Photo: Tuxyso · CC BY-SA 3.0
5 Days · in San Diego
5 Days in San Diego: The Complete City & Coast
Five days gives you time to experience San Diego fully, from its museums and history to its beaches and coastal parks. The first three days cover downtown, Balboa Park and La Jolla. Day four is a relaxed day on Coronado, reached by ferry, and day five explores Old Town, Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument before sunset at Sunset Cliffs. A car or rideshare is useful for La Jolla and Point Loma.
Day 01
The Bay, the Midway & the Gaslamp
Navy history, maritime icons and the historic downtown along San Diego Bay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 02
Balboa Park & the San Diego Zoo
A full day in the city's great cultural park, with animals, gardens and museums.
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.
Lunch
Balboa Park
Have a simple lunch at one of the cafes in Balboa Park, or bring a picnic to eat on the lawns.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 03
La Jolla & Torrey Pines
Sea lions, coves, cliffs and the rare pines of the coast north of the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Evening
Sunset at Windansea Beach
End the day at Windansea Beach, known for its historic palm-thatched surf shack and spectacular sunsets.
Day 04
Coronado by Ferry
A relaxed day on Coronado's beaches and streets, reached by a scenic ferry ride.
Morning
Ferry to Coronado
Take the ferry from downtown across the bay to the Coronado Ferry Landing. Enjoy the views of the skyline and the Navy ships on the way.
Late Morning
Bike ride around Coronado
Rent a bike near the ferry landing and ride along the bay and through the quiet residential streets toward Orange Avenue.
Lunch
Orange Avenue
Have lunch at one of the casual restaurants along Orange Avenue, Coronado's main street.
Afternoon
Hotel del Coronado & Coronado Beach
Visit the historic Hotel del Coronado, then spend the afternoon on the wide, sparkling beach in front of it. Check water quality notices before swimming.
Evening
Sunset on the beach
Stay for sunset on Coronado Beach, when the light turns the hotel's red roofs golden.
Dinner
Coronado Ferry Landing
Return to the Ferry Landing for dinner with skyline views, for example at Peohe's, before taking the ferry back to downtown.
Day 05
Old Town, Point Loma & Sunset Cliffs
California's birthplace, a lighthouse with a view and the city's favorite sunset spot.
Morning
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Explore the restored adobes, museums and plaza of Old Town, which recreate life in the Mexican and early American periods. The park and most museums are free.
Late Morning
Presidio Park
Walk up to Presidio Park, site of the first Spanish settlement in 1769, for views over Mission Valley.
Lunch
Point Loma Seafoods
Drive to Point Loma for lunch at Point Loma Seafoods, a waterfront seafood counter since 1963.
Afternoon
Cabrillo National Monument
Visit Cabrillo National Monument to see the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, the views over the bay and the tide pools at low tide. An entrance fee applies.
Late Afternoon
Liberty Station
Stop at Liberty Station, a former naval training center, to browse galleries and the Liberty Public Market.
Evening
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
End the day at Sunset Cliffs for the sunset over the Pacific, staying well back from the edges.