Three Days in San Diego Itinerary: The Perfect Long Weekend Guide
Trying to decide how to spend three days in San Diego? You’re in the right place!
After spending a long weekend in San Diego in April 2025, I put together this detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your trip without feeling rushed.
From walking around beautiful Coronado Island to kayaking in La Jolla and exploring the best of downtown, this San Diego itinerary covers the perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxing.
Three Days in San Diego Itinerary
This three-day San Diego itinerary is based on my first visit to the city in April 2025 and how I spent my time.
I went with my mom and sister for a quick weekend getaway, and we focused on staying near the beach and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
To make your planning easier, I have pinned all the places mentioned in this itinerary to the Google Map below.
You can download before your trip for easy navigation once you’re in San Diego!
Day 1: Coronado Island
We stayed on Coronado Island during our trip, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough.
We stayed at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort, and I highly recommend it!
Our room faced the bay and the San Diego skyline, perfect for relaxing outside on our balcony in the mornings and at night.
It’s quiet, scenic, and has a walking path right outside the hotel that takes you along the bay and within close walking distance to a few restaurants.
Breakfast at Clayton’s Coffee Shop
Clayton’s Coffee Shop is a great spot to eat breakfast on Coronado Island.
It is a classic diner with an old-school feel inside, and they even have a walk up window where you can order coffee, ice cream, donuts, acai bowls, and other items to go.
Seating inside is limited, so if you’re planning to eat there for breakfast, I recommend going early or being ready for a short wait.
We went on a Friday morning around 8:30 am and got one of the last seats at the bar which is open seating.
They have a large menu serving classic breakfast food. I got the shredded hashbrowns and sausage links – both delicious!
Visit Hotel Del Coronado
After breakfast, I recommend heading toward Hotel Del Coronado and walking along the beach trail that is right outside the hotel.
It is a paved path that runs right next to the beach and offers great ocean views along the way.
I recommend going to the right once you’re on the path (facing the ocean) so that you can pass by more of the beautiful homes on Coronado Island.
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, the beach is open to the public.
If you’re up for something extra, you can rent bikes from a nearby rental shop (Holland’s Bicycles) and bike the Silver Strand Bikeway which is a scenic 18.7-mile path that connects Coronado to Imperial Beach.
You can also go inside the Hotel Del Coronado to check out the historic lobby, admire the charming architecture, and browse some of the shops inside.
Lunch at the Henry
The Henry ended up being my favorite place we ate at during our time in San Diego!
I really liked the vibe of the place. They had great outdoor seating and a good variety of options to choose from on the menu.
I shared the brussels sprouts, short rib potstickers (my favorite!), and fried rice with my sister. All were delicious!
Explore Coronado Island
Next, I recommend spending some time exploring Coronado Island.
One of my favorite things to do on Coronado Island was to simply just walk around and explore different areas of the island.
I loved walking down the residential streets and seeing all the beautiful homes.
Here are some things to do on Coronado Island to fill your afternoon:
- Walk along Orange Avenue, Coronado’s main street. Here you will find boutiques, souvenir shops, coffee shops, and places to eat.
- Visit Coronado Ferry Landing for shopping and bayfront views. There’s also a small beach here that has great views of the San Diego skyline.
- Check out Centennial Park, a small park with panoramic views of the bay and the downtown San Diego skyline. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy the views or even have a picnic.
- Rent a jet ski at the Coronado Ferry Landing and ride through San Diego Bay with views of downtown, the Coronado Bridge, and Navy Ships. You can book on Get Your Guide here or down below!
Dinner in Coronado Island
Peohe’s is a popular restaurant on Coronado Island known for its delicious seafood dishes and waterfront view.
It is a little more upscale and on the pricier side, but it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a nice dinner with a view.
If you’re looking for some seafood at a cheaper price, consider Lobster West Coronado. They serve delicious lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls.
Another option for dinner is grabbing sandwiches from Park Place Liquor & Deli. It is a local favorite for takeout sandwiches and perfect if you want to have a picnic and watch the sunset on Coronado Beach!
