How to Spend a Weekend in San Diego: A Local’s Guide

Where to Stay in San Diego

For this weekend itinerary, I recommend staying either downtown, on Coronado Island, or in La Jolla. Here are a few different hotel options to consider: 

• Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter (Downtown) – a 4-star artfully designed hotel that is centrally located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter
• Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina (Downtown) – a perfectly located 4-star waterfront hotel that is right on the Embarcadero and just steps from the Gaslamp 
• The US Grant (Downtown) – a luxury 5-star hotel that is centrally located in the Gaslamp
• Hotel del Coronado (Coronado Island) – a historic 4-star hotel with Old Hollywood roots that is set right on the beach 
• La Valencia (La Jolla) – an elegant, Mediterranean-style 4-star hotel located just steps from the beach and the best shops and restaurants in La Jolla
• Orli (La Jolla) – a charming 2-star boutique hotel that is centrally located in La Jolla

How to Get Around San Diego

While Downtown San Diego is fairly walkable, there are a lot of main attractions and towns that are not within walking distance of the city. This includes Balboa Park, Old Town, Coronado Island, and La Jolla (with La Jolla being the furthest destination – it is a 25-minute drive from downtown). All of these spots are included in the itinerary below!

Unfortunately, like many destinations in California, public transportation in San Diego isn’t super efficient. You are going to want to either drive or take a rideshare. 

Ubers and Lyfts are readily available in and around San Diego. Just keep in mind that, if you follow my itinerary, you’ll need to rely heavily on these services. The costs will add up! 

If you don’t have your own vehicle, I’d consider renting a car. Expedia is my go-to choice for finding the best deals on rental cars. There are plenty of rental car companies available right outside of San Diego International Airport.  

The Perfect Weekend in San Diego: A Complete Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered the logistics, let’s dive into the ultimate itinerary for a San Diego weekend trip. 

Arrival Night

When you arrive, I recommend grabbing dinner near your accommodation. Here are a few suggestions based on areas of San Diego:

• Downtown San Diego – Coasterra (my top recommendation for this night – this restaurant is just outside of the city, and has amazing views of the San Diego skyline!), Callie, La Puerta, or Freddy’s Chophouse
• Coronado – The Henry or Garage Buona Forchetta
• La Jolla – Marisi, Sushi Nekosan, George’s at the Cove, or The Taco Stand   

Day 1: Balboa Park, La Jolla, and Dinner Downtown

Here’s how to spend the first day of your 2-day San Diego itinerary. 

Get Breakfast in Hillcrest

Start your day off with breakfast in one of San Diego’s trendiest neighborhoods: Hillcrest. 

This vibrant neighborhood has plenty of great dining options, and is the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ scene. Some breakfast spots to consider include Sunnyboy Biscuit Company, Gooseberries Kafe, Better Buzz (a coffee shop that also serves light bites), and Hazel & Jade (a vegan bakery and coffee shop).

If you want to stroll the neighborhood for a bit after breakfast, there are also some fun shops in the area. Some of my favorites include Flashbacks (a costume and vintage clothing store with a lot of funky options from the 50s to the 90s), Death Trip Vintage, and Bluestocking Books. 

Explore Balboa Park

Every San Diego vacation should include a stop at Balboa Park (which is just south of Hillcrest). This 1200-acre property is the city’s cultural epicenter, and features museums, gardens, galleries, and more. 

Balboa Park is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are more than 12,000 animals on-site, and the zoo is a leader in conservation efforts. It’s also the most visited zoo in the US! 

Since there is so much to do in Balboa Park, you can choose your own adventure and do what most interests you. 

At the very least, I recommend walking down El Prado (the main road in the park) and admiring the mix of beautiful Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean-style architecture. As you do this, you’ll want to stop inside the Botanical Building, a historic building that houses hundreds of plant species. I also highly recommend walking through the colorful Spanish Village Art Center, where numerous active art studios are located.

If you’re interested in visiting a museum, a few options worth considering include the San Diego Museum of Art (a personal favorite), the Comic-Con Museum, the Museum of Us, and the Fleet Science Center. The Japanese Friendship Garden is also well-worth a visit. 

Spend the Afternoon in La Jolla 

Once you are done at Balboa Park, drive over to the upscale coastal village of La Jolla. It’s known for its incredibly scenic beaches and charming, walkable towns. 

There are plenty of different activities you can enjoy during your quick visit to La Jolla, but first, stop for lunch. I recommend getting food at The Taco Stand, The Cottage, or Brockton Villa.  

Once you’re done with lunch, it’s time to explore! La Jolla is a particularly great area to soak up the sun and enjoy some of San Diego’s best outdoor activities. 

