How many days do you need in San Diego?

This itinerary covers 5 days in San Diego, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for San Diego?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to San Diego. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Family Fun in San Diego

Day 1: Zoo Adventure

San Diego, California

8:00AM

Explore San Diego Zoo

Begin your day with a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, home to over 3,700 animals. Don't miss the giant pandas and the polar bears!

Adults $58, Children $48, 4-6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Albert's Restaurant

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Albert's Restaurant inside the zoo, offering a variety of delicious options for all ages.

Approx. $15-25 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Balboa Park

Head to Balboa Park for a leisurely stroll and explore the gardens and museums. The kids will love the botanical wonders and open spaces.

Free, 2-3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Prado at Balboa Park

End the day with a delicious dinner at The Prado, a family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu and a charming ambiance.

Approx. $20-40 per person, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 2: Legoland Adventure

Carlsbad, California

9:00AM

Explore Legoland California

Spend the day at Legoland California, where your family can enjoy thrilling rides, interactive shows, and amazing LEGO sculptures.

Adults $89, Children $83, 6-8 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Knight's Smokehouse BBQ

Grab a mouthwatering BBQ lunch at Knight's Smokehouse BBQ inside Legoland, with plenty of options for kids and adults alike.

Approx. $10-20 per person, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse

Enjoy a family dinner at Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with a diverse menu to satisfy everyone's cravings.

Approx. $25-40 per person, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in Carlsbad

Day 3: Balboa Park & Children's Museum

San Diego, California

10:00AM

Visit San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

Start the day with a visit to the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, where kids can engage in hands-on, interactive exhibits and activities.

Adults $12, Children $12, 3-4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Prado at Balboa Park

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at The Prado, situated in the heart of Balboa Park and offering a diverse menu with options for all tastes.

Approx. $15-30 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Balboa Park

Spend the afternoon exploring the various museums and gardens within Balboa Park, providing a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Free, 3-4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Panama 66

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Panama 66, known for its casual and family-friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and live music on certain evenings.

Approx. $20-35 per person, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 4: Beach Day at Mission Beach

San Diego, California

9:00AM

Relax at Mission Beach

Spend the day at Mission Beach, where the family can enjoy the sun, sand, and various beach activities like biking, rollerblading, and beach volleyball.

Free, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Cannonball

Have a beachfront lunch at Cannonball, offering Japanese cuisine and stunning ocean views, perfect for a relaxing midday meal.

Approx. $15-25 per person, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Draft South Mission

Enjoy a laid-back dinner at Draft South Mission, a family-friendly spot with a diverse menu and a welcoming beachside atmosphere.

Approx. $20-35 per person, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 5: SeaWorld Adventure

San Diego, California

10:00AM

Explore SeaWorld San Diego

Spend the day at SeaWorld San Diego, where you can enjoy thrilling rides, aquatic shows, and up-close animal encounters for an unforgettable family experience.

Adults $95, Children $90, 6-8 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shipwreck Reef Café

Have a family lunch at Shipwreck Reef Café inside SeaWorld, offering a variety of kid-friendly options and delicious meals for adults.

Approx. $10-20 per person, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Harbor House

End the day with a delightful dinner at Harbor House, a family-friendly restaurant with a seafood-focused menu and beautiful views of the bay.

Approx. $20-40 per person, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in San Diego

Like this trip? Make your own version.

A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.

Create my version

Itinerary created by Plantrip Team January 15, 2024 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Family Fun in San Diego

Day 1: Zoo Adventure

8:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:30PM

Day 2: Legoland Adventure

9:00AM

1:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Balboa Park & Children's Museum

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:30PM

Day 4: Beach Day at Mission Beach

9:00AM

1:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: SeaWorld Adventure

10:00AM

1:00PM

7:00PM

More About San Diego

Plan Your San Diego Trip