Just a three-hour drive from Los Angeles (or take the train down the Pacific Coast – which is great fun and the way my husband and I traveled when we last went), San Diego is one of the most vibrant cities on the West Coast.
Known as America’s Finest City for its mild Mediterranean climate, great beaches and wonderful biodiversity, as well as the birthplace of California, it offers a perfect day trip filled with historic sites, marine life, and cultural attractions.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a second or third-time visitor, here’s my One Day in San Diego intinerary for the best way to make the most of the city in one exciting day.
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Early Start: Balboa Park (8:00am – 11:30am)
Begin your day at Balboa Park, North America’s largest urban cultural park. This great spot houses multiple museums, making it the right place to start your San Diego tour. The botanical garden provides a unique look at exotic plants, while the Japanese Friendship Garden is a serene escape for a few photos to start the day.
For museum enthusiasts, you’ll find plenty of places to get your steps in. The San Diego Air & Space Museum features impressive flight simulators, while the San Diego Museum of Art and Museum of Photographic Arts fill your cultural tank. The Natural History Museum has all the bugs and bones you’d expect, as well as movies playing if you’re that interested!
You could get a CityPass which gives you discounted access to a huge number of museums, theme parks, trolley tours and cruises. Check out what’s included in the San Diego CityPass. It’s valid for 9 consecutive days from first use.
If you have consecutive days to spend, consider the Balboa Park Explorer Pass for the best value.
Pro tip: An early start helps you avoid crowded parking lots and gives you enough time to explore the park’s historic buildings.
Next Stop: USS Midway and Maritime History (11:30am – 1:30pm)
Head to the city center to visit the USS Midway Museum, one of San Diego’s favorite spots. And by museum, I mean a ship. You’ll be touring the actual USS Midway complete with fighter jets on the deck.
I’m always a fan of an audio tour, and on the USS Midway you’ll walk through the engine room and explore this fascinating piece of naval history. The Maritime Museum of San Diego nearby is another great way to understand the city’s nautical heritage.
∆ Get skip-the-line tickets for USS Midway here >
Lunch Break: Seaport Village (1:30pm – 2:30pm)
Seaport Village, overlooking San Diego Bay, is a great spot for lunch and shopping. Browse the gift shop for souvenirs while enjoying views of the Coronado Bridge. You could easily spend more than a couple of hours here.
Afternoon Adventures (2:30pm – 5:30pm)
You have several great options for the afternoon:
Option 1: La Jolla Shores & Torrey Pines
Take a short drive to La Jolla Cove, one of the best places to observe sea lions and marine life. At low tide, explore the tide pools. La Jolla Shores offers perfect beach time, and if you have extra time, visit Torrey Pines for hiking.
Option 2: Old Town San Diego
Visit this historic neighborhood, known as the birthplace of California. You could join the Old Town Trolley Tours for a comprehensive look at this historic district.
There are many great Mexican restaurants here, so you could have lunch in Old Town, or just stop by for a cheeky tequila and some guac and chips – for stamina!
Option 3: World-Famous San Diego Zoo
I’m not a fan of zoos or SeaWorld but if you are, visit the San Diego Zoo to see rhinos, giant pandas, and other wildlife. If you have an entire weekend, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is another idea to add to your trip.
Evening: Downtown San Diego & Beyond (5:30pm – 10:00pm)
As the city lights appear, explore Southern California’s most vibrant nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter, the main thoroughfare of downtown San Diego. This historic 16-block neighborhood offers food tours (some links below) and some of the most haunted houses in the city.
It’s actually my pick for where to stay in San Diego too, if you’re planning to spend more than a day in San Diego. You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants here to catch a game on the TV or just enjoy the vibe.
Alternatively, head to North Park for a unique dining experience, or visit Little Italy for some of the best Italian food in the city.
If You Have Extra Time
- Take public transportation to Mission Beach and Belmont Park
- Visit Pacific Beach for surfing and casual dining
- Explore Ocean Beach’s bohemian atmosphere
- Take the Coronado Ferry Landing to Coronado Beach
- Visit Cabrillo National Monument for the visitor center and panoramic views
- Take the kids to Legoland
- Take a dolphin and whale-watching sunset cruise
- Take a catamaran cruise in the harbor and see USS Midway, beaches & Coronada Bridge
- Get around on a San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour to see all the sights
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres
- Hand roll a cigar with an expert cigar maker in Old Town
I have a blog post on loads more things to do in San Diego over on my main travel blog, if you have more time. Things like visiting the bar where the Top Gun scene “Great Balls of Fire” was filmed and getting a photo of the famous piano!
Best Time to Visit San Diego
San Diego’s perfect weather makes it ideal year-round, but spring and fall means fewer crowds. Mid-week is also less crowded.
Travel Tips for an Entire Day:
- Begin with an early start to make the most of your day
- Public transportation works well in the city center, but a car gives you the best access to places like Torrey Pines and La Jolla
- Plenty of places offer guided tours – a great way to learn about the city’s history
- For a unique look at the city, consider booking one of many food tours (like this Taco Tour)
- If visiting multiple attractions, look into city passes for savings
Whether you have an entire weekend or just enough time for a perfect day trip, San Diego has something for everyone. From those Pacific Ocean views to historic sites, farmer’s markets, museums and beaches, you’ll find your favorite things to do in this remarkable West Coast destination.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Pro Tip: If you use a site like Booking.com to search for accommodation, you can reserve a room without paying until a few days before you stay. This means if your event is canceled, or the weather changes or even your own plans, you don’t lose out. It costs a few bucks more for this “insurance”, but it’s always my advice for trip planning.
Use my Booking.com link to begin your San Diego hotel search!
