The Ultimate San Diego Day Trip Itinerary: A Local’s Guide
I’m lucky enough to have been raised in San Diego County, which means I know plenty about all that the incredible city has to offer! I’ve put together a San Diego day trip itinerary that is perfect for first-time visitors. Since there is so much to do in the city, I’ve also given a few itinerary options so that you can customize your trip to best fit your interests!
Here’s how you can spend a day in America’s finest city.
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Is One Day Enough for San Diego?
There is so much to do in San Diego – which is why I had to create two different itinerary options for this day trip! You certainly won’t be able to see all of San Diego in just one day, but you can still have an enjoyable day trip to the area.
If at all possible, consider spending a few days in San Diego. This will allow you to see more key landmarks, and even gives you time to explore coastal destinations like La Jolla, Coronado Island, Del Mar, Encinitas, and Carlsbad (some of my favorite spots in the county!).
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The Perfect San Diego Day Trip
I created this itinerary to hit some of the most famous attractions in Downtown San Diego. You’ll start the day exploring Balboa Park, Little Italy, and part of the Embarcadero.
From there, I’ve created two itinerary options for how you can spend the rest of your day in San Diego – you can either explore more of the Embarcadero and downtown, or check out some other iconic spots around the city!
Important note: Get out early! This is a fairly packed itinerary, so you may need to cut an activity if you get a later start.
Note that there is truly so much more to do in and around the city. With that in mind, at the end of this guide, I’ve also included additional ideas on things to do in San Diego and the surrounding area.
Transportation note: This itinerary is designed with the idea that you’ll be partially driving (or taking a rideshare) and partially exploring by foot. Public transportation isn’t super efficient, so this is the best option (especially since you’ll only be spending a day in the city!).
Get Breakfast in Hillcrest
If you need to get breakfast, I recommend stopping in Hillcrest – a vibrant neighborhood with fun dining options (it is also home to San Diego’s LGBTQ+ scene). There are a ton of great breakfast spots here, including Sunnyboy Biscuit Company, Gooseberries Kafe, Breakfast Republic, Better Buzz (a coffee shop that also serves light bites), and Hazel & Jade (a vegan bakery and coffee shop).
Once you are done with breakfast, make the short drive over to Balboa Park!
Visit Balboa Park
A trip to San Diego truly isn’t complete without a stop at Balboa Park. This 1200-acre property is a cultural epicenter that is home to museums, gardens, galleries, and more. That said, the architecture and landscaping alone makes Balboa Park worth a visit – you’ll see a mix of stunning Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean-inspired buildings.
Besides strolling through the property and admiring the architecture, there are two spots in particular that I recommend you check out. The first is the Botanical Building – easily one of the most photographed spots in Balboa Park! This building (which is free to enter) dates back to 1915, and is home to hundreds of plant species.
You’ll also want to visit the colorful Spanish Village Art Center. This village is home to numerous active art studios, where artists across all mediums come to work on and showcase their pieces. You may even see some artists at work!
If you’re interested in checking out a museum during your visit, some of the best museums in Balboa Park include the San Diego Museum of Art (a personal favorite), the Comic-Con Museum, the Museum of Us, and the Fleet Science Center. Another beautiful spot to visit is the Japanese Friendship Garden (note that there is a fee to enter). Keep in mind that, if you decide to stop at a museum, you may need to cut something out from the itinerary later in the day!
Get Lunch in Little Italy
Next, drive over to the fun and lively Little Italy neighborhood.
There are a ton of amazing lunch restaurants in this area. If you’re craving Italian, check out Monello, Mona Lisa, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, or Davanti Enoteca. In the mood for something else? Consider The Crack Shack (a fried chicken eatery), Queenstown Public House (a New Zealand-style pub), or Underbelly (a ramen spot). If you need a caffeine boost, I love Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.
While you’re in the neighborhood, I recommend popping in Assenti’s Pasta and/or the market at Mona Lisa Italian Foods. Both are great spots to grab an edible souvenir!
