01

Day 01

The Bay, the Midway & the Gaslamp

Navy history, maritime icons and the historic downtown along San Diego Bay.

1. Morning

   USS Midway Museum

   Start at the USS Midway Museum when it opens, before the crowds. Explore the hangar deck and crew quarters with the audio tour, then climb to the flight deck to see restored aircraft against the skyline.

2. Late Morning

   Embarcadero & Star of India

   Walk north along the Embarcadero past the Embracing Peace statue to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where you can board the Star of India, an iron-hulled sailing ship launched in 1863.

3. Lunch

   Little Italy

   Continue a few blocks inland to Little Italy for lunch on a patio along India Street. On Saturdays, the Little Italy Mercato farmers market is a great place to graze.

4. Afternoon

   Seaport Village & waterfront parks

   Head back south along the water to Seaport Village and the waterfront parks, where you can watch sailboats, Navy ships and planes crossing the bay.

5. Evening

   Gaslamp Quarter

   Stroll the historic Gaslamp Quarter as the gas-style lamps light up. Look up at the Victorian facades on Fifth Avenue and pass under the illuminated sign.

6. Dinner

   East Village or the Gaslamp

   Have dinner in East Village or the Gaslamp, for example at Callie, known for its eastern Mediterranean plates. Book ahead on weekends and Padres game nights.

02

Day 02

Balboa Park & the San Diego Zoo

A full day in the city's great cultural park, with animals, gardens and museums.

1. Morning

   San Diego Zoo

   Arrive at the San Diego Zoo for opening, when animals are most active. Take the guided bus tour for an overview, then explore the habitats on foot and ride the Skyfari aerial tram.

2. Lunch

   Balboa Park

   Have a simple lunch at one of the cafes in Balboa Park, or bring a picnic to eat on the lawns.

3. Afternoon

   El Prado & the Botanical Building

   Walk along El Prado, past the Spanish Revival buildings of the 1915 exposition, to the Botanical Building and its long lily pond. Stop at the Timken Museum of Art, which is free.

4. Late Afternoon

   A Balboa Park museum

   Choose a museum to suit your interests: the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum or the Fleet Science Center.

5. Evening

   Spreckels Organ Pavilion & Japanese Friendship Garden

   Visit the outdoor organ pavilion and the Japanese Friendship Garden, or check whether a free organ concert is scheduled during your visit.

6. Dinner

   North Park

   Head to North Park for dinner at one of its casual restaurants or breweries, a short drive or bus ride from the park.

03

Day 03

La Jolla & Torrey Pines

Sea lions, coves, cliffs and the rare pines of the coast north of the city.

1. Morning

   La Jolla Cove

   Start at La Jolla Cove, where sea lions and harbor seals rest on the rocks. Walk the coastal path past Ellen Browning Scripps Park and the Children's Pool, keeping your distance from the animals.

2. Late Morning

   La Jolla sea caves by kayak

   Join a guided kayak tour from La Jolla Shores to the sea caves along the cliffs. Calm morning conditions are best, and tours provide all the gear.

3. Lunch

   George's at the Cove

   Have lunch on the Ocean Terrace at George's at the Cove, with views over the water. Reservations are recommended.

4. Afternoon

   Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

   Drive north to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and hike the short trails among the rare pines to viewpoints over the Pacific. Arrive with water and sun protection.

5. Late Afternoon

   Torrey Pines Gliderport

   Stop at the clifftop gliderport to watch paragliders soar over the ocean, or book a tandem flight if you are feeling adventurous.

6. Evening

   Sunset at Windansea Beach

   End the day at Windansea Beach, known for its historic palm-thatched surf shack and spectacular sunsets.