If you’re interested in getting out on the water, consider booking a kayak tour of the sea caves and the kelp beds of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. Another option is to rent snorkeling gear and swim out from La Jolla Cove. Want to do it all? You can also book a combo kayak and snorkeling tour! As you’re out on the water, you’ll get a chance to see leopard sharks, garibaldi fish, dolphins, and more marine life. 

If you’d rather stay on land (but still want to get your heart pumping), another option is to hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (which is about a 20-minute drive north of the downtown La Jolla area). This is one of my favorite places to hike in San Diego, as you get incredible views of the coastline from the bluffs. 

Prefer something more low-key? I recommend walking along Coast Boulevard and taking in the view of the many beautiful beaches in La Jolla (including the Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove). You’ll also see the famous La Jolla sea lions hanging out on the sand!

Watch the Sunset from the Torrey Pines Gliderport 

Before heading back into the downtown area for the evening, I highly recommend staying in the area to watch the sunset. The Torrey Pines Gliderport is the ultimate San Diego sunset spot – it’s high above La Jolla’s Blacks Beach, and offers incredible views of La Jolla Shores Beach (to the south) and Torrey Pines Reserve (to the north). 

What also makes this spot so special is that you’ll get a chance to see hang gliders and paragliders launching from the port as the sun goes down. I suggest arriving at least 20 minutes before sunset to fully enjoy the view!

Get Dinner & Drinks in The Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy

After watching the sunset, make your way back downtown to end the day in either The Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy. Both neighborhoods are home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.

In Little Italy, some great restaurants include Herb & Wood (a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, and a personal favorite!), Civico 1845 (an Italian restaurant that also has great vegan options – another personal favorite), Roman Wolves (an Italian restaurant), and Born and Raised (a steakhouse).  

If you’re a beer fan and want a post- or pre-dinner drink, this neighborhood is a hub for some of San Diego’s best breweries. You’ll find tasting rooms for Ballast Point, Bolt Brewery, and Burgeon Beer Co., among others. Other great bars in Little Italy include False Idol, Pali Wine Co, and Wilma’s Carousel Bar (yes – there’s really a carousel!). 

In the Gaslamp Quarter, some restaurants worth considering include Callie (a Mediterranean restaurant), La Puerta (a Mexican restaurant), and Freddy’s Chophouse.

For drinks in the Gaslamp, I love Noble Experiment (a really cool speakeasy – I recommend getting a reservation!) and The Field (an Irish pub). 

If you have a sweet tooth, I also recommend getting a post-dinner treat at Extraordinary Desserts in Little Italy!

Day 2: The Embarcadero & Choose Your Adventure 

On your second day in San Diego, you’ll explore the Embarcadero before choosing an activity that best suits your interests! 

Get Breakfast in Little Italy

Before heading to the Embarcadero, stop by Little Italy for breakfast. Some great options include Morning Glory (a super popular, very Instagram-worthy spot – get there early, as you may need to wait for a table!), Queenstown Public House, and Parakeet Cafe. 

Walk the Embarcadero & See the USS Midway

Next, make your way over to the Embarcadero to walk along the water and take in the views of the bay. On the north end, you’ll see the Star of India – the world’s oldest active sailing ship, which dates back to 1863. 

Continue walking down the Embarcadero and make your way to the USS Midway. This decommissioned naval aircraft carrier was in operation from 1945 to 1992. Today, it’s home to the very popular USS Midway Museum, which has numerous WWII planes and helicopters on display. 

If you want to visit the museum, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance online. Plan to spend about two hours exploring this museum. 

Even if you choose not to go to the museum, you can get an up close view of the ship from the Embarcadero. 

As you continue walking south, you’ll see the famous Unconditional Surrender Statue in Tuna Harbor Park. This massive statue is based on the well-known 1954 V-J Day in Times Square photograph.

After seeing the statue, continue on to Seaport Village. This waterfront outdoor shopping center features an eclectic mix of architecture styles, and is a fun area to stroll through. 

If you want to grab lunch in the area before heading to your next stop, I recommend getting food at Puesto at the Headquarters (a Mexican restaurant) or Brew30 California Taps (a brewpub). 

Since there is so much to do in San Diego, I’ve created three different afternoon itinerary options: doing a harbor cruise, exploring Old Town, or visiting Coronado Island. Depending on how early you start your day (and whether you decide to visit the USS Midway Museum), you may be able to do two of these itineraries! 

Afternoon Option 1: Enjoy a Harbor Cruise

A harbor cruise is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the San Diego skyline! This is a very popular San Diego activity, so there are a few different excursions you can consider:

• Narrated San Diego Harbor Cruise – on this excursion, you’ll get a chance to see the US naval fleet and cruise under the Coronado Bridge
• Whale Watching Cruise – board a replica of a historic sailing schooner and go out to see whales, dolphins, and other marine life
• Afternoon Small-Group Sailing Excursion – a fun idea if you are looking for a more intimate experience out on the water (there is a sunset sailing excursion, as well!)

