When you think of San Diego, California, images of sunny sandy beaches, laidback neighborhoods, the world-famous Padres baseball team, and Pacific Ocean sunsets spring to mind.
What might surprise you is just how much you can pack into three days in this lively coastal city, where history, culture, and nature blend like a smooth hand-crafted cocktail.
From lounging sea lions and tacos in La Jolla to exploring the more than 30 restored aircraft and helicopters displayed on the Hangar and Flight Decks at the USS Midway Museum, there’s much more to San Diego than ideal weather and pretty beaches, but we love those too!
Here is a day-by-day itinerary to get you started.
Day 1: Spot Sea Lions in La Jolla
Morning with the Sea Lions
Start your trip by driving to La Jolla (pronounced la-hoy-a), San Diego’s upscale coastal neighboruhood known for its dramatic cliffs, ocean views and good shopping and dining.
La Jolla Cove greets visitors with the sound of barking California sea lions that share the cove community with harbor seals. Visit from mid-December to mid-May, and you’ll notice the harbor seals resting, giving birth and nurturing their newborns in the Children’s Pool, protected from the public.
Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs or rent kayaks and explore the mysterious and astounding seven sea caves, including Sunny Jim’s Cave, the Arch Cave, and the Clam’s Cave.
The cliffs are a fantastic vantage point to watch the sea lions basking in the sun, frolicking in the water and snoozing on the rocks below. Snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers should check out the abundance of marine life at the La Jolla Underwater Park, an ecological preserve.
If you prefer to take in the views from land, lace up your sneakers and stroll along the oceanfront pathways via Ellen Browning Scripps Park. According to the AAA Magazine, it’s the most photographed spot in San Diego.
Birders can spot Brandt’s cormorants, brown pelicans, night herons, and Heermann’s gulls. People-watching is just as good thanks to dog walkers, yoga practitioners, picnicking families, and couples exchanging marriage vows along the paths and shoreline.
Sea lions are a popular site in San Diego (photo from San Diego Tourism Authority)
Explore Downtown La Jolla
From La Jolla Cove, head into the heart of downtown La Jolla. Here, chic boutiques, galleries, and cafés line the streets. Take your time wandering in and out of shops and stop by Warwick’s, the country’s oldest family-owned bookstore, visited by U.S. presidents and winners of the Pulitzer Prize.
Downtown La Jolla has a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, perfect for spending a few hours shopping or simply people-watching.
Lunch at Puesto
Mexican cuisine is comfort food in California so when hunger strikes, make your way to Puesto, a local favorite for fresh, inventive south-of-the-border favourites. Start with Chips and Molcajete Salsa or upgrade to the chef’s salsa bar, which features four house-made concoctions.
Known for its award-winning tacos (and not just on Tuesdays), Puesto delivers flavour in every bite. You’ll be tempted to order one of everything, but I suggest you go for the filet mignon taco, the crispy shrimp taco, or the Baja fish taco, paired with one of Puesto’s house-made margaritas or mojitos.
Afternoon at the USS Midway
After lunch, return to downtown San Diego and the USS Midway Museum, an iconic aircraft carrier turned museum.
If you’re staying in the Gaslamp Quarter, leave your car behind, don comfortable shoes, and head down Broadway Avenue to the Embarcadero on San Diego Bay, an area rich with maritime history. You can’t miss the massive ship, which has a storied history despite being berthed one week after the end of World War II.
Here you’ll learn about USS Midway’s storied history as you traverse the flight deck, hangar, and living quarters. Don’t miss the opportunity to sit in the cockpits of real fighter jets, listen to veteran docents share their personal stories, and absorb the panoramic views of San Diego Harbor from the flight deck.
The historic Del Coronado Hotel, aka The Del, is a San Diego icon (photo from the San Diego Tourism Authority)
An evening at “The Del”
After a day of sightseeing, rest your feet, hydrate, grab a quick snack if needed and take the ferry to Coronado Island. The Flagship Ferry runs hourly but try to plan your departure shortly before dusk to catch the sunset and the lights of the San Diego skyline.
