Welcome to America’s Finest City! If you’re planning a trip to the stunning shores of Southern California, look no further than San Diego. With its picturesque coastline, vibrant neighborhoods, and an abundance of attractions, San Diego offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re a beach lover, a food enthusiast, or a nature enthusiast, this three-day itinerary and travel guide will ensure you make the most of your visit to this coastal gem.
Renting a Car
Having a car will make getting around San Diego much more convenient! On our first trip to San Diego back in 2021, we rented a car at the airport. This time around in 2023, we decided to try Turo for the first time, and loved it! The entire process of renting a car through Turo went very smoothly for us, and we had zero issues. I also found that renting through Turo can be cheaper than renting through a traditional car rental agency at the airport. How you go about getting a car is up to your preference, but I personally recommend having one to get around during your stay in San Diego!
Accommodations
Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, finding the perfect accommodations is essential to make the most of your stay in America’s Finest City. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy boutique hotels and budget-friendly options, San Diego offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences.
There are plenty of accommodation options in San Diego whether that be Airbnb, hotels, etc… As a budget-friendly traveler, I like to find options that rate well while being economical. While San Diego has the famous and beautiful Hotel del Coronado and other more notable places to stay, I was able to find a good and reasonably-priced hotel not far from downtown San Diego and the beaches.
After analyzing Airbnb costs and hotels on Booking.com, I found that booking a hotel was slightly cheaper this time around for our trip during mid-May. Although during our trip in September 2021, we stayed in a great, economical Airbnb. We were overall happy and satisfied with our stay at the Kings Inn Hotel in the Mission Valley area of San Diego. This spot had some of the cheapest accommodations offerings during the time frame of our trip while still having good ratings.
The Kings Inn is rated great on both Google and Booking.com. The staff is very friendly, the rooms are generally spacious and have everything one typically needs, and the hotel has a pool and hot tub on site. There is a parking fee of $15 per night at this hotel, but the hotel itself seems to be a relatively cheaper option compared to other spots in the area. I recommend checking out Booking.com and Airbnb to decide on an option that suits your needs, wants, and budget!
The Weather
San Diego boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, temperate winters and warm, generally dry summers. This inviting weather makes it a year-round destination, but some seasons offer a more quintessential San Diego experience than others.
For those seeking the perfect balance of warmth and minimal crowds, the ideal time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods, temperatures hover between the comfortable mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, allowing visitors to explore the city’s countless outdoor attractions and golden beaches without sweltering heat or very chilly winds.
However, May and June can be exceptions to San Diego’s otherwise sunny reputation. While the rest of the year boasts abundant sunshine, these months often exhibit a phenomenon known locally as the “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” Despite the temporary gloom, the weather is still pleasant, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit.
Our first visit to San Diego was in September 2021, and the weather was absolutely perfect reaching the high 70s and sunny! On our most recent trip to San Diego this May 2023, the weather was more brisk, generally in the low to mid-60s and cloudy. We did encounter some sun and a nearly 70-degree afternoon on one of our three days which was amazing! Despite May, June, and even July at times being overcast, San Diego is still beautiful to see during these months! If you are planning to spend your days on a hot and sunny beach, then I would recommend visiting during August or September.
Day 1: Arriving in San Diego
If possible, I recommend taking a flight that arrives in the morning or early afternoon, so that you can enjoy a full day exploring San Diego. For reference, my partner and I flew into San Diego from New Jersey, and the flight was roughly five hours. We landed in San Diego around noon and began our exploration from there.
- Morning: Have breakfast on the flight or at the airport.
- Noon arrival: Arrive in San Diego and settle into your accommodations if you are able to get an early check-in. If you are unable to get an early check-in like us, then maybe have a change of clothes convenient to ensure you are comfortable to start exploring following your flight.
- We were not able to check in to our hotel until 4 pm, but we made the most of our afternoon in San Diego by grabbing lunch and exploring a local beach.
- Early to mid-afternoon: Indulge in a simple lunch at a local spot such as The Taco Stand or Livs Juice Bar & Smoothies.
- We did lunch at The Taco Stand’s Downtown San Diego location and absolutely loved kicking off our trip this way! The tacos are incredible! The Taco Stand has multiple locations throughout San Diego that you can visit.
- Mid-Afternoon: Walk around the Gaslamp Quarter.
- We wandered around the Gaslamp Quarter for about an hour and enjoyed delicious ice cream from Cali Cream. While in this area, visitors can also see the Petco Park baseball stadium where the San Diego Padres play!
- Afternoon Beach Relaxation: Explore the beautiful beaches nearby, such as Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, and/or Mission Beach.
- We spent about an hour or two at Ocean Beach and loved the chill vibe and beautiful flowers surrounding it.
- Late Afternoon: Check into your accommodations if you have not already, and prepare for a casual evening and dinner.
- Evening & Dinner: Explore Old Town San Diego and have a delicious dinner at Casa de Reyes.
- Old Town San Diego is a historic neighborhood that takes visitors back in time to the early days of the city. It showcases the rich cultural heritage and Spanish influence with its preserved adobe buildings, museums, vibrant shops, and delicious Mexican cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and food enthusiasts alike.
Day 2: Exploring La Jolla & More
- Breakfast: Start the day with a mouth-watering breakfast at Parkhouse Eatery, a top-rated breakfast spot in the area.
- The food, ambiance, and service here are superb!
