A Local’s Guide to Three Days in San Diego

I’m not sure why it took me so long to put together a San Diego itinerary. We lived in the Southern California city for seven years, and I probably know it better than my hometown of Chicago.

Maybe I was overwhelmed by choosing where to send you all.

I didn’t want to just rehash what was already out there, especially because I do think some popular spots are essential to a San Diego trip.

Maybe I thought our more exotic travels, like Albuquerque and Tulsa, were more exciting.

Well, it finally happened. I want you to have a great time in one of my favorite cities in the world, and so this three-day San Diego itinerary was born.

How Many Days You Need in San Diego

You need to plan for at least a weekend getaway in San Diego. Three days in San Diego is best. You’ll still have a very busy three days if you’re seeing the best of the city, but a long San Diego weekend means you can take things at a more leisurely pace. 

That’s how this city wants you to do it.

What to See in San Diego in Three Days

You can spend three days in San Diego like this:

• Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
• See the views from La Jolla Cove and Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave.
• Explore the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument.
• See a sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
• Eat fish tacos at Mitch’s Seafood and the “secret” burger at Juniper and Ivy.
• Visit the Little Italy Mercato and Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
• Stroll the Embarcadero.
• Visit a museum in Balboa Park.
• Drive over the bridge to Coronado.
• Experience historic Old Town.
• Explore neighborhoods like South Park and Hillcrest.
• Plan happy hours at Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle or any brewery in North Park.

You can visit San Diego at any time of year. There is no “cheap” time of year to visit San Diego, but avoiding school breaks and holidays is always a good idea.

If you’re flexible, try timing a visit in months like November (before Thanksgiving) or February for cheaper flights and accommodations.

Three Days in San Diego: Day 1

This itinerary assumes three full days in San Diego, so your days will be pretty full from morning to night. 

Well, by night I mean I’m not usually out there in the streets after dinner, but I’ll include some nightlife suggestions if that’s what you’re into.

If you’re popping in on a Friday afternoon, feel free to adjust as needed. You know your preferences best.

If your preferences involve a day at the beach, though, you won’t see that here. 

I could probably count on one hand how many times we went to the beach with no other purpose but to lounge there during our time living in San Diego. It just wasn’t our thing. If it’s YOUR thing, there’s no shame in it. 

Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Coronado are all great for some lounge time in the sand.

Stop 1: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve 

I’m hitting you with a hike right off the bat so that you can make sure to see this spot when it’s least crowded. 

If you want to experience both panoramas and the beach, climb 300 feet down on the Beach Trail. It’s worth the effort if that’s not a hardship for you.

For something easier, the Guy Fleming is just over half a mile to two scenic overlooks with no climbing. Spring travelers will be rewarded with lots of wildflower activity on this one.

The Razor Point Trail is another short one. In just over half a mile, meander to the Yucca Point Overlook.

Stop 2: Torrey Pines Gliderport

This jump spot for paragliders and hang gliders is a great spot to people-watch braver folks than myself.

If you’re a proficient pilot, you can share the spot with companies that run tandem jumps from here. Just make sure you meet all of the necessary requirements. 

You’re probably hungry at this point, too. Grab some eats at The Cliffhanger Café, one of my favorite spots to nosh on sandwiches with a view. You can watch all of the action from the patio.

Stop 3: La Jolla Cove

If you only have one day in San Diego, you’ll likely spend some time here. Budget a few hours to explore one of the popular areas of San Diego. Expect to share space with other tourists while you’re here. La Jolla is great, but it gets very busy.

Pack your patience as you search for street parking to kick things off.

Note: La Jolla is still a part of San Diego no matter what they put on their address labels.

You can keep your visit to land and see this part of town from above at viewpoints near La Jolla Cove.

You’re looking at the La Jolla Underwater Park from here, a vibrant marine environment for aquatic life. That includes healthy populations of seals and sea lions. 

The seals like to hang out at the nearby Children’s Pool, named as such because it was intended as a protect swimming space for kids. The seals had other ideas and had been using the area during pupping season. 

