A perfect day in San Diego


San Diego is my happy place. Really, what’s not to love about it? From the sun-kissed beaches and vibrant neighborhoods to the laid-back ethos and surprising cultural scene, it's got everything you'd want in a weekend escape. And despite all the city has to offer, it remains remarkably low-key and humble.
Heads up: This 24-hour itinerary skips the most famous attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo in favor of lesser-known local favorites (with tons of Tripadvisor-vetted experiences included).
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MORNING: Beautiful beaches and marine animals

Start your day with a picturesque sunrise at La Jolla Cove. Stroll along the cliffside paths, breathing the salty sea air and enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. I love snapping a few photos of the resident harbor seals and sea lions basking on the rocks at the Children's Pool or Shell Beach. Then, walk up Girard Ave, the neighborhood’s main artery, to Parakeet Cáfe for a healthy, light breakfast. The shakshouka, avocado toast, and breakfast burritos are my go-tos, but there are plenty of vegan options as well. Not in the mood for coffee? PARU tea bar opens at 11 a.m. with an incredible selection of high-quality loose leaf teas from small farms around the world, including freshly milled matcha. Bring your beverage of choice (I recommend the Okinawa sugar milk tea) to Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial for a bird’s-eye panorama of San Diego.
COASTAL TOUR OPTIONS
- Get up close and personal with sea lions, dolphins, and other marine animals on the 90-minute La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour. You’ll leisurely paddle through the kelp forests in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve.
- Tour the city’s waterfront landmarks on a guided two-hour San Diego Harbor Cruise. You'll pass the Coronado Bridge, Naval Base, and Cabrillo National Monument, learning fun facts and historical tidbits along the way.
- This intimate Sunset Sailing Excursion is the perfect start to a romantic evening. Tip: It gets chilly on the water at dusk, so bring layers.
AFTERNOON: Wooden coasters, ice cream, and shopping

Head five miles down the coast for a stroll along Mission Beach Boardwalk, where you can ride the old-school Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park. There's also an antique carousel, arcade games, bumper cars, an escape room, and Tiki-themed mini golf. When you've had your fill of amusement park attractions, it's time to hit North Park (15 minutes away) for lunch and shopping.
Home to hip cafés—looking at you, Communal Coffee and Lovesong—bookstores, craft breweries, and independent boutiques, it's no wonder why North Park is where locals and creative types mingle. Note: Only the most in-the-know tourists come here, so you’ll have the place to yourself. Explore the excellent Thursday Market that stretches down N. Park Way and browse the organic produce, baked goods, fresh flowers, and artisanal crafts. Then, pop into Artelexia for Mexican-made gifts and home décor, or stock up on skincare and beauty products at Shop Good (my personal favorite). There are even a couple treatment rooms tucked in the back if you need a facial, and the aestheticians are kind and knowledgeable.
When hunger strikes, pick up a sandwich at The Wise Ox Butcher & Deli. The pepper turkey sub is massive and pairs well with a side of beef fat fries. If you're craving a sweet treat, the city’s best ice cream cones—An's Dry Cleaning and Stella Jean's—are within striking distance.
Travelers say: “We took the flavor tour when we walked into [An’s Dry Cleaning], and that just made the decision more difficult. I ended up going with a scoop of leather on top of a scoop of Cypress in a waffle cone. It was amazing. The Cypress was my favorite flavor, and I returned for it three nights in a row. I am definitely glad that I don’t live anywhere near this place as I would have a solid addiction to it.” —@Cameron C.
EVENING: Sunset views and dinner downtown

For happy hour, make a beeline to Mister A's, a recently renovated rooftop restaurant at the Manchester Building in Bankers Hill (on the western border of Balboa Park). Sip champagne and munch on truffle fries or caviar tater tots while overlooking the San Diego skyline out the floor-to-ceiling windows. Tip: Dress sharp—the business casual code prohibits shorts, flip-flops, gym clothes, and beachwear. Across the street, Cucina Urbana serves up killer pizza and pies. The Italian restaurant doubles as a wine shop, so you can purchase bottles at retail price to enjoy with dinner or to take home.
If you're in the mood for steak, Born & Raised is a mile down the road in buzzy Little Italy. The chefs are masters on the grill; savor a juicy Japanese wagyu, beef Wellington, uni spaghetti, dry-aged duck, or steak tartare, made tableside. The handsome, clubby restaurant is an experience in itself with low-lit chandeliers, leather banquets, and gold everywhere—even the toilet seats! After your meal, meander over to Wolfie's Carousel Bar for an elegant nightcap or Craft & Commerce for a cocktail in a lively, young setting.
Know Before You Go
Book your trip between September and November, when the summer rush is over, and temperatures hover around 75 degrees. Families should especially consider October as kids eat, stay, and play for free while parents save with deals on attractions, museums, and hotels.
In terms of weather, San Diego is sunny year-round, so there's really not a bad time to visit. Winter is less crowded with lower hotel prices while summer is peak tourist season, with lots of festivals and outdoor events.
Most major attractions and museums are open daily, although some smaller museums and independent stores may be closed on Mondays and/or Tuesdays. Some of the best restaurants are closed on Sundays and/or Mondays, too. For this reason, I recommend going Wednesday through Sunday.
Attractions and parks tend to open around 9 a.m. and close in the early evening. Hours can vary, so it's best to look on the specific destination’s website. Museums and shops usually open at 10 a.m. Restaurants normally serve dinner until around 10 or 11 p.m., and bars don’t do last call until 2 a.m.
North Park: In recent years, this bustling residential neighborhood has seen a renaissance of small businesses, including craft breweries, vintage stores, and music venues. Check into The Lafayette Hotel, a maximalist world of fun and whimsy by Consortium Holdings, the hospitality group behind the city’s coolest restaurants and bars.
Downtown: If you're relying on public transportation, it makes sense to stay downtown. The InterContinental is located right on the waterfront, across from the historic Santa Fe train station. It’s also within walking distance to Little Italy’s bars, restaurants, and fantastic farmers market.
Point Loma: This peninsula (next to the airport) is home to Cabrillo National Monument and Liberty Station, a former Naval Training Center turned shopping and dining destination. The Pearl is a charming mid-century modern boutique hotel that hosts dive-in movies at the pool.
Public transportation: San Diego has an extensive public transit system, with buses and trolleys crisscrossing the city. It’s the most convenient and affordable way to reach the popular attractions. The new UC San Diego Blue Line trolley extension also expands service northward to Clairemont, the UCSD/La Jolla area, and the Westfield UTC shopping center.
By car: Renting a car offers the most freedom and flexibility, and traffic is not as gnarly in San Diego as it can be in Los Angeles. Parking is also more readily available.
By taxi: Uber and Lyft are both accessible in San Diego, and they’re a great idea if you'll be indulging in alcohol (say, after a Padres baseball game).
By bike: San Diego is a bike-friendly city, with many dedicated cycling lanes and scenic paths. Renting a bike is a great way to explore neighborhoods, beaches, and parks at your own pace.
Airport transfers: San Diego International Airport is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown, so you'll see planes landing from the rooftops of Little Italy. The short distance makes Uber, Lyft, and taxis an inexpensive option. I suggest taking the San Diego Flyer, a free electric shuttle service that runs daily to Old Town Transit Center, where you can connect to the San Diego Trolley and MTS bus lines.