San Diego Itinerary: 3 Days in San Diego (2026-27 Guide)
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San Diego sits in California’s far southwest corner, about 16 miles from the Mexican border, and is the state’s second-largest city. People come for the mild weather and the coastline, with beaches, canyons, a huge city park, plus a working naval harbor all a short drive from downtown. The city is also a patchwork of separate neighborhoods, from Little Italy to La Jolla, each with its own food and feel. Because San Diego’s attractions span several neighborhoods, a San Diego travel itinerary organized by area helps cut driving time.
This San Diego itinerary organizes three days into separate sightseeing areas. Day 1 focuses on the downtown waterfront and Coronado. On Day 2, choose between the San Diego Zoo and a visit to Balboa Park with Old Town. Day 3 takes you along the coast, starting at Torrey Pines before continuing through La Jolla to Point Loma. It also works as a 3-day weekend if you land Friday night.
How Many Days in San Diego Do You Need?
With 3 days in San Diego, you can cover the headline sights and still have room for a long lunch. Fewer days mean hard cuts, while more days leave room for day trips.
Is 3 days enough for San Diego?
Yes, for a first visit, because you can cover Coronado, the Embarcadero, La Jolla, Point Loma, and either the zoo or Balboa Park with Old Town. You will even have time for fish tacos twice, though you will not see everything. That is why each day below ends with a swap menu, so you can trade stops without breaking the route.
What if you only have 2 days in San Diego?
Skip the zoo and Balboa Park, spend day one on the waterfront with Coronado, then give day two to La Jolla plus Point Loma. Old Town fits in as a late lunch stop between the two if you start early.
When should you stay longer?
Consider staying four or five days if you want to visit SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Extra time also lets you visit Temecula wine country or spend a relaxed beach day in Pacific Beach. You can find additional options near the end of this guide.
Your San Diego 3 Day Itinerary at a Glance
Here are all three days on one screen, so you can see how they fit together before the details.
Day | Zone | Anchor stops | Best for |
Day 1 | Downtown waterfront and Coronado | Little Italy Mercato, Embarcadero, USS Midway, ferry to Coronado, Hotel del Coronado | Views, history, easy walking |
Day 2 | Zoo, or Balboa Park and Old Town | Route A is the San Diego Zoo. Route B is Balboa Park, Old Town State Historic Park, and one neighborhood for dinner. | Animals, or culture and food |
Day 3 | The coast | Torrey Pines, La Jolla Cove, Cabrillo National Monument, Sunset Cliffs | Wildlife, beaches, sunset |
Day 1: Downtown Waterfront and Coronado
Day 1 combines waterfront sightseeing with a ferry ride to Coronado, where you can explore the historic hotel and relax on the beach. It is also the best day to arrive jet-lagged, because you never need to drive far.
Morning: Little Italy Mercato and the Embarcadero
This works best on a Saturday, when the Little Italy Mercato is open. On other days, start with breakfast in Little Italy instead. The Mercato runs on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm and occupies six blocks of West Date Street, according to the Little Italy Association. The Mercato is held in a smaller form on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.
After exploring Little Italy, head toward the Embarcadero for views of San Diego Bay and waterfront attractions. On Saturdays, the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is nearby and sells fresh fish from local boats, though hours can shift, so check before you go. Take a photo of the Unconditional Surrender statue, the sailor and nurse kissing.
Late morning: USS Midway and the Maritime Museum
Today, the USS Midway Museum lets visitors explore the retired aircraft carrier, walk its flight deck, and see restored aircraft up close. The flight deck also offers panoramic views of San Diego Bay. Adult admission costs $39 online or $41 at the entrance. The museum opens at 10 a.m., with final admission at 4 p.m. and closing at 5 p.m. Check the official USS Midway website for current ticket prices before visiting. Even visitors with little interest in naval history can get a sense of what life aboard the carrier was like.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a quicker visit if you are short on time. Its fleet includes the Star of India, the world’s oldest operating sailing vessel. Just south is Seaport Village, with shops and waterfront pathways. For time on the water, several harbor cruises and SEAL tours leave from this stretch.
