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

Discovering San Diego in 7 Days

Viewed by 128 travelers

Day 1: Beach Day

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Start your day with a delicious breakfast by the beach in La Jolla, known for its charming atmosphere and ocean views.
Drive or take a rideshare from the city center to La Jolla (30 minutes).
25 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

La Jolla Cove

Explore the stunning La Jolla Cove, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Don't forget your camera!
Walk from The Cottage La Jolla to La Jolla Cove (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at George's at the Cove

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean at George's at the Cove.
Walk from La Jolla Cove to George's at the Cove (5 minutes).
40 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Windansea Beach

Relax at the picturesque Windansea Beach, popular among surfers and beach enthusiasts.
Drive or take a rideshare from La Jolla to Windansea Beach (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Market

Savor fresh seafood at The Fish Market while enjoying views of the harbor at sunset.
Drive or take a rideshare from Windansea Beach to The Fish Market (20 minutes).
50 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 2: Historic Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Richard Walker's Pancake House

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Richard Walker's Pancake House, known for its delicious pancakes and cozy atmosphere.
Walk or take a short drive from the city center to Richard Walker's Pancake House (15 minutes).
20 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour

Embark on a guided walking tour of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, filled with Victorian-era buildings, lively bars, and trendy shops.
Walk from Richard Walker's Pancake House to Gaslamp Quarter (10 minutes).
30 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe 21

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Cafe 21, known for its creative dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
Walk from Gaslamp Quarter to Cafe 21 (5 minutes).
35 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit USS Midway Museum

Explore the USS Midway Museum, a floating maritime museum showcasing the history of a historic aircraft carrier.
Walk from Cafe 21 to USS Midway Museum (15 minutes).
30 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

Indulge in upscale coastal cuisine at Lionfish, located in the Gaslamp Quarter, offering a modern dining experience.
Walk from USS Midway Museum to Lionfish (10 minutes).
60 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 3: Balboa Park Exploration

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Prado at Balboa Park

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Prado, located in the heart of Balboa Park, surrounded by lush gardens.
Drive or take a short ride from the city center to The Prado at Balboa Park (10 minutes).
30 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Balboa Park Museums

Explore the various museums within Balboa Park, including the San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Man, and more.
Walk between the museums in Balboa Park (10-15 minutes between each).
50 USD (multiple museum entry), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Panama 66

Enjoy a casual lunch at Panama 66, an outdoor eatery with live music and a laid-back atmosphere.
Walk from the museums to Panama 66 (5 minutes).
25 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Botanical Building and Lily Pond

Stroll through the iconic Botanical Building and peaceful Lily Pond, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Walk from Panama 66 to the Botanical Building (5 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Prado at Balboa Park

End your day with a delightful dinner at The Prado, enjoying the ambiance of Balboa Park at night.
Walk from the Botanical Building to The Prado at Balboa Park (10 minutes).
40 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 4: Surfing Day

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kono's Cafe

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Kono's Cafe in Pacific Beach before hitting the waves for a surfing lesson.
Drive or take a rideshare from the city center to Kono's Cafe (20 minutes).
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Surfing Lesson at Pacific Beach

Take a surfing lesson at Pacific Beach, known for its beginner-friendly waves and vibrant beach scene.
Walk from Kono's Cafe to the surf school at Pacific Beach (5 minutes).
60 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at World Famous

Relax and enjoy a beachside lunch at World Famous, offering fresh seafood and ocean views.
Walk from the surf school to World Famous (10 minutes).
40 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Beach Relaxation

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of Pacific Beach, soaking in the California sunshine.
Walk from World Famous to Pacific Beach (5 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Crushed

End your day with dinner at Crushed, known for its creative comfort food and relaxed beach vibe.
Walk or take a short drive from Pacific Beach to Crushed (10 minutes).
35 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 5: Mountain Retreat

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Trails Eatery

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at The Trails Eatery before heading to the mountains for a nature retreat.
Drive or take a rideshare from the city center to The Trails Eatery in San Carlos (20 minutes).
25 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park

Explore the scenic trails of Mission Trails Regional Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Drive from The Trails Eatery to Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center (15 minutes).
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Lake Murray

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the tranquil waters of Lake Murray, a perfect spot for relaxation and nature appreciation.
Drive from Mission Trails Regional Park to Lake Murray (10 minutes).
15 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Cowles Mountain

Hike up Cowles Mountain for panoramic views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean from the city's highest point.
Drive from Lake Murray to Cowles Mountain Trailhead (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Terra American Bistro

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Terra American Bistro in La Mesa, known for its sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
Drive from Cowles Mountain to Terra American Bistro (15 minutes).
50 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 6: Seaside Villages

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caroline's Seaside Cafe

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Caroline's Seaside Cafe in La Jolla, overlooking the ocean and cliffs.
Drive or take a rideshare from the city center to Caroline's Seaside Cafe (30 minutes).
30 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Del Mar Village

Wander through the charming streets of Del Mar Village, known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and beautiful beach.
Drive from La Jolla to Del Mar Village (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Poseidon Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Poseidon Restaurant in Del Mar, offering oceanfront dining and a relaxed atmosphere.
Walk from Del Mar Village to Poseidon Restaurant (5 minutes).
45 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Encinitas

Explore the laid-back beach town of Encinitas, known for its surf culture, trendy shops, and meditation gardens.
Drive from Del Mar to Encinitas (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pacific Coast Grill

Indulge in a coastal dining experience at Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, known for its fresh seafood and ocean views.
Drive from Encinitas to Pacific Coast Grill (10 minutes).
60 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 7: Cultural Delights

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 21 Gaslamp

Start your day with a flavorful breakfast at Cafe 21 Gaslamp, offering a fusion of global cuisines and innovative dishes.
Walk or take a short drive from the city center to Cafe 21 Gaslamp (10 minutes).
25 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Chicano Park Murals

Explore the vibrant murals and rich cultural history of Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Drive from Cafe 21 Gaslamp to Chicano Park (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Puesto

Enjoy a modern take on Mexican street food at Puesto, located in the heart of downtown San Diego.
Drive from Chicano Park to Puesto (10 minutes).
30 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Immerse yourself in San Diego's early history at Old Town State Historic Park, filled with historic sites, museums, and lively shops.
Drive from Puesto to Old Town San Diego (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Juniper & Ivy

Conclude your cultural day with a dinner at Juniper & Ivy, a contemporary restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and trendy ambiance.
Drive from Old Town San Diego to Juniper & Ivy (10 minutes).
70 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego
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