San Diego, United States-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: La Jolla and the Beaches

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Breakfast Club, a popular spot for creative dishes.
  • 9:00 AM: Head to La Jolla Cove, a picturesque beach surrounded by cliffs and shops. Take a stroll along the cove, visit the Children’s Pool (where sea lions like to hang out!), and grab some lunch at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, with great fish tacos.
  • 1:00 PM: Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla, featuring rotating exhibits by local and international artists.
  • 4:00 PM: Relax on Windansea Beach or take a short drive to Black’s Beach for sunset.
  • Evening: Head back to Downtown and enjoy dinner at Little Italy’s Buona Forchetta for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.

Day 2: Balboa Park and Old Town

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, part of Balboa Park. Home to more than 3,500 animals from over 650 species.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Prado, offering delicious Mexican cuisine and a beautiful view of the park.
  • 1:30 PM: Explore Balboa Park’s many museums, including the San Diego Museum of Man and the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit Old Town San Diego, a charming historic district with shops, restaurants, and re-creations of 19th-century buildings. Stop by El Indio for some tasty Mexican food.
  • Evening: End your day at the Gaslamp Quarter, an upscale neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife. Enjoy dinner and drinks at The Tipsy Crow, a fun spot with a great patio.

Day 3: Coronado Island

  • 9:00 AM: Take a ferry ride to Coronado Island (about 15 minutes). Alternatively, drive across the iconic Coronado Bridge.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Hotel del Coronado, a historic beachfront hotel and one of the largest in the US. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth exploring for its architecture and views.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Lobster Reef Restaurant, offering fresh seafood right on the beach.
  • 2:00 PM: Spend some time lounging on Coronado Beach, known for its gentle waves and beautiful sunsets.
  • Evening: Return to the mainland and enjoy dinner at The Patio on Lamont Street, a popular spot with an upscale patio area.

Day 4: Hillcrest and North Park

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day in the eclectic neighborhood of Hillcrest, known for its mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visit The Hash House A Go Go, a fun spot with creative breakfast dishes.
  • 11:00 AM: Head to North Park, another vibrant neighborhood with a lot to offer. Check out the famous “Ray’s Trash and Treasure” store for unique souvenirs or gifts.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Tacos el Gordo, offering delicious Baja-style tacos.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the beautiful San Diego Botanic Garden, featuring a variety of plant species from around the world.

Day 5: Mission Bay and Pacific Beach

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at The Morning Glory, a cozy spot in Pacific Beach.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the beautiful beaches of Mission Bay, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Rent equipment and enjoy some time on the water.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Lion’s Share, a popular spot with great burgers and a fun atmosphere.
  • 3:00 PM: End your day in Pacific Beach, exploring its shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts.

Things to Know

  • San Diego has a mild climate year-round, but it can get cool and windy during the summer months.
  • Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
  • Consider purchasing a Go San Diego Card for discounts on attractions and public transportation.
  • If you’re planning to visit popular spots like La Jolla Cove or Coronado Beach, arrive early to secure parking.

Transportation

  • Public Transportation: The Trolley and Bus System (SDMTS) covers much of the city. You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
  • Bike Rentals: San Diego has a bike-share system called DecoBike.
  • Car Rental: If you prefer to drive, consider renting a car for easier access to attractions outside the city center.

Tips and Tricks

  • Always check the opening hours for attractions before visiting.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats when spending time outdoors.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and personal belongings, especially in crowded areas.