During the 15-minute cruise, you’ll pass by the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear sounds of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra or well-known groups like the Stray Cats, Los Lobos, or the Avett Brothers. Upon arriving at Coronado Landing, you can choose to peruse the shops, eat in one of the many restaurants or catch a ride to “The Del,” formally known as the Hotel Del Coronado.
The Victorian-style hotel has welcomed guests since 1888, including Marilyn Monroe when she, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon filmed Some Like it Hot in 1958. It was ranked the No. 1 film comedy of all time by the American Film Institute.
The hotel, affectionately called “The Del” or “Hotel Del”, has also hosted United States presidents, British royalty, celebrities, and athletes, such as Gene Hackman, Babe Ruth, Katherine Hepburn and Bette Davis.
More recent celebrity guests include Brad Pitt, Kevin Bacon, Seth Rogen, Robert Downey Jr., Eva Mendes, Will Farrell, Shakira, Al Pacino, Jennifer Garner, Kevin Costner, Jack Nicholson, Oprah Winfrey, Julia-Louis-Dreyfus, Whoopie Goldberg, and Steven Spielberg.
Even if you don’t sleep one night at the Hotel Del Coronado, the 2nd largest wooden structure in the United States, take time to wander through the lobby and admire the stained-glass windows and impeccable grounds.
San Diego’s Balboa Park is a destination in itself, with 1,200 acres of gardens, museums, and performing arts space (photo from Balboa.org)
Day 2: Satiate Your Cultural Curiosity in Balboa Park & Little Italy
Morning at Balboa Park
Rise and shine!
Day two begins at Balboa Park, San Diego’s cultural heart. With more than 1,200 acres of gardens, museums, and performing arts spaces, the park offers endless ways to explore.
Start at the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space featuring koi ponds, waterfalls and meticulously designed landscapes. After wandering the gardens, you might want to explore a museum or two. The San Diego Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum are located inside Balboa Park.
Lunch at The Prado
When it’s time for lunch, head to The Prado, a restaurant tucked within Balboa Park with an eclectic menu of Californian and Latin American flavors. Enjoy a serene and scenic dining experience on the terrace overlooking the park while you sip their signature sangria or one of five Prado margaritas – pomegranate, mezcal, blood orange, mango, or the Pradorita, shaken tableside.
Spreckels Organ Concert
One of the highlights of Balboa Park is the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which boasts the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you’re in for a treat. The organ’s free, live concert begins at 2 p.m., filling the park with enchanting classical melodies.
Grab a seat in the outdoor amphitheatre and get swept away by the incredible acoustics. The temperate San Diego weather often brings cloudless cerulean blue skies and strong sun. Not to worry – the venue offers $5 rented umbrellas, perfect for two. No sweating or squinting is necessary.
Kids will love the 1910 Balboa Park Carousel (photo from San Diego Tourism Authority)
Afternoon in Little Italy
Little Italy is one of San Diego’s trendiest neighbourhoods, and first home to the city’s tuna industry. With its tree-lined streets and charming piazzas, this district is perfect for a leisurely afternoon spent meandering through the bustling Piazza della Famiglia. The open square often hosts events and live music and is a good spot to grab some authentic gelato or a coffee.
At 48 square blocks, San Diego’s Little Italy is the largest in the U.S. If you happen to be there on a Saturday or Wednesday, don’t miss the Little Italy Mercato, offering fresh produce, pastured eggs, poultry, meat, nuts and plants from California farmers, fish, olive oil, bread, sauces and much more from local food makers.
You’ll also find souvenirs for family and friends handmade by local artisans.
Dinner & Dessert
Little Italy for dinner means fresh seafood and homemade pasta, such as the famous Spaghetti Carbonara at Roman Wolves.
If you prefer to pick up a bottle of wine to bring to dinner, pop into the Little Italy Market and Spirits, where a qualified sommelier is available to suggest a delicious bottle to enjoy.
Cap off the night at Salt and Straw for hand-churned ice cream available in dairy-free and gluten-free versions. Forget boring chocolate and vanilla. Instead, opt for flavours such as Apple Cider Donuts, Arbequina Olive Oil, and Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Two scoops are perfectly acceptable.