Day 2: Mission Beach & La Jolla
Grab Acai Bowls for Breakfast from Juice Wave
If you are an acai bowl lover like me, you can’t miss getting one from Juice Wave.
It was seriously the best acai bowl I have ever had!
They give you a ton of toppings so you always get the perfect ratio in every bite, including diced strawberries (which is genius – so much easier to eat than big slices), granola, bananas, and coconut.
I also added some peanut butter for an additional cost, and it was delicious.
We brought our bowls over to the Mission Beach boardwalk and ate them while enjoying the ocean views since there isn’t any indoor seating in Juice Wave.
They do get busy, so I recommend getting there early when they open at 8:00 am. I have heard the line can get pretty long later in the day.
Walk the Mission Beach Boardwalk
Walking the Mission Beach Boardwalk is a must-do while you’re in the area!
The boardwalk stretches for about 2.5 miles and connects Mission Beach to Pacific Beach, making it a fun and easy way to explore both areas.
Along the path, you will pass by cute beach houses.
It is a great way to enjoy the ocean views and experience the beach town vibe. There were plenty of people walking, running, and biking along the boardwalk.
Optional activity: Check out Belmont Park, a beachfront amusement park right along the boardwalk!
Head to La Jolla and Walk the La Jolla Coastal Trail
Walking along the La Jolla Coastal Trail is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of La Jolla!
It is an easy and scenic walk that brings you along the coastline, offering incredible views of the ocean and rocky cliffs.
It’s about 2.3 miles out and back, but you definitely don’t need to walk the whole thing to enjoy it.
The trail starts near Wipeout Beach and takes you along the coastline toward La Jolla Cove.
Early on, you’ll pass the Seal Wall, where you can usually see seals hanging out on the rocks.
As you keep walking, the views just keep getting better, and once you reach La Jolla Cove, you will see even more sea lions and seals relaxing on rocks or swimming in the water.
We saw so many of them! They were loud, playful, and really cute to watch.
Just please make sure to keep your distance so you don’t bother them.
Also, fair warning: it can get a little smelly in spots where the animals are, but it wasn’t anything unbearable.
Near the end of the trail, you will pass Sunny Jim Cave.
If you want to check it out, you can visit the Cave Store nearby where you can pay a small fee to walk through a tunnel down into the cave.
Grab Lunch at Deli-icious
We grabbed lunch at Deli-icious, and it was delicious! It was one of my favorite meals of the trip.
The owners were very kind and welcoming, which made the experience even better.
I ordered the Italian Torpedo sandwich, and it was great. I highly recommend it if you visit.
They have a good selection of both hot and cold sandwiches, so there’s plenty to choose from.
It’s located in a small shopping strip and is definitely worth a try if you’re in the area.
If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, you can grab some delicious tacos from The Taco Stand which is a popular place to eat in La Jolla!
Afternoon: Get on the Water
- Kayaking – Join a kayaking tour through La Jolla’s sea caves. It’s a fun and active way to explore the area while being out on the water. You can book a kayak tour here!
- Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave – You will pass this sea cave while walking along the La Jolla Coastal trail. You can go down inside the cave by visiting The Cave Store nearby and paying an admission fee.
- Snorkeling – Rent gear from a local shop or join a guided snorkeling tour to swim near the sea caves to see seals, sea lions, and other marine life up close. You can book the tour here or below!
Dinner in La Jolla
If you are planning to stay in the La Jolla area for dinner, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from depending on what you’re craving.
Here is a list of some of the popular places to eat in La Jolla:
- Duke’s La Jolla – Hawaiian-inspired menu with ocean views
- George’s at the Cove – Fancier option with rooftop views
- Catania – Italian-inspired dishes
➡️ Read my La Jolla itinerary if you’re looking for even more things to do in the La Jolla area!
Day 3: Downtown San Diego
On your last day in San Diego, it is time to explore the downtown area and some of the city’s most iconic spots!