- Mid-morning to early afternoon: Explore the beauty and sights of the La Jolla area. Nestled along the picturesque coastline of California, La Jolla is a true gem waiting to be discovered. With its beaches, rugged cliffs, and vibrant marine life, this coastal community offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and upscale charm. Take a stroll along the shores of La Jolla Cove, where you can witness playful seals and sea lions, or explore the quaint village area with its boutique shops, art galleries, and world-class dining options. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing day by the ocean, La Jolla promises an unforgettable exploration of California’s coastal wonders.
- Below is a list of sights to check out while in La Jolla:
- Windansea Beach
- La Jolla Tide Pools
- Children’s Pool La Jolla
- Seal Rock
- La Jolla Cove
- Coast Walk Trail
- Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Taco Stand’s La Jolla location.
- The tacos here are some of the BEST in San Diego, and we thoroughly enjoyed dining here twice during our trip! The churros are mouth-watering as well!
- Afternoon: Get some hiking in at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
- The Parry Grove Trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise. As you traverse this moderate scenic trail, you’ll be surrounded by majestic Torrey pine trees, unique coastal vegetation, and breathtaking ocean views.
- There are a bunch of trails at Torrey Pines, and I recommend spending at least 2-3 hours here.
- There is a fee of $15 to $25 per vehicle (depending on the day of the visit) to park in the main lots in Torrey Pines. These lots are worth paying for if you don’t have too much time, as they are conveniently located near most of the trails.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant of your choice. Below is an idea:
- Italian food at Buona Forchetta in South Park. Their handmade pasta and Neapolitan-style pizza are incredible! They also have a few other locations in the area including one on Coronado Island.
- After Dinner: Walk around the Pacific Beach area, and enjoy a delicious dessert at The Baked Bear.
Day 3: Exploring San Diego
- Morning brunch: Indulge in an amazing brunch at The Mission in Mission Beach.
- Everything I’ve eaten here has been incredible from the fluffy pancakes to the avocado toast to the croissant breakfast sandwich, etc…
- Their Mocha Chip shake is also a delicious treat to sip on as it is made with vanilla ice cream, espresso, and decadent chocolate chips!
- Late morning: Enjoy a stroll along Mission Beach.
- Afternoon: Drive to Balboa Park and explore the grounds and architecture of this charming property. There are both free and paid attractions within Balboa Park and if you are only spending 2-3 hours here, then you can definitely explore a lot of the free areas. Also, if you are considering visiting the San Diego Zoo, then I would recommend budgeting an entire day or afternoon here as the tickets can get pricy and there is a lot to cover. We skipped the zoo as we didn’t feel we had enough time to get our money’s worth, but we have heard about how awesome it is.
- Mid-afternoon: Check out the famous Coronado Island and explore the charming beach town.
- Stroll by the famous Hotel Del Coronado while here!
- Late lunch or snack time: Grab a quick bite such as chips, guacamole, burritos, and more while on Coronado Island at Clayton’s Mexican Take Out.
- Dinner: Enjoy a delightful dinner of handmade pasta and more authentic Italian cuisine at Cesarina.
- Cesarina is an incredible spot for delicious and authentic Italian eats in a stunning atmosphere. The service is extremely attentive, and we had the best time here! Our dining experience at Cesarina was 10/10!!!
After Dinner: Visit the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and take in the stunning coastal views lined with vibrant flora. There is a free parking lot next to the access points for the trails. I recommend arriving at least thirty minutes before sunset to give yourself time to explore before it gets dark. On weekends, this spot can get crowded, so it is advised to arrive a little earlier to ensure you can get a parking spot. We had no issue with parking as we visited on a Thursday in May.
Day 4: San Diego to Palm Springs (BONUS DAY)
Our 3-day trip to San Diego was followed by a few days in Palm Springs, which I will share an itinerary for in a separate blog post. Below is a rough outline of our timed itinerary for our drive from San Diego to Palm Springs.
- 8:00 AM – 8:25 AM: Check out of the San Diego accommodation and drive north along the coast.
- 8:25 AM – 8:45 AM: Make a quick scenic stop at Sunset Seat in Del Mar. This is a small attraction off the side of the road that you can see very quickly (maybe budget 15 minutes).
- 8:45 AM – 8:55 AM: Drive from Sunset Seat to Powerhouse Beach in Del Mar.
- 8:55 AM – 9:30 AM: Explore Powerhouse Beach and enjoy the sandy shores.
- 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM: Drive to downtown Encinitas.
- 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM: Get a tasty breakfast at the 101 Diner in Encinitas.
- 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM: Take a brief walk to the D-Street Viewpoint Park in Encinitas and walk down the stairs to the beach and check it out. This beach is super rocky, so I recommend having good shoes on for this. You also may notice a lot of surfers here!
- 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Drive to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
- The fields are open seasonally, and depending on the timeframe of your trip, I would look into this.
- Tickets had to be purchased in advance and were $26.08/pp after fees during our visit in mid-May.
- 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM: Explore The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. As of late May 2023, the Flower Fields are closed, and will reopen in 2024!
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Drive to Palm Springs.
- The drive from Encinitas to Palm Springs can take anywhere from 2-3+ hours depending on traffic.
San Diego Recap
Overall, San Diego is a beautiful coastal area in Southern California that is definitely worth checking out! From the sandy shores to incredible food to a plethora of attractions, San Diego is a perfect long weekend trip on the West Coast. Don’t forget to check out my San Diego vlog on YouTube for a visual guide/itinerary – COMING VERY SOON!
Comment below your favorite thing to do and/or favorite spot to eat in San Diego!