Don’t expect to get anywhere near the beach between Dec. 15-May 15.

Honestly, you shouldn’t try to get anywhere near any animals while you’re in La Jolla. We’ve seen some bad behavior on visits here from tourists young and old barking back at the wildlife and getting way too close.

Just once I’d love to see a sea lion retaliate and slap one of these bros with a fin. 

Stop 4: Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

La Jolla has a network of impressive sea caves that you can snorkel, dive, or kayak through. The guided tours here are great if you want to dedicate a morning to some water activities.

We’ve done kayaking tours and snorkeling tours, and I’d recommend both.

If you visit in August or September, you might be able to see some leopard sharks down there. That was the point of our snorkeling tour, but the waters were too rough and all I came out with was motion sickness. 

Did you know you can get motion sick while snorkeling? It was news to me. Somehow, I still had a great time.

Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave is a great way to see a sea cave without getting wet. Enter through a shop, purchase a ticket, and climb down a few flights of stairs to see the caves from a unique vantage point.

Optional Stop 5: We Olive & Wine Bar

This wine shop is just too cute not to mention here. You can pop in to grab some wine and snacks for later or head upstairs for an impromptu wine tasting.

You don’t need reservations here. Just sit back and enjoy the friendly service and yummy pours.

READ MORE: There is so much more to do in La Jolla, but you only have three days! Check out my La Jolla guide if you have more time.

If you like a little afternoon cocktail with a side of Harry Potter-esque ambiance, La Jolla is home to one of the city’s best speakeasies at Raised by Wolves.

You’ll need to make reservations at this one, though, so it’s not as breezy as the wine bar.

Stop 6: Cabrillo National Monument

I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been up to Cabrillo. That’s because I don’t know.

Every new visitor would want to see the views from up here, and lucky for Cabrillo, those views are some of the best in the city.

Expect to spend at least an hour here. Factor in additional time if you want to head down to the tide pools. At the very least, visit the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse and try to catch some whale-spotting from the top. 

Where you park for this one depends on what you’d like to do. The big lot near the visitor center is best for the lighthouse and bay views.

There are additional parking areas at the tidepools on Cabrillo Road. 

Those lots get the busiest, so don’t be shocked if they’re full by the time of your arrival. You can still park at the top and walk down, but you’ll be walking on the road.

I’ve done it and it’s not scary. It’s just a hike back up, is all.

Stop 7: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Move this one around if you’re trying to catch the sunset. You’ll likely want to linger at the next stop, so you may need to make some tough choices here.

Honestly, you can catch incredible San Diego sunsets anywhere with a view. Sunset Cliffs is just a popular spot because it’s named Sunset Cliffs.

The views here are gorgeous no matter the time of day, though, I promise. 

Stop 8: Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle

Some people recommend the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island as a great happy hour spot because of their murderous mai tais. I’m not being that hyperbolic, either.

They’re super strong, and they limit you to two drinks per visit.

I prefer quality over quantity, though. If you want to visit one of my favorite spots in San Diego, head to Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle, instead. It’s just south of the Bali Hai.

Let’s start with the views. They’re great.

Sea lion sightings are common thanks to the fishing that happens off the end of the pier.

Maybe you’re here for that, or maybe you’re here for the beer.

The owner has a relationship with the Russian River Brewing Company, so it’s one of the best places to get a pint of Pliny the Elder. This is a holy grail type of beer that I don’t like that much but beer enthusiasts clamour over.

Try it and see if you like it.

If you need a bathroom break while you’re here, you’ll need to tinkle without doors on the stalls at the public facilities you pass on your way to the bar. It’ll all be OK. I promise.

Stop 9: Dinner

You can make it easy and grab sausages at Fathom or go to one of my favorite fish taco spots nearby, Mitch’s Seafood.

I have to be honest here. I like Blue Water Seafood better, mostly because their tacos are enormous, but they always have a line and the views at Mitch’s are so much better. If you’re here for longer, test out both and see where you land.