If you’re staying on Coronado Island, you can take the ferry into downtown San Diego.
It is a scenic 15-minute ride that drops you off near Seaport Village. You can book the ferry tickets here.
Since downtown San Diego is so big and full of options on things to do depending on your interests, I have rounded up the best things to do in San Diego and places to eat.
You can pick and choose what to add to your itinerary based on what sounds most interesting to you!
Things to Do in Downtown San Diego
1. Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining area with beautiful views of the harbor.
You can easily spend an hour or two walking along the boardwalk, browsing local shops, and grabbing a coffee or ice cream.
I recommend grabbing a coffee and bagel from Spill the Beans!
Tip: It is a great starting point if you’re taking the ferry into downtown San Diego from Coronado Island since the ferry drops you off at Seaport Village.
2. Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego’s historic downtown neighborhood known for its Victorian-era architecture, great restaurants, rooftop bars, and nightlife.
Things to Do in Gaslamp Quarter:
- Admire the Architecture: The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its restored Victorian buildings, making it a nice area to just walk around and see the historic architecture.
- Browse the Shops: There are plenty of boutiques, souvenir shops, and stores throughout the neighborhood.
- Grab Coffee or a Snack: There are plenty of cafes, ice cream shops, and other casual spots to sit, take a break, and enjoy a yummy snack.
- Eat at a Restaurant or Rooftop Bar: The Gaslamp quarter has tons of restaurants, from casual to more upscale, plus several good rooftop bars with views of the city. (Here are a few: Altitude Sky Lounge, Rustic Root, and Fairweather)
- Nightlife: Gaslamp Quarter is well-known as the nightlife spot in San Diego with plenty of lively bars and clubs.
3. San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the United States, located in Balboa Park near downtown San Diego.
If you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy visiting zoos, it is definitely worth adding to your San Diego itinerary.
I am personally not a big fan of zoos for ethical reasons, but the San Diego Zoo is considered one of the more ethical zoos, and it is highly respected for its animal care and conservation work.
I recommend arriving right when the zoo opens at 9:00 am to avoid the larger crowds, especially if you’re visiting during the weekend or on a holiday.
I would give yourself around 3 to 5 hours to explore the zoo, though you could easily spend a whole day there.
The zoo is very big and does involve a lot of walking, but there are shaded paths, a guided bus tour you can hop on, and even a Skyfari Aerial Tram that gives you a nice view from above and helps cut down on the amount of walking across the park.
The tickets are around $76 per person so definitely one of the pricier activities, but I have heard most people say it is worth it.
You can book your tickets here on Get Your Guide or below!
4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
If you’re looking for a different experience, separate from the San Diego Zoo, you might want to consider visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
This is in a separate location from the San Diego Zoo, and it is 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego in Escondido.
Instead of a traditional zoo layout, the Safari Park has wide, open habitats where animals have more room to roam.
One of the most popular things to do there is the Wildlife Safari Tour.
It is a 90-minute guided tour where you get to ride in a safari truck and get up close views of giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and more wildlife.
The tickets for the safari start around $95 per person, and you will also need a separate admission ticket to enter the Safari Park itself.
It is a good idea to book the safari tour in advance because spots can sell out during busy seasons.
If you only have three days in San Diego, the San Diego Zoo makes the most sense.
If you have an extra day and want something different, the Safari Park is definitely worth the trip!
If you’re planning to visit both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park over the course of two days, then the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Day Entry Ticket is a great way to save some money.
You can book that here or below.
Quick Summary:
- San Diego Zoo: Located in Balboa Park near downtown. Easier to fit into a downtown itinerary. Traditional zoo experience. Plan about 4–5 hours (or longer) to explore.
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Located in Escondido, about 40 minutes from downtown. Best for a more unique safari experience. Costs more, and you’ll need a car or longer Uber/Lyft ride to get there.
5. San Diego Harbor Cruise
Prefer to be out on the water? Book a San Diego Harbor Cruise through Get Your Guide!
It is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the bay from the water.
