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7-Days Itinerary for San Diego, California

  1. Day 1: San Diego Zoo
    15 minutes (4.5 miles) from San Diego International Airport

    Start the morning by exploring the San Diego Zoo, home to over 3,500 rare and endangered animals. In the afternoon, head to Balboa Park to visit the Botanical Building and the Museum of Art. Finish the day by watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

  2. Day 2: USS Midway Museum
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

    Learn about the history of the US Navy by exploring the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier that served from 1945 to 1992. In the afternoon, head to the Gaslamp Quarter for lunch and shopping, then take a stroll along the Embarcadero Marina Park to enjoy the waterfront views. End the day by catching a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park.

  3. Day 3: La Jolla Cove and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
    25 minutes (11 miles) from Petco Park

    Start the day with a guided kayaking tour at La Jolla Cove, where you can spot seals, sea lions, and other marine life. In the afternoon, explore the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, famous for its stunning ocean views and hiking trails. End the day by visiting the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

  4. Day 4: Coronado Beach and Hotel Del Coronado
    20 minutes (8.5 miles) from Birch Aquarium

    Take a ferry to the picturesque Coronado Island to spend the day at Coronado Beach, one of the best beaches in the country. In the afternoon, walk around the Hotel Del Coronado, a historic landmark that hosted celebrities and presidents. End the day with a romantic gondola ride in the Coronado Cays.

  5. Day 5: Old Town San Diego and Mission Beach
    15 minutes (4 miles) from Coronado Cays

    Start the day by visiting the Old Town San Diego, the birthplace of California, where you can learn about the history of the region and enjoy authentic Mexican food. In the afternoon, head to Mission Beach to ride the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster and play beach volleyball. End the day with dinner and drinks at Pacific Beach.

  6. Day 6: SeaWorld San Diego and Belmont Park
    15 minutes (4.5 miles) from Pacific Beach

    Experience the marine life up close at SeaWorld San Diego, where you can watch dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales perform. In the afternoon, visit the Belmont Park amusement park to ride the Wave House and the Plunge pool. End the day with a seafood dinner at the nearby Ocean Beach Pier.

  7. Day 7: USS San Diego Memorial and Cabrillo National Monument
    20 minutes (7 miles) from Ocean Beach Pier

    Pay tribute to the USS San Diego Memorial, a naval cruiser that sunk during World War I, and learn about the heroic actions of its crew. In the afternoon, visit the Cabrillo National Monument to learn about the history of the area and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the ocean. End the day with a farewell dinner at Little Italy.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the Birch Aquarium, or the Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also take a day trip to Tijuana, Mexico, or explore the nearby Temecula wine country. For a unique experience, try a hot air balloon ride over Del Mar or a helicopter tour over San Diego.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • San Diego Zoo (4 hours, $54)
  • USS Midway Museum (3 hours, $26)
  • La Jolla Cove (2 hours, free)
  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (2 hours, free)
  • Coronado Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Hotel Del Coronado (1 hour, free)
  • Old Town San Diego (2 hours, free)
  • Mission Beach (2 hours, free)
  • SeaWorld San Diego (4 hours, $93)
  • Belmont Park (2 hours, $50)
  • USS San Diego Memorial (1 hour, free)
  • Cabrillo National Monument (2 hours, $20)
  • Little Italy (2 hours, $30)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $323
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