After checking in, head to Waterfront Park on the Embarcadero for an easy 45-minute leg stretch: wander the lawns and fountains, then enjoy the bay views as the light starts to soften. It’s a relaxed first stop and free to visit. From here, Maritime Museum of San Diego is a short walk south along the waterfront. The ships are best explored while there’s still daylight, so check the museum’s seasonal hours and aim to arrive well before closing; on a late arrival, you may need to make this a shorter visit. Admission is typically around $20–$25 for adults, with access and hours varying by ticket and season.
Walk or take a quick rideshare—about 5–10 minutes—to Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy. Spend about 45 minutes around the plaza and nearby streets, especially India Street, where you can browse the neighborhood and get your bearings. Then settle in at Ironside Fish & Oyster, a few blocks away, for seafood in a lively, stylish dining room. Budget roughly $35–$65 per person before drinks and tip; reservations are a good idea, and it’s worth checking Monday hours before you head over.
Get to San Diego Zoo around opening—typically 9 a.m., but check the zoo’s calendar for December hours—and plan on four to five hours. It’s a large, hilly zoo, so wear comfortable shoes and use the included guided bus tour early to get your bearings; admission is roughly $70–$80 per adult, with prices varying by date. From downtown, a rideshare or taxi usually takes about 10–15 minutes; parking is generally free, though the lots can fill.
Head to Spanish Village Art Center for about 45 minutes among the brightly painted studios and courtyards. It’s an easy walk within Balboa Park from the zoo; many studios are generally open during daytime hours, but individual artists’ schedules vary, so treat this as a flexible browse. Then settle in for a late lunch at The Prado at Balboa Park, a short walk away. California-inspired dishes in the historic setting make a nice pause after the zoo; budget about $25–$50 per person, and reserve or check current hours before you go.
Finish with an easy hour wandering Balboa Park—take in the Spanish Colonial Revival façades and whichever gardens are open, without trying to cover the whole park. December afternoons get cool as the sun drops, so bring a light layer. The park is free to stroll; garden hours and any admission fees vary by garden.
Head to La Jolla Cove early, when the shoreline is quieter and the light is lovely on the cliffs. From central San Diego, allow roughly 25–40 minutes by car, depending on traffic; parking around the Cove is limited, so arrive early and be ready to use a paid lot or hunt for a legal street space. You can also take the MTS Route 30 bus toward La Jolla, though the trip is longer. Spend about an hour on the shoreline paths watching the sea lions from a respectful distance—don’t approach or block their way to the water.
Continue on foot to Coast Walk Trail for about an hour of clifftop views. Follow posted signs and respect any temporary closures; the trail has uneven sections, so shoes with good grip are a better choice than sandals. From there, drive or take a short rideshare to Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla Shores. Set aside 1½–2 hours for the exhibits and ocean views; admission is generally around $25–$35, and hours and ticket prices can vary, so check the aquarium’s calendar before you go. If you’re hungry afterward, La Jolla Shores has casual cafés for a light bite before dinner.
Make your way to George’s at the Cove for dinner and lingering ocean views; reserve ahead if you can, especially for a table near sunset. Budget roughly $40–$80 per person before drinks and tip, and check current hours and menu when booking. If you drove, allow extra time to find parking near the restaurant; otherwise, a rideshare from the Shores keeps the evening simple.
Start at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park around 9:30 or 10 a.m. Give yourself about 90 minutes to wander the preserved buildings and courtyards; admission is free, though some museums and historic interiors may have their own hours. The park is generally open daily, but individual sites can vary, so check the state park’s schedule before you go. Then walk over to Cafe Coyote for lunch—its handmade tortillas and lively patio make it a natural stop in the heart of Old Town. Budget about $20–40 per person and allow an hour.
From Old Town, drive to Cabrillo National Monument; allow about 30–40 minutes, more if traffic is heavy. The monument is typically open 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with the entrance fee charged per vehicle (around $20; passes may cover it). Head up early enough to enjoy the lighthouse and exhibits without rushing—the park gates close before evening, so don’t save this stop for last. Plan on 1½–2 hours, and bring a light jacket: Point Loma can feel breezy even on a clear day.
Drive about 20–30 minutes to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and take a relaxed walk along the coast for roughly 45 minutes. Sunset is around 4:40 p.m. in early December, so aim to arrive with a little daylight to find a safe place to watch; stick to established paths and keep back from the unstable cliff edges. Parking is limited along the residential streets, so leave time to find a spot, and check local signs before leaving your car.
Catch the San Diego–Coronado Ferry from Broadway Pier to the Coronado Ferry Landing; the crossing takes about 15 minutes, with great skyline views from the deck. Check the operator’s schedule and fares before you go, since departure times and prices can change, and arrive 10–15 minutes early to board. From the landing, take a rideshare or local bus toward Hotel del Coronado (roughly 10 minutes by car); walking takes about 30 minutes.
Give Hotel del Coronado about an hour to admire its Victorian architecture and browse areas open to visitors. It’s an active hotel, so access to some spaces can be limited; check current visitor guidance before setting out. Then stroll Coronado Beach beside the hotel for an easy hour on the wide, sandy shore. December can be breezy even on a sunny day, so bring a layer—and keep an eye on surf and tide conditions.
Head to The Henry for brunch or an early meal; budget about $20–40 per person and check its current hours and wait times before you arrive. It’s a convenient stop in the village area after your beach walk. To return downtown, go back to the Coronado Ferry Landing for the ferry, allowing time for the ride there and boarding; confirm the final crossings that fit your plans.
Start at Liberty Public Market in Liberty Station for a relaxed breakfast and a last taste of San Diego. The market typically opens at 9 a.m., but vendor hours can vary, so check ahead; budget about 45–60 minutes and $10–25 per person. Afterward, take a 30–45-minute stroll through NTC Park, the former naval training center grounds, for a little fresh air before your flight.
If your departure time allows, have an early lunch at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station. It generally opens around 11 a.m.; confirm hours and leave enough time to enjoy the garden without rushing. From Liberty Station, it’s usually about 15–25 minutes by car to San Diego International Airport, though traffic and rental-car return can add time. Follow your airline’s recommended check-in arrival window, and build in extra time if you’re checking bags or returning a car.
No packing list attached yet.