San Diego is such a great option for a getaway, because the weather is very pleasant all year-round…typically in the 70’s for temperatures, with plenty of sunshine. Considered the birthplace of California, and home to 70 miles of the most beautiful beaches on the U.S. West Coast, there’s something for everyone here. It’s a great option for a girls trip, a family trip with kids or teens, or a couple’s getaway! This itinerary is a collection of my favorite things to do based on several trips I’ve taken over the years, for work travel, as a couple’s getaway, with my kids when they were younger, and again when they were teens. You can easily spend more than three days in San Diego to experience everything, so I’ve structured this post with several options. Grab your sunscreen and and flip-flops, and start planning your trip today!
Here is a three-day sample itinerary that can be used any time of the year:
DAY 1: VISIT LAJOLLA…SURFERS, SEA LIONS, SHOPPING, AND MORE:
Assuming you’re either driving in or flying in to San Diego airport (SAN) and renting a car (definitely recommend), you’ll probably arrive mid-day on Day 1. If you’re hungry and you come from a place that doesn’t have In-N-Out, I’d recommend stopping there for a quick lunch to get you in the Southern California mood. Sure it’s fast food burgers, fries, and shakes, but it’s special because everything is made fresh…nothing frozen!
After grabbing a bite to eat, head to La Jolla, which is just North of San Diego. It’s a great little seaside town filled with waterfront restaurants, higher-end shopping, and a beautiful coastline to explore, including Sea Lions! Find a place to park around the shops (easier said than done sometimes, unfortunately), and then do some shopping; there’s a mix of souvenir shops, art galleries, and higher end clothing stores that you’d see in your local mall. Take some time to walk around the Scripps, Ellen B Park and La Jolla Cove to watch the Sea Lions…it’s surprisingly really good entertainment, just don’t get too close! This is also a great spot to watch a sunset after dinner.
Speaking of dinner, depending on your mood and budget, my two favorite places to eat in La Jolla are Duke’s for ocean front dining and seafood (be sure to get their Mai Tai and save room for the Hula Pie for dessert), and Piazza 1909 for authentic Italian food and delicious pizza. If the sun hasn’t already set, be sure to catch the sunset along the coastline to end your first day.
As far as where to stay during your visit, there are a lot of options to consider. I’ve stayed in the Gaslamp District downtown, which would be a good place to stay with a group of friends, given the ability to walk to a lot of restaurants nearby, and to be in a more central location for accessing the different areas of the city. Some people (especially college-age and 20-somethings) like to stay in Mission Beach, which has a lot of activity…and crowds! My preference is to stay on the North Side of San Diego, either in Del Mar (for a couple’s trip, L’Auberge Del Mar is an excellent choice), or in the Carlsbad / Encinitas area (I really like Cape Rey for a family stay).
DAY 2: USS MIDWAY, SAND CASTLE BUILDING, AND DINNER NEAR THE BEACH:
Grab breakfast at your hotel, and plan to get to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and Museum right at opening (10AM currently, but be sure to check hours the night before). The USS Midway is a US aircraft carrier commissioned in 1942 and was in service until 1992, making it the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. It sits in the harbor right by downtown San Diego. You can buy tickets in advance, but it’s not necessary. Tickets are reasonably priced and include the audio tour, which is a really helpful addition. It’s a very enjoyable tour for all ages and is considered a must-do while in San Diego. I’d plan on spending about 2-3 hours there total. There’s a cafe in the museum where I’d suggest grabbing lunch before heading to your next activity.
Next, one of my (and my kids’) favorite things we’ve done on vacation EVER is sandcastle building lessons with San Diego Sandcastles. This activity is fun for all ages, and is also a great team-building opportunity for co-workers, teammates, etc. The instructor will bring all the supplies needed to build your sandcastle…just meet him or her on the beach ready to work, and bring your camera to take pictures of your creation…you’ll be amazed! It’s a 3 hour lesson on the beach, and according to their website the lessons are currently being held at Crown Point Beach, just about 20 minutes drive from the USS Midway (ours was on Coronado Island a few years back). You will need to book this in advance, and shoot for the afternoon lesson when the weather is a little warmer and sunnier. Be sure to bring some cash to tip your instructor!
