Exploring San Diego in a Day

  • 9:00 AM: Balboa Park
    15 minutes (4.5 miles) from Downtown San Diego

    Balboa Park is a huge park with many attractions and activities to do. You can visit the San Diego Zoo, Museum of Natural History, and Museum of Art. Take a stroll through the Botanical Building and marvel at the beautiful plants and flowers.

  • 11:00 AM: USS Midway Museum
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Balboa Park

    The USS Midway Museum is a retired aircraft carrier that now serves as a museum. You can explore the living quarters, flight deck, and engine room. See the planes and helicopters that were used during its active duty.

  • 1:00 PM: Old Town San Diego
    20 minutes (6 miles) from USS Midway Museum

    Old Town San Diego is like taking a trip back in time. You can explore the historic buildings and shops that sell handmade goods. Try some Mexican food at one of the many restaurants.

  • 3:30 PM: La Jolla Cove
    20 minutes (9 miles) from Old Town San Diego

    La Jolla Cove is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the view. You can sunbathe at the beach, go for a snorkel or a swim. The area is known for its sea lion population, so keep an eye out for them.

  • 5:30 PM: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
    20 minutes (4 miles) from La Jolla Cove

    Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a great place to watch the sunset. The park has many trails to walk and enjoy a view of the ocean. Be sure to bring a jacket as the temperatures can drop quickly after the sun goes down.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • San Diego Zoo (2 hours, $60)
  • Museum of Natural History (1.5 hour, $25)
  • USS Midway Museum (2 hours, $25)
  • Old Town San Diego (2 hours, $30)
  • La Jolla Cove (2 hours, free)
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (1.5 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $140

Transportation

San Diego is easily accessible by car and public transportation. Ride sharing apps, such as Uber or Lyft, are also available. Expect to pay around $30 for an Uber ride from the airport to Downtown San Diego. Public transportation, such as the bus or trolley, is affordable with fares starting at $2.25. Plan for travel time and find parking ahead of time.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, or see more of the sea life by visiting Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider skipping Old Town San Diego.

Airports

The main airport in San Diego is San Diego International Airport (SAN). The airport is located less than 3 miles from Downtown San Diego, making it a convenient option. The airport code is "SAN".

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