Afternoon: Ferry to Coronado and the Hotel del Coronado
The Coronado ferry offers a scenic alternative to driving across the bridge. According to Flagship Cruises, boats leave Broadway Pier hourly and take about 15 minutes to reach Coronado Ferry Landing. The ferry costs $9 per person each way, so budget $18 round trip. A separate service from the Convention Center departs every 30 minutes. From the Ferry Landing, you can take a bus, rent a bicycle, or use a rideshare to reach the Hotel del Coronado, roughly two miles away.
Coronado is called an island, but it is really a peninsula joined to the mainland by a strip of sand called the Silver Strand. The Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888 as the world’s largest resort hotel and became a National Historic Landmark in 1977, according to the hotel’s history webpage. After walking the grounds (you can do this without a room), spend an hour on Coronado Beach. If you have time left, wander the back streets, where mansions, small Spanish casitas, and craftsman bungalows stand side by side.
Evening: Dinner in Little Italy, with a Gaslamp option
Little Italy is a convenient dinner stop after returning from Coronado. Born & Raised specializes in steak, while Ironside is known for its seafood menu. Juniper and Ivy offers a more upscale dining experience, so check reservation availability in advance. For a casual meal, explore the restaurants along India Street.
If you still have energy, the Gaslamp Quarter is about a 20-minute walk (or a quick 7-minute trolley ride) from here. For dessert, consider Ghirardelli Ice Cream Parlor before exploring the Gaslamp Quarter’s nightlife. Vin De Syrah offers an unusual bar setting, while baseball fans can check whether the Padres have a game scheduled at Petco Park.
Day 1 swap menu
Use this table to trade a stop without leaving the area.
If you want | Swap in | Drop |
More views | Sunset drinks at Bali Hai or Fathom Bistro, Bait & Tackle on Shelter Island | Gaslamp |
Seafood on the water | The Fish Market or a Harbor Island dinner with a skyline view | Little Italy dinner |
Less walking | Drive the Coronado Bridge instead of the ferry | The ferry |
A quieter night | Coronado dinner at The Henry, Little Frenchie, or Blanco Cocina | Gaslamp |
Day 2: The Zoo, or Balboa Park, Old Town, and One Neighborhood
Day 2 comes in two versions, so pick one before you book anything. The zoo takes most of the day, while Balboa Park plus Old Town fills a day and still leaves room for neighborhood dinner. If you try to fit the zoo, Old Town, and a North Park beer crawl into one day, you will rush all three.
Morning: Brunch in Hillcrest (Route B)
Hillcrest is a convenient brunch stop before visiting Balboa Park, with cafes and breakfast restaurants around University Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Allow about an hour for breakfast if you plan to spend the afternoon exploring museums. Hillcrest is also known for its LGBTQ+ community and is close to Balboa Park. If you choose the zoo route, eat near the entrance or inside the zoo to make the most of your morning.
Late morning: Choose Your Route
Day 2 splits here, so choose Route A for the zoo or Route B for Balboa Park with Old Town and skip the other.
Route A: The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo covers approximately 100 acres within Balboa Park and is known for its extensive koala collection. The zoo opens at 9 a.m., though hours can vary by date. Check the official zoo calendar for the opening hours that apply to your selected travel date. Arrive at opening to see the animals while they are active, then plan on 5 to 6 hours. Head to dinner in South Park or North Park afterward, and skip Old Town.
Standard San Diego Zoo admission costs $78 for adults and $68 for children ages 3 to 11. The ticket includes the guided bus tour and Skyfari aerial tram, subject to availability. Online Value Days tickets cost $73 for adults and $63 for children on selected dates.
Route B: Balboa Park, then Old Town
After brunch in Hillcrest, spend approximately three hours exploring Balboa Park. Choose one museum or a few gardens instead of trying to see everything. Have lunch at Panama 66 before heading to Old Town in the afternoon. If you are driving, check the current parking rules because general paid parking remains in effect during 2026. San Diego City Council has approved ending paid parking in Balboa Park by January 1, 2027. If you want more time for museums, shorten the Old Town visit and keep the evening flexible.
Gardens first
Start with the Spanish Village Art Center or the cactus, rose, or botanical gardens, all free.
Then the museums
Choose one or two museums based on your interests. The Museum of Us explores anthropology and cultural history, and an additional ticket lets visitors take a guided tour of the California Tower for elevated views of the park. The San Diego Museum of Art is a good second choice, while the Natural History Museum and the Fleet Science Center work better with kids. Free Tuesdays rotate by museum and apply to San Diego area residents, so visitors should budget for admission and check the Balboa Park schedule.