If you want to try my favorite, the closest one is in Ocean Beach. You’ll find lots of options for more food in Ocean Beach, too. Check out my OB guide for favorites there. 

READ MORE: Craving sushi? I’ve got a guide to San Diego’s best sushi restaurants.

If you’re not ready to drop at this point, the nearest nightlife scene will be in Pacific Beach. Honestly, I’m too old for that neighborhood, but this isn’t about me.

Use my Pacific Beach guide to find your next adventure.

Three Days in San Diego: Day 2

Now that you’re all warmed up, kick off your second day in San Diego with the best market in the city.

Stop 1: Little Italy Mercato

I’m assuming you’re here on a long weekend. If that’s accurate, hit the Little Italy Mercato, the city’s best and biggest farmers market, between 8am-2pm on Saturday. 

Fun fact: There’s a Wednesday version, too, just in case you’re here mid-week. That one runs from 9:30am-1:30pm. Both are rain or shine.

The market spans six blocks along West Date Street with fresh fruits and veggies, snacks, and gift items from California farmers and artisans.

We loved visiting for their prepared items. You’ll see a few food trucks while you’re here, with live music most Saturdays, too.

Have a little walkabout in Little Italy after, popping by the Italy-inspired Piazza della Famiglia.

San Diego’s version isn’t really the same, but it may be easier for some to get to than somewhere like Bologna, one of my favorite Italian cities.

Stop 2: Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market nearby is also open on Saturdays starting at 8am until the sellers run out of goods. Get there early if you want fresh catch for later.

While you’re there, snap a photo of the Unconditional Surrender statue.

It was one of the first places Brian and I visited together on trips to San Diego before we moved. I supposed we were moved by the embrace.

Stop 3: The Embarcadero

This strip of maritime history is a nod to San Diego’s lasting connections to fishing and boating. You’ll find two popular attractions here, the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. 

We’ve done the USS Midway Museum twice, as it’s something guests like to do if they’re at all into naval history. You’ll be on the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the country if you choose to explore it. 

Just make sure you budget enough time for this one. There are dozens of exhibits here, and the ship is BIG. Buy tickets ahead of time online to make sure you’re able to make it happen. 

Note: I’ve seen some bloggers recommending skip-the-line tickets here. You do NOT need them. They’re just trying to get some affiliate money out of you. I get it, but no.

If you’re short on time and just want a quick taste of San Diego maritime intrigue, the floating Maritime Museum is a faster visit.

You’ll be exploring the city’s collection of historic ships, including the Star of India. She’s the oldest active sailing ship, so that’s quite something.

With more time, this is where you’d pick up most San Diego harbor cruises. We’ve done the San Diego SEAL Tours, but you have quite a few options to choose from if you’d like some time out on the water.

Here are a few more if you like options:

Stop 4: Lunch and Balboa Park

Choose your own adventure in San Diego’s impressive gathering place.

I have a detailed guide to the best of Balboa Park that highlights my favorite stops, but if you’ve never been to San Diego, you should probably see the San Diego Zoo.

It’s one of the best zoos in the country, even though the pandas have been sent back to China.

If museums are more your speed, the Museum of Us is my favorite. Upgrade your ticket to include the California Tower, a guided trek to some of the best views in the city. 

Balboa Park is also home to San Diego’s best urban trails, including a hike to my favorite suspension bridge, and the city’s best people-watching. It’s all in my guide.

Make time for lunch while you’re here. Panama 66 is my favorite when visiting Balboa Park. It’s casual and comes with an outdoor sculpture garden.

Stop 5: Coronado

Unlike La Jolla, Coronado is its own city. It’s still part of San Diego County, but it’s independent of San Diego proper. 

I’ll allow it here because it’s such a short trip from downtown and driving over the San Diego-Coronado Bridge is an experience in itself.

I have a healthy fear of bridges so don’t love it, but you may find it exciting.