After all the sunshine, fresh air, and walking you’ll be ready for a really good meal for dinner! I have two options for you to consider. First, if you aren’t planning a separate beach day on Coronado Island, I’d suggest heading there for the evening on Day 2 after sandcastle building. You can get there by car (about a 20 minute drive from Crown Point Beach), or by Ferry (15 minute ride that departs from Broadway Pier, about a 15 minute drive from Crown Point Beach). It will take longer to Ferry, so I’d only recommend doing this if you really want to fit a boat ride as part of your itinerary! Once on Coronado Island, head to the historic (and haunted!) Hotel Del Coronado. Be sure to make a reservation in advance for dinner…there are several places to choose from, depending on who is joining you for dinner and what your budget is. When I was there my kids were pretty young, so we ate at the Sun Deck, which is a more casual option, and perfect for families. Since you’re there, be sure to walk around the lobby and grounds of the property and get some pictures. In October, they even offer haunted tours if you’re in to that!
Coronado has some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, so if you have extra time, plan to come to the Hotel Del Coronado for lunch one day, and then enjoy the beach for the afternoon!
DAY 3: ZOO, GOLF, OR HIKE IN THE MORNING, THEN BEACH IN THE AFTERNOON:
If you only have three days and you haven’t been to San Diego before, the zoo is another must-do. In order to make the most of your day, I’d suggest getting there right at 9AM when it opens, so that you’re ready to head out shortly after lunch. Another option for those with younger kids is Legoland in Carlsbad, which opens at 10AM, however you might need a full day for this…but can a 4-year old really last all day anywhere without a nap?! I have not been to Legoland since my kids were a little too old when we first visited San Diego, but I have heard it’s a blast for younger kids.
A second option for your morning on Day 3 is to play a round of golf at one of the many golf courses in the area. Torrey Pines is a must-do for golf enthusiasts, as it is one of the most famous courses in the area, and beautifully set along the coast of the Pacific. I played it in the month of February, and we had freezing rain…not typical, just total bad luck! Be sure to make a tee time in advance if you want to play Torrey Pines, as it’s very popular and not easy to get in to.
Finally, my third suggestion to start Day 3 is to take advantage of the cooler weather in the morning and go for a hike. Like other parts of California, it tends to be cooler and overcast in the morning, and then the skies clear and it warms up in the afternoon. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a great area to hike, with several trail options available. We did the Torrey Pines Beach and Broken Hill Trail Loop (3.2 miles), which has a nice variety of hiking through trees, coastline, and then at one point you can take off your shoes and walk along the beach! We’ve also hiked in Carlsbad, and did the Lake Calavera Loop Trail (4.9 miles) which is inland, but winds through a meadow and along a lake. Both hikes are considered moderate, and are suited for all ages assuming you are in decent shape. Lake Calavera might be a little too long for younger kids, however.
Assuming you’ve finished your morning activity by around lunch time or early afternoon, grab some sandwiches and hit the beach! My personal favorite beaches are the ones in Carlsbad and Coronado. Grandview Beach is a great option in Carlsbad, and is really close to the Cape Rey hotel. Cape Rey also has chairs and umbrellas available for you to take to the beach with you. The beaches do get crowded and you’ll need cash for parking, but it’s a must-do on a warm afternoon in San Diego. If the waves are cooperative, it’s a great place to sit and watch the surfers too.
To end your stay, I recommend visiting the town of Del Mar just North of La Jolla for dinner at some point during your visit. If you’re staying at L’Auberge Del Mar, you already know what a beautiful hidden gem this town is. It’s pretty quiet and smaller than La Jolla, but has some great shops and restaurants to peruse, as well as a path along the ocean cliffs for a sunset walk (just be careful after dark!). There are several good restaurants across the street from L’Auberge Del Mar, but one of my favorites (also family friendly) is Tamarindo, a Mexican / Latin place with a fun atmosphere and really tasty drinks. Try the Elote Spears and Queso Fundido to start!
That wraps up my suggestions for a very full 3 days in the San Diego area. As you can see, there’s so much to do! If you can add and extra day or two to your trip, you can fit it all in or go at a slower pace…or come back for a second visit later!