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7-Day Itinerary for San Diego, California

  1. Day 1: Balboa Park
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Downtown San Diego

    Enjoy the morning exploring Balboa Park and its 17 museums. Visit the San Diego Zoo, which is home to over 3,500 animals. For lunch, try the award-winning tapas at Cafe Sevilla. Spend the evening watching an outdoor play at the Old Globe Theatre.

  2. Day 2: USS Midway Museum
    15 minutes (4 miles) from Balboa Park

    Embark on a self-guided tour aboard the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy for 47 years. For lunch, try the gourmet burgers at Hodad's Ocean Beach. Spend the evening at Ocean Beach Pier watching the sunset.

  3. Day 3: La Jolla Cove
    20 minutes (9 miles) from USS Midway Museum

    Start the day with a stroll along the scenic La Jolla Cove and watch the sea lions. Have lunch at George's at the Cove, which offers stunning ocean views. Spend the afternoon exploring the Birch Aquarium. For dinner, indulge in Italian cuisine at Piatti.

  4. Day 4: Coronado Island
    25 minutes (8 miles) from La Jolla Cove

    Take a ferry to Coronado Island and rent bikes to explore the island. Have lunch at the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Spend the afternoon at the Coronado Beach and enjoy the sunset. For dinner, try the authentic Mexican food at Miguel's Cocina.

  5. Day 5: Gaslamp Quarter
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Coronado Island

    Explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian-era buildings. Visit the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and learn about Chinese-Americans in San Diego. For lunch, try the seafood at The Oceanaire Seafood Room. Spend the evening at the rooftop bar at Altitude Sky Lounge.

  6. Day 6: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
    40 minutes (33 miles) from Gaslamp Quarter

    Spend the day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you can see over 3,500 endangered and exotic animals. For lunch, try the Mediterranean cuisine at Bellamy's Restaurant. Spend the evening relaxing at the Carlsbad State Beach.

  7. Day 7: Old Town San Diego
    30 minutes (12 miles) from San Diego Zoo Safari Park

    Visit the historic Old Town San Diego, where you can experience the early days of San Diego. Have lunch at Cafe Coyote, which serves authentic Mexican cuisine. Spend the afternoon at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. For dinner, try the contemporary American cuisine at Juniper & Ivy.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Take a day trip to Tijuana, Mexico, which is only 20 miles south of San Diego. For a unique experience, visit the USS Recruit, a landlocked Navy ship used for training recruits.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Balboa Park (3 hours, $50)
  • USS Midway Museum (4 hours, $30)
  • La Jolla Cove (4 hours, $75)
  • Coronado Island (5 hours, $100)
  • Gaslamp Quarter (3 hours, $70)
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park (6 hours, $70)
  • Old Town San Diego (4 hours, $60)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $455
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