Coronado is a tied island. That means it’s connected to the mainland by a sandy isthmus, or tombolo. That’s the Silver Strand.

You’ll see references to Coronado as Coronado Island. That’s not quite right, but Coronado Peninsula doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as well.

Coronado Beach is pretty perfect as sand and surf is concerned. If you’ve been waiting for me to tell you where to lounge, it doesn’t get much better than here. 

It’s also known for the historic Hotel del Coronado. The Del, or the Hotel Del, opened in 1888 as the largest beachfront resort in the world. 

Thanks to its National Historic Landmark status, it’s been able to survive over the years as a rare example of an architectural heyday. You won’t see many like it elsewhere, and it remains the second-largest wooden structure in the United States.

There are some cute-looking beach shacks and cocktail spots near the hotel that you can patronize if you’d like, but resist the urge to plan dinner here.

Orange Avenue and anywhere near the hotel is touristy and overpriced.

Stop 6: Dinner

I’m not going to gatekeep anything from you here. Juniper and Ivy is my favorite restaurant in San Diego. You’ll need to return to Little Italy for this one, but I promise it’s worth it.  

Juniper and Ivy is run by celebrity chef Richard Blais. I’ve gotten to meet him on visits there, and I wasn’t a creep at all. (The fact that I need to say this may suggest otherwise, but whatever.)

You’ll need a reservation for this one. 

If you didn’t plan ahead but love Blais, The Crack Shack nearby is his more casual fried chicken venture. It’s delicious, especially if you order the chicken oysters.

My Little Italy guide has a long list of alternatives in the neighborhood, too, including the city’s best Italian food. 

Optional Stop 7: The Gaslamp Quarter

This is where I’d typically call it after a busy day of activity, but if you have it in you, the city doesn’t go to bed after dinner. 

I don’t love the Gaslamp Quarter, but Vin De Syrah is an exception I’ve made. It’s an Alice in Wonderland-themed bar where you can sip on cocktails out of giant chairs that make you feel small.

Finding the hidden door is half the fun, so I’ll leave that part to you.

Three Days in San Diego: Day 3

This is where things start feeling a bit more local. You’ll be visiting some of my favorite spots in the city on day three, including our favorite neighborhoods overall.

Fun fact: One of the top-ranking San Diego itineraries refers to North Park as North Beach and it’s a GREAT example of why you need to find bloggers who have actually been to these places.

Stop 1: Brunch in Hillcrest

I’m not big on breakfast, but I LOVE brunch. Breakfast just feels so early most of the time, well before my stomach is ready to digest anything.

Whether you feel the same or need some sustenance to start your day, Hillcrest is the best place to start. The neighborhood is lousy with brunch stops. My favorites are Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, Great Maple, and Hash House a Go Go. 

That last one serves some of the largest portions in the world, by the way. You’ve been warned.

Hillcrest is also San Diego’s most inclusive neighborhood as the center of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

You can feel good about eating some whimsical pancakes while surrounded by all the love is love is love.

Stop 2: Old Town

Many people come here to eat, but you’re going to be quite fueled up after your brunch in Hillcrest. Feel free to come back later if you want a side of mariachis with large platters of Mexican food. 

I’m saying all of this lovingly. I’ve had many delicious meals in Old Town, particularly at Cafe Coyote.

You’re here for some of my favorite San Diego historical spots. If you love spooky stuff, start at the Whaley House Museum.

Visits here are all self-guided, but the docents on hand are available to tell you all about one of the most haunted sites in the United States. You can walk up for tickets, but I’d book in advance if you’re here in October.

If you want to linger here, follow that up with a trip to Oculto 477. It’s one of my favorite speakeasies in the city and will certainly keep the vibe going.

For more history, walk through Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Learn about where San Diego began at several important sites here like the First San Diego Courthouse. Just avoid the Mormon Battalion Historic Site.

I get into why in my Old Town guide.

Before you go, check out the old Victorian homes at Heritage County Park. The properties you’ll see here were moved here from elsewhere after being saved from demolition. Think about that a bit with a cup of tea at the Coral Tree Tea House.