Afternoon: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
This section is for Route B only, so if you chose the zoo, skip ahead to the evening. Old Town is where San Diego began, with free parking and free entry to the state park, according to California State Parks. Plan two to four hours, since the park sits within a larger neighborhood of historic adobes, small museums, and shops.
Start at the First San Diego Courthouse and the visitor center. Tour the Whaley House Museum, which is billed as one of the most haunted houses in the country. Walk up to Heritage County Park, where they moved old Victorian homes to save them from demolition. Then stop for tea at the Coral Tree Tea House, which takes reservations only and is open Friday through Sunday.
Where to eat in Old Town
Old Town is Mexican food country, with Old Town Mexican Cafe for handmade tortillas, Cafe Coyote for big platters, and Fiesta de Reyes for a patio margarita. Casa de Reyes often has live music in the evening, while the Cosmopolitan Hotel sits inside the park. If you plan to stay in Old Town after dinner, check Oculto 477’s reservation requirements and evening hours.
Evening: South Park and North Park
Pick one neighborhood tonight rather than both, since South Park suits dinner with cocktails while North Park suits a beer crawl. Park once, walk, and save the other neighborhood for a fourth day.
South Park, for dinner and cocktails
South Park offers a quieter evening than the busy downtown neighborhoods. Its streets are lined with small shops, cafes, and independent restaurants, making it easy to explore on foot. Browse the small shops around Fern Street before heading to Buona Forchetta for Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant is popular, so allow extra time for a possible wait.
North Park, for beer
North Park is a popular neighborhood for craft beer, casual dining, and evening entertainment. Restaurants and tasting rooms cluster around University Avenue and 30th Street, making the area easy to explore on foot. Try Belching Beaver for locally brewed beer or stop at Tribute Pizza for dinner.
Day 2 swap menu
Use this table to trade stops on Day 2.
If you want | Swap in | Drop |
Kids | Route A, the zoo all day | Old Town and the beer crawl |
Art and gardens | One or two museums plus the Japanese Friendship Garden | Old Town |
A bigger beer day | Stone Brewery at Liberty Station | South Park |
Tacos | City Tacos in North Park | Old Town lunch |
Day 3: Torrey Pines, La Jolla, and Point Loma
Day 3 is the longest, so here is how much time each stop takes.
- Torrey Pines State Beach: about 1 hour
- La Jolla: about 2.5 hours with lunch
- Cabrillo: about 2 hours
- Sunset Cliffs: about 1 hour before dinner
Plan a full day for the coastal route, since visiting Torrey Pines, La Jolla, Cabrillo National Monument, and Sunset Cliffs requires several drives. Allow additional time for parking, especially around La Jolla Cove. Start around 8 a.m. and travel from north to south. In winter, sunset arrives earlier, so check the exact time before leaving. If your schedule is tight, skip Cabrillo or Torrey Pines to save time for La Jolla and Sunset Cliffs.
Early morning: Torrey Pines State Beach
Go early, because the beach is quieter before the mid-morning rush and parking is easier. The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve above the beach is closed to visitors until March 2027 for a utility and accessibility construction project. The closure affects all trails, the upper parking lots, and the lodge. Torrey Pines State Beach remains open to visitors.
With the upper reserve closed, spend the morning at Torrey Pines State Beach. The North Beach and South Beach parking lots remain open, with fees generally ranging from $10 to $25 per vehicle. Stay away from the base of the cliffs because rockfalls can occur without warning. Check the California State Parks website for current beach conditions and parking fees. For construction updates, visit the official reserve project page.
If you have extra time after visiting Torrey Pines State Beach, consider stopping at the nearby Torrey Pines Gliderport. Visitors can watch paragliding activity from designated viewing areas without booking a flight. Check the weather and flying conditions before visiting, since activity depends on the wind.
Late morning: La Jolla Cove and the sea caves
La Jolla is about ten minutes south, where the cliffs above La Jolla Cove let you see sea lions and seals. The water below is part of the La Jolla Underwater Park. Stay well back from the animals, since getting too close can lead to a bite or a fine.
The Children’s Pool beach is closed to people each year from December 15 to May 15 for harbor seal pupping season. The rules there have been argued in court before, so follow the posted signs.
To see the sea caves, book a kayak tour starting around $59 per kayak. Ocean conditions determine the route, so cave entry isn’t guaranteed. For a dry option, buy a ticket at the Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave shop and walk down the stairs.
Midday: Lunch in La Jolla
Parking in La Jolla is the trickiest part of this stop, since many street spots have a two-hour limit, so read the signs. Parking in the village near Prospect Street and Girard Avenue is easier to find than parking right at the water.
La Jolla Village has several restaurants within walking distance of the cove. Duke’s offers fish tacos with an ocean view, while Puesto serves Mexican cuisine in the village. If you prefer a longer meal, allow enough time before continuing south toward Point Loma.
Before leaving La Jolla, check your remaining daylight and travel time to Cabrillo National Monument. If you’re running late, shorten the next stop rather than rushing through the afternoon.
Afternoon: Cabrillo National Monument
Drive to the tip of Point Loma, where Cabrillo charges $20 per car or $10 per pedestrian, according to the National Park Service. The fee covers the tide pools and the lighthouse area, so at a minimum, visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Check the tide first
Tide pools only work at low tide, so check a tide table the day before. If low tide falls around midday, build the day around it. Skip Torrey Pines, do La Jolla early, then drive south to reach Cabrillo at low tide and finish at Sunset Cliffs. If low tide falls at night, skip the pools and still climb the lighthouse.
The big lot near the visitor center offers lighthouse and bay views, while smaller lots near the tide pools fill up first. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery sits next door and is free to enter.
Evening: Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, and dinner
For sunset, go to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which is free and has good views all day. If you are staying in Coronado, the beach is a fine second choice that saves the drive, though the sun sets behind Point Loma rather than over the open ocean.
After sunset, head toward Ocean Beach for dinner or a walk along Newport Avenue. The Ocean Beach Pier and its cafe remain closed because of structural damage, so explore the nearby streets instead. For seafood, Mitch’s Seafood in Point Loma offers waterfront dining, while Blue Water Seafood is another option for fresh fish.
Shelter Island offers a quieter evening beside San Diego Bay, with waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbor. Bali Hai is one option for dinner or drinks with a view, while the nearby shoreline provides a pleasant place for an evening walk.
Day 3 swap menu
Day 3 is the easiest day to cut, so use this table to shorten it.
If you want | Swap in | Drop |
A beach day | Pacific Beach or Mission Beach, plus Belmont Park | Cabrillo |
Breakfast and shopping | Morning coffee followed by browsing Liberty Station shops | Torrey Pines |
A slower day | La Jolla Shores for sand and calm water | Cabrillo |
Fewer drives | Start at La Jolla Cove and keep Point Loma | Torrey Pines |
More Things to Do in San Diego
If you have extra time or want to swap a stop, start here
In the city
Petco Park works for a Padres game or a stadium tour, while Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station suits a food-heavy lunch. In Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden suits an art-and-gardens day, while the San Diego Air & Space Museum suits aviation fans. The Model Railroad Museum suits small kids who love trains.
On the water
Mission Beach and Belmont Park offer a boardwalk with rides, while Mission Bay is calmer for kayaking or paddleboarding. A harbor cruise from the Embarcadero is an easy option, usually lasting an hour or two, while a speedboat tour is shorter and louder. Whale watching tours run from the harbor in winter, weather permitting. SeaWorld deserves its own day, so treat it as a fourth day trip rather than a swap.
Short hikes and views
Try the Seven Bridges Trail for an urban canyon walk or Annie’s Canyon Trail near Solana Beach. Check current trail conditions on each trail’s official page before you go. For a crowd-free view, Double Peak Park in San Marcos overlooks the North County coast. It is well outside the central city, so add it only if you are driving north anyway
What Does This San Diego Itinerary Cost?
Here is what one adult pays for tickets and parking, split by what you choose, with prices checked in October 2026. Confirm each one on the official site before you book.
Stop | Cost | Source note |
USS Midway Museum | About $39 | Confirm on official site |
Coronado ferry, round trip | $18 | $9 each way |
Cabrillo National Monument | $20 per vehicle or $10 on foot | Covers tide pools and lighthouse |
Torrey Pines parking | $10 to $25 | Reserve lots are closed |
Core attraction and parking total | $87 to $102 | Assumes one adult, a round-trip ferry ticket, and the $20 Cabrillo vehicle fee |
This estimate covers selected attraction tickets and parking at Torrey Pines, but it is not the total cost of your trip. It excludes hotels, meals, local transportation, additional parking, and optional activities. If you choose Balboa Park instead of the zoo, budget separately for museum admission. Visitors should also account for how many people are sharing transportation and parking expenses.