You can book the harbor cruise here on Get Your Guide or below!
6. USS Midway Museum
If you’re interested in museums and military history, be sure to check out the USS Midway Museum.
It is located on an aircraft carrier on the waterfront and you can even explore the ship yourself.
I would plan to spend about 2 hours here.
You can book entry tickets to the USS Midway Museum here on Get Your Guide or below!
7. Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Trolley Tour
If you want to maximize your one day in downtown San Diego or just don’t want to walk everywhere, the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour is a super convenient option.
It stops at popular sights like Balboa Park, Little Italy, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and more.
The trolleys come about every 20 minutes, and while on board you will learn historical facts from the guides.
You can book the tickets for the trolley here on Get Your Guide or below!
8. Explore Old Town San Diego
Spending a couple hours in Old Town San Diego is a great way to experience some of the city’s history and culture.
Old Town is where the first European settlement was established in the state back in the 1700s.
Things to Do in Old Town San Diego:
- Explore Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: See the preserved buildings like the old courthouse, school house, and the Estudillo House.
- Visit the Whaley House: For spooky lovers, the Whaley House is known as one of the most haunted houses in the U.S. They offer daytime tours and ghost tours.
- Shop for Souvenirs: The Old Town area has several boutiques and shops selling pottery, jewelry, handmade crafts, and more.
- Try Authentic Mexican Food: Old Town is known for its Mexican restaurants. Some popular places include Cafe Coyote, Casa de Reyes, and Old Town Mexican Cafe (known for its handmade tortillas)
- Explore the Bazaar del Mundo: An outdoor marketplace full of artisan goods, souvenirs, and casual dining spots.
Best Places to Eat in Downtown San Diego
Now, here are some of the best places to eat in downtown San Diego to add to your itinerary!
Breakfast Places in San Diego
- Breakfast Republic – Unique menu like stuffed French Toast and Breakfast Bacon Mac ‘N’ Cheese.
- Snooze AM Eatery – Delicious pancakes!
- Morning Glory – Great brunch options but can get very crowded. Go early!
Coffee Shops in San Diego
- Spill the Beans – Multiple locations with one in Seaport Village and one in Gaslamp Quarter. They also have great bagels in addition to coffee.
- Achilles Coffee Roasters – Great drink selection along with breakfast & lunch food
- Goldchild Coffee Roasters – Unique & delicious specialty lattes!
Lunch Spots in San Diego
- Tacos El Gordo – If you’re craving authentic street style tacos, this is the spot you need to go to! I had these tacos for the first time in Las Vegas and was thrilled to see they have locations in San Diego. They are delicious and the adobada (marinated pork) tacos are a must-try!
- Lucky’s Lunch Counter – Delicious classic lunch sandwiches
- Provisional Kitchen – More upscale option with a great food menu!
Dinner Restaurants in San Diego
- Werewolf – Casual American pub with burgers and late-night eats. They also have karaoke at night starting at 9:00 pm.
- La Puerta – Mexican restaurant with margaritas and tacos
- The Lion’s Share – Interesting meat selection like elk, bison, frog legs, duck, and more!
- Born and Raised – Steakhouse with a rooftop patio
- Little Italy Tour on Viator – If you’re looking for a fun evening and wanting to try multiple foods, I recommend booking the Little Italy Food Tour through Viator. Little Italy is one of San Diego’s best neighborhoods for dining, known for its authentic Italian food. You can book the food tour here or below!
Where to Stay in San Diego
Where you stay in San Diego can really impact your experience since the city is pretty spread out.
We based ourselves on Coronado Island, and it was a great decision for a relaxing trip.
But depending on your plans, here are a few other areas to stay in San Diego that could work well:
Coronado Island
We stayed at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort, and I would definitely stay there again.
It’s quiet, walkable, and has great views of the San Diego skyline.
You’re close to the beach, the ferry landing, and main streets for shops and restaurants like Orange Avenue.
It feels more like a beach town than a big city.
Here are some recommendations on places to stay on Coronado Island:
- Coronado Island Marriott Resort – Bayfront resort with a pool (Where we stayed!)
- Glorietta Bay Inn – Boutique hotel near the beach
- Hotel Del Coronado – Upscale and iconic hotel
Downtown San Diego
If you want to be in the center of it all, stay in Downtown San Diego.
Little Italy in particular is a trendy neighborhood with tons of restaurants, rooftop bars, and easy access to the harbor, ferry, and Balboa Park.
Here are some recommendations on places to stay in downtown San Diego:
- Courtyard San Diego – Modern hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter
- Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego – Waterfront hotel with city views
- Hotel Indigo – Stylish hotel downtown
La Jolla
If you’re here for coastal views and ocean activities, La Jolla is the ideal place to stay.
The area is more upscale, with boutique hotels and oceanfront dining, and you’ll have easy access to kayaking, snorkeling, and the sea lions at the cove.
Here are some recommendations on places to stay in La Jolla:
- Pantai Inn – Oceanfront boutique hotel
- La Jolla Shores Hotel – Beachfront hotel
- Empress Hotel – Walkable hotel in downtown La Jolla
Pacific Beach / Mission Beach
A younger, livelier vibe with lots of beach bars, casual restaurants, and a great boardwalk.
There are tons of vacation rentals and mid-range hotels here.
Here are some recommendations on places to stay in Pacific Beach / Mission Beach:
- The Beach Cottages – Casual beachfront accommodations with kitchenettes
- Pacific Terrace Hotel – Upscale hotel right on the beach
- The Wayfarer San Diego – Stylish and modern hotel close to the beach
You can also use this interactive map below for more options on places to stay in San Diego!
Transportation in San Diego
We flew into San Diego International Airport (SAN) which is only about a 15 minute drive to downtown San Diego or Coronado Island.
We took a taxi from the airport to our accommodations in Coronado Island. It cost around $40, including tip.
If you’re staying in a central location and planning to explore by neighborhood, you can get by without a car like we did.
How We Got Around:
- Uber/Lyft: Easy and fairly quick in most parts of the city unless during rush hour. We used it to get from the airport to Coronado Island and for longer trips like from Coronado to La Jolla.
- Walking: Once we arrived in a neighborhood (like Coronado, Mission Beach, or La Jolla), we walked almost everywhere.
- Public Ferry: From Coronado to downtown San Diego, the ferry is fairly cheap ($9 one way).
- Public Transit: Not as reliable for short trips or tight itineraries, so we didn’t use the public transit. In downtown San Diego, the Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley bus is a great way to get around downtown.
➡️ If you have a long flight to San Diego, be sure to read my blog posts where I go over 23 things to do on long flights to help pass the time as well as my long flight essentials!
Should You Rent a Car in San Diego?
We didn’t rent a car, but depending on your plans, it might make sense for you.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
When You Don’t Need to Rent a Car in San Diego:
- If you’re mainly sticking to downtown San Diego, Coronado, La Jolla, Mission Beach, or Balboa Park.
- If you’re okay using Uber or Lyft for 15–20 minute rides
- If you’re staying put in one area per day (which this itinerary is designed for)
When It Makes Sense to Rent a Car in San Diego:
- If you want to visit more remote spots like Torrey Pines State Reserve, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (which is in Escondido, about 40 minutes inland)
- If you’re traveling with family and want flexibility
- If you’re doing a longer road trip like combining this with a few days in Los Angeles or Palm Springs
Parking Tips:
- Hotels may charge $30–50 per night for parking, especially downtown
- Street parking is hit or miss in busier neighborhoods, but there are meters and public garages
- At the beaches, parking lots fill up fast on weekends, so arrive early
So, if you’re keeping it local to San Diego, I would skip the rental car since you will most likely save money by just using rideshare like Uber/Lyft.
But, if you want to drive to farther away places, a car could be worth the extra cost.
If you choose to rent a car in San Diego, I recommend getting it from the San Diego Airport and using Expedia to find the best deal.
Three Days in San Diego Packing List
San Diego is super laid-back, so your packing list can be pretty simple.
You will want swimwear (if planning on going to the beach), casual clothes for walking around, and layers for the evening when it cools down.
Here’s everything I would recommend packing for three days in San Diego:
Clothing:
- 2–3 casual outfits (shorts, tanks, tees, sundresses)
- 1–2 swimsuits (especially for Mission Beach or La Jolla kayaking/snorkeling)
- 1 light sweater or jacket (it cools off at night – even in summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll do a lot of walking, especially at Balboa Park or along the beaches)
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Something slightly dressier (for dinner if you plan on eating out somewhere nice)
- Activewear (if you’re planning to hike, kayak, or bike)
- Light rain jacket (in case of rain showers)
Toiletries & Essentials:
- Sunscreen (the sun is strong, even on cloudy days)
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm with SPF
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack or tote bag for the beach (I like this one because it folds down into a smaller bag, making it easy to fit in my suitcase!)
- Beach towel or travel towel (some hotels don’t provide beach towels)
- Waterproof phone bag (especially for kayaking/snorkeling)
- Hat or baseball cap (to protect your face from the sun)
- Portable phone charger (a must since you will be using your phone for directions and ordering Ubers/Lyfts)
- Travel Backpack (I love using this backpack as my personal item on the plane. I have the x-large size, and it fits under the airplane seat.)
- Toiletry Organizer (This is the bag I use to store all my toiletries. It is nice because it keeps everything I need in one place.)
➡️ Be sure to read my blog post where I cover 40 carry-on packing tips to help you save space in your luggage!
Frequently Asked Questions: Three Days in San Diego
1. Is 3 Days Enough in San Diego?
Yes, three days is enough in San Diego to see the highlights like Coronado Island, La Jolla, Mission Beach, and downtown areas like Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter.
You won’t see everything, but it’s a great amount of time to get a feel for the city, explore the coast, and enjoy the food scene.
2. What is the Number One Attraction in San Diego?
Balboa Park is often considered the number one attraction in San Diego.
It’s home to beautiful gardens, walking trails, museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
If you prefer the coast, La Jolla Cove and the sea lions are a close second. This was my favorite area in San Diego when we visited!
3. How Many Days Do You Need in San Diego?
Ideally, 3–5 days gives you enough time to explore the beaches, neighborhoods, and top sights without feeling rushed.
But, if you only have three days in San Diego, you can still cover a lot with this itinerary!
4. What is the Best Month to Go to San Diego?
September and October are two of the best months to visit San Diego.
The weather is still warm, the summer crowds have died down, and hotel prices can be a bit lower.
May and June are also nice, but “May Gray” and “June Gloom” can mean cloudier mornings.
We visited in mid April and had very pleasant weather with highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s. It was perfect for us coming from Indiana where it still felt like winter lol!
5. Can you Walk Around Downtown San Diego?
Yes! Downtown San Diego is very walkable, especially areas like the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and Little Italy.
You can also walk to the ferry to get to Coronado Island.
6. Is San Diego Expensive to Visit?
San Diego can be expensive especially for hotels and dining.
If you’re trying to save money, consider staying outside of downtown, eating at more casual spots, and focusing on free activities like the beach, coastal trails, and parks.
7. What Should I Not Miss in San Diego?
If it’s your first time visiting San Diego, don’t miss:
- Walking to La Jolla Cove (and seeing the sea lions!)
- Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo
- A walk along Mission Beach boardwalk
- Coronado Beach and Hotel Del Coronado
- Snorkeling or kayaking in La Jolla
Conclusion: Three Days in San Diego
Three days in San Diego is a good amount of time to see the highlights, including Coronado Island, Mission Beach, La Jolla, and downtown San Diego.
This itinerary covers everything I did during my weekend trip, along with a few extra activities that were on my list but I didn’t have time for.
I hope this three-day San Diego itinerary helps you plan your own trip!
Check out my other San Diego blog posts for more tips and trip planning ideas!
