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3 Days Itinerary in San Diego, United States - Travel Guide
What to do in San Diego for 3 days?
San Diego tourism

3 Days Itinerary in San Diego, United States - Travel Guide

The best 3 days itinerary & travel guide for San Diego

Sunny Soiree: 3 Days in San Diego

Days Description
1 Day 1 - Surf, Sand, and Sea Lions
2 Day 2 - Balboa Park & Old Town Amble
3 Day 3 - Downtown & Coronado Caper

Introduction

From beaches to bustling city spots, embrace the warmth and vibrancy of San Diego in these sun-drenched 3 days. Relish the colorful spectacles of the city, indulge in the local cuisine, and allow yourself to be immersed in the captivating vibe that exuberantly echoes through every corner of this beautiful location.

Day 1 - Surf, Sand, and Sea Lions

La Jolla Shores is the perfect spot to kickstart our San Diego sojourn. Just picture this- dappled sunlight filtering through the palm trees as you stroll onto the sandy stretch to dip your toes in reviving waters. Now, isn't that a perfect start? Spruce up your morning with breakfast at Sugar & Scribe, then head towards Mount Soledad for a mesmerizing 360 city, mountain, and sea view. Later, wave hello to the frolicking sea lions by the shore, or if you feel more adventurous, take a guided kayak tour to the sea caves. We'll wrap up our day with an enchanting seaside dinner at George's at the Cove.

Day 2 - Balboa Park & Old Town Amble

Get ready for our second day as vibrant as San Diego itself! Start with breakfast at Bread & Cie before you head over to the sprawling Balboa Park. This isn't just any park, my friends. It's an urban cultural park that houses 17 museums, several gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo! We'll take our time exploring the park, its various prospects, and perhaps even catch a show at the Old Globe Theater. The day's not done yet! How about stepping back in time in Old Town, the 'birthplace of California'? Devour some authentic Mexican grub here, trust me, you won't regret it! Evening calls for a walk-through-the-past as you explore the historic buildings, classic shops, leading us to the vibrant Fiesta de Reyes for dinner.

Day 3 - Downtown & Coronado Caper

Brace yourself for the final day of the SoCal roller coaster. Today we explore the Downtown area. I hope you have your shopping bags ready! Let's start at the Gaslamp Quarter, famed for its historic heart, art galleries, and boutiques, followed by a visit to the U.S.S. Midway Museum. We still have one last trick up our sleeves - Coronado Beach, rightly dubbed as the 'Crown City'. Post admiring the Victorian marvel that is the Hotel Del Coronado, you simply cannot miss the sunset by the iconic beach. Cap off your tour with a sumptuous dinner at Peohe's overlooking the magnificent San Diego skyline.

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Mia Hall

Mia Hall

Expert Travel Advisor
Mia is a backpacker who prefers exploring destinations on a budget and seeks authentic travel experiences.

FAQs about this
3 day itinerary in
San Diego

What's the best time to visit San Diego?

San Diego is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit would be March through May and September through November, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

How should I navigate around the city?

San Diego boasts ample public transit, including buses and trains. However, to make the most of your time, consider renting a car.

Is San Diego safe for tourists?

San Diego is generally a safe place to visit. As with any city, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

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