Being a resident of California for nearly a decade, I have made several trips to the beautiful city of San Diego over the years. Incidentally, every time I visit this city, I am amazed at how much beauty, adventure, and relaxation it has to offer. With sunny beaches, world-class cuisine, possibilities of interaction with marine animals, and theme parks, San Diego has a lot to offer for any type of traveler. Here, I have put together the ultimate San Diego itinerary 5 days to help you plan an incredible trip to this coastal California city!
Over the last few years, San Diego has truly evolved from a small coastal California town with college students and a naval base to a world-class travel destination. This place may get overlooked by the average traveler making their PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) trip. But, I am here to tell you that it absolutely deserves a stopover! Whether you are planning your own PCH road trip or want to visit San Diego as its own destination, this guide will walk you through every spot you need to visit.
Best time to visit San Diego
The best time to visit San Diego is during the springtime of April and May and late summer of late August through October. These months feature a blend of nice weather but relatively fewer tourists.
Avoid the peak summer months, especially holiday weekends as it gets super busy. Particularly, during the months of June through early August, San Diego experiences peak tourism with visitors looking for fun beach days and theme park visits.
The winter months of December and January are a bit cold with rainy weather bringing the temperatures below 50 F.
However, during the rest of the year, the temperatures rarely fall below 55 F.
Are you planning your Southern California trip? Be sure to add a couple of days in the fascinating Joshua Tree National Park! Read my travel guide to the park here.
San Diego 5 Day Itinerary
Here is the ultimate San Diego Itinerary 5 days that you can use for your travel.
Day One in San Diego
On your first day in San Diego, you will explore some of the main highlights of this city. You will also get to experience the lively nightlife it offers.
Morning - Balboa Park, Spanish Village Art Center
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in San Diego than spending your first day in the amazing Balboa Park! Balboa Park is a 1000 acres park situated close to downtown San Diego. It gets millions of visitors every year. A number of Spanish Colonial-style museums are located within this park, making it a day-long destination if they are your thing.
Additionally, it also contains the renowned San Diego Zoo. Take your time to walk around the park, and check out the flowers, the buildings, and the people. The Spanish Village Art Center and its colorful tiled floor are my favorite spot in the entire park. Talk about picturesque, am I right?
Note that the entrance to Balboa Park is free, but museums and the zoo require entrance fees.
Noon/Afternoon - San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a world-famous location to visit thanks to its vast size (100 acres!) and diverse residents. The park contains over 4000 species of animals, including polar bears, koalas, Galapagos tortoises, and (get this!) pygmy hippos! This spot is a must-visit if you are traveling with kids. Just make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water. Oh, and this is also a perfect spot to grab an afternoon cup of coffee or tea.
For a bonus spot, especially if you are traveling with kids, drop into the San Diego Natural History Museum or the San Diego Air & Space Museum for a couple of hours. Both museums have rotating displays that will surely delight the kiddos and keep them engaged.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is another excellent location to kick back and relax with the koi fish.
Evening - Coronado Beach, Kayaking at sunset, Gaslamp Quarter
Afterward, head over to watch an iconic sunset in the Pacific waters. One of my favorite beaches is Coronado Beach, situated on a peninsula off San Diego Bay. It is about a 10-minute drive from downtown San Diego. You can rent a kayak on the beach or simply walk on the sand, dip your toes in the cool waters, and watch the golden sun slowly dip below the multi-colored horizon. Can you tell that I am obsessed with sunsets?
While you are there, be sure to check out the iconic Hotel del Coronado. It is a Victorian-style hotel with California beach vibes (think: charming but laid back). The hotel is impossible to miss due to its iconic red-tiled roofs.
No visit to San Diego can be complete without visiting the Gaslamp Quarter. This lively area is punctuated by numerous restaurants, eateries, bars, clubs, and lounges. All types of visitors of all ages can appreciate the neighborhood and everything it houses. Be sure to sample some fish tacos and other authentic Mexican fares (as authentic as it can get in the US, that is!) while you’re there!
Grab a cocktail at the rooftop bar of Rustic Root. Groove to the 2000s music and watch people out and about on the busy street below.
Day Two in San Diego
On your second day in San Diego, you will be busy learning why this city is an important naval base for the US, and the role it plays in the maritime strength of the US military.
