San Diego, United States 5 Day Itinerary

San Diego 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Breakfast Republic, famous for its unique and Instagrammable dishes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the USS Midway Museum (910 N Harbor Dr) to explore a historic aircraft carrier. Nearby, you can find the San Diego Maritime Museum and the USS Midway Flight Deck.
  • Evening: Explore the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter with its many restaurants, bars, and shops. Try out The Crack Shack for some delicious fried chicken.
  • Night: Catch a Padres game at Petco Park (100 Park Blvd) if the timing is right, or enjoy a drink at Kettner Exchange.

Day 2: Balboa Park & Museums

  • Morning: Grab breakfast at Pannikin Coffee and Tea before exploring Balboa Park (1549 El Prado).
  • Afternoon: Visit the San Diego Zoo (2920 Zoo Dr) or one of the many museums, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Man, or the Air & Space Museum.
  • Evening: Dine at Juniper and Ivy for a farm-to-table experience.

Day 3: La Jolla

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Cottage in La Jolla.
  • Afternoon: Visit the La Jolla Cove (1160 Coast Blvd) to see sea lions and snorkel if weather permits. Hike along the La Jolla Shores Trail or explore the Birch Aquarium (2300 Expedition Way).
  • Evening: Dine at George’s at the Cove, offering stunning ocean views and fresh seafood.

Day 4: Coronado Island & Beaches

  • Morning: Take the ferry from downtown San Diego (999 N Harbor Dr) to Coronado Island. Visit the Hotel del Coronado (1500 Orange Ave) and stroll along the beach.
  • Afternoon: Rent bikes and explore Coronado Island or relax on the beach. Alternatively, visit the Centennial Park Skatepark for a unique experience.
  • Evening: Dine at Mike’s in the Alley for some delicious seafood.

Day 5: North Park & Liberty Public Market

  • Morning: Grab breakfast at North Park Breakfast Company before exploring the trendy neighborhood of North Park.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Liberty Public Market (2891 Dewey Rd) for shopping, food, and drinks. Check out the neighboring InnerMission Workshop for craft beer.
  • Evening: Dine at UnderBelly for some innovative Korean BBQ.

Things to Know:

  1. San Diego’s public transportation system consists of the MTS buses, the Coaster, and the Sprinter trains, as well as trolleys run by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). You can find more information at https://www.mts.org/
  2. The weather in San Diego is generally pleasant year-round, but be prepared for cooler temperatures and fog in the mornings, especially near the ocean.
  3. Many attractions require advance tickets due to limited capacity. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.
  4. Parking can be a challenge in popular areas, so consider using parking apps or parking structures to find available spaces.
  5. Don’t forget to explore Little Italy (1665 India St) for great food and the weekly farmers market on Saturdays.

Where to Stay: