San Diego, United States 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for San Diego, USA

Day 1: Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter

Places to Go:

  1. Balboa Park: Home to multiple museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Don’t miss the Spanish Village Art Center and the Timken Museum of Art. Timken Museum
  2. Gaslamp Quarter: Known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining options. Visit the historic Horton Plaza and the iconic Gaslamp Arch. Gaslamp Quarter
  3. USS Midway Museum: Explore a decommissioned aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy for over 50 years. USS Midway Museum

Activities:

  1. Take a guided tour of Balboa Park or rent bikes to explore on your own.
  2. Enjoy a sunset harbor cruise from the Gaslamp Quarter. Check out Flagship Cruises & Events.
  3. Visit the San Diego Zoo after hours during their Nighttime Zoo event (seasonal). San Diego Zoo Nighttime Zoo

Where to Eat:

  1. Cafe Gratitude in Balboa Park for healthy vegan cuisine. Cafe Gratitude
  2. BIRCH PLYZERIA & BREWHouse in the Gaslamp Quarter for craft beer and gourmet pizzas. BIRCH PLYZERIA & BREWHouse

Where to Stay:

  1. Hotel Republic: A boutique hotel located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, featuring contemporary rooms and a rooftop bar with stunning views. Hotel Republic

Things to Know:

  • San Diego has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry summers. Pack layers for varying temperatures throughout the day.
  • Downtown San Diego offers a free trolley system known as the MTS (Metropolitan Transit System). Check their route maps before you go. MTS

Day 2: La Jolla & Pacific Beach

Places to Go:

  1. La Jolla Cove: Swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the beautiful coastline and sea lions at this picturesque cove. La Jolla Cove
  2. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Hike along the coastal bluffs, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Black’s Beach below. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
  3. Scripps Institution of Oceanography: Learn about oceanographic research at this renowned marine science center on the UC San Diego campus. Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Activities:

  1. Kayak with seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove, offered by companies like La Jolla Kayak.
  2. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life in San Diego. Birch Aquarium
  3. Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101) from La Jolla to Torrey Pines and back.

Where to Eat:

  1. Catch of the Day Seafood Grill in La Jolla for fresh seafood with beautiful ocean views. Catch of the Day Seafood Grill
  2. Pacific Beach AleHouse: Grab a bite and a cold beer after a day at the beach. Pacific Beach AleHouse

Where to Stay:

  1. La Jolla Shores Hotel: A beachfront hotel located just steps away from La Jolla Cove and the beach. La Jolla Shores Hotel

Day 3: Coronado Island & Little Italy

Places to Go:

  1. Coronado Island: Cross the iconic Coronado Bridge and visit the beautiful beach, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and explore charming downtown Coronado. Hotel Del Coronado
  2. Little Italy: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this neighborhood known for its Italian heritage, craft beer scene, and fresh seafood. Little Italy
  3. Ferry to Harbor Island: Take a quick ferry ride from Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego to enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline. Broadway Pier Ferry Schedule

Activities:

  1. Rent bikes and explore Coronado Island, including the beach, Hotel del Coronado, and the Glorietta Bay Park.
  2. Check out one of Little Italy’s many craft breweries like Ballast Point or Stone Brewing Co.
  3. Attend the Little Italy Mercato farmers market on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music. Little Italy Mercato

Where to Eat:

  1. Mister A’s in downtown San Diego for upscale American cuisine with stunning city views. Mister A’s
  2. Juniper & Ivy in Little Italy for contemporary California cuisine in a sleek setting. Juniper & Ivy

Where to Stay:

  1. Hotel Indigo San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter: A unique boutique hotel located in the heart of Little Italy, within walking distance of downtown attractions and restaurants. Hotel Indigo San Diego

Tips:

  • Check out the San Diego Tourism Authority for more information on events, dining, shopping, and things to do in San Diego.
  • Purchase a GoSanDiego card for discounted admission to multiple attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and SeaWorld San Diego. GoSanDiego Card