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Sunny San Diego is the perfect destination for a weekend escape! The popular southern California city has something for everyone. Beautiful beaches, must-see attractions, famous parks, unique neighborhoods and an exciting nightlife.
We created a Weekend in San Diego Itinerary that features the absolute best things to do on a 3 day getaway!
How To Plan a Weekend in San Diego Itinerary
For many years we resided in Phoenix and made countless weekend trips to San Diego. That said, no two of our San Diego weekends were exactly the same.
Beaches, baseball and craft beer are among our favorite things in San Diego. Still, we challenged ourselves to plan San Diego itineraries that included sights and districts we had yet to visit.
Based on our experiences, advice from locals and tips from fellow travelers, we have created an ideal San Diego Weekend Trip!
Planning a longer California vacation? Use our tips for Driving the California Coast and advice for Things To Do in San Francisco and Malibu!
Weekend in San Diego Planner
San Diego trip planning is not limited to what to see, do and eat. You also need to consider how to get there, where you will stay, and how to get around.
Don’t stress! Our San Diego trip plan includes all that information and tips for packing, as well. Plus, we created a San Diego Map of attractions to help guide you along the way.
As you start to make reservations for your San Diego 3 Days Itinerary, staying organized is key. We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details!
San Diego Weekend Itinerary
Our San Diego Itinerary is packed with information for your fun weekend. It includes everything you need to plan a trip to San Diego. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go to California!
Day 1: San Diego Sightseeing
Kick off your 3 Day San Diego Itinerary with the classic sights. Start at the city’s origins in Old Town. Then make your way downtown for a bit more sightseeing, followed by dinner and drinks.
Old Town San Diego
A destination for history, shopping and dining, Old Town is an excellent place to start your San Diego weekend.
The Old Town State Historic Park is a living history museum that celebrates the origins of San Diego. The complex is comprised of historic buildings and exhibits that depict what life was like here in the 1800s.
There is no entry fee – it’s one of the best free San Diego attractions! Use this brochure for more information.
Pro Tip: Old Town is a San Diego must-see sight. One of the best ways to explore on the first day is with a Hop On Hop Off Trolley Pass.
Little Italy San Diego
Dating to the 1920s, the Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego is one of the remaining Italian enclaves in the United States.
At one time home to 6,000 Italian families, Little Italy is a thriving community that features public art and quaint piazzas.
What San Diego Little Italy is best known for is its fabulous outdoor weekend market. In addition to the fresh produce, there are several vendors that sell locally prepared foods.
The Little Italy Mercato, which runs for six blocks on West Date Street, happens on Saturday mornings from 8am until 2pm (and Wednesdays from 9:30am to 1:30pm).
Downtown San Diego Sightseeing
Downtown is a hub of culture and entertainment, highlighted by impressive museums, harbor views and shopping. We are sharing our top picks for what to do in San Diego Downtown.
USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway aircraft carrier is anchored at Navy Pier and visiting it is one of the top San Diego activities.
In service for nearly half a century, the Midway was converted into a museum in 2004. Visitors use self-guided audio tours to navigate their way through the legendary naval vessel.
The Midway Museum also offers a dedicated children’s audio tour, which is ideal for planning a San Diego Itinerary with Kids. Find out more and get tickets!
San Diego Harbor Cruise
On a San Diego Bay Cruise, passengers enjoy spectacular views of the skyline while listening to commentary about the city’s history. There are multiple daily departures and a choice of 1- or 2-hour bay cruises.
Top Tip: Whale Watching Cruises – like this one – are one of the best things to do in San Diego. The whales migrate past the San Diego shoreline from December through April.
Seaport Village
An outdoor shopping mall and dining hub along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village is a pleasant spot along the waterfront.
As it is featured in every San Diego vacation guide, it can be quite touristy. That said, it is a great place to enjoy an ice cream, browse for souvenirs and people watch.
On Saturdays, you can peruse the fresh-caught seafood at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market from 8am to 2pm.
If you do want to grab a bite to eat in the area, the highly rated Kansas City Barbeque is packed with Top Gun memorabilia!
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
A Victorian-era heritage home with a lovely garden detailing the history of downtown. Plus, it’s haunted! If you are seeking unusual things to do on a San Diego 3 day trip, this is our a top pick!
San Diego Padres Baseball Game
Catching a game at Petco Park is a highlight of any 3 Day Weekend in San Diego Itinerary. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp District, the stadium is one of the best in Major League Baseball.
In addition to watching a game, visitors have several reasons to put Petco Park on their list of what to see in San Diego in 3 days.
The San Diego skyline views are incredible, there is a kid-friendly ‘Park at the Park’ and the concessions feature local eateries and craft breweries.
A Night Out in San Diego Gaslamp
The epicenter of downtown San Diego nightlife, the historical Gaslamp District is the perfect place to wrap up your first day in ‘America’s Finest City’.
In addition to the numerous restaurants, bars and night clubs, the area is also center stage for several fun San Diego events – like street parties and music festivals.
You can begin your evening on a fascinating guided walk of the Gaslamp Quarter. The Brothels, Bites and Booze Tour includes snacks and sips as you soak in the atmosphere!
Day 2: Best Places to Go in San Diego
On the second day of your San Diego Trip Itinerary, explore the city’s top park. Then, take the ferry to Coronado!
Balboa Park in San Diego
A massive green space and cultural destination, Balboa Park is a must-visit on your weekend trip to San Diego. The urban park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and it is free!
Top attractions are the planned gardens, miles of walking trails and some of the city’s best museums. In fact, visitors could easily spend an entire day in Balboa Park.
However, for our Weekend Itinerary for San Diego, we recommend spending just the morning here. To help you choose which fun things to do, we are highlighting some top choices.
San Diego Zoo
The world-famous San Diego Zoo is one of the most incredible in the world. The state-of-the-art facility houses more than 4,000 animals. Those who opt to go to the SD Zoo should buy skip-the-line tickets in advance.
Botanical Building and Lily Pond
The most photographed spot in the park is the 1915 Botanical Building from across the Lily Pond and Lagoon.
While the viewpoint is iconic, visiting the Botanical Building is fun, too! It’s home to more than 2,000 plants, including orchids and palms.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden features meticulously planned green spaces, koi ponds, bridges and waterfalls. There is a fee to enter.
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Garden
This free rose garden is one of the must-see sights in Balboa Park. Visitors can see the roses in bloom from March through December – but April and May are the peak season.
Spreckels Organ
With 5,098 pipes in 81 ranks, this is the largest outdoor musical instrument in the world. Catch a free organ concert on Sundays at 2 in the afternoon.
Museums in Balboa Park
The sprawling space houses 16 incredible museums. While they are not free, there is a Balboa Park Explorer Pass that can save money if you plan on visiting multiple venue.
- Fleet Science Center: An educational and interactive facility with a planetarium, IMAX theater and hands-on exhibits.
- San Diego Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs and fossils are top attractions.
- San Diego Museum of Art: A vast and incredible art collection, including masterpieces and sculptures.
- San Diego Air & Space Museum: Aviation history museum with flight simulators and displayed aircraft.
Walking Trails at Balboa Park
Visitors can also choose to just wander Balboa Park on foot. It features an astounding 65 miles of walking and biking trails, which are open 24/7/365.
The fun way to really cover some ground is by joining fellow travelers on this highly-rated tour!
Coronado, California
Just across San Diego Bay (and technically a peninsula, not an island) – Coronado is a must-see on your 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary.
Appealing to tourists for decades, the pleasant community boasts high-end resorts, an artsy downtown district and one of the best beaches in America.
It’s just a 15-minute ferry ride to Coronado Ferry Landing, which puts visitors in the perfect position to start exploring. One popular way to see Coronado is via a guided Segway Tour that navigates through the area with the help of a local guide.
What To See in Coronado
The number one reason to include Coronado on your San Diego vacation planner is to see the Hotel del Coronado. It’s the town’s most famous building.
Dating to 1888, the Hotel Del is a National Historic Landmark and has been visited by a long list of celebrities – from Marilyn Monroe to Muhammad Ali.
However, the luxury property isn’t the only reason to visit this stylish San Diego neighborhood. Some of the fun activities on Coronado include spending time on the pristine beach and going to boutique shops on Orange Avenue.
Dinner on Coronado
Although Coronado feels like a small town, there are a copious number of places to eat. In fact, some of the best restaurants in San Diego are in Coronado.
Coronado Brewing Company ranks as our top choice for a casual meal and a few locally crafted brews. The tavern serves exceptional pub fare. The classic Pub Burger is our go-to, but the Ahi Fish Tacos are phenomenal, too!
