San Diego, United States 7 Day Itinerary

San Diego 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown San Diego Exploration

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Breakfast Republic. Try their famous Fluffernutter Pancakes.
  • Visit the iconic Balboa Park, home to numerous museums, gardens, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo.
  • Lunch at Panama 66 within Balboa Park, offering a variety of delicious food options.
  • Afternoon: Explore the USS Midway Museum, an aircraft carrier turned museum.
  • Evening: Stroll around the Gaslamp Quarter, enjoy dinner at Ocean Aire Fish Market.

Day 2: Beaches & Pacific Beach

  • Morning: Grab a coffee and pastries from Philz Coffee or Junction Roasters before heading to La Jolla Cove.
  • Spend the morning exploring La Jolla Cove, kayaking, snorkeling, and visiting the seals.
  • Lunch at ** Puesto** in Pacific Beach. Try their Baja-style tacos.
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beach or try stand-up paddleboarding.
  • Evening: Dinner at Pacific Beach AleHouse, enjoy a beer with your meal.

Day 3: North Park & Hillcrest

  • Morning: Breakfast at Cafe Moto. Try their delicious avocado toast and coffee.
  • Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of North Park and Hillcrest, known for unique boutiques, art galleries, and street art.
  • Lunch at Solare Ristorante, offering authentic Italian cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Man or the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park.
  • Evening: Dinner at Wayfarer Bottle Shop & Biergarten. Enjoy a variety of craft beers.

Day 4: Coronado Island

  • Morning: Ferry to Coronado Island from downtown San Diego. Visit the historic Hotel del Coronado.
  • Spend your day relaxing on Coronado Beach, one of America’s best beaches.
  • Lunch at Silver Strand Fish House. Try their fish tacos and fresh seafood.
  • Afternoon: Explore Coronado’s charming downtown area, shops, and museums.
  • Evening: Return to San Diego for dinner at Barracks near the airport, offering a beautiful sunset view.

Day 5: Mission Bay & SeaWorld

  • Morning: Breakfast at The Kettle Black. Try their famous waffles or pancakes.
  • Spend your morning kayaking or paddleboarding in Mission Bay.
  • Lunch at Barefoot Bill’s Beachside Grill with a view of the bay.
  • Afternoon: Visit SeaWorld, home to various marine life exhibits and shows.
  • Evening: Dinner at Coastal CRAVE. Enjoy their delicious seafood dishes.

Day 6: Little Italy & Embarcadero

  • Morning: Breakfast at Little Italian Piazza della Famiglia. Try their croissants and coffee.
  • Spend your morning exploring Little Italy, known for its vibrant murals, unique shops, and great eateries.
  • Lunch at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, offering delicious pizzas and pasta dishes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the USS Midway Museum (if you didn’t on Day 1) or walk along the Embarcadero, checking out ships and street performers.
  • Evening: Dinner at C Level. Enjoy a beautiful sunset view while dining.

Day 7: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve & Sunset Cliffs

  • Morning: Breakfast at Grab n’ Go Deli in La Jolla before heading to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
  • Spend your morning hiking the trails and enjoying the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Lunch at Pannikin Coffee & Tea in La Jolla Cove.
  • Afternoon: Visit Sunset Cliffs for more breathtaking views and a relaxing afternoon.
  • Farewell Dinner: George’s at the Cove, offering beautiful ocean views and exceptional cuisine.

Transportation: San Diego’s public transportation system, MTS, offers buses and trolleys throughout the city. Uber and Lyft are also widely available. Consider renting a car if you plan to explore beyond the city.

Things to know: San Diego has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm temperatures year-round. Be sure to pack layers for cooler evenings. The downtown area is walkable, but consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services when traveling further distances. Enjoy your trip to beautiful San Diego!