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San Diego
Photo: Tuxyso · CC BY-SA 3.0

Weekend (2 Days) · in San Diego

A San Diego Weekend: Downtown, Balboa Park & La Jolla

A weekend gives you time to combine downtown's waterfront and Balboa Park with the beauty of the coast. Day one focuses on the bay, the USS Midway, Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter, then moves to Balboa Park for the afternoon. Day two heads north to La Jolla for sea lions, coves and kayaking, then continues to the rare pines and cliffs of Torrey Pines before sunset on the beach. It suits first-time visitors who want the essentials of the city and the coast without feeling rushed.

2 days
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Day 01

Downtown & Balboa Park

The bay, the city's Navy history and its great cultural park.

  1. Morning

    USS Midway Museum

    Begin at the USS Midway Museum for a few hours aboard the aircraft carrier.

  2. Late Morning

    Embarcadero

    Walk along the waterfront to the Maritime Museum and its historic ships.

  3. Lunch

    Little Italy

    Have lunch in Little Italy, along India Street.

  4. Afternoon

    Balboa Park

    Spend the afternoon in Balboa Park, walking El Prado and visiting a museum or two.

  5. Evening

    Gaslamp Quarter

    Stroll the Gaslamp Quarter at dusk as the lamps light up.

  6. Dinner

    Downtown dining

    Have dinner downtown, perhaps at Callie in East Village or one of the Gaslamp's restaurants.

Day 02

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.