Seafood is naturally a specialty on Coronado – and Lobster West is a top pick. Try the Lobster Roll – and accompany it with a bowl of Lobster Bisque or Clam Chowder.
Other recommended seafood restaurants on Coronado include Brigantine and Bluewater Boathouse.
Day 3: Discover the Best San Diego Beaches
On the last day of your 3-day trip to San Diego, spend time on the beautiful Pacific coastline. It’s quite possibly the best thing to do on a Weekend San Diego Itinerary!
About the Top Beaches in San Diego
Our favorite San Diego seaside communities are Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and La Jolla. Torrey Pines State Beach, just a bit further north, is a prime sunny day destination, as well.
Point Loma
OK, while Point Loma doesn’t actually have beaches for playing and swimming, the coastline offers some of the most spectacular views.
The top attraction is Cabrillo National Monument Park. The best things to do are exploring the tidal pools, hiking the Bayside Trail, taking in the view at Whale Overlook and visiting Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Dramatic cliffs, rocky bluffs, natural arches and hidden caves are top reasons to visit Sunset Cliffs. The nature park encompasses 1.5 miles of rugged shoreline.
Visitors can choose to stay on the top of the cliffs for the unrivaled panoramic views. Remember to bring binoculars to spot migrating whales.
Adventurous travelers head down the Ladera Steps to explore the sea cave at low tide (and at your own risk).
Ocean Beach
The town of Ocean Beach dates to the late 1800s. Here surfers ride the waves and people come to hang out and walk the Ocean Beach Pier.
Other things to do are embarking on a self-guided historic walk, seeking out artistic murals and checking out the pups at the original Dog Beach in OB.
If you’re looking for food and drink, Wonderland Ocean Pub is our top pick in OB. However, South Beach Bar & Grille is a close second (especially if it’s Taco Tuesday!).
Mission Beach
Mission Beach embodies the classic Southern California atmosphere. The skinny, 2-mile peninsula is just two blocks wide – with the Pacific Ocean to the west and Mission Bay on the east.
The top activity is to stroll, bike or rollerblade along the boardwalk promenade. Belmont Park is a big tourist attraction in Mission Beach. Riding the 1927 Big Dipper wooden roller coaster is a must!
For sustenance, head to Draft South Mission, where they serve big portions and feature a massive local craft beer list or Beach House Taqueria for tacos and margaritas.
Pacific Beach
Exuding a chill vibe and home to loads of fun beach bars is what encouraged us to spend many of our 3-day weekends in San Diego at PB.
The same oceanfront boardwalk in Mission Beach extends to Pacific Beach (and north to Law Street Beach). The sandy shores are ideal for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, playing in the sand and building sandcastles.
The iconic Crystal Pier is a super spot to catch a beautiful San Diego sunset. Another place for an amazing SoCal sunset is to perch on the deck at Lahaina Beach House.
While there are several fun oceanfront restaurants in Pacific Beach (like World Famous, Baja Beach Café and PB Shore Club), our top spot is Bare Back Grill. It sits a block off the water, but makes absolutely divine burgers!
La Jolla
Posh and fabulous, La Jolla entertains visitors with a striking shoreline, boutique shops and a copious amount of eateries.
At La Jolla Cove, sea lions and pelicans provide the entertainment. The tide pools and Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave are two top places to explore.
Sandy La Jolla Shores Beach is the prime place for bodyboarding and bonfires. Just to the north, adventurous travelers (and fans of abandoned structures) can hike down to see The Mushroom Beach House.
When you’ve had enough of the beach, head for Prospect Street. Here hip cafes, slick restaurants, and bespoke boutiques stand alongside famous brands.
If you’re looking for an amazing view of San Diego, drive up to Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Here a large white cross stands in honor of all who have served in the US Armed Forces.
Torrey Pines
Active travelers may want to head further north to Torrey Pines, where an abundance of outdoor adventures await.
Torrey Pines State Park boasts a network of hiking trails along the top of the rocky cliffs, offering fine Pacific Ocean views.
The most impressive views of Torrey Pines State Reserve and the coastline is from a paraglider. Thrill-seekers can book a paragliding adventure from the Torrey Pines Gliderport!
If you prefer your scenic views with both feet on the ground, Torrey Pines State Beach is an incredible location backdropped by towering cliffs.
