastline of San Diego. Did you know that there are more than beaches to enjoy when you visit SD? It’s true! You’ll find 70 miles of golden coastline, cliffs and tidepools, and even a National Park Service gem!

Cabrillo National Monument

One of the prettiest places in San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument , can take up all or part of your day. Visit on a summer weekend to see historic reenactments and enjoy a ranger talk, or explore Cabrillo in the middle of winter to watch for migrating gray whales. We enjoy doing the Coastal Trail hike and visiting the Old Point Loma Lighthouse as well, which is great with kids of all ages.

Tip: if you’re here on a weekend, have breakfast at Liberty Station and then make your way to Cabrillo National Monument early to beat the crowds. The park closes late afternoon, not at dusk.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Another wonderful place to go walking and take in the Pacific Ocean views, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has walking trails along the bluff and away from the water. It’s a wonderful place for birdwatching, having a picnic and watching surfers below, or climbing the stairs down to water level for tide pools at low tide.

Tip: there is parking in a lot by the main trail area, but also there is plenty of street parking if it’s a busy day.

Mission or Pacific Beaches

And of course you have to have beach time when you come to San Diego. Both Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are beautiful with that medium fine California sand. The water is just the right temp from mid May until October, and even outside of those months is the perfect place to go for a nice walk or just hang out.

Tip: parking is very limited in Mission Beach. If you’ve got an e-bike or a scooter at your disposal, that will make it much easier to park and access the beach.

La Jolla Cove and Beach

While it’s always nice to go to La Jolla and check out the many galleries, visiting with kids is great for watching wildlife. Seals and California sea lions populate the cove most of the year and can be observed from a safe distance. There are ample opportunities for kayaking and other on-the-water experiences. When it comes to the beach in La Jolla, there are plenty of services and public parking areas to be able to easily visit most days.

Tip: La Jolla Shores (a nearby beach) is known for its calm waves making it a great place for kids to learn to surf, body board and swim.

Day 2: the Best of Balboa Park

I’ll be honest, we never visit Balboa Park just once . We usually spend at least two different days there, either doing museums in the morning and the San Diego Zoo in the afternoon, or we will just visit multiple times to see what’s happening during our time there. You never know what’s happening with all the artists who are going to be painting in the park.

If you’re planning to visit several museums or go back across a few days, the Balboa Park Explorer Pass is a great value. With the pass you gain admission to nearly everything in the park except the San Diego Zoo. We recovered the value of our passes before the end of just one day visiting museums in Balboa Park, so over three days in San Diego…

Balboa Park Cactus and Rose Gardens

There are so many wonderful gardens all throughout Balboa Park. Across Park Blvd you will find both the cactus and rose gardens. If you aren’t parked on Park boulevard, you can easily take the walkway overpass from the end of the Prado to the gardens. Countless varieties of cactus and interesting desert trees make it a fascinating place to visit with kids. The rose garden, with a beautiful fountain at the center, is also great to explore and sit in as roses in San Diego bloom for most of the year.

Tip: if you visit the cactus and rose gardens in the late afternoon, the sun is lower with prettier light for photography.

Bonus: if you’re getting deep into Balboa Park on your visit, check out the Old Cactus Garden as well, as it’s very well established and  beautiful.

San Diego Natural History Museum

Between dinosaur fossils and gemstones, natural history museums are always a hit with our family, but there’s something special at the San Diego Natural History Museum . Digging into their 150-year history of preserving and sharing the past, the NAT has an amazing collection of taxidermy specimens for study. From preserved parrots to epic butterfly cases, you can see it all.

Highlight: there is also an active paleontology lab onsite at the San Diego Natural History Museum. It isn’t behind glass so if you have questions, you can actually interact with the scientists!

Lunch at the Prado

Set in the historic Prado buildings of Balboa Park, the Prado restaurant is the perfect break in a day at the park. Local, healthy and unique food makes lunch at the Prado a special experience that captures the joy and sense of place in Balboa Park. Dine inside or out on the patio, you’ll love the atmosphere either way.

Tip: they do take reservations and I’d recommend making one if you’re visiting during the prime lunch hours or on the weekend.

San Diego Museum of Art

Visiting art museums with kids can be hit or miss, depending on the children and the type of art museum. The San Diego Museum of Art is just the right size for nearly any attention span or level of interest in art. With most pieces being pre-Impressionism, you can see a wide range of styles and mediums, including a wonderful collection of Asian art.

Tip: if there is a special exhibition going, it’s worth the extra ticket fee, as the curators do a wonderful job with both the temporary installations and the educational elements of the exhibitions. We just experienced the Impressionist exhibition and it was phenomenal, all very well tied together.

OPTION: Full or Half Day at the San Diego Zoo

Don’t worry, the San Diego Zoo is a part of this three-day itinerary. Because the zoo is so large and all-encompassing of the world’s animal life, you can easily be here from open until closing. You can also plan a half day visit and just catch the highlights or whatever interests you most. There are lots of dining options within the San Diego Zoo, so if you are doing the full day, you don’t have to leave for meals and snacks.

Our recommendation for a shorter visit to the zoo includes doing the free tram tour around the whole zoo, as you’ll get both a bird’s eye view of many of the animals, but you’ll also learn about the zoo and its inhabitants. Once you’ve done your tram tour, make your way to the exhibits you’re most interested in. The hummingbird habitat and Wildlife Explorers Basecamp were favorites on our visit, but the koalas and the whole Africa Rocks portions really showcase why the San Diego Zoo is such a special place to visit.

Tip: besides the guided tour around the whole zoo, there is also shuttle service via the hop-on-hop-off kangaroo tram. The San Diego Zoo is VERY hilly and at the end of a long day or if you are mobility-challenged the transportation is welcome back up to the top of the hill.

Day 3: San Diego History

Being at the heart of California history as the Spanish moved into the area, as well as being a hub for Western expansion in the 1800s, San Diego is full of history. We’ve picked our favorite historic sites to round out this three-day San Diego itinerary. You’ll get to experience culture, history, San Diego’s efficient transportation system and beautiful places.

Historic Santa Fe Depot Train Station

Even when we’re not taking the train, I love visiting the old Santa Fe Depot train station downtown. From the beautiful antique tilework to the vaulting and woodwork doors, it’s a snapshot of when train travel was THE thing to do. While it only takes a few minutes to visit, the Santa Fe Depot is a great spot to start your day, as you move from the historic station onto the trolley line to take you to your next stop: Old Town San Diego Historic State Park.

Tip: if you’re visiting San Diego as part of a larger Southern California trip, it’s very easy to arrive in SD via train and then not need a car for the duration of your visit, depending on your plans.

Explore Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is really fun and interesting, especially with kids. The site is an incredible collection of museum buildings, artisans, shops of all sorts and restaurants. Often you can even catch performances or demonstrations of skills and cultural practices you might not see anywhere else in California. It’s a fun and educational visit.

Bonus things to catch in Old Town: 1) Live Entertainment + Folklorico Dancers at Fiesta de Reyes; 2) Old Town Urban Market – a curated food hall experience featuring local businesses and eateries

Visit Mission San Diego de Alcala

Traveling along El Camino Real is its own fantastic California itinerary, but if you want just a taste of the historic missions, visit Mission San Diego de Alcala. About 15 minutes from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, it’s a natural stop to add to your day of San Diego history. The beautiful gardens and historic chapel are lovely to visit, but the small museum and the active archaeological dig make Mission San Diego de Alcala a very special place to visit.

Tip: if you would like to attend a religious service, mass is open to the public and happens daily.

San Diego History Center

One more history stop to include on your visit to San Diego is back in Balboa Park. The San Diego History Center is full of exhibits , both permanent and rotating, all about the different elements of San Diego’s evolving history and culture. A combination of art and individual stories, this museum is great to visit with kids or adults. It’s the perfect way to round out your 3 days in San Diego!

Tip: in the same building in the Prado of Balboa Park are the Model Railroad and Photographic Arts Museums. They are also included on the Balboa Park Explorer Pass (if you’ve gotten it).

I hope you’re excited to visit San Diego and have three very different and very fun days. You’ll be ready to plan your next trip back before you’ve even left!

Want to see more of our SD adventures beyond these awesome three days in San Diego? Check out these other articles:

• Guide to Balboa Park, San Diego’s Cultural Center
• San Diego Pride Festival
• Vintage San Diego Hotel Pick: the Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
• Inexpensive San Diego Vacation Planning
• Guide to Visiting Cabrillo National Monument
• BW Plus Island Palms Resort on Shelter Island, San Diego
• Complete California Coast Road Trip

• Work with us

3 Days in San Diego Itinerary (Things to do + where to eat!)

Last updated on August 10th, 2023

Heading to San Diego soon? Our 3 day San Diego itinerary + guide is full of the best places to stay, how to get around, the best tacos and food, things to do, and so much more! San Diego is hands down one of our favorite larger cities in the United States. With beautiful beaches and scenery, great neighborhoods, a laid back vibe, nice parks, and awesome FOOD (the most important criteria!), it’s hard not to love San Diego. We have been thankful to visit the city twice together. And on both visits we have fallen in love with this city. During our trips we have gone for hikes, tried local coffee shops, eaten tons of tacos and unique local eats, seen stunning architecture, and enjoyed the coastal views. And have loved every second!

Watch us explore San Diego in one day , including a handful of the spots listed on this guide, plus go on a Mexican food tour !

San Diego is definitely a place that we could spend months in and never get bored. However, if you’re like us and do not have months to spend, we’re excited to share this 3 day San Diego itinerary full of delicious food, coffee shops, and fun things to do to help you prioritize your limited time in the city. In this guide we’re listing a variety of options, so that no matter what your food and activity preferences are, you’ll be able to craft the perfect San Diego adventure!

Looking for more ideas of things to do in California? Check out the rest of our California guides:

• How to have an EPIC Big Sur road trip! (Things to do + 1-3 day itinerary options!)
• The BEST things to do in San Luis Obispo, California (+ a 3 day itinerary!)
• 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary
• The Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
• The ULTIMATE Guide to Death Valley National Park
• Exploring Redwoods National and State Parks
• 3 Days in Lake Tahoe
• The Best Day Hike in Yosemite: The Four Mile Trail + Panorama Trail
• 3 Days in San Diego (Things to Do + Where to Eat)
• All of our California Guides
• All of our California Vlogs

About San Diego

When to visit san diego, getting to + around san diego, where to stay in san diego, 3 day san diego itinerary, if you have extra time….

Note: this blog contains affiliate links. Full disclosure– if you click on these links and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too!

San Diego is California’s second largest city (by population) and is located on the Pacific Ocean, just miles from the border of Mexico. The city is known for its sunny weather, beaches, delicious food, parks, museums, and so much more. With mountains as well as the ocean, the city and surrounding area offers a wide variety of scenery and activities to enjoy and because of its proximity to Mexico, the city has a lot of Mexican influence, which provides a cultural experience while in the city. Note: San Diego is located in the Pacific Time Zone, so if traveling from Arizona, keep this in mind, as some months of the year (the summer) Arizona and California will be the same time, but other months (the winter) they will not.

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

There are many reasons to love San Diego, but the weather is definitely near the top of the list! With super mild temperatures year round, it’s always a good time to visit San Diego. The winter months may a bit chillier at the beach, but if you want to visit some parks and walk around town, the weather will be magical, especially if you live in a colder climate. We have visited San Diego in both January and February and the temperatures were amazing, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s! On both trips we did have one day with rain, so be prepared to maybe experience some rain, as they do get more rain during the winter months. However, we think rainy days are the perfect days to go on a food tour in the city. The summertime in San Diego is the ultimate beach weather. The days are warm enough to lay out, but not too hot that you’ll sweat to death. But this is a busier time to visit, so the crowds and prices will be a bit higher. If you want lower crowds and prices, but still warmer weather, we suggest visiting during the spring and fall . The evenings can be a bit chillier, so make sure to pack layers!

San Diego is located in the very southwestern tip of California, right on the border of Mexico’s Baja California and close to Arizona, as well as other popular spots in California, making it a very convenient city to visit. Here is how to get there, depending on your mode of transportation.

Flying to San Diego

A huge perk about visiting San Diego is that the airport is right by downtown! In fact, it’s so close that you’ll get to see planes flying low over the city, which we thought was really cool! The San Diego International Airport (SAN) is less than 4 miles from downtown San Diego. It is a great airport with many nonstop domestic flights from most cities in the United States. So flying to and from San Diego should be pretty easy. And the best part? With the airport being that close to the city, you’ll get to start your vacation right away!

Driving to San Diego

If you’re already in California and want to visit San Diego, here’s how long you can expect to drive from nearby popular areas: Los Angeles, CA: 2 hours (120 miles) Palm Springs, CA: 2 hours (139 miles) Joshua Tree National Park: 2.5 hours (164 miles) Las Vegas, NV: 5 hours (332 miles) Phoenix, AZ: 5-5.5 hours (355 miles) San Francisco, CA: 8 hours (502 miles) Note: these times are without much traffic. So make sure to add a little bit of extra time in case you get stuck in that famous California traffic.

Getting Around San Diego

San Diego is one of those cities where you could rent a car , but you could also get away with public transportation or Uber/Lyft. It really depends on how far you want to go! We suggest looking at the ride sharing app’s fare estimator tools ( Uber , Lyft ) to see how much you’d expect to spend when getting around town to see what will be the best option for you. We have visited the city in both our previous small SUV and our current Sprinter Van and didn’t have much of an issue finding parking in the city. Sometimes we had to drive around a bit, but we always found a spot!

It’s no secret that we lov e VRBO! Not only is it usually more affordable than a hotel, but it allows you to experience a city and its culture like a local. And it’s no different for San Diego! San Diego has tons of cool and fun neighborhoods to stay in that will give you a true taste of the city.

• Option 1: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom house with a hot tub near Balboa Park
• Option 2: 1 bathroom studio apartment with ocean views
• Option 3: 1 bathroom studio that is pet friendly
• Option 4: 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage in North Park

There are tons of hotel options in San Diego, ranging from chains, to resorts, to more local, boutique spots. Here are a handful to check out!

• Hotel del Coronado
• Hotel Indigo
• Manchester Grand Hyatt
• Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
• Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Campgrounds

During our latest visit to San Diego we stayed at the Tijuana River Valley Campground , which is a brand new campground with campsites (no hookups) and yurts right by the border of Mexico. It is super nice, wasn’t busy during our visit, affordable (we paid $80 total for 3 nights), had some trails and a cool nature playground, and paid showers. While not in the heart of the city, was relatively close to the main attractions. The only thing to note is that you will hear helicopters flying over the majority of the day, but they never kept us up at night.

Want to find campsites all over the US? Try the Dyrt PRO for FREE for one month! The Dyrt is the #1 camping app in the US! Sign up for a FREE 30 day trial of their PRO version using our code AplusK ! The Dyrt PRO offers many incredible features to make finding campsites even easier (+ cheaper). Some of our favorite features are: -Offline maps, so you can find campsites without cell service -Map layers to find free camping areas (+ cell phone service map layers) -Discounts from PRO partners and on campground bookings (up to 40%!)

It’s impossible to see the entire city of San Diego in three days, but if that is all you have, this San Diego itinerary is full of our favorite things that we did (and ate!) during our multiple trips to the city. We’re including some options for activities and restaurants that way you can craft this itinerary to fit your own preferences. Looking for even more ideas of things to do? Check out our “if you have extra time” section below!

• Kickoff your San Diego adventure with acai bowls for breakfast at Northside Shack . This is a grab and go spot and we recommend walking down to Shoreline Park to eat your acai bowl and enjoy water and city views. Rather have a more traditional breakfast? Hash House a Go Go and Breakfast Republic are popular choices!
• Grab coffee at Communal Coffee , which is a coffee shop, flower shop, and gift shop rolled into one. It is such a beautiful coffee shop and basically Kathryn’s version of heaven. We suggest trying their latte flight and getting at least one floral drink…you are in a flower shop afterall!
• Spend a few hours wandering around Balboa Park . This is a 1,200 acre park that is home to 16 museums, a zoo, gardens, and more! While we personally have not paid to visit any museums, we have always just loved walking around and seeing the ornate architecture. You could easily spend a whole day at this beautiful park , but some spots that we suggest visiting in the park are the Spanish Village Art Center (free), Botanical Building (free), the short Palm Canyon Trail , which has 450 palms (58 species!), and walking by the California Tower , which you can pay $30 (non-members) for a tour inside. And if you visit on the weekend (especially a Sunday), we suggest checking out the House of Pacific Relations – Hall of Nations , which has cottages that represent 32 cultures. On Sundays they have different events with dances, music, and food from these countries.  
• For lunch head to Ocean Beach and have lunch at Hodad’s Burgers , a famous burger spot with massive burgers and a cool interior, OR at Mike’s Taco Club to try either a California Burrito, which is a flour tortilla loaded with carne asada, cheese, pico/salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and most importantly, FRENCH FRIES! They also make some awesome Carne Asada fries!
• Walk around the Ocean Beach area and enjoy the beach for a bit. They have a great pier that you can walk on and watch surfers.
• Visit the Cabrillo National Monument , which is managed by the National Park Service and costs $20 per car (unless you have the America the Beautiful Pass ). This monument honors Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who arrived at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542 from Europe and is said to be the first European to step foot on the West Coast. The park has a sculpture of him, a lighthouse, tide pools, and great coastal views, as well as shares history about 16th century exploration.  
• Watch the sunset from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park , which is just up the road from the Cabrillo National Monument and is FREE to access.
• For dinner, eat TACOS! There are so many spots we could recommend, but our top picks nearby would be: Kiko’s Place Seafood , which is a mariscos truck that serves up a delicious baja style fish taco, with fried white fish, cabbage, and a white sauce. They also are said to have great ceviche too! Note: they close around 8 PM, so if you visit in the summertime, you may want to go before sunset. City Tacos , which is not your traditional Mexican street taco joint, but more of a creative taco shop and we highly recommend their MexiCali taco, which has steak and mashed potatoes. They also have some unique salsas for your tacos and jicama to enjoy (pro tip: squeeze some lime and then shake some Tajín on top of the jicama…so good!) Looking for something a bit nicer? Buona Forchetta in South Park is a solid Italian spot. Try to get a reservation if you can!

• First things first: breakfast ! We suggest Kono’s Cafe for breakfast burritos by the beach (or you can visit one of the spots we suggested on day one). Afterwards, grab coffee at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters .  
• Head to La Jolla for the rest of the morning and afternoon. This is a beautiful town along the coast and has some of the best coastal scenery in the area. While here, see the sea lions and seals at Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove . We always love hearing their noises and watching them play with each other! We also suggest relaxing at La Jolla Shores Beach , a mile long beach with lots of sand to lay out on. And if you’re up for a bit of an adventure go on a kayaking tour with Everyday California or check out the La Jolla Caves !  
• Grab lunch at The Taco Stand . They get VERY busy (we waited at least an hour in line!), but they make your food right after you order and you get your food very fast AND it’s delicious, which helps make up for the long lines.
• You must go to Bobboi Natural Gelato for a post-lunch dessert! This gelato spot is about as authentic Italian as it gets. We LOVED the pistachio flavor, but every flavor we tried was creamy and delicious.  
• Dogs are NOT allowed. 
• It costs between $15-$20 to park inside the reserve (the price varies on what day of the week). However, you can park outside of the reserve along the beach and walk in for FREE, which is what we did. 
• The reserve has set hours, opening at 7 AM and closing right at sunset.
• You can drive to different spots and walk to overlooks or hike all around, which is what we did. We hiked the Torrey Pines, Guy Fleming, EB Scripps Overlook, Red Butte and Razor Point Loop , which took us to most of the main overlooks, as well as down to the beach in around 4 miles.
• Do NOT walk on the beach close to high tide. The beach can become inaccessible. Make sure to check the tide schedule in advance to avoid getting in a dangerous situation.