Morning - Maritime Museum or USS Midway
The maritime history of San Diego is best experienced by visiting the Maritime Museum or the USS Midway. The Maritime Museum houses a collection of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship named “Star of India”! It also contains other historic ships. In fact, you can walk on the decks of the H.M.S Surprise, San Salvador, and Medea, and see artifacts on display in each of them.
Be sure to check out the Model Gallery showcasing miniature models with impressive minute details of the famous ships.
The Maritime Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and you buy tickets here.
Alternatively, you can visit the USS Midway for a different experience. The USS Midway is a retired World War II aircraft carrier and now acts as a museum ship. You can enter the ship and get to close quarters with more than 30 restored aircrafts on display on the main deck. There are also visit the sleeping quarters, engine room, officers’ quarters, and other parts of the ship on your tour.
You can buy tickets here. Be sure to collect the audio guide included in your ticket.
Noon/Afternoon - Whale watching Tour or Harbor Tour, Old Town San Diego
In San Diego, you can see whales in the ocean waters year-round. During the summer, blue whales can be seen from May through August. In the winter months of December through March, you can see gray whales migrating from Alaska to Mexico. Other whales like humpbacks can be seen all year round on the coast of California. A whale-watching tour is a fun experience that you need to experience in San Diego.
If going to ocean waters makes your stomach churn, you can alternately opt for a Harbor tour. San Diego has an extensive harbor with oodles of history and significance. Learn about the military bases in SD, the Coronado bridge, and the lighthouses while on tour. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the noisy California seals lazing on the docks!
We opted for the harbor tour in December with Flagship Cruises and had a great time, minus the cold rain! For an extra special time with your loved one, book a cruise during sunset.
Also, the one time I went for a whale-watching tour was off Monterey Bay and we saw three blue whales! Needless to say, it was an incredible experience, but that’s for another story. 🙂All of this is to say that you will not be disappointed with either the whale watching or the harbor tour.
Evening - Old Town San Diego
After sunset, drive over or take a trolley to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It is considered to be an open-air museum with replicas of western-style saloons, shops, museums, and buildings from the 19th century. Old town San Diego showcases the Mexican history of San Diego and that it was a part of Mexico until 1848.
Explore the town square, and be mesmerized by the intricate local arts and crafts in the stores. I also saw some shops selling artwork from artists in Mexico, so here’s your chance to grab some souvenirs.
If you have extra time, head over to Old Town before sunset, as you will be able to appreciate just how beautiful the decor, the vibrant colors, and the liveliness in the full light of day. Stay back for dinner at one of the 30 restaurants available within the old town with lively Mariachi band music.
Day Three in San Diego
When in San Diego, you have to visit a theme park, right? On your third day, you will head over to the SeaWorld in San Diego to have the best time of your lives and feel like a kid again! SeaWorld is an adventure park devoted to marine life, conservation, marine research, and public education on the very real crises facing marine life.
A trip to SeaWorld requires some planning. Read this complete post here on how to spend a day in SeaWorld, including some tips, tricks and hacks!
Optionally, another popular theme park for visitors with kids is Legoland. Although I have not personally been there, I hear people having a great time in that park as well!
Rearrange this 5-day itinerary according to the date you get tickets for the theme park(s). I recommend visiting SeaWorld somewhere in the middle of your itinerary as this allows you to settle down in San Diego first, and then devote a full day of adventures in the park.
Morning - SeaWorld: Rides
In the morning, make a beeline for the adrenaline rush at the popular rides of SeaWorld. High on top of the list is the Electric Eel for the steel-hearted. In this ride, you will be strapped in and roller-coasted in both directions at breakneck speed! Your heart will be thumping loudly at the end of the ride, but it is 100% a fun experience.
For those favoring perhaps a little less craziness, opt for the Emperor rollercoaster ride (still a thrill) or the more family-friendly Manta ride.
The morning is the best time for the rides as there are fewer people waiting in lines in general. Additionally, my recommendation is to be done with the rides before you have lunch so as to avoid an upset stomach and other unpleasantness. Try to go on an empty stomach if you can. Just trust me on this.
Make sure to book tickets to SeaWorld in advance, and do not wait until the last minute. The best deals are provided earlier in time. SeaWorld usually has some discounts being offered from time to time, so keep an eye out.
Parking in SeaWorld is extra, in addition to entrance ticket fees. We opted for general parking (there are about 4 tiers of parking!) and found it fairly easy to find parking as we arrived before 11 am and it was during winter.
