8-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration of San Diego, California

Day 1: Historic and Cultural Highlights

San Diego, California on June 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Mission Cafe

Enjoy a hearty, health-conscious breakfast with a Mexican twist in San Diego’s popular Mission Beach area, open 7am-3pm.
USD15, 1h

10:30am

Balboa Park Exploration

Visit Balboa Park’s gardens, museums, and iconic architecture. Don't miss the Botanical Building and the Museum of Man. The park opens at 9am.
USD0-20 depending on museums, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Panama 66

Dine with a view in Balboa Park featuring contemporary American fare and craft beers, open from 11am.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

San Diego Museum of Art

Explore the extensive collection of American and European art; open until 5pm.
USD15, 1h30m

5:30pm

Evening stroll in the Gaslamp Quarter

Experience vibrant nightlife, historic Victorian buildings, and early dinner options.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Searsucker

Enjoy innovative New American cuisine in an upscale yet casual setting.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Coastal Beauty and Wildlife

San Diego, California on June 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brockton Villa

Savor famous Coast Toast overlooking the ocean in La Jolla, open from 7am.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

La Jolla Cove and Sea Caves

Explore stunning ocean views and watch seals lounging on the rocks; perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. Open all day.
Free; kayak rentals around USD40, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Taco Stand

Enjoy authentic Mexican tacos with fresh ingredients in a casual beachside environment.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Visit the aquarium featuring marine life from the Pacific Ocean; open 9am–5pm.
USD20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Pacific Beach

Unwind on the sandy beach or stroll the boardwalk.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at World Famous

Dine on seafood and casual fare with ocean views in Pacific Beach.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Sites and Harbor Views

San Diego, California on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Richard Walker's Pancake House

Savor classic and innovative pancakes in downtown San Diego, open from 7am.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Explore California's historic roots through preserved buildings and museums. Open 10am–5pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Coyote

Enjoy traditional Mexican dishes in Old Town with handmade tortillas.
USD22, 1h

1:30pm

Coronado Island and Beach

Drive or ferry to Coronado and explore its charming town and pristine beaches.
USD12 ferry or free drive, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Hotel del Coronado

Tour the historic beachfront hotel and enjoy sunset views.
Free to explore, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Peohe's

Splurge on seafood dishes with stunning harbor views on Coronado Island.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nature and Art Immersion

San Diego, California on June 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hash House a Go Go

Enjoy huge portions of creative American comfort food, open from 7am.
USD20, 1h

10:00am

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Hike scenic cliff trails with ocean views and native wildlife; open 7am–sunset.
Parking USD15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Lodge Torrey Pines

Refined lunch with spectacular views at the iconic resort near the Reserve.
USD30, 1h

2:30pm

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (La Jolla)

Discover modern art collections in a beautiful oceanfront setting; open 11am–5pm.
USD15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at La Jolla Shores Beach

Spend late afternoon on the beach, perfect for swimming and sunset watching.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Duke’s La Jolla

Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired dishes with ocean views in a casual setting.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Family Fun and Aquatic Adventures

San Diego, California on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Cafe

Classic breakfast favorites with generous portions, open from 7am.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

San Diego Zoo

Visit one of the world’s most famous zoos featuring more than 3,500 animals; park opens at 9am.
USD65, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Albert’s Restaurant inside Zoo

Convenient dining within the zoo with a variety of options.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon at Mission Bay Park

Rent a paddleboard or kayaks at Mission Bay for water fun.
USD30 rental, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Point Loma Seafoods

Enjoy fresh seafood with a casual harbor-side atmosphere.
USD30, 1h
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Day 6: Harbor Cruise and Shopping

San Diego, California on June 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café 222

Try their famous peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast, open from 7am.
USD18, 1h

10:00am

San Diego Harbor Cruise

Take a relaxing 1.5-hour narrated boat tour of the San Diego harbor and skyline.
USD30, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Upscale seafood dining with views of the marina.
USD40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping in Seaport Village

Browse unique boutiques and souvenir shops in this waterfront shopping complex.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relaxation at Embarcadero Marina Park

Enjoy scenic waterfront views and peaceful gardens before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rustic Root

Try farm-to-table dishes with a lively atmosphere downtown.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Beach Relaxation Day

San Diego, California on June 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Neptune’s Cafe

Beachfront dining in Pacific Beach with classic breakfast options, open from 7am.
USD20, 1h

10:00am

Surf or Sunbathe at Ocean Beach

Spend the morning surfing or relaxing on the sandy shores of Ocean Beach.
Free; surfboard rentals USD25, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at OB Noodle House

Taste casual Korean noodle dishes at this relaxed local spot.
USD15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Ocean Beach Farmers Market

Browse fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and street food stalls; open 3pm–7pm on Sundays, so visit on June 29 or nearby date.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Sunset Pier Walk

Enjoy a scenic walk along Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for breathtaking ocean views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Harbor House

Seafood restaurant with a panoramic harbor view perfect for a farewell dinner.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure and Light Morning Stroll

San Diego, California on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bahia

Enjoy fresh, organic breakfast options with ocean views, open 7am.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Walk along Mission Bay Park

Take a peaceful stroll before departure in the scenic Mission Bay park area.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Check out and travel to airport

Prepare for departure with plenty of time to reach San Diego International Airport.
Variable transport cost, 1h
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