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Budget 7-Day Road Trip in San Diego

Viewed by 127 travelers

Day 1: Beach Day

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

Mission Beach

Start your day with a relaxing morning at Mission Beach, known for its boardwalk and beautiful sandy shores.
Mission Beach is a 20-minute drive from central San Diego.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Pacific Beach

Head to Pacific Beach for some beachfront lunch and a chance to soak up the sun.
Pacific Beach is a 10-minute drive from Mission Beach.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

La Jolla Cove

Explore the stunning views and marine life at La Jolla Cove before sunset.
La Jolla Cove is a 15-minute drive from Pacific Beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Old Town San Diego

End your day with a budget-friendly dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Old Town San Diego.
Old Town San Diego is a 20-minute drive from La Jolla Cove.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historic Day

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

Gaslamp Quarter

Start your day with a walk around the historic Gaslamp Quarter, filled with Victorian-era buildings and trendy shops.
Gaslamp Quarter is a 15-minute drive from central San Diego.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

USS Midway Museum

Visit the USS Midway Museum to explore the historic aircraft carrier and learn about naval aviation.
USS Midway Museum is a 10-minute walk from Gaslamp Quarter.
$$, 3 hours

3:00PM

Balboa Park

Stroll through Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
Balboa Park is a 15-minute drive from USS Midway Museum.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Little Italy

Enjoy a budget-friendly Italian dinner in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy.
Little Italy is a 10-minute drive from Balboa Park.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 3: Nature Day

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Embark on a hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.
Torrey Pines is a 20-minute drive from central San Diego.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Cabrillo National Monument

Visit Cabrillo National Monument for panoramic views of San Diego and to learn about its history.
Cabrillo National Monument is a 30-minute drive from Torrey Pines.
$, 2 hours

3:00PM

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Catch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a perfect way to end the day surrounded by nature.
Sunset Cliffs is a 15-minute drive from Cabrillo National Monument.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Ocean Beach

Enjoy a casual dinner at one of the local eateries in the laid-back atmosphere of Ocean Beach.
Ocean Beach is a 10-minute drive from Sunset Cliffs.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 4: Culture Day

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

Chicano Park

Explore the vibrant murals and cultural history of Chicano Park in Barrio Logan.
Chicano Park is a 20-minute drive from central San Diego.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

San Diego Museum of Art

Visit the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park to admire its collection of fine art.
San Diego Museum of Art is a 15-minute drive from Chicano Park.
$, 2 hours

3:00PM

Old Globe Theatre

Catch a play or tour the iconic Old Globe Theatre, a renowned theater in Balboa Park.
Old Globe Theatre is a 5-minute walk from San Diego Museum of Art.
$$, 3 hours

6:00PM

Hillcrest

Dine at one of the budget-friendly restaurants in the eclectic neighborhood of Hillcrest.
Hillcrest is a 15-minute drive from Balboa Park.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 5: Relaxation Day

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

Seaport Village

Start your day with a leisurely stroll at Seaport Village, a waterfront shopping and dining area.
Seaport Village is a 10-minute drive from central San Diego.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Coronado Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the pristine shores of Coronado Beach.
Coronado Beach is a 20-minute drive from Seaport Village.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Hotel Del Coronado

Explore the historic Hotel Del Coronado and enjoy a drink with ocean views.
Hotel Del Coronado is a 5-minute walk from Coronado Beach.
$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Gaslamp Quarter

Return to Gaslamp Quarter for a budget-friendly dinner and lively nightlife.
Gaslamp Quarter is a 15-minute drive from Coronado Beach.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 6: Adventure Day

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Embark on a safari adventure at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, home to a variety of exotic animals.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 45-minute drive from central San Diego.
$$, 4 hours

1:00PM

Escondido

Have a budget-friendly lunch at a local spot in the nearby city of Escondido.
Escondido is a 15-minute drive from San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
$, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lake Hodges

Take a leisurely walk around Lake Hodges and enjoy the serene natural surroundings.
Lake Hodges is a 20-minute drive from Escondido.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Poway

Head to Poway for a budget-friendly dinner at one of its local eateries.
Poway is a 15-minute drive from Lake Hodges.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Highlights

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Explore marine life and ocean conservation at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a 25-minute drive from central San Diego.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Salk Institute

Visit the iconic Salk Institute for Biological Studies and learn about its architectural significance.
Salk Institute is a 10-minute drive from Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

UC San Diego

Take a self-guided tour of the UC San Diego campus and explore its unique architecture and public art.
UC San Diego is a 15-minute drive from Salk Institute.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

La Jolla Shores

Wrap up your trip with a relaxing evening at La Jolla Shores, known for its sandy beaches and picturesque sunsets.
La Jolla Shores is a 10-minute drive from UC San Diego.
Free, 2 hours
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