If you happen to be visiting on a Wednesday or a Saturday, be sure to also stroll through the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market before you leave.
Walk Over to the Embarcadero
From Little Italy, you can make the short walk over to the north end of the Embarcadero (just across from Waterfront Park) – a great place to stroll along the water and take in the views! As you walk down the Embarcadero, you’ll get a view of the Star of India. This is the world’s oldest active sailing ship, which dates back to 1863.
The Star of India is part of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which docks a collection that includes a submarine, steam-powered vessels, and additional sailing ships. Anyone particularly interested in maritime history can consider buying tickets for this museum to spend the afternoon exploring these ships. Otherwise, continue on with the itinerary!
If you’d like to continue exploring the Embarcadero, you can consider the afternoon and evening itinerary option 1. Alternatively, you can visit Old Town and watch the sunset at an iconic oceanside spot in the second itinerary option!
Afternoon & Evening Option 1: USS Midway, Seaport Village, and the Gaslamp
If you want to stay in the downtown area, here’s how you can spend the rest of your day trip to San Diego.
Transportation Note: If you decide to explore on foot from the north end of the Embarcadero to the Gaslamp Quarter, you’ll be walking for about a mile and a half. If that feels like a bit too much, you can head back to your vehicle in Little Italy and park at the Seaport Village parking lot (or another nearby lot) and continue exploring the Embarcadero and the Gaslamp from there. If you do want to continue exploring on foot, you can return to your car in Little Italy at the end of the day via the Metropolitan Transit System’s Green Line Trolley (take it from the Convention Center Station to the County Center/Little Italy Station). Alternatively, take a rideshare back.
Visit the USS Midway Museum
The next stop is the USS Midway. This decommissioned naval aircraft carrier operated from 1945 to 1992, and is now home to the popular USS Midway Museum. This museum has numerous WWII planes and helicopters on display, and also has a variety of exhibits throughout the entire ship. Tickets can be purchased in advance online. You can plan to spend about two hours exploring this museum.
Check Out Seaport Village
After the museum, continue making your way down the Embarcadero. As you’re walking, you’ll spot the (massive!) Unconditional Surrender Statue in Tuna Harbor Park, which is based off the well-known 1954 V-J Day in Times Square photograph.
Continue on to Seaport Village – a waterfront shopping and dining village. It has an eclectic mix of architecture styles, making it a fun area to stroll through (even if you aren’t interested in shopping). You’ll also get a great view of the Coronado Bridge!
Get Dinner & Drinks in the Gaslamp Quarter
Once you’re done at Seaport Village, you can make your way to the Gaslamp Quarter – the heart of San Diego’s dining and nightlife scene. A few dinner options I recommend considering include La Puerta, Provisional Kitchen, Callie, Freddy’s Chophouse, and Osteria Panevino.
If you’re interested in post-dinner drinks, two of my favorite bars in the Gaslamp are Noble Experiment (a moody speakeasy – reservations recommended!) and The Field (an iconic Irish pub).
Afternoon & Evening Option 2: Old Town and Sunset Cliffs
An alternative idea is to head back to your car to make a short drive over to Old Town before enjoying the sunset at Sunset Cliffs.
Explore Old Town
Drive about 10 minutes north of downtown to stop by Old Town – considered to be the birthplace of California. This site features preserved and reconstructed buildings from the 1800s, allowing you to get a firsthand look at California’s history.
In addition to fun shops and great eateries, Old Town is home to some iconic landmarks, including Mason Street Schoolhouse (San Diego’s first schoolhouse), adobe homes that date back to Mexican California, and The Whaley House (dubbed America’s most haunted house!).
The Fiesta de Reyes is a must-visit when walking through Old Town. The colorful outdoor shopping center is home to a variety of locally owned shops and eateries. I especially love Nibble Chocolate – their artisan hot chocolate is incredible!
Just down the street is Bazaar del Mundo, a festive shop filled to the brim with items (including art, home decor, jewelry, and more) sourced from Latin America and around the world.
