San Diego Food & Sightseeing Week-Long Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

Morning: Arrive at San Diego International Airport and take a short Uber ride to your trendy stay at Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Check‑in, drop off luggage, and enjoy a quick coffee at the hotel’s rooftop lounge.

Afternoon: Stroll through the vibrant Gas Gas district, sampling tacos from a popular street vendor and visiting the historic Petco Park area for a quick photo.

Evening: Dine at Café 21 for a farm‑to‑table dinner, then enjoy a sunset walk along Seaport Village, soaking in the harbor lights.

Day 2: Balboa Park & Museums

Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at The Mission in Mission Beach before heading to Balboa Park, where you’ll explore the iconic Botanical Building and the San Diego Museum of Art.

Afternoon: Wander through the San Diego Zoo (you can choose a few highlights like the pandas and the Panda Trek). Grab a quick bite from the park’s food courts, offering a variety of international cuisines.

Evening: Return to the hotel, freshen up, and head to Craft & Commerce in Little Italy for craft cocktails and small plates.

Day 3: USS Midway & Harbor Cruise

Morning: Enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel’s café, then walk to the USS Midway Museum for an immersive naval experience.

Afternoon: Embark on a Harbor Cruise that offers scenic views of the skyline, Coronado Island, and the iconic Coronado Bridge. Grab a snack on board.

Evening: Dine at the waterfront restaurant The Fish Market, sampling fresh seafood and a local wine.

Day 4: La Jolla Coastal Day

Morning: Take a quick drive to La Jolla Cove for sunrise, then explore the tide pools and watch sea lions.

Afternoon: Walk along the scenic Coast Boulevard, stopping at La Jolla Shores for a surf lesson or a leisurely beach walk. Lunch at George’s at the Cove for upscale Californian cuisine.

Evening: Return to downtown, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Hodad’s for classic San Diego burgers and a craft beer.

Day 5: Old Town & Mexican Cuisine

Morning: Explore historic Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, taking in the adobe architecture and museums.

Afternoon: Savor authentic Mexican dishes at Casa de Reyes, then stroll through the vibrant Old Town Market for souvenirs.

Evening: Catch a live performance at the San Diego Civic Theatre, then grab dessert at Donut Bar for a sweet treat.

Day 6: North County & Wine Tasting

Morning: Head to Temecula Valley for a day trip. Start with a scenic drive and a visit to V. Sattui Winery for a tasting.

Afternoon: Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Rooftop Restaurant in the vineyard, then explore the historic Old Town Temecula with its boutique shops.

Evening: Return to San Diego, dine at Barleymash for a modern take on American comfort food.

Day 7: Relaxation & Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Parc Café in Pacific Beach, followed by a relaxed walk along the boardwalk.

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping at Seaport Village or the Fashion Valley Mall for souvenirs.

Evening: Return to Hotel Indigo to collect luggage and head to the airport for departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hotel Indigo San Diego (1 night) – 1 night – $150
• Hotel stay (6 nights) – 6 nights – $900
• Breakfast (average) – 7 days – $140
• Food & dining (average) – 7 days – $700
• Balboa Park (entry to museum) – 3 hours – $20
• San Diego Zoo (day pass) – 4 hours – $65
• USS Midway Museum – 2 hours – $28
• Harbor Cruise – 1.5 hours – $40
• La Jolla Cove (free) – 2 hours – $0
• La Jolla lunch at George’s – 1.5 hours – $50
• Old Town Historic Park – 2 hours – $15
• Temecula wine tour – 5 hours – $100
• Transportation (rental/ rideshare) – 7 days – $250
• Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) – 7 days – $200
• Total Estimated Cost: $2,508

Tips

For a shorter trip, condense days 4 and 5 into one “Coastal & Cultural” day by combining La Jolla and Old Town in a single afternoon, and skip the Temecula day‑trip. To extend the trip, add a day at the beach towns of Coronado or Mission Beach, and consider a day‑trip to nearby Ensenada, Mexico for a culinary adventure. Adjust dining budgets by choosing more casual eateries for lunch and saving fine‑dining experiences for special evenings.