San Diego is the perfect city for a girl’s trip, family vacay, or romantic getaway. With beautiful beaches, epic hikes, and unique restaurants, there’s definitely something for everyone. If you’re looking to spend 3 days in San Diego this guide covers everything including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, tips, and more. Here’s the best way to spend one weekend in San Diego!
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Side Note: This post was written by Chelsey, a local of San Diego. This way, you can ensure you are reading the best and most accurate weekend in San Diego guide. Locals know best! Read more about Chelsey in the author’s bio at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
How do I get to San Diego?
Flying into the San Diego International Airport is the most accessible way to reach San Diego from most major US and international cities. From the airport, downtown San Diego is only a 15-minute drive give or take.
In San Diego, there is also an Amtrak Station so you can check the routes on their website and see if there’s a route from your city that reaches San Diego.
Getting around the city will mostly need to be done by car or foot. There is an inner city metro system but its stops are limited. If hoping to see the most of the city, it would be best to rent a car.
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
San Diego has year-round pleasant weather so there really isn’t a bad time to visit, but there are specific things you should know about each season that can help you decide the best time to visit.
If you like hot weather and water activities, then plan your trip during summer but be aware that this is also peak season. Specifically from June to August.
For those who prefer warm but not scorching temperatures, early fall (September through November) is a good time to come and the best time of the year to go hiking and enjoy the beaches without so many tourists around.
If you like cooler weather in the mid to low the 60s the best time to come is in winter from December to March, this also happens to be whale watching season! However, this is also the rainy season with January having the highest rainfall averages.
Spring is another optimal time to visit San Diego if you want moderate temps, fewer crowds, and cheaper accommodations. Plus, the iconic flower fields such as the Carlsbad Flower Field, begin to take bloom. The con to visiting in spring is that the ocean will still be too cold for swimming. Don’t worry about there being lots of rain, there is typically less after February.
Where should I stay in San Diego:
San Deigo has many budget-friendly and luxury options to choose from spread out throughout the city. Downtown San Diego is a great choice for being close to the airport and all of the restaurants, shopping, and parks in the center of the city. If you are planning on visiting the San Diego Zoo it would also be a convenient location. However, it is located far from beaches, outdoor activities, and natural landscapes.
If you’re staying centrally, you’ll want to account for driving or Uber time in your San Diego itinerary. While there is the San Diego MTS Trolley, there isn’t direct access to any of the areas outside of downtown.
Coronado Beach is ideal for families or resort lovers as there are lots of safe and luxurious hotel choices here and of course, you’re right on the beach.
La Jolla has a lot of great accommodations for budget backpackers who are coming to surf on the beach but there are also options for other budgets as well.
San Diego Hotel Reccommodations:
- Budget-Friendly Option: The International Travelers House Adventure Hostel has both dorm beds and private queen rooms with shared bathrooms.
- Dog-friendly options: Hilton Garden Inn is pet-friendly and right on the harbor. You and your pet will feel right at home in one of Scripps Inn’s spacious guest rooms right across from the beach and near La Jolla Cove and the tide pools.
- Beachfront Option: Hotel Del Coronado is the most famous hotel in all of San Diego but it comes at a steep price. However, it is dog-friendly.
- La Jolla Budget-friendly Option: Beach Bungalow Hostel is the cheapest option you will find slightly south of La Jolla on Pacific Beach but still in a fantastic location.
- Mid-range Option: For something more moderately priced consider Glorietta Bay Inn while still within walking distance of the beach.
- Luxury Option: The Lodge at Torrey Pines near La Jolla is the place for luxury travelers to go relax and be pampered. There is a spa, yoga classes, and on-site dining. Choose from a beautiful room or upgrade to a suite.
One Weekend in San Diego Itinerary
Are you ready for some fun in the sun? This San Diego getaway has it all. From adventures to historic tours, this is the ultimate way to spend 3 days in San Diego. Happy exploring!
Day 1 in San Diego: Downtown San Diego
Morning:
Get an early start on your first day with a delicious (and healthy) breakfast at Parakeet Cafe (off of India Street). The breakfast choices here are almost too pretty to even eat.
After breakfast, head towards the ocean (1 mile) to check out the USS Midway museum (opens at 10 am). History lovers will enjoy the self-guided tour audio tour. Be sure to bring your own headphones and allow for about 2 hours to complete the tour.
Afternoon:
After your tour, head to the lively and large Balboa Park (you can really get some steps in here). Balboa park is a massive 1200-acre park with different gardens, exhibits, and even the San Diego Zoo.
If looking for a leisurely afternoon stroll, I recommend checking out the Japanese Friendship Garden (14 dollars pp), or you can even tour all Balboa Park has to offer on a guided segway tour!
At this point, you have definitely worked up an appetite. Grab a casual lunch at the Grill Shack or Glass Door for lunch with a view.
Evening:
If you still have energy left, spend your evening walking around the Gaslamp District or go shopping at Horton Plaza. If shopping is not your thing, head to Point Loma and walk around Cabrillo National Monument.
For dinner grab a burrito from Ortiz’s and take it to go so you can bring it with you to watch the sunset on the nearby Sunset Cliffs. Try and get there a little bit before sunset before all the best viewing spots and parking gets taken.
Tip! If hoping to explore more of Balboa park and San Diego, be sure to check out the GoCity All-inclusive Pass for discounted admission to 55 attractions.
Day 2 in San Diego: Whale Watching, Old Town, & Pacific Beach
Morning:
Day 2 brings another early start as it’s jam-packed with adventure. Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel and head out to the ocean for a morning whale-watching tour.
Flagship Cruises offers an exciting 3.5-hour tour scoping out the majestic whales and other marine life (December-April only). They even guarantee whale sightings or your next ride is free! Be sure to pack warm clothes and motion sickness medication as it gets a bit chilly and rough out there.
Visiting outside of whale season? Take a relaxing Harbor Cruise instead.
Afternoon:
Give your sea legs a break with a walk around the historic Old Town. Here you can grab a fish taco or lunch from Cafe Coyote and do a bit of shopping. You can find authentic Indian jewelry, fine art, and other unique souvenirs.
If shopping isn’t your thing, spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing, tanning, swimming, or walking the boardwalk at Pacific Beach.
Evening:
If you have any energy left, grab dinner from Sand Bar Sports Bar (right on the beach) and watch the sun go down. Then, head out to a bar in Pacific Beach or get dessert from the Baked Bear.
Day 3 in San Diego: La Jolla
Morning:
It’s of course going to be another early morning. I mean… you only have 3-days in San Diego, you have to make every second count. You can sleep later… 🙂 Grab a delicious breakfast and coffee from Sugar and Scribe Bakery.
Afternoon:
Then head out to La Jolla Cove for a few hours. To really enjoy this area to the fullest you can either go kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, or simply relax on the beach. In the later part of the afternoon, you can walk along the scenic coastline to see the seals and grab a quick sandwich from one of the restaurants for lunch.
Evening:
End your last night with a walk around Torrey Pines State Park to marvel at the unique shapes in the sandstone cliffs made by the waves. The Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop (2.3 miles) is a great option as it’s an easy trail with some of the best views.
There are also a lot of indigenous plants and flowers to look at here. For dinner, grab a quick California Burrito from Roberto’s Taco and then watch the sunset from Torrey Pines State Beach.
Note: There is a fee to park in the main parking area at Torrey Pines and it varies based on demand.
Other things to do in San Diego:
Although you definitely won’t have time for everything on this list during your weekend in San Diego, you may want to switch out some of the above options to fit your interests.
- Drive up to Mount Soledad for a bird’s eye view of downtown San Diego – this is super cool to do at night!
- Go Sailing – A relaxing way to get out on the water or to have a romantic time with your partner if you go for sunset. It costs $115 per person. Bring a light jacket if you get cold easy in case there is a cool breeze.
- Take a day trip to other nearby cities like Oceanside or Palm Springs.
- Try Hydrobiking – a floating bike that duals as sightseeing and exercise! It costs $30 for 90 minutes.
- Cowles Mountain – the highest point in San Diego County.
- Check out the La Jolla Tide Pools where you can discover living creatures inside them
- San Diego Harbor Cruise: Relax on the water as you pass by some amazing views and sights.
- Sea World: Looking to add a bit of fun to your San Diego Weekend Getaway?! Head to Seaworld to spend some time with the sea creatures, ride some epic rides, or watch the amazing shows. Fun for kids AND adults!
Where to Eat in San Diego:
The above 3-day San Diego itinerary does have some restaurant recommendations, but here are some more of my favorites!
- Herb & Wood is a Mediterranean sit-down dinner restaurant located in downtown San Diego. They also serve brunch on the weekend.
- Provisional Kitchen – Serving seasonal and gourmet American dishes. Located in downtown San Diego and open daily for breakfast and brunch and reopens for dinner.
- Duke’s – A Hawaiian restaurant located in La Jolla and overlooking the beach
- Brockton Villa – Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner on La Jolla Beach. Their breakfast is especially well-liked.
Other Tips to know before visiting San Diego:
- Make sure to book hotels months in advance to avoid them booking up or becoming expensive, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- This city is a budget-friendly destination there are lots of free and cheap things to do in San Diego so don’t think you’ll need to spend a whole lot here.
- While San Diego is a big city it does have a chilled atmosphere.
- Save money by buying a GoCity Pass to see the most of the city. You can discounted admission for over 55 different attractions!
3-day San Diego Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park, Cabrilla National Monument, Sunset Cliffs
- Day 2: Whale Watching, Pacific Beach, Old Town
- Day 3: La Jolla Cove & Torrey Pines State Park
Keep Reading::: More Weekend Getaways from Phoenix, AZ
One Weekend In San Diego Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in San Diego that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day San Diego itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in San Diego.
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in San Diego” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
About the Author!
Hi, I’m Chelsey! ChelseyExplores consists of different blog posts on topics I am passionate about such as travel, SoCal, outdoor activities, hiking, camping, and much more!
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