After (hopefully) an incredible California sunset, get more tacos for dinner at Duke’s (one of our favorites from Hawaii…get the hula pie!), Oscar’s Mexican Seafood (are you sick of tacos yet? We hope not!), or one of the spots we mentioned on day one that you have yet to try.

• For breakfast, head to a local Mexican spot called Las Cuatro Milpas or venture a bit south to Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria , which is a bit of a trek, but holy cow is it worth it! Their quesatacos de birria are phenomenal! And if you’re unsure what birria is, it’s a traditional Mexican dish from Jalisco and is marinated and stewed goat or beef (Ed Fernandez uses beef). Make sure to get some consome (the stew) to dip your tacos in!
• Grab coffee at one of the coffee shops in Barrio Logan. We went to Cafe Moto , which was a cool spot (don’t forget to visit their coffee roastery and museum behind the cafe!), but Cafe Virtuoso and Por Vida also look amazing!
• Spend a few hours relaxing at Coronado Beach . While you’re there, make sure to visit the famous and historic Victorian Hotel del Coronado .
• Head a little south of San Diego for lunch at Tacos el Gordo . This is one of our favorite taco shops EVER and totally worth the drive! We recommend their adobada tacos and also their loaded fries. We know we have suggested a lot of taco spots, but this is our #1 must visit in San Diego!
• For the rest of the day you have some options. Option #1: If you like beer, check out some of San Diego’s breweries ! We have heard that Ballast Point and Modern Times are both good, but since we don’t drink, we can’t personally recommend any breweries.   Option #2: Spend a few hours exploring the USS Midway Museum ! The museum costs $26 per adult (less for kids, seniors, and military) and is something at the VERY top of our list for next time. The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. It was commissioned 8 days after the end of World War II and was the largest ship in the world until 1955. She operated for 47 years, including in the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. While in the area, make sure to get a photo with the famous kissing sculpture ! 

Option #3: Check out Old Town San Diego, which is the oldest neighborhood in San Diego and is where the first European settlement was. Here they have museums, restaurants, and historic sights.

• Head to Little Italy, which is an Italian neighborhood that at one time had 6,000 Italian families that called it home. While the area has lost some of its Italian culture, it still is one of our favorite areas to explore in the city. While here, grab dinner at one of the delicious spots in the area. The Crack Shack is a great quick and cheap option for fried chicken, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto or Landini’s Pizzeria for classic Italian, and Barbusa or Bencotto are nice, more upscale options.  
• If you have any energy left, grab drinks at False Idol or make your way to the Gaslamp Quarter , a lively area with lots of restaurants and bars. We hear Noble Experiment is a very cool spot, but make sure to get a reservation!

Coffee Shops:

• OB Beans Coffee Roasters
• Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
• James C offee
• Moniker Coffee
• Lucha Libre
• ¡SALUD TACOS!
• Humberto’s
• Lolita’s Mexican Food
• Herb & Eatery
• The Cottage
• Craft & Commerce
• The Kebab Shop
• Kettner Exchange
• Salt & Straw
• The Baked Bear
• Visit the famous San Diego Zoo
• Go to a San Diego Padres baseball game at Petco Park
• Enjoy the views and have a picnic at Kate O. Sessions Park
• Northgate Market -This Mexican grocery store is a DREAM and has a salsa bar with massive tubs of amazing salsas. Highly recommend stopping here to buy some snack foods!
• Explore the beach towns north of San Diego: Carlsbad , Encinitas , and Oceanside
• Hike up to Iron Mountain -5.2 miles, 1,102 ft elevation gain. We tried this hike and got poured on and had zero views…who knew it rained in San Diego!
• Hike to Potato Chip Rock -7.6 miles, 2,106 ft elevation gain. The rock at the top really does look like a potato chip!
• Spruce Street Suspension Bridge – A quick little stop and not for those afraid of heights!
• For those with kids, go to Legoland ! I have super fond memories of going here as a kid.

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

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9 thoughts on “ 3 days in san diego itinerary (things to do + where to eat) ”.

Great guide, great spots! I love tacos so this will be perfect on my next trip to San Diego!

It’s a taco lovers paradise!

Your post took me back to my September on the West coast. I loved SAN Diego so much. The Taco Stand was the best tacos I had in the whole of California!

We LOVED it there too! We really want to go back soon to eat more tacos ? and to explore more of the areas around the city!

Thank you for this guide. We will be in San Diego January of 2022. I was looking for someone who could give us some in sight on where to go and what to eat. We will be staying in Chula Vista, in a airb&b. we can’t wait. You have giving me a lot of ideas. Thank you again

Yay! So happy to hear that! San Diego is such a beautiful, delicious, and fun city!

Hi Mary! I currently live in Chula Vista. It’s a beautiful area (Eastlake/otay lakes) but please know that it takes at least 20 (downtown) to 35 (la jolla) minutes to get to any of the San Diego hot spots! However, Chula Vista has some of the best Mexican food! The taco trucks you’ll see everywhere is where it’s at! I hope you enjoy your stay!

As a San Diego native, I am SO happy you mentioned city tacos!!! I feel like most people skip over it because it’s a little unique and they want more traditional. It’s SO good. I get it at least once a week! I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay here!

We loved it!!! Reminds us of some of our favorite taco spots in Austin, which are a bit unique too. We love trying all kinds of tacos 🙂

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3 Day San Diego Itinerary for a Perfect Family Vacation

This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

San Diego is such a fantastic family destination, with plenty to see and do that adults and kids alike will love. This 3 day San Diego itinerary will help you hit the highlights, but I’ll be honest — if you have more time you can spend in San Diego, then definitely take advantage of it! This sunny city is full of things to do and could keep you busy for weeks.

San Diego is one of those cities that hits the perfect balance of being family-friendly. Everything on this itinerary is something both us and our kiddo thoroughly enjoyed. Plus the laid-back feel of the city, the plentiful sunshine, and the beautiful views already have us wanting to go back.

So if you are thinking about a trip, here’s an itinerary to get you started!

Best Time to Visit San Diego

With mild to warm temperatures all year, there is truly not a bad time to go to San Diego! It is a perfect year-round destination for family vacations.

There are a few thing you might want to be aware of though. Because this is Southern California, San Diego can be subject to the “May Gray” and “June Gloom” that frequents the area during those months. Also note that during the summer, San Diego can be very crowded with tourists and visitors attending big conferences and events.

We visited in October and thought it was the PERFECT time. The weather was beautiful, plus San Diego does a thing called Kids Free October, where kids get in free to most area attractions, making this a perfect time to visit as a family.

Money Saving Tip: If you plan to go to a lot of San Diego museums and attractions, look at getting a San Diego Go City Pass. SO many of the most popular attractions are included in the price, and it can be a big money saver!

Getting to San Diego

Unless you are driving from somewhere in California, you’ll likely be flying into San Diego. And the cool thing about flying into San Diego is that the airport is SO CLOSE to the city center. Like, definitely keep your windows on the plane open because you fly right next to downtown.

This also means that once you reach the airport, getting to wherever you are staying within San Diego is pretty easy, whether you are renting a car, taking an Uber or Lyft, or using some kind of shuttle service.

Getting Around San Diego

Unless you plan on spending your time exclusively in the downtown San Diego, I HIGHLY recommend renting a car for your San Diego trip. A lot of the sights you’ll want to see are not located in the city center. You’ll find this is a driving-friendly city though, with plenty of parking options all over.

You can of course, choose to exclusively use Uber or Lyfts to get around, but I prefer to have the control of a rental car in a city like San Diego where I know I’ll be spending a decent amount of time in the car.

San Diego does not have a great public transportation system for visitors, but there is a trolley system that can take you to some of your destinations.

3 Day San Diego Itinerary

This itinerary makes for a perfect short family vacation! Is 3 days enough time to spend in San Diego? Yes and no. You can definitely hit most of the city’s highlights in 3 days, but if you have more time definitely don’t hesitate to stay in San Diego longer! At the end of this itinerary, we have a list of some extra things you can add on if you have extra time to extend your vacation.

Say Diego Day One

Tour old town.

For day one of our 3 day San Diego itinerary, let’s start out where San Diego started out: in Old Town ! This is the site of the first European settlement in California, which of course also makes this the oldest part of the city of San Diego.

There are two different parts of Old Town: the State Historic Park, and the more general neighborhood. Spend the morning checking both out!

The Old Town State Historic Park opens most mornings at 10:00 a.m. (although you can walk around the grounds if you arrive earlier…the buildings just won’t be open yet). It is full of historic buildings with historical actors, small shops, and museums. Our favorite was the Casa de Estudillo, once the home of an important Spanish family.

You also won’t want to miss the Fiesta de Reyes area, which is in the northwest corner of the State Park. This festive area is full of fun shops, a restaurant, and is a great place to catch some music.

The more general neighborhood area of Old Town is to the southeast of the State Park, and is full of shops, restaurants, and other historic attractions and museums like the Whaley House (supposedly the most haunted house in America).

Old Town is also a great place to grab lunch after your morning exploring. There are TONS of great restaurant options here.

Visit the USS Midway

After lunch, head to the USS Midway on the downtown Embarcadero (the waterfront area). This aircraft carrier will be a hit with the whole family, full of interesting exhibits and fun activities.

Honestly, I just couldn’t get over the size of this aircraft carrier. But there are all kinds of exhibits too: below decks exhibits that show you how people lived and worked on the boat, and aircraft galleries on the Hangar Deck and Flight Deck full of all kinds of planes.

In the Hangar Deck there are also opportunities to climb into a real cockpit and get in a flight simulator.

If you have kids with you, you may want to check out the Junior Pilots program too, where kids can listen to special audio clues with an audio guide, answer questions, and get their Junior Pilot Wings at the end.

And definitely don’t miss the beautiful views of San Diego from the Flight Deck!

Parking Tip! Your parking at the USS Midway is good all day, so once your arrive, keep your car here and you can walk to the rest of the destinations!

Enjoy Little Italy

If you aren’t feeling worn out and need to go back to your hotel for a nap, this would be a great time to explore Little Italy.

Little Italy is the area of downtown directly across from the USS Midway and is full of restaurants and shops. Plus it seems like there is almost always something going on , from Farmers Markets to live music and more.

Evening in Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a perfect place to end the evening. This area is full of specialty shops and restaurants (it would be a great place to grab dinner if you didn’t already eat in Little Italy) and it has lots of beautiful outdoor space to sit down and people watch.

And BONUS there is a historic Carousel that kids will love.

You also won’t want to miss sunset here — it’s gorgeous!

San Diego Day Two

Visit the san diego zoo.

You cannot go to San Diego without visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo ! So most of day two should be focused on that, because there is tons to see!

Here are a few tips for navigating your day at the San Diego Zoo:

• Arrive early for easy parking.
• When you arrive, be sure to pick up a map and see where the animals you most want to see are.
• Start your morning with the free bus tour. This takes you all around the zoo, will give you views of a lot of the animals, and may help you cross some things off your list.
• Don’t miss the Skyfari either! This takes you from the front to the back (or the back to the front) of the zoo, and has great views of the city and Balboa Park.
• The Lost Forest is the coolest part of the zoo temperature-wise, so save it for later in the afternoon when the day is warmer.
• The San Diego Zoo has a lot of levels, so use busses and elevators to your advantage!

Click here for more tips about visiting the San Diego Zoo!

Explore Balboa Park

After your morning (and probably early afternoon) at the zoo, spend the rest of the afternoon (and maybe your evening) exploring Balboa Park .

Balboa Park can be thought of a little bit like San Diego’s version of Central Park — it is full of museums, gardens, attractions, and more. (Plus, it’s technically where the zoo is located, so you can just walk over from the front gates of the zoo!)

There’s a lot to see here, but definitely don’t miss the Botanical Building, the Spreckles Organ Pavilion, or exploring some of the beautiful gardens.

Balboa Park is also where a lot of San Diego’s most popular museums — like the Fleet Science Center and the Air & Space Museum — are located. If you find yourself with a lot of time this afternoon, you might choose to check out one of these (be sure to keep track of closing times though!)

San Diego Day Three

Go to a museum.

For the last day of our 3 day San Diego itinerary, pick one of the city’s many museums to visit in the morning. You may choose to see the San Diego Air & Space Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art, or one of the many other museums in Balboa Park. If you are traveling with kids, another choice might be The New Children’s Museum located downtown.

On our visit, we went to The Maritime Museum of San Diego , which was a great small museum for the morning full of historic ships to explore. (We all loved it!)

After lunch, head over the La Jolla. It’s about a 25 minute drive from downtown San Diego, but you will not want to miss this gorgeous spot.

La Jolla is, of course, known for their sea lions and seals; but be prepared — this also means the area can have a…smell.

You can easily walk along a trail in La Jolla starting by The Cave Store and heading south to Children’s Pool. There are beautiful vistas and there should be plenty of seals and sea lions to see along your way. Before you start, you can also pay a fee to go down into a sea cave at The Cave Store .

(Always remember not to get close to wildlife and follow instructions for areas that may be marked off for wildlife during pupping season.)

Torrey Pines

After La Jolla, head up to Torrey Pines for some beautiful views. The best thing to do up here is watch the hang gliders and paragliders from Torrey Pines Gliderport (note that they close at 5, so watch your time and maybe make a switch with La Jolla if this is important to you). If you are really feeling brave, you can even schedule your own paragliding adventure!

But there are also hiking trails, beach access (with a hike), and the sunsets up here are supposed to be spectacular! A beautiful sunset with a picnic would be a great way to end a trip to San Diego!

What To Do if You Have More Time in San Diego

Is a 3 day San Diego itinerary not enough time? Honestly, I think a whole week in this city would be great, and here is a list of some other San Diego attractions you can enjoy!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

If you have an extra day, I highly recommend a drive out to Escondido to go to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park . This is a sister park to the city’s San Diego Zoo, and focuses more on conservation and African animals. It’s a really great space (and I *might* have actually enjoyed it more than the regular zoo).

Wondering if you should visit the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park? Check out our zoo comparison!

Belmont Park

This small beachside amusement park is a great way to spend the evening. There are all kinds of kid-friendly rides, plus carnival games, food, putt-putt, and more. Just know that if you are going to ride The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, a historic wooden coaster, have the ibuprofen ready.

Coronado Island

This island is a popular vacation spot, with it’s well-known hotel. But it’s great for day guests too, with lots of shopping, restaurants, and outdoor space. You can drive over there or take the ferry from the Embarcadero.

LEGOLAND California

If you have a kid who is obsessed with Legos, you probably won’t want to miss LEGOLAND California . This Lego theme park is located in Carlsbad, California, about a 35 minutes drive from San Diego.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is another popular attraction for families, and not just for the sea life. SeaWorld has become known for their thrill rides, plus there is a Sesame Street area that young kids will love.

Have a Beach Day

There are TONS of great beaches around San Diego , so with an extra vacation day maybe pack up that beach bag and swimsuit and enjoy a beach day!

Visit More Museums

We’ve already gone through a lot of them, but San Diego has tons of museums to explore! If you find yourself with extra time in the city, visiting more museums is a great thing to do.

Where to Eat in San Diego

There are SO MANY great restaurants in San Diego, and this is by no means an extensive list. But here are a few restaurants we really enjoyed.

• Communal Coffee for pastries and coffee (+ a super cute shop!)
• Atypical Waffle for gourmet waffles
• The Crack Shack for fried chicken
• Edgewater Grill in Seaport Village
• Duke’s in La Jolla

Where to Stay in San Diego

San Diego has lots of great options for where to stay. On our trip, we used VRBO to rent a small condo near Balboa Park within walking distance of the zoo.

If you are staying at a hotel, downtown will be the best options. There are tons of hotel options in popular places like the Embarcadero and the Gaslamp Quarter. Here are a few options ranging in price from least expensive to luxury:

• Holiday Inn Express Downtown San Diego is a good option for a smaller budget that still gets you downtown.
• Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/Sea World Area has some beautiful architecture and will have you near the popular Old Town area.
• Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is a modern hotel for Marriott fans in the Gaslamp Quarter.
• InterContinental San Diego will put you right across from the water in a 4-star hotel.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown is an upscale stay with room for the whole family right across the street from Seaport Village.
• Hotel del Coronado is probably the most luxury stay in San Diego and is an iconic property on Coronado Island right across the bay from downtown.

Tips for Traveling to San Diego

• Rent a car. San Diego is a city where the attractions can be pretty spread out, so renting a car for getting around is a great idea.
• Buy tickets online ahead of time if you can! Especially for popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo. And consider getting a San Diego Go City Pass to save money!
• Dress in layers. San Diego days can get pretty warm, while the evenings can be cool and breezy. Be sure to pack a light jacket.
• If you are traveling in October, know that it is Kids Free October in San Diego. This means that kids get in free to TONS of city attractions (yes, including the zoo!). Different museums may have different policies, so look them up or call ahead of time. For instance, at the zoo kids can get in with an adult with a ticket, but some places require you to get a free ticket for the child. Note that the San Diego Go pass usually does not let kids get in free.

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The Perfect Day Trip to San Diego: How to Spend Just One Day in San Diego

last Updated: May 10, 2023 california San Diego Southern California

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning a day trip to San Diego in the near future? Here’s everything you need to know and more! From when to go, what to bring, how to get there, and all my favorite things to do if all you’ve got is just one day in San Diego.

There’s a reason San Diego’s called ‘America’s Finest City’. It’s got sandy beaches, a slower pace of life than nearby Orange County and Los Angeles , and almost guaranteed sun.

There’s sea caves and rugged cliffs to explore, the cutest sea lions known to man, the postcard-perfect resort city of Coronado, and you can even go snorkeling with leopard sharks (true story). And 125+ other things to do in San Diego , but that’s for another time!

The first time I visited the city, I only had enough time to spend a measly one day in San Diego. We were visiting from nearby San Clemente on a much longer Southern California road trip , so figured, why not make the short drive down! And boy did we not plan out our day trip to San Diego correctly. After driving down we honestly didn’t even know where to begin! Whoops!

But since that first failed trip, I’ve been to San Diego a few times and more than made up for it! Once for a girl’s trip full of tons of tacos and San Diego photo spots , and another to watch my husband run the San Diego Half Marathon! So now I’ve got lots more info to share about how I’d spend a perfect day trip to San Diego.

Because sometimes you’ve only got time for one day in San Diego, but don’t worry — you can still eat plenty of tacos and hang at the beach!

→ Have more time in San Diego? Lucky duck! Check out the best way to spend a long weekend (3 days) in San Diego !

Day Trip to San Diego At-A-Glance

• Morning : Coffee, Brunch, La Jolla
• Afternoon : Balboa Park, Old Town or Coronado
• Night : Sunset at Sunset Cliffs, dinner in Little Italy, drinks in Gaslamp

Day Trip to San Diego Logistics

When to Spend One Day in San Diego (Weather)

San Diego’s got near-perfect weather so there’s no horrible time to visit, making the city a year-round destination. The sun shines over 265 days a year, and the average weather is a balmy 70 degrees F. And it hardly ever rains (and when it does, it typically doesn’t last all day). 

It’s basically endless summer over here. And I’m all for it. Sounds pretty perfect to me. Why’d we choose to live in foggy San Francisco again…?

BUT here’s the thing — if you’re looking for beach time, stay away from the area in May and June. Like other parts of the California coast ( Pescadero , Half Moon Bay , Big Sur , etc), San Diego experiences a few months where it’s mostly gray and gloomy with mostly overcast skies. 

Us local Californians call it May-Gray, June-Gloom, and it’s a real thing! And we hate it! Although it’s way easier to capture all the photo spots in San Diego when there’s no sun (because no shadows!).

How to Get to San Diego 

San Diego is as far south as you can get in California — It’s only about 20 miles from the Mexican border! 

Thankfully, despite it’s super southern location, you can easily take a day trip to San Diego from plenty of other major spots in SoCal.

As I mentioned earlier, we were spending a week in San Clemente and decided to hop down the I-5 for just one (but very lovely) day in San Diego. 

Just remember — California is HUGE. Like, San Francisco is almost a 9 hour drive away. I say this to remind you that a day trip to San Diego won’t be possible from everywhere in California.

I wouldn’t recommend planning a day trip to San Diego if you’re further than 3 hours away or so. Plan to visit another time! And plus, there’ll likely be at least a little bit of that horrendous SoCal traffic (no surprise there)!

Here’s a few popular spots in Southern California and their approximate driving times/distance to San Diego:

• San Clemente : ~1 hour, 60 miles
• Huntington Beach : ~1 ½ hours, 95 miles
• Santa Monica/Venice Beach : ~2 hours, 135 miles
• Los Angeles : ~2 hours, 120 miles
• Palm Springs : ~2 ½ hours, 140 miles
• Joshua Tree : ~2 ½ hours, 160 miles

There’s also the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak Train which is a great option for a day trip to San Diego from SoCal if you don’t feel like driving. AND you won’t have to worry about finding parking — double win! 

While the train starts up north in San Luis Obispo, it takes about 8-9 hours from SLO, so obviously not suitable for a day trip. The train from Santa Barbara still takes about 6 hours, so again, not possible as a day trip! 

Coming from OC or LA? It takes about 2 hours and 3 hours, respectively (phew — easily done in just a day). And just for your reference, there’s stops in Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and San Juan Capistrano. Just make sure to factor in getting to the train station and parking your car.

If you wake up early enough you can get to San Diego before 10!

How to Get Around During Your Day Trip to San Diego

The best way to get around during your day trip to San Diego? Well, that kinda depends on how you’re planning to get to San Diego. 

Driving : If you’re driving into the city from nearby, you’ve obviously got your car. But with that comes the possibility of difficult parking (although we’re always able to find a spot eventually — just gotta be patient)! And thankfully if you’re just doing a short day trip to San Diego, I assume you won’t be staying overnight. Meaning no exorbitant overnight hotel parking fees! Which usually cost on average at $30-$50 per night — more money for tacos!

Ride Shares : If you’re taking the train, you’ll need to rely on ride shares like Uber and Lyft, and/or public transportation. Unfortunately, since the city is spread out the cost of Ubers do add up. But if you’ve only got one day in San Diego and aren’t sure when you’ll be back, plan ahead and take the Uber if you can. 

One way to combat this — carefully plan out your day trip to San Diego! This way you aren’t zigzagging back and forth across the city!

Public Transit: While San Diego doesn’t have extensive public transit like say, New York City does, I was surprised to learn there’s actually a few trolley lines and bus routes . And the city does look rather well-connected. 

You’ll undoubtedly need to walk a bunch, but from looking at the maps, you can definitely get around downtown San Diego quite easily. But remember, you’ll wanna leave downtown for sure! Plan to use Uber for those routes!

Scooters : San Diego seems to have a thing for scooters (I mean, the weather’s nearly perfect for them). I don’t trust myself on those things, so can’t give you first-hand experience on scooting around San Diego. 

But there’s tons of them and people use them, so they must work pretty well! Just remember the city is pretty spread out, so you may just wanna just use scooters to go the shorter distances (since you can’t of course scoot on the highway).

Hop On Hop Off Bus: Like so many other cities, San Diego’s got a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus . Although it’s not actually a bus, it’s a trolley! How much fun is that?! Sure, it’s super touristy, but if you don’t have a car for your one day in San Diego and want a super easy way to get around, it can definitely come in handy. And considering it gives you unlimited transportation for the entire day, it’s not a bad deal either. 

Is One Day in San Diego Enough?

Yes… but not really, haha. It’s enough to give you a small sampling of what this thriving area’s got to offer, but you’ll 100% wanna stay longer and/or come back. 

But really though, if all you’ve got time for is a day trip to San Diego, opt for the day. It’s better than no time at all!

Sometimes one day in San Diego’s all you got! Maybe you’re taking a much longer California coast road trip down the PCH and ending in SD, or using it as a stopover en route to elsewhere on the west coast. 

Honestly, the city’s got way too much to squeeze into just one day. I really recommend at least 3 days in San Diego , but alas, we don’t always have time for that! There’s too many museums, beaches, unique neighborhoods, historical sites, and foodie and photo spots for a quick 24 hours or less. Trust me — making this one day in San Diego itinerary was difficult! I had to leave off so many of my favorite spots! BUT there’s always next time!

→ Here for longer? Check out this massive bucket list of things to do in San Diego , full of over 125+ things to see and do, and most importantly, eat!

Tips to Maximize Your Day Trip to San Diego

• Start early! If you’re spending the night before your one day in San Diego, wake up and get out exploring at a reasonable hour! If you’re driving down or taking the train, set your alarm so you get to San Diego before 10am!
• Pay for parking if need be. If you’ve only got one day, you don’t wanna spend half your time looking for parking. Yes, paying for parking sucks (I get it — I’d rather save that cash for tacos), but sometimes you just gotta suck it up. Time is money, people!

• Plan out your food stops in advance. It’s hard to have a bad meal in San Diego, but if you’re an indecisive person like me, the choices may overwhelm you. Do your research ahead of time so you don’t waste time deciding where to eat.
• If you are staying overnight, stay in downtown San Diego . You’ll be close to almost everything and centrally located. Plus, the nightlifes great! You can drag your boozy self right to bed!
• The city is spread out — plan for this. Unlike San Francisco, San Diego covers a lot of miles. You’ll wanna give yourself time to get from spot to spot. So cram it all in, but don’t go absolutely overboard. 
• Skip the San Diego Zoo on your day trip to San Diego. Save it for next time when you can give it the time it deserves. On that note — always skip SeaWorld no matter how long you’ve got in the city (we don’t agree with a lot of their unethical practices and questionable animal encounter experiences).

Planning Your One Day in San Diego Itinerary

If you’ve only got one day in San Diego, you wanna make sure you plan your time out right! The city is pretty spread out with plenty of different neighborhoods, so I suggest having a well-thought out plan… this is not the time to just wing it!

You definitely wanna start your day out early in order to see as much as possible. If you wanna skip a few things in the one day San Diego itinerary below, feel free to sleep in a tad, but not for too long! Make the most of your time here!

Just remember — I’ve planned out a pretty jam-packed day trip to San Diego, so if you want a more leisurely day and don’t feel like rushing around, pick and choose your favorites! I tried to incorporate the main highlights into this one day in San Diego, including some beach time, cultural experiences, and of course some food!

No matter what, you’ll wanna come back — one day in San Diego is never enough, I can promise you that!

So let’s get started with our day trip to San Diego — Full of all the iconic spots in the city. The perfect one day in San Diego itinerary, coming right up!

Day Trip to San Diego Itinerary

One day in san diego: morning.

Stop #1: Breakfast/Brunch and Exploring in La Jolla

Start your day off bright and early with a coffee and some breakfast in La Jolla! Remember, this is a busy day in San Diego, so you’ll wanna make sure you’re fueled up for all the fun. Unless you wanna allocate a while for brunch (hey, I get it — you wanna stay time efficient on our day trip to San Diego), I’d pick a spot that won’t take all day.

And if you’re driving, it’ll be easier to find parking in La Jolla earlier in the morning than mid-day.

Here’s a few options for a quick breakfast/brunch in La Jolla:

• Parakeet Cafe: Super trendy but pretty low-key. More of a grab and go and seat yourself kinda place. I wanna try one of their toasts next time I’m in the area — the almond butter and avocado toasts look absolutely delicious. Oh and that cacao waffle. Mmmm….
• Wayfarer Bread & Pastry: Another quick grab and go spot, home to the best sourdough and croissants in town. Expect to find lots of yummy artisan pastries like apple hazelnut croissants and cranberry orange scones in a breezy, beachy cafe!
• Sugar and Scribe: A quintessential La Jolla hangout home of Food Network Champion Chef Maeve (Holiday Baking Championship, anyone?!). Think nutella french toast, fluffy egg whites, and traditional Irish soda bread. And plus, the dog creamer pitchers are so cute!

Need some caffeine? 

• Better Buzz Coffee La Jolla: Skip the Starbucks and head to Better Buzz, a trendy coffee spot with blue starburst tiles and a massive neon BUZZ sign. Try a Mint Infused Iced Coffee — so delicious!
• Coffee Cup San Diego: Nice little place with outdoor seating and great coffee. What else do you need?!
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: So many fun and creative lattes here!  Try the gold digger (with honey and cinnamon) or the trophy wife (macadamia nut) over ice. Or they’ve got single origin pour-overs if you’re not in the mood for so much milk.

After you’re full, plan to explore La Jolla for the rest of the morning, one of my favorite areas in all of San Diego! The area’s absolutely gorgeous and known for its rugged coastline, leopard sharks and harbor seals (yes, really!), and tons of street art. You could really spend your entire one day in San Diego just here in La Jolla, but you’ll just need to come back next time! 

Unfortunately, with only a single day in San Diego I honestly don’t think you have time for snorkeling or kayaking — two of La Jolla’s best activities. They both take up a lot of time, especially if there’s other spots you wanna check out on your day trip to San Diego. Plus, you’ll be all gross and wet afterwards, meaning you’ll need to shower and change… yeah, way too much time. 

But don’t get too upset, there’s still lots to do in La Jolla on land!

If I only had a few hours, here’s exactly what I’d do: 

Watch the seals and sea lions at the Children’s Pool: If there’s one thing you do in La Jolla during your day trip to San Diego, make it this. The Children’s Pool is where you’ll see (and hear!) those famous harbor seals and sea lions you’ve probably been hearing all about! As iconic as it gets here in San Diego!

While you are technically allowed to swim in the water here, it’s highly discouraged . As always, keep a safe distance to any wildlife you see to protect not only yourself, but the animals as well. We want them to feel welcome here in San Diego for years and years to come!

Walk a bit north on Coast Blvd and you’ll pass by Seal Rock, to see, you guessed it — more seals basking on the rocks! We enjoyed watching them flop around so much we accidentally spent over an hour here, whoops!

La Jolla Cove: How does a small, picturesque cove surrounded by cliffs and palm trees sound?! That’s La Jolla Cove for ya!  You’ll find plenty of people sunbathing and swimming here on the little beach when it’s warm out, and casually staring out at the beautiful Pacific if it’s too chilly.

Dip your toes in the water and relish in that sweet, sweet San Diego sun. Just don’t get too close to the seals — they tend to hang out here on occasion.

Coastal Walk Trail: Stretch those legs! The Coastal Walk Trail in La Jolla is beautiful and easy, stretching from La Jolla Cove to La Jolla Shores. It’s just about a half mile long so it won’t take too long at all. 

You can either start at the Cave Store or at the small cul-de-sac along Prospect St. (with a small parking lot for about 10 cars). You’ll even find a secret swing over here (if you know where to look). 

Sunny Jim Cave: Not a fan of kayaking but still wanna see a famous La Jolla cave? I get it — I’m way too clumsy to spend any time on a kayak. Make sure you visit the Sunny Jim Cave instead — it’s the only sea cave in California accessible by land. 

You enter by walking through a 100-year-old tunnel inside The Cave Store and heading down a few flights of old stairs. And voila, the cave appears! Just be careful, the stairway is old and can be pretty slippery, so wear proper shoes.

And the best part — the whole experience takes less than 20 minutes! Perfect for when you’re short on time.

Go Mural Hunting: La Jolla is home to a whole slew of murals perfect for your IG feed; check out this map to find your favorites. I loved the piano fingers and abstract art in the parking lot but both were hard to photograph considering they’re pretty high up. 

But one you need to see?! Roy McMakin’s Favorite Color mural! It’s easily the most popular one and has been around since 2010. And omg so colorful! A must on your day trip to San Diego if you’re looking for the best photo spots in SD!

Before you leave La Jolla I recommend grabbing some of the best tacos you’ve ever had in your life (yes, I said it) at The Taco Stand. Sure, there might be a line, but well worth the additional time!

Stop #2: It’s Taco Time

You can’t leave San Diego without stuffing a few tacos in your mouth. Well, I mean you could, but what kinda life is that?! Since San Diego is so close to the Mexican border, you can just imagine how authentic that greasy goodness is. I swear, we ate at about 5 or 6 different taco jaunts on our 3 days in San Diego last time. 

And yes, they’re that good. Almost as good as the tacos we recently ate in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico .

Tacos are a staple of San Diego, so thankfully finding some great ones aren’t hard to do. If you wanna stay in the La Jolla area, there’s a bunch of great taco restaurants and stands.

A few options for ya:

• The Taco Stand La Jolla: Super casual and fun. There’ll probably be a (long) line depending on when you come, but the tacos are some of the best I’ve ever had. Worth it?… yes! Definitely grab a few al pastor tacos (obviously), but try the churros and carne asada fries too! If I had to pick my favorite taco spot in La Jolla, this would be it!
• Puesto La Jolla: This one’s eclectic and more upscale, with a unique take on artisanal tacos in a bright and breezy brick space. I just love how it’s owned and operated by a Mexican American family. Don’t miss the mango shrimp ceviche and a mango margarita! A tad on the expensive side with tacos at $7-$9 a pop. 
• City Tacos : With locations around the city, this spot is popular for a reason. Try the fried mahi-mahi tacos on homemade corn tortillas, a Mexicali taco (or two), elote (grilled Mexican street corn), and the surf and turf taco. All creative and modern. 

If you don’t mind going out of your way (a tiny bit), you gotta check out Las Cuatro Milpas — an authentic, old-school spot in Barrio Logan. The real deal my friends. We got 2 huge plates of no-frills Mexican food and homemade tortillas for just over $10. 

Day Trip to San Diego: Afternoon

Stop #3: Balboa Park

No visit to San Diego is complete without at least a little time spent in Balboa Park! While you can easily spend a whole day here checking out all the museums and gardens, I recommend picking and choosing a few main things you wanna check out. 

Why?! Because there’s no way you’ll get to everything in Balboa Park with just a day in San Diego — there’s 17 museums here! So you really gotta pick and choose your favorites, especially if you wanna make it to the next stop below (your choice)! 

In all honesty, I’d skip the museums and zoo on your day trip to San Diego, and focus on other activities in the park. You’d be rushing through them anyways, so may as well leave them for when you’ve got a bit more time. And by now you already know you wanna come back…

Thankfully, everything is within walking distance so you can tick off a bunch in only a few hours. But whatever you do, walk up and down the Prado, the main pedestrian street running through the park, admiring the ornate baroque architecture. It’s a true cultural oasis and oh so gorgeous. Stop and look up at Casa del Prado — it’s my favorite!

With a limited amount of time, here’s what I’d do (expect this to all take approximately 2-3 hours if you don’t linger too long in one spot):

Spreckels Organ Pavilion: The largest outdoor pipe organ in the world is housed here in Balboa Park! The 5,000 pipes range in length from the size of a pencil to a whopping 32 feet. And if you happen to get lucky, you may even see a free organ concert (occuring every Sunday at 2pm). We watched an organ rehearsal and every note was absolutely mesmerizing! I especially loved the ornate architecture — so fun to photograph!

Alcazar Garden: Boxwood hedges in a walled courtyard. Flowers blooming year round. Colorful tiled fountains and stunning architecture. I totally felt like I was wandering through a romantic garden of the Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain! A quick little stop but definitely worthy of a few minutes.

Spanish Village Art Center: This was my all-time favorite spot in all of Balboa Park, and one of my favorite photo spots in San Diego ! Strolling along the quaint artist studios and colorful courtyard is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon — and plus, you’re guaranteed to get some great photos for the ‘gram! Even the Spanish-style buildings and floor tiles are painted in bright colors, depicting a charming old village in Spain — so fun! 

Palm Canyon Trail: Kinda a hidden spot in Balboa Park, but definitely not to be missed if you’re a sucker for palm trees like I am! There’s over 450 palms in nearly 2 acres — a true tropical oasis right in the middle of the park! It’s 2 miles but you can always walk a portion of it and turn back around like we typically do if you’re tight on time. Make sure to check out the huge fig tree at the entrance of the trail — it’s absolutely wild!

Lily Pond and Botanical Garden: Two icons of Balboa Park and a must on any day trip to San Diego. Definitely spend a few minutes inside the botanical garden — not only are there an impressive amount of ferns and orchids and palm trees (more than 2,000!) under the domed ceiling, but it’s completely free to enter!  

It’s a dramatic building with a jungle-y interior — I kinda felt like I was walking through the rainforests of Olympic National Park or in Fern Canyon for a hot second! Then take some photos outside near the Lily Pond — it’s absolutely gorgeous on a warm, sunny day.

Stop #4: Old Town or Coronado Island

Depending on how long you wandered around Balboa Park, and depending what time sunset is, you may have time to check out another spot in San Diego. My two choices: Old Town -or- Coronado Island.

Choose Old Town if you wanna experience the cultural birthplace of California, and choose Coronado Island if you want some true beach time!

Old Town is a historic neighborhood in San Diego (created back in 1769) that was considered to be the birthplace of California! Head over to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to explore what life was like back then — there’s preserved and replicated buildings, museum exhibits, and all around historical entertainment. The last time we were there it was almost Day of the Dead — and what gorgeous altars of remembrance and exhibits there were!

Dip some candles at Toby’s Candle Shop, make a beeline for the barrels of taffy at Cousin’s Candy Shop, watch the daily mariachi band and Folklorico dancing, and check out the Whaley House Museum (one of the most famous haunted houses in the United States).

And whatever you do, don’t miss all the homemade artisan goods and pottery in the shops! They pay homage to Mexican culture and heritage in the early 1800s. I loved browsing all the fun arts and crafts the vendors had to offer, especially the Mexican ceramics. 

OH! And don’t leave without trying a piping hot homemade tortilla from the free tortilla stand (just please be kind and leave a tip). They are absolutely delicious and perfect if you’re a tad hungry. 

Coronado 

The second you get to Coronado Island you’ll see just how charming and cute it is! Such a quaint coastal village and such a different feel than other parts of the city and a must on any day trip to San Diego.