While you’re in the area, I also recommend visiting Heritage Park Row. This park was built to preserve some of San Diego’s Victorian homes, which were built in the late 1800s. These homes were relocated from their original locations in the 1970s and 80s.
Watch the Sunset at Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma
Once you’ve explored Old Town, hop back in the car and drive about 15 minutes west to Sunset Cliffs, located in Point Loma. As you can guess by the name, this is an incredible oceanside spot to watch the sunset.
Park anywhere along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and find a spot to take in the view as the sun goes down! I recommend getting there at least 20 minutes before sunset to fully enjoy the vista.
Get Dinner & Drinks in the Area
End your quick trip to San Diego with dinner in the area. I have a couple recommendations. One is to drive back towards downtown to Coasterra – a modern Mexican restaurant with next-level views of Downtown San Diego.
Alternatively, head to Liberty Station and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants there. A few options include Solare, The Sushi Stand (a casual spot in the public market), and Stone Brewing.
Of course, you can also head back downtown to dine at the Gaslamp Quarter. Refer to itinerary option 1 for restaurant and bar recommendations!
Additional Things to do In and Around San Diego
Curious about other San Diego attractions and activities? Here are a few more ideas on things to do in and around San Diego.
Visit the World Famous San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo (located in Balboa Park) is the most visited zoo in the United States – and for a good reason! The world-renowned zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals, and is a leader in conservation efforts. The zoo is also known for creating open-air exhibits that best recreate the animals’ natural habitats.
Keep in mind that you’ll want to spend a minimum of four to six hours at the zoo – so it may not be the best option for a day trip!
Book a Trolley Tour
The San Diego Trolley Tour is a fun and convenient way to see some of the landmarks in the city while learning about San Diego’s history! You can get on and off as you like, giving you control over your itinerary. Trolley stops include Balboa Park, Old Town, the Embarcadero, Little Italy, Coronado Island, and the Gaslamp Quarter.
Keep in mind that the trolley operates from 9am to either 5pm or 6pm (depending on the time of year). If you choose to explore San Diego via this trolley service, pay close attention to the final departure time from each stop at the end of the day!
Enjoy a Harbor Cruise or Whale Watching Tour
There’s no better place to be out on the water than in San Diego! There are a few different types of boat excursions you can consider.
During the narrated San Diego Harbor Cruise, you’ll get a chance to see the city’s skyline while cruising under the Coronado Bridge and checking out the US naval fleet. You might also spot sea lions and other aquatic life!
Looking for a more intimate experience? Consider booking a small-group sunset sailing excursion (there is an afternoon excursion, as well!).
Another cool option is taking a whale watching cruise. Board a replica of a historic sailing schooner, and go out to spot whales, dolphins, and other sea life.
Check Out the San Diego Brewery Scene
There is an incredible beer scene in San Diego. There are quite a few breweries based in Miramar (about a 25-minute drive north of downtown), but you can also find some great options downtown. A few of my favorites include Ballast Point (Little Italy and Miramar), Pure Project (Balboa Park, North Park, and Miramar), Bolt Brewery (Little Italy), and Burgeon Beer Co. (Little Italy).
Explore La Jolla
La Jolla is a picturesque coastal town located about a 20-minute drive north of downtown. You can easily spend a full day in La Jolla hanging out at the beach, shopping in town, and getting a glimpse of the famous sea lions. It’s also a popular spot to enjoy water sports, including kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling!
Visit Coronado Island
Coronado Island is located across the bay from Downtown San Diego, and is a popular destination to spend a day by the water. While you’re there, be sure to walk through the famous Hotel del Coronado. I’d also recommend doing a bike tour around the island!
Spend Time at a San Diego Beach Towns
North San Diego County is home to some of the most iconic, picturesque coastal towns in Southern California! I recommend considering spending a day in Carlsbad, Encinitas, or Del Mar.
Enjoy your time in San Diego! Here are some additional guides to check out:
