The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for San Diego

Welcome to San Diego, home to quintessential California beaches alongside a vibrant but laid-back city. Referred to as “America’s Finest City,” there is something for everyone, and you can pretty much count on the weather being ideal.

This itinerary is perfect for first-timers, but I I would probably do something along these lines for any return visits.

Lastly, one important point thing to know before digging in: San Diego is very spread out, so plan on either renting a car or taking a cab / Uber, etc. between places. For example, the drive from downtown to La Jolla can be 30-40 minutes.

If you’re looking for our hotel recommendation, scroll to the bottom of this post!

Day 1 – La Jolla (& Optional Torrey Pines)

• Breakfast with Brockton Villa or Caroline’s in La Jolla. Start your day off right with breakfast and ocean views. Brockton Villa was a great option right in the La Jolla Cove area (but expect there to be a road between you and the ocean). If you start your day by La Jolla Shores Beach (see afternoon options below), check out Caroline’s.
• Explore La Jolla Cove area: There are so many fun things to do in a small and walkable area, and this was a favorite of the trip. The following are the can’t miss attractions, all right next to each other, and all with the company of many sea lions and other wildlife:
  • Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave (access by entering The Cave Store and heading down multiple flights of small stairs)
  • Coast Walk Trail
  • La Jolla Cove
• Lunch at Duke’s. I’m a sucker for a good view. After trying multiple places near La Jolla Cove, Duke’s had my favorite view – unobstructed ocean views. Another option is George’s. In either case, be sure to request a seat on the top floor.
• Afternoon options: There are a few options for the afternoon (and you could flip the order and do one of these in the morning instead):
  • Shop La Jolla Boutiques: There are tons of fun boutiques right by La Jolla Cove (so this option also means less driving / Ubers).
  • Relax at La Jolla Shores Beach.
  • Explore Torrey Pines.
• Dinner at Leila: There are no details missed at this Persian restaurant – the decor, the food, the ambiance – incredible. Think amazing kabobs and platters under the starlight.
• Pre- or Post-Dinner Drinks at Young Blood: Admittedly, we didn’t do many cocktail-only places because my San Diego travel companion was pregnant at the time, and I unfortunately haven’t tried Young Blood yet. But it’s high on my list for a return trip, and right around the corner from Callie.

Day 2 – Pacific Beach, Downtown, & Sunset Cliffs

• Breakfast at Breakfast Republic or Better Buzz Coffee: Both of these options were such a delight. Breakfast Republic is downtown and more of a fun sit-down option, and where you can order a bottle of wine with breakfast with no judgment. (I recommend getting there early to avoid the line.) Better Buzz Coffee is at Pacific Beach, and had great coffee, acai bowls, and other breakfast bites.
• Explore or Relax at Pacific Beach: What drew me into Pacific Beach? The 6-mile loop boardwalk, which made a great place for a run or stroll along the beach. But, this expansive beach is also great for typical beach activities, i.e., laying, and watching surfers. If you want more of a party scene, head (or stay) here later in the day, as there are lots of fun restaurants and bars alongside the beach.
• Lunch at Puesto: Since you are mere miles from the Mexican border, it seems illegal to go to San Diego and not have Mexican food. One option we loved – Puesto. There are multiple locations, but we went to the one at the Headquarters, right by Seaport Village.
• Explore Downtown Areas: Walk around the following areas:
  • Check out Seaport Village: This is a bit touristy but I nonetheless found it fun walking through. Right along the water and marina(s), it’s filled with cute (but somewhat touristy) shops and places to stop for a bite or drink.
  • Gaslamp Quarter: If you want to keep moving, check out the nearby Gaslamp Quarter. Although also known for its nightlife, if you head over to this area before 4pm on a weekend, you can checkout the Gaslamp Artisan Market.
• Happy hour drinks at Seneca Trattoria: After dinner at Bencotto, it was fun to stroll through Little Italy for a bit. But, if you are looking for a fun cocktail place, which is also great for a happy hour, and more Italian food, head to the Seneca Trattoria rooftop. Don’t expect the rooftop to be well advertised, but it’s inside the Intercontinental Hotel. Just head inside to the elevator, and it will become obvious you’re in the right spot then. Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re “in the know” at this trendy hot spot.
• Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs: Another favorite of the trip, the Sunset Cliffs are an absolute must, with quintessential California cliffs, beach, and a sunset. Be sure to check when the sunset is when you are visiting (and I suppose the weather, though it will probably be good). If you want, bring some picnic goods. Also, don’t make the mistake of leaving immediately after the sun is out of the horizon – some of the best colors came slightly after the sun went out of view.
• Dinner at Bencotto in Little Italy: If you are an Italian food lover (who isn’t?!), Bencotto is a must. The cheese wheel pasta on the menu drew me in, but it also had a top notch espresso martini and a great wine selection. It also has a “brother” restaurant next door, Monello, which is on my list for a return visit. Make sure to book a reservation far in advance – these restaurants are hard, if not impossible, to get into without a reservation on a weekend night.

Day 3 – Zoo, Balboa Park, & (Optional) Coronado Beach

• Breakfast at Morning Glory: Such a cute and delicious brunch spot right in Little Italy. You have to order the soufflé pancakes, or the French toast, but honestly everything is probably good. If you are going on a weekend, get there early to beat the line!
• San Diego Zoo and/or Balboa Park: San Diego has one of the most famous zoos, and if you’re into that sort of thing, you should probably visit. Right next to the zoo is the city’s well-known Balboa Park, filled with beautiful Spanish architecture, gardens, and museums. You could spend a little to a lot of time in each. We just did a short amount of time in Balboa Park, leaving us plenty of time for the rest of the items below.
• Lunch at The Henry (by Coronado Beach): Next, head over to Coronado Beach and grab lunch at this great, all-American fare restaurant. (Expect a little wait if you arrive at peak hours.)
• Explore Coronado Beach Area: As noted above, you could probably spend a full day at the zoo and Balboa Park. But if you head to Coronado Beach, you can spend some time either on the beach or exploring the many boutiques in the area.
• Grab a drink at Sun Deck at the Historic Hotel del Coronado (Coronado Beach) or Lafayette Hotel (closer to the zoo / the dinner recommendation, and it’s where I recommend staying!): In Coronado Beach area, I’d recommend visiting the historic, and potentially haunted, Hotel del Coronado. We grabbed a drink at its Sun Deck restaurant, and it felt like a true vacation. If you don’t want to head to that area from the zoo, a closer option on my bucket list is the recently remodeled Lafayette Hotel, with a trendy new design and apparent hot spot bar.
• Dinner at Quixote. One of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. It’s Oaxacan inspired with influences from all over the world, and set in a former church with unique decor. Everything we ordered was beyond.

Additional Restaurant & Bar Options:

• Callie
• Osteria Ciccia
• Coco Maya
• Hinar (coffee & dessert bar)
• On our list for a future trip:
  • Flora
  • Lola 55
  • Camino Riviera
  • Raised by Wolves
  • False Idol

Where to Stay:

I could not recommend the Lafayette Hotel enough. In addition to the incredible pool, there are 5 restaurants and bars, including the cutest pool and lobby bar, Quixote (mentioned above), a 24-hour diner, a jazz bar, and a gaming bar complete with a bowling alley. Think old Hollywood vibes with exotic but chic decor, and wonderful personal touches for those staying there. If you don’t stay there, you should at least stop by for a drink! (Thank you to them for the hotel tour and meal at Quixote!)

-Kasey