Optional on Day 2
If you chose Route A, add the zoo to the core costs above to get your full total.
Attraction | Standard cost | Notes |
San Diego Zoo adult admission | $78 | $73 on Value Days |
Total including the zoo | $165 to $180 | Excludes food, lodging, zoo parking, and other expenses |
If you drive to the zoo, add the $16-per-vehicle parking fee that began in 2026.
Free stops include Old Town State Historic Park, Balboa Park gardens, Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, and a walk along the Embarcadero. That keeps the ticket spend low, though your hotel and meals will decide the real total. Four paid stops anchor the core route: the Midway, the ferry, Cabrillo, and Torrey Pines parking. Everything else is free or cheap, with the zoo as the one big optional spend.
Are San Diego passes worth it?
CityPASS may not be the best value for this itinerary. According to the official San Diego CityPASS website, the SeaWorld package starts at $169 per adult, while the LEGOLAND package starts at $186. Each includes admission to three additional eligible attractions, so the savings depend on which places you intend to visit. The USS Midway Museum is included among the attractions you can choose with San Diego CityPASS, but the Coronado ferry and Cabrillo National Monument are not. Since this itinerary doesn’t include SeaWorld or LEGOLAND, individual attraction tickets will likely offer better value than CityPASS.
When Is the Best Time to Visit San Diego?
San Diego has mild weather year-round, but the coast is not always sunny. Locals call it May Gray and June Gloom because a thick marine layer makes the coast cloudiest from May through June. The National Weather Service San Diego office explains how it forms.
Best months for beach weather
Late summer and early fall are the most reliable for clear coastal days. If your dates are flexible, aim for September or October.
Cheaper and quieter months
Hotel prices rise during school breaks and holiday weeks. The weeks before Thanksgiving and most of February usually cost less and feel quieter.
How to plan around May Gray and June Gloom
Move the coast to the afternoon, since fog burns off later near the water. Do Balboa Park or Old Town in the morning, save La Jolla for after lunch, and pack a light jacket.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Pick one home base and plan your days from there. For a first visit, we would recommend staying in Little Italy rather than the Gaslamp Quarter or East Village. It is walkable, has the strongest dinner scene of the three, and sits close to the waterfront, the ferry, plus Balboa Park. Before booking accommodation in Little Italy, check recent guest reviews for comments about aircraft noise. Some properties may experience more noticeable noise depending on their location and room orientation. Noise-sensitive travelers should ask about quieter rooms before confirming a reservation.
Area | Hotel to look at | Best for | Why |
Little Italy and downtown | Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown | First timers | Modern rooms, rooftop lounge, central location |
Gaslamp and East Village | Pendry San Diego | Downtown sightseeing | Central location for restaurants and evening activities |
Coronado | Hotel del Coronado | Beach access | Convenient for spending more time on Coronado Beach |
La Jolla | La Valencia Hotel | Coastal sightseeing | Walking distance from La Jolla Cove and village restaurants |
Point Loma | Kona Kai Resort | Waterfront relaxation | Resort setting near Shelter Island and Point Loma attractions |
Pacific Beach | Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages | Beachfront stays and nightlife | Oceanfront cottages on the pier |
Hotel details and rates change often, so check current prices before you book.
Do You Need a Rental Car in San Diego?
A car makes Day 3 much easier, but you can see San Diego without one. It depends on your patience, plus your budget for rideshares or hotel parking.
If you rent a car
Rent for Day 3 only if you stay downtown, after comparing overnight hotel parking fees. Parking is tight in Little Italy, North Park, La Jolla, and Old Town on weekends, though a little extra walking solves most of it.
If you skip the car
Use the ferry, buses, or rideshares, and walk Day 1 plus your evenings. A rideshare covers La Jolla and Point Loma, so skip Torrey Pines and accept some lost flexibility, since the plan still works.
Getting to San Diego by bus
Many visitors arrive from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Phoenix. A bus saves you the drive and the stress of hotel parking. Compare intercity bus options on BoletoXpress or directly with the bus operators.
