Get ready to soak up the California sun! This 5-day itinerary will guide you through the vibrant coastal city of San Diego, where pristine beaches meet bustling culture. From world-class attractions to hidden gems, I've got you covered for an unforgettable adventure! Let's dive in and explore the best San Diego has to offer.
Check times/days for attractions you'd like to visit (some places you would think would be open every day will be closed on a day you wouldn't expect)
Reserve your tickets to attractions and make dining reservations (info and links below)
Fly into the San Diego International Airport (SAN).
RideShare to your hotel and check in.
If you have time for dinner, consider trying Malibu Farm San Diego if you're staying on the Embarcadero, or any of the amazing restaurants on Coronado Island (Clayton's is a fun diner option).
If you are staying on Coronado, you can RideShare to the ferry to get on the 9:40 am ferry from Coronado to the Convention Center (which is walking distance to Seaport Village). (CLICK HERE for more info regarding the ferry option.)
Enjoy a late breakfast at Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels! Make sure to check when it opens before heading that way. If you get there early, you can take a walk around Embarcadero Marina Park as you wait for Seaport Village to open.
Explore Seaport Village before taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront, admiring the stunning harbor views. You can even make a stop at the "Unconditional Surrender" statue on your way to the USS Midway Museum.
Immerse yourself in naval history with a self-guided tour of the USS Midway aircraft carrier. (CLICK HERE for Tickets)
Treat yourself to an amazing snack (you'll want to save room for later) at the Carnitas' Snack Shack before heading to and experiencing the fascinating Maritime Museum of San Diego. (CLICK HERE for Tickets)
Once you're done at the Maritime Museum, use W Ash St to walk over to explore the charming streets of Little Italy (located on India St, ironically, look for the Italian flags hanging), known for its authentic Italian restaurants and lively atmosphere. (When you get to India St., take a left to go North.) Stop by the Little Italy Farmers Market if you're there on a Wednesday or Saturday!
Enjoy an amazing pizza lunch at Filippi's!
Next, walk to the County Center/Little Italy Station, and hop on the Metro to head to Old Town if you're comfortable doing so, or use a RideShare service to get to Old Town San Diego.
Walk around and peruse the many fun shops at Old Town! You can also experience the Whaley House (America's Most Haunted House - CLICK HERE for tickets) and the Mormon Battalion (historical site located nearby) if you'd like.
Once you're done checking out the shops, you can either take public transportation or a RideShare to Liberty Station, a former naval training center that is now restaurants and shops.
For dinner, let everyone get what they'd like at the Liberty Public Market which offers a wide variety of food options.
Afterwards, if you/your group would like to, go grab a nightcap at The Bar at Moniker General (this same location is an amazing coffee shop during the day). Then, RideShare back to your hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at Provisional Kitchen (if you're staying at the Embarcadero) or Better Buzz Coffee Coronado (if you're staying on Coronado).
You'll be visiting several locations today, so you may want to consider renting a car for the day at a local car rental store. You could also use public transportation (though it will take much longer to get to each location), or you can continue to RideShare to each location.
Make your way to Balboa Park to visit one of the many museums or visit the San Diego Zoo.
Once you're done at Balboa Park, grab lunch at one of the following spots:
Mike Hess Brewing Company (brewery)
One Door North (American)
City Tacos (Tacos)
The Mission (breakfast food - open till 2 pm usually)
After, check out the shops around North Park like Pigment and Verbatim books.
Have a sweet-tooth? Consider grabbing some ice cream from Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream.
Feeling adventurous? Drive to and experience the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. Make sure to take some pictures!
Next, head to see the sea lions at La Jolla Cove. After watching the sea lions, head to a local restaurant to watch the sunset like Duke's La Jolla (Hawaiian) or La Sala Lounge (adorable "bar"). Just make sure to request a table outside if you can for wherever you go!
Once you're done, head back to your hotel (or to return your car rental, then to your hotel).
This day is yours to do what you would like! Feel free to not plan this day until you are finishing up Day 3. You never know what you might find that you'd like to try whether it's a resturant or a unique experience! Keep this day flexible (and not planned).
Here are some options for you to consider for this bonus day:
photo: Bloomberg
2
rent a recreational equipment & explore the area
photo: pacific coast skydiving
12
go skydiving
(I did this with Pacific Coast Skydiving. Make sure to get the picture and video package, you'll want it later!)
Grab coffee & breakfast at a local cafe/restaurant!
HEAD HOME
Check out of your hotel and head to the airport. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time at the San Diego airport as it can be pretty confusing to navigate.
NEXT
Start planning your next trip once you get home! Check out my other itineraries for ideas of where you might like to go next!
Oscars Tacos - (specifically the surf and turf or shrimp taco)
Cannonball - fun outdoor sushi
Kettner Exchange - good food, vibes and cocktails (make sure to get a reservation)
Seneca - homestyle italian
Make sure you're prepared for the weather and a lot of walking. Bring your walking shoes, a sweater, hats, sunglasses, etc. so that you're prepared to keep going if inclement weather does happen.
Get your tickets and make your reservations as soon as you can, especially if you're going at peak times (holidays and summer).
A Quick Note: To help me keep creating these travel guides, some of the links in my itineraries are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This simply helps me continue to do the research and planning to help you with your next big adventure! Thank you for supporting my small business!