After your cruise, I recommend ending your San Diego getaway with one of the Little Italy or Gaslamp Quarter restaurants mentioned above. If you want to make a quick stop in Coronado, you can also drive over the bridge to grab dinner there (you’ll find restaurant recommendations in the next section). 

Afternoon Option 2: Explore Coronado Island

Another option is to drive across the Coronado Bridge to spend the afternoon on Coronado Island. When you arrive, I recommend grabbing lunch at The Henry (an American restaurant), Blanco Cocina + Cantina (a Mexican restaurant), or Lobster West (a casual lobster roll and seafood eatery).

There are so many things to do in Coronado, so you can pick and choose what feels best for you. A great way to see the whole island is to book a Coronado Island small group bike tour. A professional guide will lead you down the bike paths, taking you to see the scenic beaches and beautiful Victorian-style architecture. 

I also highly recommend walking through the famous (and gorgeous!) Hotel del Coronado property. The beachfront Victorian resort dates back to 1888, and has had numerous celebrity guests over the years, including presidents, film stars, and royalty. 

If you want to have a beach day, there’s no better place than Coronado Beach (which parallels the hotel). This beach is super spacious, so there’s plenty of room to soak up the sun. 

I recommend ending your day in Coronado by watching the sunset. I particularly love enjoying the sunset from Centennial Park, which is on the northeast side of the island. You get incredible views of the golden hour light on the San Diego skyline across the water. Alternatively, Coronado Beach is another great place to watch the sun go down!

If you want to stay in Coronado for dinner, The Henry, Blanco, and Garage Buona Forchetta are all open for dinner service. 

Afternoon Option 3: Visit Old Town

Old Town – which is considered to be the birthplace of California – is another San Diego attraction worth exploring. Located about a 10-minute drive north of downtown, this site is home to preserved and reconstructed buildings from the 1800s. You’ll get an up-close look at California’s history!

This charming town is home to some great eateries – especially Mexican restaurants! I recommend getting lunch at Flor’s Farm to Table, Miguel’s Cocina, or Cocinas del Monte (which is more of a Mexican fusion restaurant).  

After lunch, walk around town to explore the fun shops and the iconic landmarks. The Fiesta de Reyes (a colorful outdoor shopping center featuring locally owned shops and eateries) is a must-visit. If you want a sweet treat, I highly recommend getting an artisan hot chocolate from Nibble Chocolate. 

Just down the street from this shopping center is Bazaar del Mundo. The festive shop is filled to the brim with items (including art, home decor, jewelry, and more) sourced from Latin America and around the world. 

Old Town is also home to the Mason Street Schoolhouse (San Diego’s first schoolhouse) and adobe homes that date back to Mexican California. The Whaley House (dubbed America’s most haunted house) is also located here – if you’re into all things spooky, consider booking a self-guided tour!

While you’re in Old Town, be sure to visit Heritage Park Row. It was built to preserve some of San Diego’s Victorian homes, which date back to the late 1800s. The structures were relocated from their original locations in the 1970s and 80s. 

Want a more unique Old Town experience? Consider booking the Tequila, Tacos & Tombstones food and drink walking tour! You’ll get a chance to sample food from some of the best Mexican restaurants in Old Town while also sipping on tequila cocktails. A knowledgeable guide will talk about the history of the area while sharing tales of the Whaley House and the old cemetery. 

Additional Things to Do in San Diego

There is truly so much to do in the city and the greater county – you won’t be able to see all of San Diego with just a couple days! 

With that said, if you want to customize the above San Diego itinerary (or are considering spending more time in the city!), here are a few more ideas on what you can do during your trip: 

• Try Surfing: Get into the San Diego surf culture by taking a beginner-friendly lesson at a local beach! There are professionally taught lessons throughout San Diego, including in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Encinitas, and Carlsbad. 
• Explore Cabrillo National Monument: This monument commemorates the 16th century landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in San Diego. The coastal monument is home to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and has plenty of walking paths and coastal trails to explore. While you’re there, I also recommend stopping by Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma!  
• Check Out the Dining & Shopping Scene in North Park: North Park is a trendy San Diego neighborhood that has some excellent shopping, restaurants, and bars. If you want to visit for a night out, I recommend grabbing a cocktail at Part Time Lover!
• Visit the North County Beach Towns: Some of San Diego’s best beach towns are located in North County. I recommend spending a day in Carlsbad, Encinitas, or Del Mar. 
• Go Wine Tasting in Temecula: Temecula (which is about an hour from downtown) is home to San Diego’s wine scene. Consider booking a wine tour of the region or stopping by a couple wineries on your own!
• Explore the Brewery Scene: If you are more of a beer person, you’re in luck! There are tons of amazing breweries in San Diego worth visiting, with great options throughout the entire county.