Coronado’s got a gentle surf, sparkling beaches, and a charming main street. There’s a reason it’s known as the crown jewel of San Diego.

Whatever you do, don’t miss Hotel Del. With its distinctive red Victorian roof, picture perfect views of the beach and Pacific, and delicious cocktails (who am I kidding, you knew that was coming), Hotel Del shouldn’t be missed. 

You can wander around, but if you’re here for some beach time, you’re in luck. Although it certainly looks like a resort town, the beach is public and it’s GORGEOUS. To no surprise, it’s commonly said to be one of the best beaches in America (once you see the seemingly-endless white sand complete with gold sparkles you’ll easily see why).

Rent an iconic red and white striped chaise lounge and spend an hour or two just relaxing at Coronado Beach. You earned it!

One Day in San Diego: Night

Stop #5: Sunset Cliffs

After a busy afternoon, it’s time to watch a famous San Diego sunset. And the best spot for that — Sunset Cliffs Natural Park of course. Dramatic sandstone cliffs. Untouched vegetation. Stunning ocean vistas. Sounds like the perfect night to me.

Psst — it can get quite windy so bring along a sweater. It gets pretty crowded but the area’s large enough to accommodate everyone. You’ll definitely wanna keep your camera handy — I couldn’t stop taking pictures! Be especially careful as there’s zero guardrails along the sandstone cliffs and some of them are unstable.

Make sure to check times for sunset and aim to get there at least 30 minutes before sun down in order to find a parking spot and get comfy. Lots of people bring a blanket and some snacks and really get into it! I’ve even watched a proposal here!

Stop #6: Little Italy for Dinner and Dessert

Once you’re done exploring for the day, make your way over to Little Italy for dinner, dessert, and drinks.

There’s a whole bunch of authentic Italian restaurants in this area, but I always find myself going back to Monello for fresh cheese wheel pasta. Did you hear that — pasta made right in a wheel of cheese, and yes, it’s that good.

Here’s some other popular spots that I’m itching to try out:

• Mona Lisa Italian Foods: Lasagna. Need I say more? There’s also pizza and old-world Italian cooking, plus a deli with imported prosciutto and cheese if you want something more low-key.
• Davanti Enoteca: A large patio with shareable Italian cuisine. Everyone raves about the cacio e pepe, cheese focaccia, and the bloody mary towers.
• Ironside Fish & Oyster: Expect super fresh oysters and a seafood focused menu in a quirky renovated warehouse. If you get here before happy hour ends, you’ll find $1 oysters available Monday through Friday from 3-5pm. Definitely taking my husband here next time.
• Camino Riviera: Not in the mood for Italian food? No worries — this buzzy spot has seasonal Mexican food and a fun outdoor patio.

But no matter what you end up having for dinner, leave some room for Extraordinary Desserts! I’ve been here every single time I visited, even when we were only in San Diego for a day! 

We recently tried some of their fall favorites, including the apple crostini, and OMG. The chocolate cake is super delectable too. Always opt for a chocolate chip cookie as well (they’re the perfect after dinner treat; although no judgement if you save it for the next morning — what I always seem to do). 

Stop #7: Little Italy and/or Gaslamp Quarter for Drinks!

Still have some energy? Stay in Little Italy or head on over to the Gaslamp Quarter to check out the craft cocktail scene! There’s really something for everyone over here — eclectic wine bars, nightclubs with rooftop views, hidden speakeasies, and grungy sports bars. 

Here’s some spots to check out:

• Craft and Commerce: One of our favorite cocktail bars meets gastropubs in Little Italy! Just note some of their decor includes taxidermy, so stay away if that’s not your jam. (Little Italy)
• Wolfie’s Carousel Bar: New and unique — it’s fun to go once for the novelty of the spinning carousel bar but the drink menu is kinda small so I wouldn’t stay here all night.  I recommend making a reservation in advance to bypass the potentially long line out front. (Little Italy)

• Trailer Park After Dark: A dive bar serving American comfort food and beers in a funky trailer park-themed atmosphere. Such a fun vibe. (Gaslamp Quarter)
• The Nolen: Expect skyline views and a communal fire pit in this swanky rooftop bar in the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego. They even have old fashioneds on tap which are surprisingly good. (Gaslamp Quarter)
• Noble Experiment: Hidden speakeasy anyone?! It’s swanky and secret, tucked behind a secret door in The Neighborhood. You tell them what spirits you like and the bartender whips you something right up! (Gaslamp Quarter)

Other options for your night in San Diego 

Not feeling the San Diego nighttime drinking scene? Take a San Diego City Lights Night Tour instead! The city transforms at night, with beautiful lighting effects in Balboa Park, bright lights and Victorian architecture in the Gaslamp Quarter, and the illuminated San Diego city skyline from Coronado. Read reviews and book your city lights tour here!

And since it’s basically my job to give you a ton of options, if you want something a bit off-beat and different, be sure to check out the historic Gaslamp Quarter walking tour . You’ll learn about the scandals, debauchery, brothels, and more in what used to be San Diego’s red light district. Check out the aptly named Brothels, Bites, and Booze Tour , and make sure to come hungry (maybe have a light dinner), because the food stops are quite filling! Read reviews and book your Gaslamp walking tour here.

Hope this helps you plan out your perfect day trip to San Diego! Are you visiting the city anytime soon?!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same) ! Win-win! If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Thanks for your support! 

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Home > United States > One Week in San Diego Itinerary: 7 Days in San Diego

One Week in San Diego Itinerary: 7 Days in San Diego

By Dymphe / February 14, 2023

One week in San Diego is an incredible experience. Spending 7 days in San Diego is perfect if you want to see all highlights and more! There's so much to do and to see in the city, so you'll have a great time for sure.

San Diego is a gorgeous city in the United States . Most people know San Diego as a city with beautiful beaches, parks, and museums. This city in California has a great climate making it perfect for a relaxing trip.

If you're 7 days in San Diego, you'll have an incredible week. There's so much to see in the city! To make sure you can get the most out of one week in San Diego, I made this perfect itinerary. Furthermore, I included some information for your trip to San Diego.

Table of Contents

Why Spend One Week in San Diego?

Spending one week in San Diego is amazing! San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in California. It's a very popular tourist destination. And that isn't for no reason.

San Diego is a city with many great things to do. There are parks, museums, beaches and much more. If you're spending 7 days in San Diego, you can see so many things!

One of the most famous places is Balboa Park. This is a gorgeous park where you can find many things, such as San Diego Zoo, California Tower, and a museum.

Balboa Park is only one example of a great place in the city. There's so much more!

For example, La Jolla Cove is a wonderful cove surrounded by cliffs. Another example is Belmont Park, a fun place to visit with a rollercoaster and carousel.

Moreover, if you follow this 7-day itinerary for San Diego, you'll visit all these places!

Besides that, San Diego is a very photogenic city. You can find lots of Instagrammable places in San Diego .

Whether you love beautiful viewpoints, colorful spots, or pretty cafes, it's there! So if you like photography, you'll love this city too.

Also, the climate in San Diego is very pleasant. This is also one of the reasons why traveling there is relaxing.

Throughout the whole year, the temperature in the city is great! It doesn't matter if you're going here in summer, winter, autumn, or fall.

Moreover, 7 days in San Diego is the perfect amount of time. That's because there are many things to see and a week allows you to see everything. If you follow this one week in San Diego itinerary, you'll have the most incredible time for sure!

Where To Stay During 7 Days in San Diego?

There are many places where you can stay during your trip to the city of San Diego. Staying near the places that you like most in the city is most convenient, as it makes it easier for you to get there.

One of the best places to stay in San Diego is Downtown San Diego. Here, you find many of the sights that I cover in this itinerary. For example, you'll find here Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Also, this part of the city is close to the airport, which is very convenient if you travel by airplane.

Furthermore, there are lots of shops and restaurants here, which is great! It is a great place to experience the local life of the city! So it's definitely a nice place to stay when you're one week in San Diego.

Another place where you can stay is near the beach. There are so many beaches in San Diego, and staying near one of them is amazing, as you can then more often visit the beach.

For example, you can stay near Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, or Coronado Beach.

A great place to stay when you want to stay at Coronado Beach is Hotel del Coronado . Staying at this resort hotel makes your trip to San Diego very comfortable. Furthermore, the hotel looks very pretty! So I'd definitely recommend checking this place out if you're going to spend 7 days in San Diego.

You can also consider staying in La Jolla. This is a place to the north of San Diego, so it is a bit less convenient for this itinerary. But it is a beautiful place to stay!

Itinerary for One Week in San Diego

Now you know why you should spend a week in San Diego and where to stay. So it's time for the one week in San Diego itinerary!

This is the perfect itinerary if you want to explore San Diego in one week. You will visit beautiful parks, landmarks, beaches, museums, and more! So you'll definitely have the most amazing 7 days in San Diego.

Day 1: The First Day of Your 7 Days in San Diego

During this first day in San Diego, it is time to explore a part of Downtown San Diego.

I recommend spending the whole day at Balboa Park! A whole day at one park? Yes, that's because there is a lot to do here. If you're one week in San Diego, spending a day here is incredible. Furthermore, Balboa Park is definitely a must-see.

In other cities, a park is often only a great place for relaxation, but Balboa Park in San Diego is so much more.

Besides the beautiful park, you find here many sights that are great to visit! This makes the park very unique. So going here when you're 7 days in San Diego is definitely a great idea.

Balboa Park

When you arrive at Balboa Park you should first explore the park itself first! The park is quite large as it spans an area of 1200 acres (or 4.9 square kilometers).

The park is very old, as it's there since the year 1835. In fact, it is one of the oldest public parks in the country! This is also one of the reasons why it's in this itinerary for 7 days in San Diego!

In the past, the park was home to many historic events. For example, the Panama-California Exposition was here!

You find here large open spaces with grass and amazing nature. For example, you can see beautiful palm trees everywhere.

What's great is that there are many hiking paths at Balboa Park. That makes going here a very fun and relaxing activity for your one week in San Diego.

California Tower and other structures

When walking through the park you'll stumble upon the prettiest structures!

The architecture of these structures is very pretty. This is great to see. What's great is that they make you feel as if you are in a foreign country! That's because many of the buildings have a Spanish architectural style.

For example, the buildings at the Lily Pond in Balboa Park are great.

Another great structure to see is the California Tower. This tower is very iconic and stands out in the park. Furthermore, it is a great tower for photography because of the architecture! You should definitely see the California Tower when you're one week in San Diego!

San Diego Zoo

Another great thing about Balboa Park is the San Diego Zoo. This is a popular zoo with millions of annual visitors, making it the most visited zoo in the United States.

This is a great zoo and you can a very large number of animals there. In fact, there are about 12,000 animals at the zoo. Moreover, there are about 650 species of animals.

For example, there are many birds. Also, there are giraffes. And there are flamingos as well.

What makes this zoo special is the places where the animals stay. The zoo designed these exhibits in such a way that it mimics the natural environment of the animals. This is great to see during your 7 days in San Diego.

Some of the animals that you can see here are elephants, gorillas, tigers, and polar bears.

Visit a museum at Balboa Park

Another great thing about the park is the huge amount of museums you find here. This makes the place a great place if you want to learn new things or see beautiful art!

I recommend visiting at least one of these museums when on this first day! Those who love museums will love this activity of this itinerary for one week in San Diego!

One of the best museums in the park is the San Diego Museum of Art , where you can find fine arts.

Another great museum here is the Museum of Photographic Arts which focuses on photos.

And the San Diego Natural History Museum is great to visit as well! This is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States. And you find a great collection here!

During this second day of your 7 days in San Diego, you are going to do some fun things! On this day you are going to Mission Bay in the north of San Diego!

Mission Beach

The first activity of the day is visiting Mission Beach!

Mission Beach is a beautiful beach that is definitely worth visiting! It is a great place for relaxation.

Furthermore, there is a boardwalk next to the beach where you can find many shops and restaurants.

The beach looks very beautiful. That's one of the reasons why it's on this itinerary for one week in San Diego.

Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay Park is a great part of San Diego to wander through. It looks beautiful, so visiting it when you're 7 days in San Diego is great!

Furthermore, it is the perfect place for many water activities. For example, you can go here for wakeboarding and sailing. But you can also do here lots of other activities, such as skating and skateboarding

Belmont Park

For a large part of the day, I recommend going to Belmont Park ! This is an amusement park that is very fun!

You find it in the area of Mission Bay as well, so combining these activities is great!

At Belmont Park, you'll find lots of fun attractions that attract lots of visitors each year.

The amusement park is very old and there are still attractions from the year 1925 when the park opened.

One of the most fun and most iconic attractions of the park is the Mission Beach Roller Coaster!

But you can find lots of other attractions at this great amusement park!

For example, there is a climbing wall, there is a large swing, and there is a carousel.

Also, you can find many restaurants and other food venues here, which is very convenient!

Today is the third day of this 7 days in San Diego itinerary. On this day you are going to visit La Jolla Cove, which is very beautiful and fun! That's why it is one of my favorite activities for one week in San Diego.

La Jolla Cove is a small cove along the coast. You find here a beautiful beach that is great to visit.

Besides that the surrounding of La Jolla Cove is amazing. It looks very unique and is very pretty. That's one of the reasons why it is very popular and why many people take photos here as well!

Doing a day at the beach at La Jolla Cove Beach is a very relaxing thing to do in San Diego. It is the perfect place to get a rest!

Besides that, there is also a lot to do a the beach.

One of the most popular activities is of course swimming. The clear blue water is incredible, and makes you want to jump straight into the water when you arrive!

Also, you can scuba dive and snorkel at La Jolla Cove, which is another thing I recommend!

What's also great at La Jolla Cove is that you can see seals and sea lions. It's amazing to see these animals from up close! This makes your day at La Jolla Cove so much more fun!

To get to La Jolla Cove you can travel by car. From Downtown San Diego the ride takes about 30 minutes, so that is very doable! Especially when you're 7 days in San Diego, you have to see it!

On the fourth day of this San Diego itinerary, it's time to discover more of the inner city.

Let's explore Downtown San Diego on this day! You already saw Balboa Park, which is a great park to visit.

Today we are going to the other parts of the center of the city.

You find here many sights and beautiful buildings! Strolling through this part of the city is a great activity. Along the way, you can see lots of pretty things! So, you can have a great time by only walking around!

Another great thing in Downtown San Diego is going to Seaport Village. This is a place where you find many restaurants, cafes, and lots of shops. If you are looking for a great place for shopping, then go here! It's very fun to go here when you're one week in San Diego.

In Downtown San Diego you also find the Waterfront Park. This is a small park next to the water with lots of grass. This makes it a great place to sit down at! It's a nice place to relax during your 7 days in San Diego.

Also, when you are in Downtown San Diego, you should definitely visit the USS Midway Museum .

Here you can find the historic aircraft carrier Midway. This ship was in use from 1945 till 1992. This makes it great to see in real life!

It is the fifth day of the itinerary for your trip to San Diego. Today will be a very relaxing day.

When you are in San Diego, you should definitely visit Coronado.

You can find Coronado to the south of San Diego. Actually, Coronado is a separate city, but it lies in San Diego County.

To get to Coronado and the beach, you have to cross San Diego Bay.

You can do so by two ferries. One goes from a place next to the USS Midway Museum (that you already went to if you follow this itinerary). And another leaves from the San Diego Convention Center.

Besides that, you can also go to Coronado by car if you drive over the Coronado Bridge. This is a very impressive bridge, that is also great for taking photos.

Next to the arrival point of the ferry, you find Centennial Park. This is a very small park that you should definitely visit.

It is a great place to relax and you find here a great view! From the park, you can see the skyline of San Diego, which is amazing! You can see the many skyscrapers of the city from here.

This makes it also a great place for taking photos during your one week in San Diego!

After that, I recommend spending the rest of the day at Coronado Beach!

This beach is very pretty. In fact, in 2008 it was the sixth-best beach in the United States!

Furthermore, you can find lots of facilities at the beach, which is very convenient.

And you find here Hotel del Coronado, which is a very famous hotel. Many famous people stayed here, including lots of presidents and actors.

I definitely recommend staying here for sure if you are looking for luxury!

During the 6th day of your one week in San Diego, it is time to explore some new places. You find these places at the peninsula Point Loma.

A great place here is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. This is the next place to visit on this itinerary for seven days!

This is a beautiful city park where you can some beautiful cliffs and other natural sights! Seeing this place is a unique experience for your 7 days trip to San Diego!

After going there you can see the Old Point Loma Lighthouse if you follow this itinerary. This is a very pretty historic lighthouse!

Here you'll also find the Cabrillo National Monument. This monument commemorates the day the Spanish explore Cabrillo landed in San Diego. This was the first expedition by the Europeans of the West Coast of the US.

When you are at the southern tip of Point Loma, you can also see whales, which is a great experience!

Day 7: The Last Day of Your 7 Days in San Diego

When you are in San Diego for 7 days you should definitely go to Tijuana in Mexico for a day trip. This is so much fun to do!

It is very easy to cross the border and explore this unique city in Mexico.

It is a great place to try out delicious Mexican food. That alone makes this a great place to visit!

Besides that, Tijuana is also a great place for shopping. You'll find here lots of boutique shops that have great and more affordable items! So if you want to buy something new, that's great.

Furthermore, there is also a great beach in the city that you should definitely visit!

How To Get To San Diego?

If you're going to spend one week in San Diego, you also need to know how to get there! Getting to San Diego is easy, and with this information you know exactly how to do so.

You can travel to the city by airplane, train, bus, or car.

You find an airport in the city that is very close to Downtown San Diego.

This airport focuses more on flights within the United States. But there are also connections to international destinations. For example, you can take a direct flight from Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and more.

Getting from the airport to Downtown San Diego is easy to do. You can do so by public transport, taxi, or car. From the airport, the journey takes less than 20 minutes.

Besides that, you can also reach the city of San Diego by train. This is a great option if you come from a place nearby.

There are many Amtrak train connections to these places. For example, there is a train from Los Angeles to San Diego that takes less than 4 hours.

Also, there are several bus connections to the city of San Diego. This is often a cheaper option if you want to reach the city. But often the journey also takes longer.

One company that offers bus routes is Greyhound.

For example, they have a route from Los Angeles to San Diego for 15 dollars. This journey takes about 16 hours, so that's quite long! But it is an overnight bus ride, so it is very doable!

Besides these options, you can also get to the city of San Diego by car. This is a very convenient option and often a very fast one! By going by car you can take a lot of luggage with you!

How To Move Around During Your 7 Days in San Diego?

It is easy to move around San Diego. That's because the public transport network of the city is very good and affordable!

With public transportation, you can get to each part of the city in an easy way.

There are 3 trolley lines in the city that can take you to lots of places in the city. That's the main method of transportation in the city.

For example, with the trolley, you can go from Downtown San Diego to the Mexican border.

Besides that, you can also move around by car or taxi. This is a convenient option if you want to get to a specific place in the city fast.

Another way to move around San Diego is by bike. There are bike stations in the city where you can rent a bike for a short amount of time. This is also fun to do if you follow this itinerary!

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• Itinerary 2 Day

Exciting 2-Day Itineraries

Enjoy the sights and scene in san diego.

Believe it or not it's easy to see two of San Diego's four major attractions, the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld San Diego, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and LEGOLAND California, in just two days.

