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San Diego
Photo: Tuxyso · CC BY-SA 3.0

1 Day · in San Diego

One Perfect Day in San Diego: The Bay & the Gaslamp

With only one day, focus on the central part of San Diego, where the bay, downtown and Balboa Park are close together. Start with the city's Navy history on the waterfront, walk along the Embarcadero to the historic ships, and have lunch in Little Italy. Spend the afternoon in Balboa Park among Spanish Revival buildings and gardens, then cross the bay by ferry to see the skyline at sunset. End with dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter. The plan works without a car if you use the trolley, buses, rideshare and the ferry.

1 day
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Day 01

Waterfront, Balboa Park & the Skyline

San Diego's highlights packed into one central, car-light day.

  1. Morning

    USS Midway Museum

    Start at the USS Midway Museum when it opens. Tour the hangar deck and crew quarters, then head to the flight deck for restored aircraft and views over the bay.

  2. Late Morning

    Embarcadero & Star of India

    Walk the Embarcadero to the Maritime Museum and board the Star of India, a sailing ship launched in 1863.

  3. Lunch

    Little Italy

    Have lunch on a patio in Little Italy, a short walk inland from the waterfront.

  4. Afternoon

    Balboa Park

    Take a short ride to Balboa Park and walk El Prado to the Botanical Building and its lily pond. Visit one museum or simply enjoy the gardens.

  5. Evening

    Coronado ferry at sunset

    Take the ferry to Coronado and watch the sun set over the bay with views back to the skyline.

  6. Dinner

    Gaslamp Quarter

    Return by ferry and end the day with dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter, among its restored Victorian buildings.