Stop 3: South Park

Feel free to keep things flexible here depending on when you’re hungry (or thirsty). I’ve basically saved the best for last with a lineup of my favorite San Diego neighborhoods. 

Ideally, you’ll be able to park your car somewhere for the evening. These neighborhoods, especially North Park, are known for their craft beer. If you’re indulging, be safe about it.

I like starting with South Park in these parts. It’s super cute with lots of shops to pop into and fun murals along the way. For those disinterested in the beer to come, The Rose Wine Bar is excellent, especially on a nice day.

I get into all of that in my South Park guide. 

Stop 4: North Park

North Park is where we chose to purchase a home in San Diego for all those years. It was very good to us, and quickly became my favorite overall San Diego neighborhood.

It’s very walkable, which is great when you learn what North Park is known for: BEER.

This is San Diego’s beer paradise. There are at least a dozen breweries and tasting rooms within walking distance from one another in North Park.

I get into our favorites in my North Park guide, but Belching Beaver is one we loved taking guests to for the name alone.

Stop 5: Pizza

I’ve already told you I’m from Chicago, so you know I’m probably picky about pizza.

You’d be correct. I am picky about pizza.

That’s why you should trust me when I tell you that San Diego has some delicious pizza options. Let’s start with North Park since you’re already here. Tribute Pizza and URBN North Park both got quite a bit of my money over the years.

If you find yourself loving South Park, head to Buona Forchetta. This is some legit Neapolitan-style pizza, and probably our favorite spot overall.

I would know. I’ve been to Naples. Just expect a wait at this one, as it’s no secret.

If you want to explore another nearby neighborhood, head to Normal Heights for Blind Lady Ale House. This place looks like a dive bar, but their pizza game is strong.

Expect varied ingredients depending on what’s seasonal, but if there’s an egg on it, I’m likely in.

Stop 6: Mariposa Ice Cream

I know you’ve had an indulgent day, but trust me on this. You need ice cream right now.

Mariposa is the best in the city. Forget the hipster imitators trying to put lavender in everything. It’s all about the classics here.

Ask Will Ferrell. While filming Anchorman, he loved popping in for their Mexican chocolate. I’m not super big on chocolate, but their banana walnut is excellent.

More Things to Do in San Diego

You name it, we’ve done it. I have a super long San Diego bucket list for you to peruse if you want more variety than I’ve offered. It includes excursions outside of the city, too. 

With a few more days, you can hit the road to check out the Carlsbad Flower Fields, explore San Diego’s wine country in Temecula, and plan some hikes to nearby waterfalls.

San Diego is about as diverse as they come.

Where to Stay in San Diego

We lived in San Diego, so we weren’t usually investigating San Diego hotels.

On visits since, we’ve varied our stays with apartments in neighborhoods in Golden Hill, downtown San Diego, and even deep in the county in places like Ramona.

If you’re visiting for the first time, I’d stay in Little Italy over other downtown neighborhoods like the Gaslamp Quarter or East Village. You may find some budget-friendly accommodations closer to the beach in Pacific Beach.

Browse the map below for your options:

Three days in San Diego may not be enough.

You’ll just need to visit again. We lived there for seven years and I always look forward to another visit to revisit our favorite places and discover new things.

This is a city that will always pull us in no matter how much time has passed since we left.

Want more to peruse? Check out these San Diego city guides:

• A Detailed Guide to the Best of University Heights
• But Why Would We Leave San Diego??
• San Diego Has Polish Eats! Here’s Where to Find It
• A Guide to San Diego’s Top Dog Beaches
• Visit Julian for the Best Apple Pie Near San Diego

Traveling elsewhere in California? Check these out:

• A Detailed Guide to the Best of California Travel
• How to Plan a Trip to Solvang From Santa Barbara
• Should You Spend the Dough for The French Laundry?
• Top Things to Do on Trips to Santa Barbara
• How to Drive From LA to San Francisco

Want to see more?