Squeeze Every Bit of Fun out of Your 2-Day Stay

Part of San Diego's charm is in its accessibility, with so much to do so close at hand. With two days to spend in San Diego, you can branch out from the downtown area and have twice the fun. The following are some suggested itineraries for travelers who have two days to explore San Diego. 

Attraction Action

For many visitors, San Diego’s famous and family friendly attractions are the main draw. From boisterous rides and a world made of bricks to animal encounters at an aquarium, rain forest or savanna, San Diego attractions offer a wide array of ways to spend a fun-filled day creating new memories.

Downtown and Mission Bay and Beach Regions

• Day 1:  San Diego Zoo , home to more than 3,500 animals. See rare and exotic creatures alike, such as koalas, gorillas, Komodo dragons, tigers, polar bears, giant tortoises, elephants, and more. Take a guided bus tour for a great overview of the Zoo.
• Day 2: SeaWorld San Diego , located just north of downtown San Diego on Mission Bay, also offers close encounters of the animal kind, but in an aquatic setting. SeaWorld San Diego, the first SeaWorld park in the nation, features six major animal shows, dozens of fascinating exhibits containing marine life from around the globe, and thrill rides like Journey to Atlantis and the Manta roller coaster.

San Diego's North County Coastal and Inland Regions

• Day 1:  San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido is a 1,800-acre preserve where wild animals roam free over vast expanses as they would in their native habitats of Africa and Asia. It’s best to see the park's 3,000 animals by taking the guide-narrated tram safari.
• Day 2:  LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad is the first LEGO theme park in North America, featuring more than 60 interactive attractions, rides and shows, including Pirate Shores and Land of Adventure. Adults love Miniland USA, featuring amazing 1:20 scale replicas of landmarks in New York City, Washington D.C., New Orleans, California, Florida and New England, constructed with 20 million LEGO bricks.

La Jolla: The Jewel of San Diego

The community of La Jolla , located approximately 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego, is a seaside village nestled along seven miles of gently curving coastline. Its name (pronounced La Hoya) translates to "the jewel" in Spanish and is an appropriate description of this beautiful hamlet filled with spectacular scenery, outdoor recreation, world-class shopping, fine dining and an eclectic mix of museums, theatres and art galleries. Following is a suggested two-day itinerary:

• Day 1: Shop along Prospect Street, La Jolla's main thoroughfare and one of San Diego’s most tony shopping areas, sometimes called the “Rodeo Drive” of San Diego. Prospect Street is also home to the thought-provoking Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - La Jolla . Stroll through Ellen Browning Scripps Park, overlooking the inlet beaches of La Jolla Cove and the Children's Pool where seals frolic. View the Stuart Collection of Sculpture , 17 contemporary artworks on the UCSD campus. End the day in style, fine dining in the village and then attending a performance at the Tony® Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse .
• Day 2: Rise and shine for a round of golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course , home of the annual Farmers Insurance Open . Or for the more adventurous, tandem hang glide/paraglide at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, kayak the sea caves of La Jolla Cove or dive/snorkel in San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, the first coastal underwater preserve on the West Coast. Then explore the marine life at  Birch Aquarium at Scripps  — go behind-the-scenes with a scientist to learn about the unusual world of seahorse care and breeding —  and enjoy a leisurely hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve , home of one of the world's rarest pine trees. End the day atop Mt. Soledad for 360º views of San Diego and a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Neighborhood Adventures

Exploring  San Diego's neighborhoods is a great way to experience the colorful charm of San Diego and its residents. You can spend two days discovering the downtown and uptown areas, including the Gaslamp Quarter ,  Little Italy and Hillcrest , as well as many others throughout the city. San Diego is home to approximately 100 distinct neighborhoods, each with lots to offer.

Life's a Beach

You don't have to venture far from downtown San Diego to get a taste of our laidback SoCal beach culture.

• Day 1: Check out Imperial Beach (I.B.) , a small surfer town on the U.S./Mexico border, home of Surfhenge, the world's largest known plexiglass artwork, and the Imperial Beach Pier. From I.B., head north along the sandy white Silver Strand peninsula to Coronado Beach , anchored by the impressive Hotel del Coronado .
• Day 2: Explore the tidepools of  Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma and the epic surf spots of Sunset Cliffs. From there head north to the edgy hippie hangout Ocean Beach , home of the Ocean Beach Pier, Dog Beach and Ocean Beach Antique District. Continue north to Mission Bay , home to one of the world's largest aquatic parks, and then visit  Pacific Beach (P.B.) and Mission Beach , connected by a three-mile boardwalk crowded with inline skaters, skateboarders, runners, bikers and sun worshippers. The surrounding streets, stores, restaurants and bars bustle with activity. Adjacent to Mission Beach is Belmont Park , featuring the vintage “Giant Dipper” roller coaster, “The Plunge” giant indoor swimming pool, shops and other amusements.

Find a place to stay

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San Diego is well-known for world-class attractions that are a haven for younger kids and teenagers, who might even be surprised by how much they can crank up the fun.

San Diego Breweries

Something amazing is brewing throughout San Diego. The region's craft/micro/nano breweries are turning out innovative beers, including the West Coast IPA (a local twist on the IPA), that have been pushing the envelope and sweeping award ceremonies at national and international contests.

San Diego Rocks Edu-tainment

San Diego isn't just year-round sun, 70 miles of sparkling beaches and numerous world-class attractions. There are plenty of opportunities for families to find enriching and fun educational experiences.   

San Diego's 59-Mile Scenic Drive

Encompassing a good portion of the city's most outstanding attractions, taking San Diego's 59-mile scenic drive is a beautiful way to spend a day.

Save up to 40% at the Best Attractions

Visit San Diego’s top attractions and save up to 40% on combined admission. See your choice of SeaWorld® San Diego, LEGOLAND® California, or both. Plus, get admission to 3 of the following attractions: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, USS Midway Museum, City Cruises and Old Town Trolley Tours.

Explore San Diego with Go City

Discover 55+ top San Diego attractions and save up to 45% with Go City. Choose a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7-day All Inclusive Pass and meet the animals at San Diego Zoo, spend the day at SeaWorld®, explore the impressive USS Midway, cruise the bay with Speedboat Adventures, and more!

Visit GoCity.com to choose the pass that's perfect for you.

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Bae Area and Beyond

Best 5 Day San Diego Itinerary

Planning to spend 5 days in San Diego? San Diego is one of the most famous cities in the world.

From being featured in hundreds of shows and movies to the many celebrities it homes, most people have heard of this Southern California city with its laid-back, beachy reputation. 

Planning your trip to San Diego? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals: 

📸 Best Tours In San Diego:

• Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego (for up to 12 people!)
• San Diego 4×4: Border Wilderness (travel the off-beaten path)
• Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour (all-inclusive)
• The San Diego Highlights Tour (all the top sights + free time to explore)
• San Diego Whale Watching Cruise (check out the 2 guarantees!)

😴 Best Hotels In San Diego:

• Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp  (💲) (complimentary bikes!)
• Hotel Marisol Coronado  (💲💲) (5-min walk to Coronado Beach)
• Fairmont Grand Del Mar  (💲💲💲) (be treated like a celebrity!)

🚘 Best Car Rental In San Diego:  DiscoverCars   (save up to 70%)

While San Diego does offer excellent weather and beautiful beaches, there is much more to it. Keep reading to learn more about just how much there is to experience in San Diego and the best ways to fit it into your next trip.  

Table Of Contents

San Diego 5-Day Itinerary 

San Diego is a history-rich city with diverse culture, sights, and local activities. While one could spend their whole life exploring the city, those visiting must find ways to condense its draws into their time there.

I believe that for those looking to get the San Diego experience, 5 days is a perfect amount of time to dip your toe into many of its neighborhoods and most famous attractions. Here is your perfect 5-day San Diego itinerary!

Day 1 In San Diego

Day 1 is the perfect opportunity to take your time exploring all that Balboa Park has to offer.

Grab a quick breakfast burrito to go from one of San Diego’s countless authentic Mexican food restaurants, and give yourself plenty of daylight to traverse the vast, over 1,000-acre park. 

Balboa Park is full of museums, gardens, and other attractions. These include the beautiful botanical building, the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Alcazar Garden, and many more. 

Watch street performers and shop at booths by local food and craft vendors. Most activities in the park are free or low-cost, making this a great day spent for those traveling on a budget.

After a tiring day, head back to your hotel for a shower before venturing into the Gaslamp Quarter for an intimate dinner.

Some highly recommended options in this historic district include Cafe 21 ($$) or WaterGrill ($$$) .

Day 2 In San Diego 

Start day 2 with a walk near the water in the San Diego Marina . As you get your morning steps in, admire the many beautiful boats that come and go.

Maybe even stop in Seaport Village for a quick breakfast and latte at Spill The Beans Coffee and Bagels . 

If you plan your trip in advance, I highly recommend including a Padres Game in your itinerary. Whether or not you are a baseball fan, spending a day at Petco Park is a great way to immerse yourself in San Diego’s culture.

The stadium offers plenty of local craft beers and foods, along with an exciting atmosphere. Local transportation also makes it extremely easy to get to Petco Park from anywhere in the city so that you don’t have to worry about parking. 

After a day well spent cheering on your team, head to the East Village to visit one of San Diego’s many famous speakeasies.

Noble Experiment is a mysterious cocktail den hidden behind a wall of kegs. Golden skulls and classical art adorn the walls. 

Day 3 In San Diego

To start day 3, head over to the neighborhood of North Park for brunch at Crushed and a few hours browsing the many local business storefronts.

After this, pack some sunscreen and walking shoes and head to the San Diego Zoo for the day. 

San Diego’s Zoo is world famous for its research and conservation efforts and is the most-visited zoo in the United States.

The park takes visitors throughout numerous realms modeled after different parts of the world. You’ll find many unique animals found in these habitats. 

The Zoo also offers a vast selection of local craft beer and various eateries throughout the park.

If you still find yourself hungry after leaving the gates, historic Little Italy is not far and is full of authentic Italian restaurants and wine bars such as B uon Appetito ($$) and Filippi’s Pizza Grotto ($$) .

Little Italy may offer the most beautiful ambiance in the whole city for a night of dinner and roaming the streets. 

Day 4 In San Diego

Day 4 is the perfect day to take a short trip to La Jolla. This small beach town is known for being a very high-end part of the city full of luxurious experiences as well as a beautiful coastline and cove.

While still a part of San Diego, La Jolla is a short drive (about 15 minutes) from the rest of the city. 

Grab a coffee and take a walk along the beach before heading down to the cove for a kayaking tour.

Affordable kayaking tours can show you and your family the beautiful coastline from a new perspective, getting you up close and personal with local wildlife and sea caves. 

After you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Georges at the Cove for some fresh local seafood with waterfront views. The La Jolla Village is full of shops to browse after your meal. 

Day 5 In San Diego

Save the best for last with a relaxing beach day to wrap up the trip. Before hitting the sand, visit one of San Diego’s many yoga studios to set the mood for the day. Riff’s Yoga Studio in Ocean Beach is a local favorite. 

After this, head to Mission Beach for a sunny day playing on the sand and swimming in the water.

Bike rentals are easy to come by and can be used to enjoy the 3.5-mile Mission Beach Boardwalk, a great way to visit dozens of restaurants and bars. 

After your day in the sun, stop by a local grocery store to stock up on BBQ necessities, and head over to Mission Bay Park to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the water. Set up a picnic and games to make the most of your last night in Beautiful San Diego. 

Where to Stay In San Diego

San Diego has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:

Budget-Friendly Option:  Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego

Mid-Priced Option:  Hotel Marisol Coronado

Lux Option:  Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Best Tours In San Diego

Looking for the best tours in San Diego? Check out these top-rated & reviewed tours on Viator: 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 5 days enough for san diego.

5 days in San Diego are more than enough to get a great feel for the city and what it has to offer. A 5-day trip is a great way to find out what parts of the city you like best and to focus on in future visits. 

How many days are needed for San Diego?

Because San Diego has so much to offer, I would recommend at least a 3-day trip to be able to explore different neighborhoods and visit as least 1 of its larger attractions such as Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo.  

Is there enough to do in San Diego for a week?

There is more than enough to do in San Diego to fill a week’s worth of visiting. San Diego also has tons of amazing beach towns outside of the city itself. Encinitas and Carlsbad make for the most amazing side trips and could each take up a few days on their own. 

Is San Diego safe?

San Diego is widely known to be  one of the safest cities  in the nation for its size. Although some levels of crime are a given, and some of its neighborhoods are safer than others, the crime rate in San Diego remains below the national average. 

Can I visit San Diego in the winter?

If you conjure up images of endless summer and salty surfers when told to think of San Diego, you’re not alone. Although this city is known widely as a summer vacation destination, San Diego has  its draws during the colder months .

What is the best month to go to San Diego?

Spring tends to be the best time of year to visit if you are looking to partake in a variety of activities. April and May are great months as they are warm and sunny, allowing for beach days and surf lessons. However, these months are not yet too warm to partake in outdoor activities like hiking or walking around all day. 

Can I visit San Diego without a car?

Visiting San Diego without a car  is a viable option. When doing so, I recommend that you research ahead of time to determine what you are hoping to get out of your visit and choose a walkable neighborhood to stay in based on this. 

If you choose to rent a car, here’s all you need to know about renting a car in San Diego.

Final Thoughts

While San Diego is a larger-than-life city with so much to offer , it is possible to fit many of its draws into a short trip.

With thought-out planning and quite a bit of energy, 5 days in San Diego is more than enough time to get a taste of San Diego and what makes it one of the best cities in the world. 

Note: This post was written by our friend who’s a Southern California local so you’re getting the best information!

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shreeyeh Rajan is the founder of Bae Area and Beyond, a California blog with over 45,000 monthly readers and featured in more than 25 sites.

With a love for California that runs deep, Shreeyeh and her husband explore the Golden State every chance they get, from the beaches in Santa Cruz to the hiking trails of Yosemite.

Through her blog, Shreeyeh hopes to inspire readers to fall in love with California just like she did.

Your One Stop Shop For Travel Planning

4 days in san diego – the perfect itinerary for couples.

San Diego is one of my favorite cities in the world! Even though I hate travelling to the same place more than once, I always find myself back here time and time again. Spending 4 days in San Diego gives you plenty of time to relax and see all the sights! Luckily the area is relatively small so you can easily see everything San Diego has to offer in a short weekend get away. 

Home to perfect weather, beautiful beaches, adorable shops, great people, and best (kill me for actually admitting to say this word) vibe! In these 4 days in San Diego, you will get to see all the romantic stops like Sunset Cliff Natural Park, San Diego Zoo, romantic dinners in La Jolla Cove, and SO much more! 

The first time I ever visited this city was on a romantic weekend getaway with my boyfriend, Joseph, and we had the most amazing time. We have been back several times since it is a short 4 hour car ride from our home in Las Vegas, so I condensed all of our favorite actives into a four day guide.

If you plan to see San Diego while exploring more of California, be sure to check out my 7 day California itinerary ! It squeezes in all the best sites from San Francisco to San Diego! OR if you are planning a trip with your girls, don’t miss my Girls Weekend in San Diego guide !

There’s a chance that this post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), that goes directly towards little Rosie’s dog treats!

What to pack?

I keep a list of all my summer essentials and favorite finds  on this guide here . I am constantly updated it after every warm destination – tried, true & tested! I also have a list of my 10 travel essentials I can’t live without,  you can read those here !

If you are traveling to San Diego in the winter months, I would still bring summer clothes + a few light jackets. It gets cool at night, but still sunny and warm during the daytime!

My top 3 recommendations that are specific to San Diego are:

1. Bluetooth speaker for the beach

I doubt I’m the only one who loves listening to music for any occasion. What makes happy hour better? Live music. What makes getting ready when you’re tired better? My favorite songs. What makes relaxing on the beach better? Relaxing music! All of this is possible with a Bluetooth speaker and one of the main reasons why I bring this on 99% of the trips I take. Click here for the Bluetooth speaker I have .

2. Cute bathing suits

Nothing gets you more excited for a summer destination than a new bathing suit! I get my bathing suits from a variety of sites, but my all-time favorite and most affordable swim suits are from ASOS. You can browse their current ones here !

3. Sunblock Packets

I always apply a full amount of sunblock before leaving the hotel, but bring sunblock packets with me in my purse. They take up almost no space and are super easy to quickly re-apply. They are about the size of a ketchup packet and can even fit in your pocket. Click here for the packets I use .

Where to stay in San Diego?

There are three main areas to stay in, all offering a completely different vacation. There is the bustling Gaslamp district, trendy Pacific Beach, and romantic La Jolla. I have stayed in all three areas, and am indifferent. I think they’re all great spots and it just depends on what  you prefer! If you are following my 4 day San Diego itinerary, I would recommend staying in Pacific Beach so you are in the middle of all the sights on this guide.

Gaslamp District

Also known as downtown San Diego, this is where you will find far less expensive hotels, better restaurants and more nightlife options. The only downside is you are not walking distance from the beach, which if you are looking for a beach vacation, this would not be your best option.

You can easily catch an Uber/Lyft/Taxi to the beach, which I would recommend because if you rent a car you have to pay to park it downtown ($$$) and have to drive through beach traffic.

Click here to view hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is an adorable beach town with margarita bars and surfers galore. You are only a few steps from a beautiful, beach sunset and good restaurants. The hotels in this area are more expensive because you will be on the beach, but there are a lot of airbnb or house rental options if you are coming with a big group.

This area also has a lot of nightlife options, but a lot different than the Gaslamp district. They have more of a beach-bar vibe with live music and fruity cocktails versus Gaslamp has more night clubs and higher-end bars.

I think this area is the best option if it’s your first time visiting San Diego.

Click here to view hotels in Pacific Beach

La Jolla is more luxurious with gorgeous views of the ragged California coast line. The beaches here are not as nice as Pacific Beach, but the coastal views and golfing courses make up for it. If you have ever seen pictures of the seals and sea lions in San Diego, you will find 99% of them in this area.

The nightlife is quiet and mature, so a great option for a romantic get-a-way!

Click here to view hotels in La Jolla Cove

Best way to get around San Diego?

I usually have my car from road tripping from Las Vegas, but if you don’t have a car, you can easily use Uber/Lyft to get around. Beach traffic or downtown traffic are not fun to drive in and can turn a relaxing vacation into, well, a not-so relaxing vacation!

I would recommend renting a bike from your hotel and using that to get around your area. If you choose to leave the area you are staying in, just grab an Uber/Lyft. 

Keep in mind that most hotels have a hefty fee to park your car at the hotels. Even if you think you are saving money by getting a rental car, you may have to pay $50+ per night just to park the darn thing!

4 Days in San Diego Itinerary

San Diego is such a fun beach town with tons to see and do! Like I said earlier, I have visited here many times and these are my top favorite things to do. Lets jump in:

Day 1: Fly into San Diego

You can fly into the large, international airport in the heart of San Diego. This itinerary is based in Pacific Beach, but you could realistically stay in any area of San Diego and is still completely doable.

Once you check into your hotel / Airbnb, go to my favorite Pacific Beach spot: Baja Beach Cafe ! This is my favorite spot for several reasons: They have an entire page of margarita options, the margaritas are the size of your head (seriously), the have an adorable outside patio right on the beach, and the best happy hour EVER! They have 2-for-1 drinks from 4pm – 8pm every Monday-Friday (the happy hour special does not give you the extra large size though, they are still big but not as big as pictured below) .

TIP: If you want to go for sunset, I would get their early to score a spot on their patio!

After you drink your weight in margaritas, you’re ready for your night out on the town! If you’re in town on a Wednesday night, make your way over to PB Shore Club for their Goldfish races! What are goldfish races you might be thinking…. PB Shore club has two, long and vertical fish tanks that are aligned side-by-side. They will give you a straw to blow into the water to guide the goldfish toward the other end of the tank. They change the winnings constantly, but the last time I did the fish races the winner got open bar for the night.

TIP: Don’t choke and come in second place like I did, sigh…

Other fun bars in the Pacific Beach area are The Backyard , Lahaina Beach House , & Firehouse . These bars are walking/biking distance from each other or Ubers are very easy to come by in this area. 

Day 2: San Diego Zoo

Grab yourself a acai bowl at The Mad Beet , and head over to the San Diego Zoo!

Prepare yourself for a long day of walking and picture-taking because this place is huge! The best time to go to the San Diego Zoo is during a weekday and early in the day. It gets extremely crowded later in the day with long lines to everything from entry to food stands. 

The zoo is open from 9am-5pm, so I would plan to buy your tickets in advance and show up right when the gates open at 9am. This will give you the most pleasant experience and allow you to have a lot of your day left once you leave the park. 

End your night by grabbing a bite to eat and a bottle of wine (don’t forget the wine opener like we did, ha!) and head over to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for sunset. The smell of the ocean, sound of the waves crashing and feeling like you’re the only two people in the world is my favorite moment out of all the times I’ve been to San Diego!

If are driving to Sunset Cliffs, there will be plenty of parking along the coast. Plan a 15-20 minute drive to get to Sunset Cliffs from Pacific Beach, The Zoo, or Downtown. Once you get the the cliffs, you can pretty much hike out and find a secluded area. 

TIP: If you love beautiful cliff side views, be sure to check out my guide on driving the most beautiful coast in the USA: Big Sur Road Trip!

Looking for more picturesque spots? Be sure to check out my friend’s guide on Best Instagram Spots in San Diego!

End your night either bar hopping in the Gaslamp Quarter or a date night in Little Italy (both downtown San Diego). Little Italy is an adorable area filled with trendy cocktail bars, yummy Italian restaurants, breweries and clothing boutiques. You could easily spend an entire afternoon here. 

If you want to spend the night in Gaslamp Quarter, some of my favorite bars are Onyx Nightclub , Vin De Syrah , Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub !

Day 3: La Jolla

Sleep in and head to  Mister A’s for a high-end brunch. This luxurious restaurant is located at the top floor of a building in downtown San Diego. Since it is near the airport, you get to see the planes take off and land over the bay thanks so their floor to ceiling windows. Not only is the view and atmosphere lavish, but the food… OMG. THE FOOD.  Click here to see their brunch menu !

After brunch, drive over to La Jolla Cove to walk off some of that food. This is a cliff-side town that has shopping, cafes and SEALS! If you didn’t get your animal fix from the zoo, you can walk down to the cliffs and take a picture with the millions of seals and sea lions!

WARNING: This area STINKS. Not the entire area, but along the cliff where all the seals are. Snap your quick photo and head back inland, ha!

If you have some time to stay in the area for a while, there are many excursions that take your snorkeling through the caves, kayaking or surfing. I’ve never done this because where seals/sea lions are, usually sharks are! If you are feeling adventurous, click here to choose a tour !

Now that your souvenir shopping is done and you walked off your brunch, it’s time for more eating! My favorite restaurant in all of San Diego is the cliff-side restaurant, Crab Catcher . Located right in La Jolla, you will get outstanding views regardless if you are outside on the patio or inside the restaurant.

Enjoy your dinner watching the best sunset of your life while drinking one of their world-renowned martinis! I don’t normally like martinis, but they have a ton of flavors that aren’t too sweet. I recommend the pear flavor! 🙂

Recommended Read: Day Trip to Santa Barbara!

Day 4: Beach Day + Fly or Drive Home

If you’re ending your trip on a Sunday, head over to the Catamaran Resort for the best buffet-brunch of your life! For only $62, you get bottomless champagne and king crab legs / sushi! I know $62 seems like a lot, but SO much is included. Joseph and I go here every time we go to San Diego, I can’t recommend it enough!

Since the Catamaran Resort Buffet is located on Mission Bay, rent some paddle boards to work off some of that food when you are finished. There are many paddle board rental companies along the bay that start at $18/hour. 

If exercising while in a food coma doesn’t sound appealing to you (doesn’t to most people), just lounge at Pacific Beach before your flight or drive home. 

That’s a wrap! These 4 days in San Diego Itinerary are filled with all of my favorite things from all my times visiting this beautiful city. Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below so I can check it out on my next trip!

Want more guide on California Travel? I think you would love these!

• Ideas for the PERFECT girls weekend in San Diego!
• 3 Day Weekend in Carlsbad, California
• Wine Tasting in Temecula
• Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
• Day trip to Santa Barbara
• Quick Guide to Visiting Monterey, California
• 27 Things to do in Buena Park – Including Knott’s Berry Farm!

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[…] I absolutely loved Carlsbad and definitely see myself going back again soon. I almost always go to San Diego when travelling to California, but this city if far less touristy / […]

Went to the Baja Beach Cafe based on your recommendation! The mega margaritas are not 2 for 1 at the Pacific Beach location unfortunately. You may want to update that!

I’m so glad you visited! The mega margaritas are at the non-happy hour size and the 2 for 1 happy hour gives you the smaller size. I will definitely clarify that in the guide, thank you for pointing that out for me 🙂

[…] full guide here! If you are spending the weekend in San Diego, don’t forget to check out my Couples Guide to San Diego & Girls Weekend in San […]

[…] town in California and is only an extra 1.5 – 2 hours more of driving. If so, check out my 4 days in San Diego or Girls Weekend in San Diego guides for some […]

[…] California, be sure to check out my Big Sur Road Trip, California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days, and 4 Days in San Diego […]

I am planning to visit San diego on memorial day weekend. Is it good time to visit ?

Yes, great time to visit!

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The Ultimate Los Angeles to San Diego Drive Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for a scenic route between LA and San Diego? Here’s our Los Angeles to San Diego drive itinerary that is sure to keep you busy!

Los Angeles and San Diego are two of the USA’s most famous cities.

These popular destinations are conveniently located right next to each other on the Southern California coast. So you can easily combine both Los Angeles and San Diego into one trip!

The best way to get from Los Angeles to San Diego is a road trip.

You can catch a quick flight or travel via public transport. But to really soak in the beauty of Southern California and its incredibly scenic Pacific Coast Highway , consider renting a car and embarking on a Los Angeles to San Diego drive.

This article will outline all the best stops on a Los Angeles to San Diego road trip!

There are some gorgeous beach towns, cities, and state parks to visit in the area, from LA’s Santa Monica, Newport Beach, Long Beach, or Huntington Beach to other coastal gems like San Clemente State Beach, Mission San Juan Capistrano, La Jolla Cove, Laguna Beach, and more.

So grab a rental car and hit the road for an unforgettable Los Angeles to San Diego road trip!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Explore more of California with this epic 10-day road trip around the state!

Table of Contents

How Long Is The Los Angeles To San Diego Road Trip?

Is the los angeles to san diego drive part of the pacific coast highway, los angeles, santa monica, venice beach, huntington beach, newport beach, crystal cove state park, laguna beach, mission san juan capistrano, san clemente, pacific beach, downtown san diego itinerary.

If you’re taking the shortest route for a Los Angeles to San Diego drive, it’s only about 125 miles.

The drive can be done in 2-3 hours without stops, depending on traffic. It’s important to note that both Los Angeles and San Diego are notorious for heavy traffic, so always be flexible with driving times!

Though you can drive from Los Angeles to San Diego in a couple of hours, this road trip itinerary can easily be stretched out into a couple of weeks.

We recommend going the coastal route instead of just taking the most direct path. It’s much more scenic and makes it easier to just pull over in the various destinations includes in this itinerary.

So it’s really up to you how long the road trip takes! You can just make a few stops for photos and arrive in San Diego in a day. Or you can stay overnight in some more upscale locations like Santa Monica or Laguna Beach and spend a few days driving from Los Angeles to San Diego.

You could choose to spend at least one night in every location we mention, which would extend the road trip to over a week.

The beauty of a Los Angeles to San Diego road trip is it’s completely flexible! Take your time or hustle along, either way, it’s a lovely journey to make.

Yes, this Los Angeles to San Diego drive covers the southern end of the Pacific Coast Highway! This famous road, also known as Highway 1, starts in San Diego and goes all the way up to San Francisco and into Oregon and Washington.

Again, the most direct route from Los Angeles to San Diego is a straight drive that’s mostly inland. But if you want to make the most of your road trip, take the Pacific Coast Highway! You’ll get to see the most beautiful views and landmarks along the Southern California Coast.

Read next: The Ultimate California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Los Angeles To San Diego Drive Itinerary

Let’s dive into our itinerary for the most incredible Los Angeles to San Diego drive! There are so many fascinating places to see on the Southern California route, including stunning beaches, surf spots, islands, and more.

San Diego and Los Angeles are two of the most famous cities in Southern California, but there is so much to see and do in between! This road trip will take you along the Pacific Coast Highway and through the highlights of Orange County.

You’ll see iconic destinations like the Santa Monica Pier, Huntington Beach Pier, and Dana Point Harbor.

You’ll get to lounge on stunning beaches in Laguna Beach, La Jolla, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and more. Get ready for a comprehensive Los Angeles to San Diego drive itinerary that will have you ready to pack up and move to California!

Before you set off on your San Diego road trip, definitely take some time to explore the famous city of Los Angeles. There are so many things to do here ! From the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica to the bustling streets of Downtown Los Angeles, this city offers a unique blend of dreams and reality.

Often referred to as the “City of Angels,” Los Angeles a vibrant metropolis situated in Southern California that exudes a unique blend of Hollywood glamour, cultural diversity, and boundless opportunities.

As the second-largest city in the United States, Los Angeles is a global hub for entertainment, film production, and the arts. The famous Hollywood sign perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains is a symbol of the city’s close association with the entertainment industry, drawing countless aspiring actors and filmmakers to its bustling streets.

Take some time to explore Hollywood and tour iconic studios so you experience the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles!

In addition to its fame in the entertainment world, Los Angeles boasts a rich cultural landscape, with numerous museums, theaters, and art galleries that celebrate the city’s diverse heritage and artistic achievements. The city has hiking trails, beaches, and distinct neighborhoods all with something special to offer.

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Los Angeles so you can really soak it all in. But once you’ve had your fill of Los Angeles, you can embark on your San Diego road trip!

• Distance from Downtown Los Angeles: 15 miles
• Driving time: 30 minutes

Before you leave Los Angeles, there are some coastal neighborhoods that you absolutely have to visit! If you’re starting your San Diego road trip in downtown Los Angeles, head west and spend some time in Santa Monica !

Santa Monica is a picturesque coastal city situated on the western edge of Los Angeles County. This vibrant Southern California gem effortlessly blends laid-back beachside charm with urban sophistication.

Known for its iconic Santa Monica Pier, the city attracts millions of visitors each year who come to revel in its idyllic beaches, diverse dining options, and world-class shopping experiences.

Santa Monica’s thriving arts scene, with its numerous galleries and theaters, further enhances the city’s cultural allure. Whether strolling along the palm-lined Ocean Avenue or exploring the bustling Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica never fails to captivate travelers in on the California coast!

Beyond its stunning shoreline, Santa Monica is committed to sustainability and green living, exemplified by its eco-friendly initiatives and bicycle-friendly streets. Bordered by the Santa Monica Mountains, the city offers ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, bike, and explore nature in nearby parks and canyons.

So before you jet off down the California Coast towards San Diego, consider spending a day or two soaking in the sunshine in Santa Monica!

Your next stop is Venice Beach, which is so close to Santa Monica that you can easily explore both places in one day if you’re short on time. A great way to optimize your time in this corner of Los Angeles is with a bike tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach! Combine both gorgeous areas into one active and exciting day of sightseeing.

• Distance from Santa Monica: 2.5 miles
• Driving time: 12 minutes

Just south of Santa Monica, Venice Beach is another highlight of the Los Angeles area. A cultural melting pot that exudes a unique and eclectic atmosphere, Venice Beach is famous for its bohemian vibe and artistic spirit.

Strolling along the lively Ocean Front Walk, one encounters a colorful array of street performers, musicians, and artists displaying their talents. The vibrant murals and graffiti art that adorn the walls of buildings contribute to the dynamic and edgy character of Venice Beach.

In addition to its artistic flair, Venice Beach boasts a diverse mix of shops, boutiques, and eateries.

The iconic Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym where bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts gather to showcase their strength and skills, adds to the area’s unique charm. With its laid-back beach culture, Venice Beach continues to captivate and inspire all who experience its one-of-a-kind ambiance.

Apart from its beaches and attractions, Venice Beach also holds deep historical significance. The neighborhood was originally envisioned as a “Venice of America” by tobacco magnate Abbot Kinney in the early 1900s. Though the canals that once resembled the Italian city were eventually filled in, the distinct name and character of Venice Beach endure.

Today, it remains a hub of alternative culture and a place of open-mindedness, attracting people from all walks of life. As the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, Venice Beach transforms into a hub of nightlife, with beachside bars, live music venues, and cozy cafes providing ample entertainment options.

It’s well worth taking a detour from downtown Los Angeles to hang out in Venice Beach for a bit! After enjoying LA highlights like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, continue along the Southern California coastline to another popular destination: Long Beach!

• Distance from Venice Beach: 27 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Long Beach is your last stop on this San Diego road trip where you are still in the Los Angeles city limits. This bustling city located on the Pacific Coast of Southern California, blends urban excitement and coastal charm.

As one of the largest and most diverse cities in Southern California, Long Beach boasts a rich maritime heritage, exemplified by the historic RMS Queen Mary , a former ocean liner turned hotel and museum. The city’s picturesque waterfront, with its marinas and piers, provides an ideal setting for a range of recreational activities, from sailing and kayaking to relaxing on sandy beaches.

Long Beach is also home to the Aquarium of the Pacific , a world-class marine life facility that educates visitors about the wonders of the Pacific Ocean and its diverse inhabitants.

Downtown Long Beach is alive with art galleries, theaters, and trendy restaurants, making it a cultural hotspot that caters to both residents and visitors alike.

Long Beach also serves as a major transportation hub, housing the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest and most significant ports in the United States. The port plays a vital role in international trade and is a crucial gateway for goods entering and leaving the country.

Beyond its commercial significance, the city also hosts an array of annual events that attract people from all over, such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, an acclaimed street race that showcases high-speed racing through the city’s streets.

With its warm climate, vibrant neighborhoods, and lively array of events and festivals, Long Beach offers a dynamic coastal experience that captures the essence of Southern California living.

Read next: The 8 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles

• Distance from Long Beach: 15 miles
• Driving time: 45 minutes

The next stop on your Los Angeles to San Diego Drive is Huntington Beach! This popular destination in Orange County is a must-visit for anyone who loves surfing and soaking in the sun.

Huntington Beach is one of the premier surfing destinations in the world, and certainly one of the best places to surf in Southern California. This vibrant city attracts surf enthusiasts from far and wide who come to ride the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

The iconic Huntington Beach Pier, stretching over 1,800 feet into the sea, offers breathtaking panoramic views and serves as a hub of activity. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the pier, watching skilled surfers catching waves, or trying their hand at fishing.

Additionally, the annual Vans US Open of Surfing, a world-famous surfing competition, further cements the beautiful Huntington Beach as an iconic surf destination.

Beyond the surf, the city’s wide sandy beaches provide an inviting backdrop for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and leisurely picnics. With a lively beachfront scene, trendy beach bars, and an abundance of outdoor activities, Huntington Beach exudes a sense of endless summer, drawing in both locals and tourists year-round.

While surfing remains a focal point of the city’s culture, Huntington Beach offers much more than just the waves.

The community’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty is evident in the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve , a protected wetland habitat that provides a haven for various bird species and serves as an essential environmental resource.

Main Street of Huntington Beach is also packed with amenities and attractions, so there is something here for everyone. After enjoying Huntington Beach, continue on your LA to San Diego road trip and check out Newport Beach!

• Distance from Huntington Beach: 5 miles
• Driving time: 15 minutes

Newport Beach, a luxurious coastal oasis in Southern California, beckons with its upscale ambiance, stunning waterfront views, and an array of recreational offerings. This picturesque city is well worth a stop on a Los Angeles to San Diego drive!

Newport Beach is renowned for its upscale communities and harbors, providing the perfect setting for a range of water-based activities. The Newport Harbor, with its marinas and yachts, attracts boating enthusiasts and sailing aficionados from around the world. There are also some epic whale-watching cruises that depart Newport Beach daily!

Balboa Island is a popular day trip location near Newport Beach. Take the ferry over to this quaint island for a fun day of sightseeing and shopping.

In addition to its coastal allure, Newport Beach has lots of amazing art galleries and theaters showcasing local and international talent. From luxurious shopping at Fashion Island to breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, Newport Beach has elegance and sophistication.

Nature lovers can also visit Newport Back Bay Nature Preserve, a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and an excellent destination for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking.

For those seeking a glimpse into maritime history, the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum provides fascinating exhibits on the area’s seafaring past. The annual Newport Beach Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinephiles alike, celebrating the world of cinema with an impressive lineup of screenings, events, and parties.

With a near-perfect climate, Newport Beach invites visitors to indulge in outdoor activities, from golfing and biking to sunset cruises along the coast. It’s one of the best places to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway during an LA to San Diego road trip!

• Distance from Newport Beach: 6 miles
• Driving time: 20 minutes

Another top destination in Southern California for nature lovers is Crystal Cove State Park . It’s one of the largest remaining stretches of natural seashore in Orange County!

Spanning over 3,000 acres, this picturesque park offers a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush coastal hills, providing an idyllic escape from the bustling urban life nearby. The park’s pristine beaches are perfect for sunbathing, tidepool exploration, and swimming in the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Hiking and biking trails meander through the park, leading visitors through scenic canyons and offering panoramic vistas of the coastline.

Crystal Cove State Park also preserves a historic district featuring vintage seaside cottages, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the charm of early 20th-century coastal living.

With its rich natural beauty and a touch of history, Crystal Cove State Park provides a serene and rejuvenating retreat for travelers in Orange County.

After enjoying the natural beauty here, continue south down the Pacific Coast Highway! You’ll be heading to Laguna Beach next, which is definitely a must-see on any Los Angeles to San Diego itinerary.

• Distance from Crystal Cove State Park: 5 miles
• Driving time: 10 minutes

Laguna Beach is a stunning city in Orange County, California known for its artistic flair, beautiful beaches, and scenic landscapes.

Nestled between the curving Pacific Coast Highway, the sparkling waters of the ocean, and the rugged hills of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, the city offers a unique blend of natural beauty and creative inspiration.

Hiking trails abound in the nearby wilderness park, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the region. Divers and snorkelers can explore the rich marine life in the tide pools and marine reserves of the Laguna Beach area.