Traveler Scenarios: How to Change the Plan
Here is how to adjust the plan for different travelers.
First-time visitors
Follow the plan as written, without skipping the Hotel del Coronado or La Jolla Cove.
Couples
Choose Route B for extra garden time in Balboa Park, followed by dinner in South Park or North Park. Save Sunset Cliffs for your final evening to enjoy the coastal sunset.
Families with kids
Take Route A and spend the day at the zoo. Add the Fleet Science Center only if you have a spare morning, since it sits in Balboa Park. Coronado Beach is a calm choice for little kids, while the Midway lets kids climb into aircraft.
Wine lovers and beer fans
Add Temecula on a fourth day, or stay in town and build a North Park beer crawl.
Visitors without a car
Little Italy makes a convenient base for visitors traveling without a rental car. Explore the waterfront on foot and use the ferry for Coronado on Day 1. Use rideshares for Day 2, then visit La Jolla and Point Loma on Day 3. Skip Torrey Pines to reduce travel time.
Off-season and winter visitors
Most of the year’s rain falls from December to March, so bring layers and a light rain jacket. Check the Children’s Pool closure, and use wet days for Balboa Park museums or Hillcrest brunch.
How to Pack This Plan Into a 3-Day Weekend
A 3-day weekend works well if you arrive Friday evening and eat dinner in Little Italy. Do Day 1 on Saturday so you catch the Mercato, then Day 2 on Sunday, then Day 3 on Monday. If you only have Saturday and Sunday, follow Day 1 on Saturday. Spend Sunday exploring the coastal attractions from Day 3 instead of following the Day 2 itinerary.
San Diego Weekend Getaways and Day Trips
If you have extra time, a few side trips are worth adding.
Trip | Why go |
San Diego Zoo Safari Park | A larger, open-air animal park north of the city |
SeaWorld San Diego | Shows, rides, and animal encounters |
Encinitas, Carlsbad, Solana Beach | Surf towns and beach stops on the North County coast |
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch | Best in spring (typically open from early March through Mother’s Day) |
Temecula | Wine country, about an hour north |
Julian | Mountain town known for apple pie |
Ramona | Small town and farm stays inland |
Planning a bigger Southern California loop? See our guide to the best day trips from Los Angeles and our list of things to do in Palm Springs. Heading east afterward? Read the best time to visit Arizona before you pick dates.
Conclusion
A practical San Diego itinerary groups nearby attractions to cut down on travel time. Start with the downtown waterfront and Coronado, choose your preferred Day 2 route, then explore the coast on your final day. Next, pick your hotel area, reserve Juniper and Ivy if you want it, then check current prices for the zoo, the Midway, and the ferry.
FAQ
How many days do you need in San Diego?
Three days is ideal for a first visit. Two days cover the highlights, while four or five days leave room for day trips plus beaches.
Is a 3-day weekend enough for San Diego?
Yes, three days cover downtown, Coronado, La Jolla, Point Loma, and either the zoo or Balboa Park with Old Town.
What is the best time to visit San Diego?
Late summer and early fall give the clearest coast. May through June is often cloudy because of May Gray and June Gloom
Do you need a car in San Diego?
Not always, since a car helps for La Jolla, Torrey Pines, or Point Loma, but you can get around downtown or Coronado by ferry, foot, or rideshare.
Where should you stay in San Diego?
Little Italy works best for first-timers. Coronado suits beach lovers, La Jolla suits couples, and Point Loma suits families.
How much does the San Diego Zoo cost?
Standard zoo tickets cost $78 for adults and $68 for children ages 3 to 11, with discounted Value Days available online.
What is the best free thing to do in San Diego?
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is free and is the best place on this route to watch the sun go down. Old Town State Historic Park, La Jolla Cove, and Balboa Park gardens are also free.
Where can you see sea lions in San Diego?
Walk the cliffs above La Jolla Cove to see sea lions. Harbor seals gather at the Children’s Pool, which closes to people each year from December 15 to May 15.
What are the best fish tacos in San Diego?
Mitch’s Seafood in Point Loma offers waterfront fish tacos, while Blue Water Seafood offers another option for seafood lovers. If you are exploring La Jolla, Duke’s is a convenient lunch spot with ocean views.
Is Coronado worth visiting?
Yes, because you can take the ferry, see the Hotel del Coronado, and spend an hour on the beach in an easy half day.