Noon/Afternoon - SeaWorld: Lunch and Shows
As it gets closer to noon, make sure to complete all your rides, and then head for lunch. There are a limited number of food/drink options in SeaWorld, all of which are fairly decent, but a bit expensive. We liked our fried chicken sandwiches at The Chicken Snack Shack most.
There are plenty of spots for you to grab a beer if you want a drink. You can also carry it around the park (some animal encounter areas do not allow open drinks though).
Afterward, catch a marine animal show that SeaWorld is famous for. Watch the fascinating Orca Show which is a dazzling display of orcas mimicking their natural behavior for an audience with a background of educational tidbits and information.
Another popular show is the Dolphin Show which was one of my favorite things to do in SeaWorld! The dolphins are such an energetic bunch and their show is a mixture of them dancing (I am serious) and doing acrobatic displays to lively music. There are few things that have you as mesmerized and completely immersed as this show!
Evening - SeaWorld: Fireworks or Seaport Village
In the evening, you can watch a fireworks show at SeaWorld or head over to the nearby Seaport Village. The Seaport area is a tourist haven with high-rise hotels and upscale restaurants. Even if you don’t stay in a hotel here, it is worth checking out.
Here, grab some unbelievable seafood at one of these swanky places. We had a delicious meal at Sally’s Fish House. After dinner, head outside and walk along the waters to Embarcadero Marina Park. The gentle lapping of water against the pebbles with the inky backdrop of the night sky accentuated by the glittering lights of the cityscape is so romantic.
After this long day, head back to your hotel early and get some rest.
Day Four in San Diego
On day 4, you will drive around San Diego to visit different points of interest spread along the Pacific coast.
Morning - Cabrillo National Monument, Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Start your morning early at the Cabrillo National Monument. This park consists of a lighthouse and a statue dedicated to the first European settler to set foot on the West Coast of the US.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is definitely worth a visit here and is well-maintained. This lighthouse was inaugurated in 1855 and served San Diego Bay for 36 years. It is now a museum and you can see inside the quarters of the lighthouse keeper.
Nearby is the Cabrillo Statue Plaza, dedicated to explorer Cabrillo who was the first European mentioned above. From the plaza, you can see unblocked vistas of the Pacific waters and Coronado island to the east. Keep an eye out on the horizon for potential whale sightings.
During low tide, you can also see tidepools and marine life on the beach.
There is also a “New” Point Loma Lighthouse located at the tip of Point Loma. This new lighthouse was constructed as the Old Lighthouse had a flaw. The light from the old lighthouse would get obscured by fog and low clouds common in this area.
Noon/Afternoon - Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Sunset Cliffs
After exploring the lighthouse and surrounding areas, drive north to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. While not a typical pitstop, this cemetery honors members of the armed forces laid to rest in a beautiful location. It is a poignant and peaceful place worth stopping by for a few minutes.
Note: If you opt for a Harbor Tour of the North San Diego Harbor, the boat sails by this place, and the guide will mention this cemetery.
Next, head up to Sunset Cliffs. Here, you can explore the Sunset Cliffs Cave which has a unique rock structure left behind by eroding ocean waters. During low tides, you can walk inside the cave, but be careful, as you need to be sure-footed.
Grab a late lunch at Ocean Beach.
Evening - La Jolla, Seaport Village
Before sunset, drive further north to La Jolla. La Jolla has many points of interest, depending on the type of traveler you are. There is La Jolla Cove, a rocky beach with picnic tables. People with kids may want to visit the La Jolla Tide Pools or the Children’s Pool La Jolla. Furthermore, check out the seals snoozing on the beach.
The most popular beach is La Jolla Shores Beach from where you can catch a stunning sunset with seals for company. There are numerous good restaurants in La Jolla ranging from seafood, Mexican or American fare, to name a few.
If you did not visit Seaport Village the day earlier, today is a perfect day to check out that area.
Day Five in San Diego
On your last day in San Diego you will discover the Spanish history of this place and spend time on a beach. You are in sunny, beachy San Diego after all!
Morning - Mission San Diego
Start your day by visiting Mission San Diego de Alcalá. If you are unfamiliar with a mission, it is essentially a church established by Spain all along the California coast. They were established to convert Native Americans to Catholicism and expand European colonization. Today, some of them are still active and serve as houses of worship.
In Mission San Diego, as in other missions, you will see beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and design. Note that this is an active mission, so you may see mass in session.
