Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Ultimate 7-Day San Diego Itinerary

Viewed by 97 travelers

Day 1: City Exploration & Dining

Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 21

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe 21, known for its farm-to-table dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
Cafe 21 is located in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter, just a short walk from most hotels in the area.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore USS Midway Museum

Visit the USS Midway Museum to learn about the maritime history of San Diego aboard an aircraft carrier turned museum.
From Cafe 21, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront to reach the USS Midway Museum.
$$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lionfish

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Lionfish, known for its fresh catches and stylish ambiance.
Lionfish is located in the Gaslamp Quarter, a short walk from the USS Midway Museum.
$$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gaslamp Quarter Stroll

Take a leisurely stroll along the Gaslamp Quarter's historic streets, lined with Victorian-era buildings housing shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Explore the Gaslamp Quarter on foot, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and architecture.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nobu

Indulge in a luxurious dinner experience at Nobu, known for its upscale Japanese cuisine and elegant setting.
Head to Nobu for dinner, located within walking distance from the Gaslamp Quarter.
$$$$, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Gaslamp Quarter

Day 2: Historic Sites & Rooftop Dining

Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

9:00AM

Breakfast at Breakfast Republic

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Breakfast Republic, known for its creative twists on classic dishes.
Breakfast Republic is a short walk from most hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit San Diego Zoo

Spend the morning exploring the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, home to a diverse collection of animals in a lush setting.
Take a short drive or use public transportation to reach the San Diego Zoo from the Gaslamp Quarter.
$$$, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Altitude Sky Lounge

Enjoy a midday meal with a view at Altitude Sky Lounge, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic vistas of the city.
Head to Altitude Sky Lounge for lunch, located in the Gaslamp Quarter.
$$$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Petco Park Tour

Take a guided tour of Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, to get a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium.
Walk to Petco Park from Altitude Sky Lounge for your scheduled tour.
$$, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Jsix

Enjoy a romantic dinner at Jsix, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and intimate ambiance.
Head to Jsix for dinner, located within the Gaslamp Quarter.
$$$, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Gaslamp Quarter

Day 3: Beach Relaxation & Coastal Beauty

La Jolla, San Diego

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Start your day with a charming breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes.
The Cottage La Jolla is located in the heart of La Jolla village, a short walk from most accommodations.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

La Jolla Cove Exploration

Explore the stunning La Jolla Cove, known for its crystal-clear waters, sea caves, and abundant marine life. Consider kayaking or snorkeling for a closer look.
Walk from The Cottage La Jolla to La Jolla Cove to enjoy the natural beauty.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Duke's La Jolla

Enjoy a Hawaiian-inspired lunch at Duke's La Jolla, overlooking the ocean with breathtaking views.
Head to Duke's La Jolla for lunch, located near La Jolla Cove.
$$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Girard Avenue

Stroll along Girard Avenue for boutique shopping, art galleries, and unique finds in the heart of La Jolla.
Explore Girard Avenue on foot, taking your time to browse the shops and galleries.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at George's at the Cove

Experience a culinary delight at George's at the Cove, a renowned restaurant offering panoramic ocean views and innovative cuisine.
Head to George's at the Cove for dinner, a short walk from Girard Avenue.
$$$$, 2 hours
Find Hotels in La Jolla

Day 4: Outdoor Adventures & Spa Indulgence

La Jolla, San Diego

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caroline's Seaside Cafe

Enjoy a seaside breakfast at Caroline's Seaside Cafe, known for its ocean views and delicious breakfast options.
Caroline's Seaside Cafe is located near La Jolla Shores, offering a relaxing start to your day.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Kayaking at La Jolla Shores

Embark on a thrilling kayaking adventure at La Jolla Shores, where you can paddle alongside sea lions and explore sea caves.
Drive or take a short ride to La Jolla Shores for your kayaking excursion.
$$$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Piatti

Savor a leisurely lunch at Piatti, an Italian eatery offering fresh pasta and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Head to Piatti for lunch, located in the La Jolla village area.
$$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Spa Treatment at Estancia La Jolla

Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at Estancia La Jolla, where you can unwind and rejuvenate in a tranquil setting.
Drive or take a short ride to Estancia La Jolla for your spa appointment.
$$$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Eddie V's Prime Seafood

Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Eddie V's Prime Seafood, known for its fresh seafood and elegant ambiance.
Head to Eddie V's Prime Seafood for dinner, located in the La Jolla village.
$$$$, 2 hours
Find Hotels in La Jolla

Day 5: Beachfront Luxury & Sunset Views

Coronado, San Diego

9:00AM

Breakfast at Clayton's Coffee Shop

Start your day with a classic breakfast at Clayton's Coffee Shop, a beloved Coronado establishment with a retro vibe.
Clayton's Coffee Shop is located near the Coronado Beach, offering a convenient breakfast spot.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Coronado Beach Relaxation

Spend the morning relaxing on the pristine shores of Coronado Beach, known for its sparkling sand and picturesque views of the Hotel del Coronado.
Take a leisurely stroll from Clayton's Coffee Shop to Coronado Beach for a day of sun and sea.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge

Enjoy a casual lunch at Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge, a local favorite offering farm-to-table fare and a laid-back atmosphere.
Head to Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge for lunch, located near Coronado Beach.
$$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Biking along the Silver Strand

Rent bikes and cycle along the scenic Silver Strand, a picturesque isthmus connecting Coronado to Imperial Beach.
Rent bikes from a nearby shop and start your cycling adventure along the Silver Strand.
$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Embark on a romantic sunset dinner cruise to enjoy stunning views of the San Diego skyline from the water.
Head to the designated pier for your sunset dinner cruise departure point.
$$$$, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Coronado

Day 6: Island Paradise & Beachfront Bliss

Coronado, San Diego

9:00AM

Breakfast at Crown Bistro

Indulge in a gourmet breakfast at Crown Bistro, a quaint eatery offering delicious pastries and coffee.
Crown Bistro is located near the Coronado Ferry Landing, providing a charming start to your day.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Ferry to San Diego Harbor

Take a scenic ferry ride from Coronado to the San Diego Harbor, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and waterfront.
Walk to the Coronado Ferry Landing and board the ferry to San Diego Harbor for a scenic journey.
$, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Carnitas' Snack Shack

Savor a delicious lunch at Carnitas' Snack Shack, a local gem known for its pork-centric menu and vibrant flavors.
Head to Carnitas' Snack Shack for lunch, located in the lively North Park neighborhood.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Balboa Park

Spend the afternoon exploring the cultural oasis of Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Take a short ride or walk from North Park to Balboa Park to immerse yourself in its rich history and beauty.
$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Prado at Balboa Park

Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Prado at Balboa Park, a culinary institution offering exquisite cuisine in a historic setting.
Head to The Prado at Balboa Park for a memorable dinner, surrounded by the park's enchanting ambiance.
$$$, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Coronado

Day 7: Cultural Immersion & Botanical Beauty

Balboa Park, San Diego

9:00AM

Breakfast at Panama 66

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Panama 66, a hip cafe nestled within Balboa Park serving up fresh coffee and pastries.
Panama 66 is conveniently located within Balboa Park, offering a scenic spot to begin your day.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit San Diego Museum of Art

Explore the impressive collections at the San Diego Museum of Art, showcasing a diverse range of artworks from around the world.
Walk to the San Diego Museum of Art within Balboa Park to immerse yourself in artistic masterpieces.
$$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Albert's Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Albert's Restaurant, a charming eatery located within the park offering fresh and flavorful dishes.
Head to Albert's Restaurant for lunch, a perfect pitstop during your museum exploration.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Botanical Building & Gardens

Stroll through the iconic Botanical Building and Gardens, home to a diverse collection of plants and a peaceful oasis within Balboa Park.
Explore the Botanical Building and Gardens on foot, taking in the beauty of the botanical wonders.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Fine Dining at Bertrand at Mister A's

Conclude your San Diego journey with a luxurious fine dining experience at Bertrand at Mister A's, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Head to Bertrand at Mister A's for a memorable dinner, savoring exquisite cuisine and panoramic vistas.
$$$$, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Balboa Park
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About San Diego

Trip Packing List: San Diego (late February)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: San Diego (17 Apr - 27 Apr 2026)
Packing List
San Diego Weather Guide: Year-Round Climate & Microclimates
Weather Guide
Full Guide to Michelin Star Cities: 2025 Updated List
Travel Expert
Global Michelin Cities & US Travel Tiers from New York
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your San Diego Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go