Three Perfect Days in San Diego: Ultimate Travel Itinerary

San Diego is my favorite city in the U.S.! With it's sun-kissed beaches, vibrant outdoor activities, big city vibes, friendly locals, and diverse cuisine, this Southern California gem is not to be missed! There's truly something for everyone here, making it an incredible yet overwhelming place to navigate on your first trip. To help you plan the perfect getaway, I've put together this ultimate three-day guide to San Diego.

San Diego Accommodations

San Diego offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy Airbnbs. With recent changes in California laws affecting Airbnb prices, hotels might be the more budget-friendly option now. We stayed at this Airbnb and absolutely loved it, but do your research to find what suits you best!

San Diego Transportation

Getting around San Diego is a breeze with multiple transportation options:

• Car Rentals - Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Be prepared for tricky parking situations in busy spots like Mission Beach, La Jolla, and Gaslamp Quarter.

• Metropolitan Transit System - Hop on buses or the trolley with a reusable Compass Card, making it easy to access the city’s sights without the hassle of driving.

• Ridesharing and Taxis - Uber and Lyft are widely available and convenient for getting around the city!

• Biking and Scooters - San Diego is pretty bike-friendly and renting bikes is a great way to explore the trails along the beaches and Balboa Park. In downtown areas and Gaslamp Quarter you can also rent electric scooters from companies like Lime to explore the area more conveniently.

• Hop-on-Hop Off Trolley Tours - These tours can often be a convenient way to see major attractions across the city with stops into most areas you'll want to visit!

• Ferry and Water Taxis - The Coronado Ferry is a great way to get from downtown San Diego to Coronado Island. You can also use the Water Taxis in the San Diego Bay area to explore the waterfront!

Day 1: La Jolla and Mission Beach

Breakfast at Brockton Villa Restaurant

Kickstart your San Diego adventure with breakfast at Brockton Villa Restaurant. With stunning patio views of La Jolla Cove, savor their famous "Coast Toast," a delicious twist on French toast with a secret ingredient—orange juice! The orange juice gives the dish a subtle citrus flavor and is a must-try when visiting San Diego.

Explore La Jolla Cove

After breakfast, explore the scenic paths through La Jolla Cove and the stunning ocean views. While here you can also get a glimpse of the sea lions playing and sleeping on the rocks! If you're more adventurous, rent a kayak and venture out on your own, or even better take a guided kayak tour through the La Jolla Sea Caves. We were short on time so we rented a kayak from this place and it was a great experience! Take your time to walk La Jolla Shores, check out the beach, sunbathe, go swimming, and even try your hand at surfing!

Mission Beach Boardwalk & Belmont Park

Take a leisurely stroll down the Mission Beach Boardwalk for people-watching, rollerblading, or biking. Check out Belmont Park, enjoy some fun rides, and grab some food for a picnic at the point! Make sure not to miss the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster!

Dinner at Hodad's

A complete San Diego staple; rightfully so, burgers may be the best I've ever had! Several locals recommended Hodad's and we were impressed. Hodad's locations have been featured several times on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and have a very laid-back atmosphere. This place is a great way to end your long day!

Day 2: Balboa Park and Downtown

Balboa Park

Start your day by grabbing breakfast at The Prado at Balboa Park! This place has gorgeous outdoor patio dining to take in the lovely San Diego weather. After breakfast, take the time to explore Balboa Park's many museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. I highly recommend the Botanical Building and Spanish Village Art Center!

Old Town San Diego

After exploring the park, head to Old Town San Diego for a taste of San Diego's history and amazing Mexican cuisine. Explore historic sites, charming shops, and delicious restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Gaslamp Quarter

End your day by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter to see the architecture, shops, and art galleries! There are tons of restaurant options to check out, but I really enjoyed stopping in at Werewolf for dinner and drinks! There is a vibrant nightlife scene in the Gaslamp Quarter so I'd recommend checking out the bars and live music venues in the area!

Day 3: Coronado Island and Sunset Cliffs

Coronado Island

Take the ferry or drive over the iconic Coronado Bridge to Coronado Island! I'd recommend grabbing a light breakfast and coffee at Clayton's Coffee Shop to start off the day. Take time to relax on the beach and explore the island vibes! Take time to stop by the legendary Hotel del Coronado which has a Beach & Taco Shack on the beach with live music Thursdays-Sundays every week (weather permitting)! Grab a drink and enjoy the waves crashing.

Lunch at Little Italy & Seaport Village

Head to Little Italy to explore the stores and grab lunch! You can't go wrong with any spot here! Afterward, wander through Seaport Village for street performances and unique shops.

Sunset Cliffs

End your trip by exploring the Sunset Cliffs! This is a popular proposal spot for a reason! Arrive early to snag a good spot and take in the sunset over the Pacific. Grab dinner afterward at a nearby restaurant like BO-beau Kitchen & Bar in Ocean Beach to wrap up a great three-day weekend!

This was my take on a perfect three-day weekend in San Diego! This guide is perfect for a first-time visitor to see the highlights of the city. What are your favorite spots to visit in San Diego?