Noon/Afternoon - Beach Time!
On your final day, make sure to hit one of the many insanely beautiful San Diego beaches. Some likely candidates for a perfect beach day are Mission Beach (college town feel), Del Mar (located up north where locals hang out), and Coronado (helpful if you’re staying close by).
Go surfing, kayaking, or simply hang out with the kiddo building sandcastles. Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
Evening - Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter deserves a second visit in my opinion! Once you’re finished working on your tan, head back to the dynamic Gaslamp District on your last night in San Diego. Visit a speakeasy-themed bar, if you like that kind of thing. My recommendation is the Prohibition Lounge. The mixologists there know their craft well.
Where to stay in San Diego
There are so many good locales in San Diego that it can be hard to lock down a place to stay. Here are some areas to consider based on your budget, accessibility, and the type of vacation you’re looking for.
Seaport Village
This area offers accessibility to major highlights such as Gaslamp Quarter, Maritime museums, and harbor tours. However, they come at a high price.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (I stayed here, and can attest that it is an excellent option)
La Jolla
While more affordable than Seaport, you’ll need a car or Uber to get around San Diego.
Coronado
A more upscale location than any other, Coronado is a stunning place to stay and be pampered.
Mission Beach
With its college town feel, Mission Beach is a bit more affordable, but will give you access to a nice beach. You can surf, sunbathe and play volleyball on the beach all day.
ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel
Chula Vista
This is a suburban locale a bit farther south of San Diego. If you are looking to get away from the crowds and have some quiet R&R, this could be the place for you. You will need a car to drive around though.
What to pack for San Diego
Here is a packing list for your San Diego trip.
Sunscreen
The California sun is very strong. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen.
Beach wear
Obviously, no trip to a beachy destination like San Diego is complete without some beach wear. Make sure to pack dresses/outfits in breathable fabrics, and sun protection in the form of sunglasses and sun hats. Swimsuits are a must.
Adventure gear such as snorkel, surf, dive equipment
If you want to do snorkeling, surfing, or diving, don’t forget your essential gear.
Casual outfits
When traveling to San Diego in the summer, keep your outfits casual. Think t-shirts and shorts for men and women. San Diego is a casual place and has a very coastal California vibe. You will get away with sandals and tees/tank tops in most places. Throw on a nice purse to gel well with the swanky crowds.
A light jacket
Being a coastal city, San Diego can get cold in the night in non-summer months. Pack a light layer in the form of a thin jacket or sweater, and you will be set.
Daybag
Since you will likely spend time at the beach and theme parks, carry a waterproof day bag you can wear easily for a full-day trip. Such a bag will fare well on sandy beaches even if it gets wet.
Beach towel
On a similar note, pack a sand-free beach towel that is compact, absorbent, and lightweight.
Water shoes for the kiddos
Traveling with kiddos? Don’t forget water shoes and other essentials for the little ones such as pool toys, floaties, etc.
Comfortable Shoes
This one is super important especially if you plan to visit a theme park and do a boat tour. You want to be able to enjoy your activity without worrying about your feet. A pair of sturdy sneakers or sandals will do just fine.
Skip jewelry
On the flip side, one item I always recommend foregoing to sunny destinations is jewelry. It will be warm most of the year. Combined with the fact that it is a casual destination, you should not carry heavy jewelry.
San Diego Itinerary 5 Day FAQs
1. Do I need a car in San Diego?
While technically you don’t need a car in San Diego, you should consider renting one for ease of access to all the spots mentioned in this guide. If budget is a concern, consider grouping the days you don’t need a car and the days you do. That way, you can rent a car only for a day or two and drive around the city for those days (mostly, Days 4 and 5 in this guide could use a car).
If renting is not an option, take advantage of the San Diego trolley that services the main attractions of San Diego. It is a bit slow, but available every 15-20 mins approximately. At other times, you can use Uber or Lyft to get around.
2. If I had only one day in San Diego, where should I go?
If you had only one day in San Diego, pick the spots that appear to be the most interesting to you from this guide’s Day 1 and Day 2. Try not to cram too many things into your itinerary. You can always come back to this place if you miss anything. The top spots I would recommend on your one day in San Diego are Balboa Park, a beach, and the Gaslamp Quarter.
3. Is Uber and Lyft available in San Diego?
Yes, Uber and Lyft are both available in San Diego. They service all tourist areas of the city and are a convenient way to get around.
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