Centennial Park offers one of the best views of the San Diego skyline (photo from San Diego Tourism Authority)
Day 3: Enjoy Island Life on Coronado
Morning on Coronado Island
Start your final day by driving over the iconic Coronado Bridge, which offers stunning panoramic views of the San Diego skyline and the sparkling bay below.
The bridge connects San Diego to Coronado Island, a charming seaside community known for its laid-back beachy vibes and historic character. Once you arrive, park and get ready to explore the island on foot or by bike, as Coronado is incredibly two-wheel and two-foot friendly.
Sink Your Toes into Coronado Beach
Begin your morning with a visit to Coronado Beach, ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States. High five San Diego!
The golden sand, sparkling with flecks of mica, and gentle waves make it the perfect place for a relaxing stroll along the shoreline or an invigorating game of beach volleyball. If you’re up for a bit more activity, you can rent bikes and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and scenic coastal views from paved paths.
Explore the Coronado Museum of History & Art
After soaking in some sun, take a short walk to the Coronado Historical Association and Coronado Museum, located on the expansive Orange Avenue in the heart of the island’s easy-on-the-eyes downtown.
This small but fascinating museum offers a glimpse into Coronado’s rich history, from its development as a resort town in the late 19th century to its connections to naval aviation and military history. The museum also features rotating exhibits highlighting local art, adding a creative touch to your morning exploration.
Fresh pasta at Roman Wolves in San Diego’s Little Italy (photo from San Diego Tourism Authority)
Orange Avenue Café
Coronado has plenty of options for a laid-back lunch. Stop by one of the many sidewalk cafés or casual eateries lining Orange Avenue. Whether you’re in the mood for a fresh salad, a sandwich or a light bite, grab a seat outdoors and watch the locals and visitors go by.
Afternoon: A Visit to Centennial Park and the Ferry Landing
In the afternoon, walk over to Centennial Park, a hotspot for weddings and a quiet oasis for visitors on the bay side of Coronado.
FYI: The park offers one of the best views of the San Diego skyline, making it a perfect place to relax on a bench or spread out a picnic blanket. While there, take time to explore the nearby Ferry Landing Marketplace for its shops, art galleries and local vendors selling handmade goods.
You can also rent a paddleboard or kayak for an afternoon on the calm waters of the bay. Or simply sit on a bench and indulge in some well-deserved downtown amidst the serene waterfront views.
Dinner at The Henry
As evening approaches, head back to Orange Avenue for dinner at The Henry, one of Coronado’s most popular restaurants. This stylish yet casual eatery is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and creative menu of signature burgers, fresh seafood and hearty salads.
Sit on the patio to soak in the vibrant island life and raise a handcrafted cocktails to your last night in San Diego.
Enjoy a walk on the beach morning or night (
Evening: Sunset at Coronado Beach
End your time on Coronado by returning to Coronado Beach to catch the sunset. The soft, golden hues reflecting on the water create a peaceful close to your day. Take off your shoes and let the rhythm of the waves carry you into a moment of pure serenity.
Bet you didn’t know…
Theodore Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) lived in La Jolla. From his office, he could see the windblown trees in the park, which are said to have inspired the Truffula trees in his book The Lorax.
Good to know…
- When visiting Ellen Browning Scripps Park, be sure to pack a picnic. It’s a beautiful spot to fly a kite, do yoga, or simply people-watch. Bring a waterproof blanket. The grass can be wet in the morning and take time to dry out.
- The USS Midway Museum is massive, and chances are if you don’t dedicate most of your day to touring, you won’t see it all. No problem –mention that to one of the friendly staff, and they’ll give you a card to return the next day to finish your visit. The chance to sit in a refurbished warplane or helicopter is reason enough to maximize your visit.
- Kansas City Barbeque, located in the harbor district, is also known as the Top Gun bar, as many of the movie’s scenes were filmed there, including the one of Goose pounding the piano keys as he belted out “goodness gracious,” Great Balls of Fire! A classic.
Ready to go? Plan your getaway to San Diego!
San Diego is a year-round destination (photo from San Diego Tourism Authority)
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Author Bio: Kerry Kreisman
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