And no visit to Laguna Beach is complete without spending some time on the stunning beaches! Laguna Main Beach and Table Rock Beach are two must-visit spots. Crescent Bay Beach entices visitors with its stunning panoramic views, making it a popular spot for photographers and sunset enthusiasts.

There is a vibrant arts scene in Laguna Beach, with numerous art galleries, studios, and annual art festivals that showcase the talents of local and international artists. Downtown Laguna Beach is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops, providing a delightful setting for leisurely strolls and indulging in local culinary delights.

Visitors can also explore the historic charm of the Laguna Beach area through its preserved Craftsman-style architecture and cultural landmarks. The famous beach town of Laguna Beach has a laid-back atmosphere, making it a top destination in Orange County.

Explore more of the Golden State with our list of the 25 best things to do in California !

• Distance from Laguna Beach: 8 miles

Just south of Laguna Beach is Dana Point, a charming coastal city in Orange County, California. Less famous than other nearby destinations like Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and La Jolla Cove, Dana Point is a hidden gem that makes a great stop on a Los Angeles to San Diego road trip.

With stunning coastal cliffs, sandy shores, and a picturesque harbor, Dana Point offers a plethora of recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike.

The city’s namesake, the Dana Point Harbor, serves as a bustling marina where boating enthusiasts can set sail, and visitors can partake in whale watching excursions , fishing charters, and water sports.

Doheny State Beach, a popular destination within Dana Point, beckons with its expansive sandy shoreline, providing the perfect setting for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and family picnics.

Dana Point also holds a special place in the surfing community, boasting some of the best wave breaks in Southern California, attracting surfers from near and far. With its coastal beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and range of outdoor activities, Dana Point is an inviting coastal destination that captures the hearts of all who visit.

Dana Point also embraces its maritime heritage with its annual Tall Ships Festival, where visitors can step back in time and experience the majesty of historical sailing vessels.

The seaside bluffs and parks of Dana Point offer breathtaking vistas of the ocean, making them popular spots for hiking, picnicking, and observing marine life.

Dana Point’s friendly community and numerous cultural events, such as the Dana Point Arts Festival and summer concerts, further contribute to its inviting atmosphere. Dana Point is a great place to visit on any Los Angeles to San Diego road trip!

• Distance from Dana Point: 5 miles

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the most historically significant and well-preserved Spanish missions in Southern California. Founded in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra, it was the seventh of the twenty-one California missions established by the Spanish Franciscans during their efforts to colonize and convert Native Americans.

The mission’s architecture, with its impressive stone church, ruins of the Great Stone Church, and beautifully landscaped gardens, transports visitors back in time to the era of early California history.

Mission San Juan Capistrano also houses the Serra Chapel, the oldest building in California still in use for its original purpose, making it a revered place of worship and pilgrimage for Catholics. There is also a museum at Mission San Juan Capistrano that exhibits an extensive collection of artifacts and religious relics.

Today, Mission San Juan Capistrano continues to be an active Catholic parish and plays a pivotal role in preserving and sharing the region’s cultural history. The mission hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, such as the annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado, which celebrates the return of the swallows to the mission from their winter migration.

The surrounding grounds also feature a replica of the original Acjachemen village, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the indigenous people’s way of life before the arrival of the Spanish settlers.

The historical significance of Mission San Juan Capistrano makes it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of California. It’s a super cool place to stop on a Los Angeles to San Diego road trip!

Looking to explore more of Southern California? Check out our list of the best road trips from San Diego !

• Distance from Mission San Juan Capistrano: 8 miles

Continuing south down the Pacific Coast Highway, San Clemente is your last stop in Orange County before you head into San Diego County.

When you visit San Clemente, you’ll get to soak in the classic Mediterranean charm, panoramic ocean views, and gorgeous beaches that Orange County is known for.

From the popular San Clemente Pier, where visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets and fishing opportunities, to the picturesque T-Street Beach, a favorite among surfers, the city’s coastline caters to outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. San Clemente State Beach is one of the state’s most popular beaches, and it’s a must-see when you visit Sam Clemente!

The Spanish Colonial-style architecture prevalent throughout San Clemente, reminiscent of its founder Ole Hanson’s vision, adds to the city’s unique character and creates a sense of timeless elegance.

Downtown San Clemente, known as “The Village by the Sea,” features a charming array of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a delightful destination for visitors seeking a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Beyond its breathtaking coastal setting, San Clemente offers a range of recreational activities and cultural attractions. The city is a haven for surfers, boasting some of the best surf breaks on the California Coast, and hosts various surfing competitions throughout the year.

The San Clemente Coastal Trail provides a scenic pathway for walking, jogging, or biking along the coastline, offering glimpses of the vast Pacific Ocean and nearby marine life.

For history enthusiasts, the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens , once the home of the city’s founder, now serves as a cultural hub featuring art exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs.

With its beautiful beaches, thriving arts scene, and a community that embraces its coastal heritage, San Clemente is a famous beach town that is definitely worth visiting on a Los Angeles to San Diego drive.

• Distance from San Clemente: 25 miles

Continuing on your Los Angeles to San Diego road trip, Carlsbad is the last stop before you enter the San Diego city limits! Carlsbad offers a delightful blend of family-friendly attractions and natural beauty.

With its idyllic beach town charm, Carlsbad is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Beach House Winery, where visitors can indulge in wine tasting amidst the beautiful vineyard landscape.

California is known for its wine, so embrace the chance to go wine tasting at the top-rated Beach House Winery. Or stick to the town center and go on a food tour where you can sample the best of the best in terms of local cuisine!

For families, the epic Legoland California Resort is a must-visit, providing a whimsical world of creativity and entertainment with its thrilling rides, colorful Lego exhibits, and captivating shows.

The nearby Sealife Aquarium complements the experience, offering an immersive journey through underwater wonders with its diverse marine exhibits and interactive touch pools.

From building sandcastles on the sandy shores of Carlsbad’s soft sandy beach to exploring the wonders of the sea and enjoying a sip of locally produced wine, Carlsbad promises an unforgettable vacation experience for visitors of all ages.

• Distance from Carlsbad: 27 miles

You’re nearing the end of your Los Angeles to San Diego drive! Continuing along the California coastline in San Diego County, there are some amazing places to stop before you arrive in downtown San Diego . La Jolla is one of those places!

La Jolla, a picturesque coastal community in northern San Diego, is a jewel of San Diego County that captivates with its beaches, tide pools, sea lions, and local culture.

The coastal village of La Jolla exudes an air of sophistication and charm, with its affluent neighborhoods, luxury resorts, and high-end boutiques. Along the vibrant streets of La Jolla, visitors can explore art galleries, museums, and theaters, celebrating the area’s rich cultural scene.

La Jolla Cove, with its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, is a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers who come to explore the underwater wonders. Go on a kayak and snorkel tour for an epic day of water sports and sightseeing in La Jolla Cove!

You’ll get to see wildlife and nature just by wandering around La Jolla with no plan as well. Seals and sea lions inhabit the La Jolla shores and coves, and you can see them sunbathing around La Jolla Cove all throughout the day.

Whether it’s indulging in the luxurious comforts of coastal living, exploring the wonders of marine life, or immersing yourself in the city’s cultural offerings, La Jolla is one of the top places to visit in San Diego County.

• Distance from La Jolla: 5 miles

As you get closer to downtown San Diego, make sure you stop and spend some time in Pacific Beach. This is one of the most popular beach neighborhoods in San Diego County!

With its soft, sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, Pacific Beach attracts sun-seekers, surfers, and beach enthusiasts year-round.

The lively boardwalk, known as the “Ocean Front Walk,” is a bustling hub of activity, offering a mix of beachside shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can enjoy biking or rollerblading along the boardwalk, taking in the stunning ocean views and lively atmosphere.

Pacific Beach is also a surfer’s paradise, with its consistent waves and surf breaks that cater to both beginners and seasoned surfers. As the sun sets over the Pacific, the beach town transforms into a lively nightlife destination, with a variety of entertainment options, from trendy nightclubs to beachside bonfires.

Mission Bay Park is a great place to picnic, paddleboard, or take a leisurely boat ride in Pacific Beach as well. So finish off your Los Angeles to San Diego drive with a day or two enjoying Pacific Beach!

Find more amazing things to do in San Diego here !

Finally, you’ve made it to San Diego! Whether you chose to cruise along this LA to San Diego road trip with minimal stops, or you took a few weeks to slow down and spend a few nights in top spots like Santa Monica, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, La Jolla, and more, you’re probably ready to spend some time in San Diego!

To finish up this Los Angeles to San Diego road trip itinerary, we’ll give you a quick overview of downtown San Diego and the highlights you should include in your stay.

While visiting San Diego, be sure to explore the museums and walking trails of the famous Balboa Park. You can also explore the colorful alleyways of the Spanish Village Arts Center, or head over to the San Diego Botanical Garden.

If you’re looking to eat, drink, and enjoy the nightlife, the Gaslamp Quarter is the place to be. San Diego also has a Little Italy neighborhood with some amazing places to eat.

If you’re not sure where to begin, book a trolley tour of San Diego so you can learn about the city from a knowledgeable local guide. San Diego is an incredible city, and it’s well worth spending at least 3 days here after your Los Angeles to San Diego road trip.

California has lots of amazing road trips to try, whether you’re looking for a Northern California road trip , a Pacific Coast Highway road trip , or a Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip !

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (25 Stops + 3 Itineraries!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary + All The Stops Along The Way

The Pacific Coast Highway is easily considered to be one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world !

It’s not hard to believe either. From the moody beaches in Washington to the spectacular natural bridges in Southern Oregon to the winding roads of Big Sur, California , there is something new to see around every bend.

Berty and I drove the entire route back in 2017, and have returned to deeply explore sections every year since then!

Because we know this route so well, we wanted to create this comprehensive guide for iconic stops and places to see along the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway, all 1,700-ish miles between Seattle, Washington and Orange County, California !

In this power, we’ll share the best PCH stops in Washington, Oregon, and California to make your Pacific Coast Highway road trip your most epic trip yet.

Let’s get planning!

Step By Step Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Directions (Download)

Where is the pacific coast highway how long is it.

The Pacific Coast Highway has many names.

You can also recognize it by its abbreviation (PCH), and referred to as the California Coast road trip , Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Route 1, Highway 101 (through Washington and Oregon), or even just Highway 1 (in California).

All names aside, they all lead you down the same road, which is the route that parallels the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The traditional Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) is 655 miles long. The full Pacific Coast Highway (Orange County to Seattle) is just over 1,700 miles.

We’ll be talking about the entire Pacific Coast Highway itinerary in this blog post. (Seattle to Orange County)

Pacific Coast Highway Map, Directions, & Best Times

Which direction to drive the pacific coast highway.

Where should you begin your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary? Northbound or Southbound?

There are two directions to do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip – driving south or driving north! Honestly, both are great options but being from Washington, Berty and I began in Seattle and made our way south.

If you are searching for the best weather conditions, here are pros of each direction:

• Southbound (Seattle to Orange County): Driven during spring break, you can escape the Pacific Northwest rain and enjoy the warmth of Southern California.
• Nortbound (Orange County to Seattle): Driving north will help you escape California’s hot weather in late summer and fall.

Pacific Coast Highway Start and End Points

Traditionally, the Pacific Coast Highway is considered to be the entire Highway 1 of the California Coast. This spans between Capistrano Beach is Orange County to Legget in Nortoerhn California. Highway 1 is 655.84 miles.

However, we like to think of this drive spanning three Pacific Coast states: Washington, Oregon, and California.

The traditional starting point in Washington is Seattle (with a detour through the Olympic National Park). The traditional starting point in California is San Diego .

When To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway

We also began our trip in June, but this trip is good to take any time of year.

If you decided on making it a winter road trip route , that means you’ll have a lot fewer crowds to deal with! Driving along the coast, the weather is more temperate and usually doesn’t get cold enough for snow, so you won’t run into many driving issues.

However, if you’re looking for the “windows-down, sunsets every night” kind of trip, we recommend taking this drive any time between June-September for the best chance of good weather.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Top Tips For Driving The Pacific Coast Highway

So, how can you plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Here are our suggestions of things to do before your trip:

Plan Your Stops Carefully: Carefully creating an itinerary will help make reserving hotels and activies a LOT easier. However, make sure to leave just a little wiggle room for surprises! Book Accommodations In Advance: The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular road trip route. Once you know your trip dates, plan to book hotels and campgrounds ASAP. We like to split accommodations between car camping and hotels for a good mix. On a budget? Here are 20 car camping hacks to consider. Check Road Closures: Check you route for any major road closures. This actually happens a lot more often than you might think Big Sur often has landslides. Rent a Great Car (or RV!): You can rent a car and book hotels, OR you can rent a campervan and book campgrounds for a budget-friendly trip. Outdoorsy has cool recreation vehicles vans to rent – it’s like Airbnb but for RVs! Decide When To Embark: Determine when to plan your PCH trip and how many days you have. Keep scrolling to the bottom of the post for PCH itinerary examples. Use a Good Navigation App : Good navigation apps make a huge difference. Read our favorite road trip planner apps here. Get a Convertible…or a Harley! If you are driving only a small section of the PCH, rent a fun vehicle! This isn’t mandatory, but it sure is iconic to drive on the highway in one of these cool rides. Ask Great Questions: You’re in the car for a long time. Make sure to have these road trip questions ready to brighten those dull moments. Download Podcasts + Playlists : Download these road trip podcasts and personalized playlists when you have wifi. You’ll thank me later. Pack Your Car With The Essentials: Here’s a list of road trip essentials you need to be packing. Prepare To Stop Frequently: The whole point of driving the Pacific Coast Highway is to take in the sights!

How To Choose a Car For The Pacific Coast Highway

Choosing the right vehicle for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is probably THE most important decision you will make.

Option 1: Drive Your Own Car Make sure your car has had a tune-up, and its oil changed. It’s worth it to get checked out now, than risk something going wrong mid-way through your trip.

Option 2: Rent a Regular Car Renting a car is a great option for a reliable drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Personally, we like Avis becuase they have a great rewards program. You can find cheap options

Option 3: Rent a Campervan or RV Renting a campervan is an awesome way to experience a little bit of vanlife. Search for the best campervans at Outdoorsy . Just note, it may be a little tricky to drive a campervan one-way. You may have to return it at your starting point via I-5!

Option 4: Take The Public us (Kind of possible, but not recommended) Yes, it’s possible to cobble together transportation on local transit. You’ll find that you can get around easiest in Southern California and the central Oregon Coast. However, there will be stretches of road with no transporation avaiable, or you may have to leave the coast and venture inland to find a route. It’s cheap yes, but takes quite a bit of pre-planning.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip On A Budget

Are you hoping to plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip route on a budget ? Here are some budgeting hacks we like to use to plan a budget PCH trip:

Use The Dyrt To Find Campgrounds: The Dyrt is the largest online campground database. We use the offline campground search feature to find spots on the go (no service needed!). The Dyrt gave us a code for you, our epic reader, to try the pro membership for 30 days free!   Click here to unlock your 30-day free trial . Find Free Campsites: Road tripping around the west coast for years, we’ve learned a thing or two about finding free campsites in the USA . Our guide includes campground searching hacks, backcountry packing guides, and tips on how to find the best camping spots on the PCH. Cook Your Own Meals: Save money on the road by making your own quick & easy camping meals . Manage Money On The Road: Learn how we travel on a budget in the Pacific Northwest .

What To Pack For A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

A good Pacific Coast Highway road trip will take you through the rainy gloom of Washington, as well as the sunny beaches of California. This makes packing slighly more challenging – you’ll have to account for tons of variable weather!

Rain Jacket: You’ll need one in Washington and Oregon, especially during winter and spring. Here are our favorite rain jackets to wear in the Pacific Northwest . Light Layers: Once you reach California, it’s nice to have light, packable layers to bring on your day adventures. We like this windbreaker and this colorful fleece for easy layering. Down Jacket: Down jackets are an excellent option for extra warmth, especially when paired with a rain jacket. Get this packable one to save space in your suitcase. Sunglasses: You’ll need some, since you’ll be watchin the sunset every night! Grab this pair of inexpensive but HIGHLY rated sunglasses to knock around on your adventures. Hiking Shoes: Hiking in the PNW for over a decade, we know a thing or two about boots! Read our list on the best hiking boots , to pick the right ones for you. Walking Sandals : From walking around Huntington Pier to strolling around your campsite, walking sandals are essential to your Pacific Coast Highway packing list. Portable Phone Charger: This Goal Zero 24 is the perfect companion to charge your phone on a day trip. Camera: Here’s our guide on how to take smartphone landscape photography, or you can check out the travel photography gear as media professionals. Hiking Clothes: You’ll want to bring these highly-coveted hiking shorts , a day pack , and the 10 hiking essentials .

Here are some posts we’ve written about what to pack for certain parts of the Pacific Coast Highway:

• 5 Essentials to Bring On The Washington Coast
• The Ultimate Packing List For San Francisco
• What To Pack For A Weekend in Los Angeles

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops (State By State)

If you’re planning to experience the entire Pacific Coast Highway (including extending it to Oregon and Washington), you probably know that there is an insane amount of beautiful stops to take.

We’re going to break locations down state by state, to give you bite-sized chunks of information for each place.

Each state provides something unique and exciting for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, so read below for location inspiration in Washington, Oregon, and California!

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In Washington

Washington is not all rain and gloom!

While the movies portray this evergreen state in a constant shroud of clouds and moodiness (Thanks, Twilight) , its nothing farther from the truth.

Here, you can find powerful waterfalls, secret coves, and lush green forest, and amazing hikes in every corner of this beautiful state.

Keep on reading to read about some highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway in Washington!

Seattle, Washington

This is where we suggest starting your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Seattle is a great place to stock up on all the road trip essentials , grab rental cars, and arrive by plane to stay on your journey on the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re flying in to begin your journey, you’ll fly into Sattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Have a little bit more time on your hands? Stick around for a few days and try these unique things to do in Seattle , or take these incredible day trips from Seattle .

Fun things to do in Seattle, Washington:

• Visit Pike Place Market
• Go to the first-ever Starbucks Coffee store
• Visit The Museum of Pop Culture
• Watch the sunset at Jose Rizal Park
• See the Space Needle up close at Kerry Park
• Have a bonfire with friends at Golden Gardens Park
• Go to A Husky Football game in the University District

Read More: What To Pack For The Pacific Northwest

Port Angeles

If you are starting in Seattle or Vancouver, chances are you’ll need to take a ferry across the Puget Sound to reach the Olympic Peninsula . It’s also possible to drive around through Olympia, if you don’t want to put your car on the ferry.

From here, you will pass the cities of Sequim and Port Angeles. Before hitting to Pacific Coast Highway, we recommend taking a stop by Lake Crescent for some classic PNW vibes and maybe a quick lunch break too.

If you want to see what the lake looks like from above, test your limits and hike Mount Storm King . The 4.7-mile round trip hike gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, including scrambling up the side of a cliff with the help of a few installed ropes.

This hike isn’t for the faint of heart, but your attempts will be rewarded with experiencing one of the most spectacular places to see in the Olympic Peninsula .

Stay Overnight: Book a stay at The Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles . It’s right in town, and central to other adventures like Hurricane Ridge, Salt Creek, and Lake Crescent.

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is located in the Olympic National Park , and along Highway 101 on your way towards the coast.

It’s a small detour before heading to the ocean. However, the detour is worth every minute! The short trail to Sol Duc Falls leads to one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Washington state.

If you are wanting a unique place to stay in the Olympic National Park, consider staying at the Sol Duc Hot Springs, a natural pool resort in the park.

Doing this, you can wake up early to visit the falls and beat the crowds!

Cape Flattery

If you’re looking for the most northwest location in the lower 48 United States, you’ve found it at Cape Flattery !

This jaw-dropping piece of coastline is owned by the Makah Tribe. It includes beautiful sea stacks just offshore and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

If you are planning your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary for epic photo spots, don’t miss this place! You’ll need an entry pass ($10 per vehicle) and you can pick it up at the gas station or grocery store at Neah Bay.

Forks, Washington

La Push Beaches (First, Second, and Third)

You may know these beaches from the movie Twilight but rest assured there are no vampires in sight. (Partly because it’s werewolf territory anyway, DUH) In fact, we’ve seen some of the most incredible sunsets right here on Second Beach.

When visiting, it’s important to note that there are three beaches to choose from. First Beach provides easy and instant beach access, so it’s a popular choice for families.

Second Beach requires a hike on a short trail to reach the beach, and you can also camp on this beach. Second Beach is also the most popular option for its beautiful rock formations and vast shoreline.

Third Beach requires a longer hike and is the least visited of all the beaches.

Any of these Washington beaches you choose, don’t forget to pack these 5 beach essentials!

Read More: La Push Beach + and Beach Camping Tips

Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores is a quaint little town on the Washington Coast, just north of Grays Harbor.

Here, you will find tons of vacation rental homes, small seafood restaurants, and tons of beach activities. Berty and I came with our friends last summer and opted to rent motorbikes on the beach, eat our weight in crab, and explore the jetty!

Restaurants to try in Ocean Shores:

• Murphy’s Candy & Ice Cream Shop
• Galway Bay Irish Pub
• Ocean Beach Roasters and Bistro
• Oyhut Bay Bistro

Want more beach fun on the Washington Coast? Check out Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach !

Read More: 7 Fun Things To Do In Ocean Shores, Washington

Pierce County Area (Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Puyallup)

If you’re looking to spend a little extra for a comfortable room and some great food, spend some time exploring Gig Harbor and boating around the South Puget Sound . You will be able to spot wildlife all around you, whether it’s jellyfish or a pod of orcas!

Some of our favorite cities in Pierce County to explore: Puyallup (Washington State Fair), Tacoma, and Gig Harbor!

Mount Rainier National Park

Take your journey slightly inland to explore Mount Rainier National Park. Here, you can test your limits and backpack up to the summit (training required!) or simply take a nice stroll at the base of the mountain like on Nisqually Loop Trail .

Mount Rainier is best explored if you spend 2-3 days in the park! There are so many different areas to cover (Paradise Area and Sunrise Area are the most popular), so give yourself time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors here in the Pacific Northwest.

Most Popular Activities To Do At Mount Rainier:

• Hike the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
• See Silver Falls
• Hike the Skyline Divide Trail
• Visit the Longmire Museum

Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment is located in the far southwestern corner of Washington State. Here, you can discover miles of trails, play on the beaches, and maybe even spot an orca offshore!

For a memorable photo opportunity on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, take the trail down to Deadman’s Cove and capture this hidden beach at sunset!

Read More: Cape Disappointment + Deadman’s Cove

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops In Oregon

The Oregon Coast itself is worthy of its own road trip but lucky you – you get to see it all and more!

We’re sharing all the best stops along this part of the Pacific Coast Highway and what you can expect in this beautiful state.

Not enough time for the whole thing? Take an Oregon Coast Road Trip instead!

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a family and dog-friendly beach located 1.5 hours west of Portland. Here, you can explore the many quaint seaside shops, take a walk on the beach, and explore the many tide pools.

There are many services available here, so it’s a great stop for camping, resting, or even getting a seaside Airbnb! (By the way, y ou can get $40 off your first reservation at this link! )

Read More: Spending The Day At Cannon Beach

Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda  is a popular beach on the Oregon Coast. Here, you can walk along the beach and enjoy Pacific City’s own “Haystack Rock”, or climb the nearby sand dunes to discover incredible views, coves, and rock formations!

Too busy for you? Venture just a 5-minute drive south to Bob Straub State Park, where you can walk along the less-traveled and peaceful beachfront.

The area of Oregon can be rainy and cloudy year-round, but if you’re lucky you can experience one of its gorgeous sunsets (that is if the weather cooperates!). Make sure to pack a rain jacket!

Read More:  10 Epic Adventures To Take Aroun Cape Kiwanda

God’s Thumb Hike, Lincoln City

The hike to God’s Thumb is a moderately difficult hike along the Oregon Coast. A 4.6-mile round trip hike will bring you to a curved landscape on an oceanside cliff. 

It gets its name “God’s Thumb” because it slightly resembles a thumb… but we think it kind of looks like a soft-serve ice cream swirl!

Located in Lincoln City, Oregon , this is a perfect place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and see a beautiful area of the Oregon Coast.

Read More: Hike To God’s Thumb in Lincoln City On The Oregon Coast

Devil’s Punchbowl

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is a perfect stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Here, you can experience the power of the ocean slamming and swirling into a carved-out bowl.

From the top, you can see down inside the “punchbowl”. During high tide, the waves swirl and crash around inside, but during low tide, you can walk down on the beach and explore inside.

Stay a while for a roadside picnic, to explore tide pools, or climb around on the rocks on the shore.

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well in another one of the Oregon Coast’s amazing natural phenomena. You can experience the most dramatic sights at high tide, but beware – it’s the most dangerous time to visit too.

Similar to the Spouting Horn in Kauai , this sinkhole looks like water is just draining into a huge abyss, but it’s actually a natural rock tube that sucks and shoots water our according to the adjacent waves.

Don’t get too close to it though, it pushes and pulls water with a powerful force , meaning if you get too close you risk being swept off your feet into the hole!

This area is located just south of the Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Cente r, with lots of wheelchair accessible walkways AND walk-at-your-own-risk paths too.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is an amazing spot on the Pacific Coast Highway, and probably home to one of the best photo spots on the PCH!

For a quick side trip, take the drive up to Cape Perpetua Lookout , where you can see the Oregon Coast meet the winding highway below. It’s an incredible view – make sure to bring your camera!

This is also a great stop for some camping on the Oregon Coast, as well as exploring the many ocean features and scenic trails in the area.

Read More: 10 Epic Things To Do In Cape Perpetua Area Of The Oregon Coast

(Bonus Side Trip!) Umpqua Hot Springs + Toketee Falls

Got an extra day to spare?

Since you’re already in Oregon, consider taking a side trip east to the Cascade Mountains. The Umpqua National Forest has a lot to see, but it’s shining stars have got to be Toketee Falls and the Umpqua Hot Springs.

Both of the trails to Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs are nearby one another, short, and easy to follow.

They can be accomplished in a morning or afternoon trip. If you haven’t visited a Pacific Northwest hot springs  yet, this is the perfect chance to do it!

We would suggest that you Visit Toketee Falls first, so you can save your soak for last!

Read More: 5 Essential Tips For Soaking at Upmqua Hot Springs

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

Of all the stops on the Oregon Coast, Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a MUST visit. Offshore rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and crashing waves make this place a magical stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

To fully experience this area, we suggest scheduling your visit for sunset. The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day the skies light up with beautiful colors. Don’t forget to stop at other iconic spots in the park including Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, and Indian Sands Trail!

Located on the Southern Oregon Coast , Samuel H Boardman spans around 10-miles of rugged, scenic coastline. There are many hikes to choose from around Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor . Take some time to explore a few (many trails are short) , and pick your favorite spots for sunset.

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In California

Congratulations! You’ve made it to California!

This is technically the beginning of the official Pacific Coast Highway (also called Highway 1) , but we all know you’ve put in too many miles on your car and see too much epic-ness for it to be just starting.

While you’ll be encountering a lot more sunshine in this section of the road trip, the Northern California coast can be a little temperamental! Don’t put away your rain coast just yet.

California road trip stops on the Pacific Coast Highway are some of the most breathtaking and beautiful areas of the whole trip. Read on to discover where to go and what to see below in the sunshine state.

Redwood National and State Parks

If your Pacific Coast Highway road rrip is taking you southbound, your first California stop will be at the Redwood National and State Parks.

The Redwoods are known for their spectacularly tall and beautiful trees. Furthermore, this area is home to some of the tallest trees on earth!

There are several scenic drives to take here, but the prettiest Northern California drives are through the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (the scenic route) and the Avenue of The Giants at Humbolt Redwoods State Park. For a lot of stops and viewpoints of the ocean, consider stopping at Patrick’s Point State Park !

Read More: 10 Things To Do In The Redwood National Park

Fern Canyon

Wait, did we just travel through time? You’re not far off if you felt like you just stepped foot into Jurassic Park. In fact, scenes from the movie were filmed right here in Fern Canyon!

Fern Canyon Trail in the Redwoods is a very short route – just 1.1-miles to revel in the 50-foot tall fern-covered walls and lush surrounding forest. The hike is easy, but getting there is a different story. The trip requires a few creek crossings and winding, narrow dirt roads to reach the trailhead. We’ve got everything you need to know about Fern Canyon right here !

Black Sand Beach

Have you been looking at thos e famous black sand beaches in Iceland ? Get a taste of the beauty (without the price of a plane ticket) and come visit a look-alike on the California Coast.

Shelter Cove is a little town located in the King Range National Conversation Area. Here, there are craggy coastlines, dramatic scenery, and a black sand beach. The waves are tall and powerful here.

Warning: The road is winding and treacherous, which can be dangerous in bad weather.

This is also an extremely out-of-the-way detour, with one route going in and out from the beach. Make sure to have a full tank of gas, and be prepared to drive on narrow roads and near tall cliff edges!

Read More:   How To Get To California’s Iconic Black Sands Beach

Point Reyes National Seashore

Love the California beach? Explore the Point Reyes National Seashore , a protected coastline of rolling pastures, historic landmarks, and even a secret docked ship!

Start your journey in the town of Inverness, where you can stock up on food, gas, and even camping gear if you choose to spend the night in one of their many campgrounds .

Some of the best things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore are visiting the historic lighthouse (make sure to pay attention to its hours of operation! ), driving down the canopy of Cypress trees , and even whale watching if you come at the right time of year!

Read More: Spending The Day At Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Ridge

If you have a scheduled stop in San Francisco on your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary, make sure to make a sunset stop just north of the city , on Bolinas Ridge .

This area of golden, glimmering rolling hills is located on the edge of Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, California.

Our favorite scenic road to drive is Ridgecrest Boulevard , which includes pullouts ever so often to quickly park your car and enjoy the beautiful and consistent sunsets on this piece of the California coast.

Read More: A Golden Sunset At Bolinas Ridge

Mount Tamalpais

Keep the spirit of adventure alive , even in a bustling city like San Francisco !

If you’ve got a pit stop in the Golden City, journey just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and experience Mount Tamalpais State Park for a quick break from city life.

Here, you can take many amazing trails with stunning views of big city buildings across the bay. Some of our favorite trails for city views are the East Peak Hike  (to a stone lookout tower) and the Verna Dunshee Trail. 

Going when it’s cold outside? Read our San Francisco Winter Packing List .

Read More: 10 Adventurous Things To Do Outside of San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

No trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is complete without seeing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!

On either side of the bridge, there are several incredible viewpoints to check out. Some of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge are from Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove, and the North Vista Point.

Remember: The Golden Gate Bridge is a toll bridge . Motorcycles and regular cars will get through and be billed $8.00 to the address your car is registered at.

San Francisco, California

If you’ve been driving southbound on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, San Francisco will be the first large city you will encounter. 

Here, you can experience many iconic and famous landmarks. Here are some places to see while in San Francisco :

• See the sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
• Stop By The Painted Ladies
• Wander through the neighborhoods and see the beautiful Victorian-era houses

Need a place to stay in San Francisco? Click here and get $40 off your first booking on Airbnb!

Shark Fin Cove

Click here to see more amazing pictures from our visit to Shark Fin Cove.

Shark Fin Cove is a beautiful California coast beach located south of San Francisco – in Davenport, California. It’s named for its rock formation just off the shore that resembling a shark’s top fin. 

You aren’t able to see this cove from the road, which makes finding access a little difficult . There are no signs indicating the location, so you must rely on Google Maps to help guide to you the parking lot off the California Coast Highway 1.

This place provides absolutely stunning views from above AND below. Start your visit at the top and walk along the trails near the cliffs (but be careful!). Finally, climb down into the cove via a steep trail to find beach access.

On a weekday, it’s very likely you will get this beach all to yourself! 

Read More: What To Expect At California’s Shark Fin Cove

Big Sur State Park

When you think of driving down the California Coast , Big Sur is what Pacific Coast Highway dreams are made of. Sunny coastline, winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful bridges are scattered along 90 miles of this beautiful West Coast drive.

Some of the highlights on this part of the PCH include:

• Pfeiffer Beach
• McWay Falls
• Bixby Creek Bridge
• Pebble Beach
• 17-Mile Drive (Monterey/Pacific Grove)

Pro Tip: A day trip to Big Sur, California is absolutely the most quintessential activity  of any good Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Don’t miss this.

Read More: How To Pull Off A Day Trip To Big Sur, California

(Detour Off Highway 1) Yosemite National Park

While you’re in the area, might as well take a little detour to one of the greatest national parks in America!

Yosemite is home to the tallest waterfall in North America, home to giant Sequoia trees, and has more than 800 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy.

Only have 24 extra hours to spare for Yosemite? Click here for our 24-hour guide to Yosemite National Park.

Pro Tip: If you are hoping to spend a few days in the park, make camping reservations extremely early in advance.

Camping spots generally get full six months before the reservation date. A trip to Yosemite National Park requires a lot of pre-planning.

Los Angeles, California

Another major city on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip will be Los Angeles California. For many going northbound, this is a common starting point (as well as San Diego).

If you’re like us and coming to LA on a southbound Pacific Coast Highway trip, this is a fun pit stop to take a few days and recharge from all that driving.

Again, if you are looking to book a place on Airbnb, click here to get $40 off your first booking!

Here are some fun things to do in Los Angeles:

• Santa Monica Pier + the Amusement Park on the boardwalk.
• Venice Beach
• Griffith Observatory
• The Getty Museum
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Read More: How To Spend a Fun Weekend in West Hollywood, California

Orange County, California

Orange County California is just south of the city of Los Angeles. With a slower lifestyle, less traffic, and a lot more beach space, this place is a perfect getaway for sunshine lovers and surfers alike.

There are a few opportunities to camp on the coast, like RV sites in Huntington Beach and tent sites at Crystal Cove State Park. Either way, it’s definitely worth it to spend a few days in Orange County and experience all it has to offer!

Must-see spots to visit in Orange County:

• La Tour (Secret Oceanside Castle in the cliff)
• Huntington Beach (Sur City, USA)
• Newport Beach Harbor and Balboa Island
• Laguna Beach
• Here are our favorite restaurants in Orange County to try!

Looking to travel to the OC on a budget? Check out our list of free things to do in Orange County to have maximum fun, with money still left in your pocket!

Read More: 10 Amazing Outdoor Activities in Orange County, California

San Diego, California

You did it!

San Diego will be the likely the end (or the beginning!) to your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary.

However, it’s still worth visiting for a few days. There are so many amazing things to do in San Diego that this city is an excellent way to kick off or wrap up any Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Don’t miss out of Torrey Pines State Reserve! This network of outdoor trails have some of the best views in the entire city. Spend some time exploring the trails during sunset for a magical stay in San Diego.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Wondering if you can see all these iconic landmarks in one trip?

To accommodate different trip lengths, we’re sharing some example itineraries for a five-day trip , one-week trip , and two-week trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Read below to find your perfect one!

5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! During these days, you have time to experience the highlights of the coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip!

• Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR
• Day 2: Coos Bay OR, to Redwood National Park, CA
• Day 3: Redwood National Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 4: San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA
• Day 5: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

One week on the Pacific Coast Highway will allow you to see the most iconic locations. One week is great for travelers who want to fit in the entire trip during a school break, or only have so many days to take off of work.

A one-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary will allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s an example PCH itinerary:

• Day 1: Seattle WA, to Forks, WA
• Day 2: Forks, WA to Cape Kiwanda, OR
• Day 3: Cape Kiwanda, OR to Redwood State Park, CA
• Day 4: Redwood State Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 5: San Francisco CA, to Big Sur, CA
• Day 6: Big Sur, CA, to Orange County, CA
• Day 7: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

10 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Two-week pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

If you have two weeks to spare, this is the ideal amount of time for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Two weeks gives you ample time to see all the highlights, take some day hikes, and even some off-coast detours like Yosemite or Toketee Falls! You will be able to see everything you want and more, and not feel rushed in your process.

• Day 1: Seattle, WA to Port Angeles, WA
• Day 2: Port Angeles, to Forks, WA
• Day 3: Forks, WA to Astoria, OR
• Day 4: Astoria OR, to Cape Kiwanda, OR
• Day 5:  Cape Kiwanda OR , to Brookings, OR
• Day 6: Brooking OR, to Redwood State Park, CA
• Day 7:  Redwood State Park, CA to Mendocino, CA
• Day 8: Mendocino, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 9:  San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
• Day 10: Santa Cruz, CA to Big Sur, CA
• Day 11:  Big Sur, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
• Day 12: Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA
• Day 13: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
• Day 14: End in San Diego

Some of our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Inspiration

Creating this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary was quite the workload! Lucky for us, this is the kind of work we live for, and it was fun, inspiring, and most of all helpful!

We hope this helps in your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip and makes planning a little bit easier for you.

Here are some of the pins we’ve created to share with our followers on Pinterest. Feel free to save some too for your own inspirational road trip!

Pinterest ( Find us at @themandagies )

Have you taken a pacific coast highway road trip what were some of your favorite stops, ready to plan your own pacific coast highway road trip read these helpful posts:.

8 Steps For Planning A Flawless Weekend Trip

2o Energizing Hikes In The PN W

The Essential 2017 PNW Bucket List

Want more Pacific Coast Highway road trip inspiration? Follow our curated board on Pinterest!

So excited for you guys! My hubby and I did a similar (but quicker, so we didn’t see everything) trip in the summer of 2010 (a LONG time ago!). It was amazing. There is an amazing hike in Redwood National Park (Gold Bluffs Beach Section) that leads down to this secret beach. Even in summer (August) there wasn’t anyone on the trail. We were pretty new to the “planning” travel business so didn’t really plan anything when we went, but this hike was a highlight of our trip. I’m dying to go to the Painted Hills and Hot springs so excited to see what you guys think. Have so much fun!!! We’re secretly living through both of your photographs and blogs dreaming of our move one day back to this beautiful region of the world. We love Ireland, but the PNW truly can’t be beat.

Hi Danielle! I’m so glad you like our photographs and blog! That means so much to us 🙂 I’m so intrigued about the Gold Bluffs Beach Hike in the Redwoods. Now we need to go back and do that one!!!