However, Black’s Beach is the most famous stretch of sand in the area, because, well…everyone is naked.
Weekend in San Diego Itinerary Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Attractions Map of San Diego below.
More Things To Do in San Diego, California
Above we outlined three perfect days in San Diego, but there really is heaps more to see! We are highlighting a few other SD activities that you may want to incorporate into your San Diego vacation getaway.
SeaWorld
A top attraction to include on a San Diego vacation itinerary, if you decide to go to SeaWorld, plan on spending an entire day at the animal park.
Safari Park
Located north near Escondido, this sprawling zoo features unique and endangered animals in a more natural habitat.
Exhibits include the Asian Savanna, African Plains, the Tiger Trail, Hidden Jungle and Gorilla Forest. Visitors will want to set aside a full day in order to see all the animals and partake in activities. Buy your tickets!
San Diego Day Trips
We believe our San Diego Three-Day Itinerary features the absolute of the city. That said, if you are planning a longer stay or have alternate interests, you may want to add a fun day trip from San Diego.
We are highlighting some of the top-rated day trips that can be added to your San Diego travel itinerary.
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico Wine and Food Tour
On this San Diego day trip itinerary participants sip and swirl wine in ‘La Ruta del Vino’, which is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in North America. Transportation, appetizers and wine tastings are all included. Find out more!
Tijuana, Mexico
Get an introduction to the Mexican city of Tijuana on a full day excursion from San Diego. Taste-test local Baja spirits, eat real Mexican tacos and learn more about TJ’s fascinating culture. Get the details!
Travel Tips for Your San Diego Weekend
Now that we have detailed what to do in our 3-Day San Diego Itinerary, we’re sharing some honest advice and a few packing hacks.
Best Month to Visit San Diego
Determining the best time to visit San Diego really depends on what you want to see and do on your vacation.
Summer is considered the ideal time of year to visit San Diego. It’s also the busiest months and the most expensive for accommodations.
SD in the autumn still has nice weather, yet there are fewer crowds and prices start to come down. Fall is our favorite season to visit San Diego.
Wintertime is relatively mild in SD, although too cold for swimming (but not for beach walks and other outdoor activities). Traveling in Winter to San Diego is perfect for budget travelers and those looking to avoid crowds. Unless you visit San Diego for New Year’s!
In the spring, March is busy (due to it being a major spring break destination), but there’s usually a lull in visitors from late April until mid-May.
Where To Stay in San Diego
During our numerous weekend San Diego trips, we have stayed in many different locations. For a short 3-Day Weekend in San Diego Itinerary, we recommend choosing a hotel that is centrally located.
Before starting your search, read our tips for Booking the Best Hotels!
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
This smart, 3-star property features stunning rooms – plus a great rooftop pool and 24hr fitness center. However, what we like most is it’s location to many of our favorite places in downtown SD. Check prices!
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The 4-Star Hilton San Diego Bayfront is a beautiful property with direct access to Petco Park via the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge. Additional features include an outdoor pool and hot tubs, a luxury spa and a lovely on-site lounge and restaurant.
Hotel Del Coronado
For an exceptional experience, there is no place that comes more recommended than the Hotel Del Coronado. The iconic venue offers its guests luxury rooms and outstanding service. Book your stay!
What To Pack for Your San Diego Getaway Trip
Okay, it’s time to get out your suitcase or backpack. Grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you to California!
Proper Shoes
Our itinerary includes a lot of walking. Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes for your trip.
I like these by Columbia and Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes. At the beach in the summertime, I go with my favorite Reef Flip Flops, and Kris slips on these Sanuks.
Layered Clothing
Regardless of what time of year you visit, you will want to pack clothes that can be layered. The ‘June Gloom’ weather is not a myth – so carry a hoodie that can be tucked into your day bag.
Even on warm sunny days, nights can be chilly. So keep that in mind, you don’t want to have to splash out for an overpriced “I ❤️ SD” sweatshirt!
Sunscreen
The sun is strong in California – even on cool and or even partly cloudy days. We once spent a foggy spring day at Pacific Beach and didn’t think sunblock was necessary. A terrible and very uncomfortable mistake!
Travel Camera
San Diego is a beautiful city – so don’t forget your camera! We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. This set-up takes outstanding photos and is an excellent value camera for travelers.
Start planning your trip in the USA! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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