Surf, sunshine, and completely laid back, you can honestly never go wrong with San Diego – always classy.
Whether you’re planning an extended vacation, a quick getaway, or just a local wanting to explore more of your own city, the perfect weekend in San Diego is so easy to put together. Whether you’re travelling with kids, looking for something romantic, or looking for something fun and cheap to do on the weekend, there is something for everyone. What I love the most is that things are so chill and easy going here. Travel in San Diego lives up to its “America’s Finest City” name and can characterized by that blonde surfer dude with the perfect tan and long wavy locks of hair.
Here are undoubtedly some of the best parts about the city that you definitely want to add to your weekend trip itinerary.
Read more about San Diego
- Where to stay in Coronado, San Diego
- Best Extended Stay Hotels in San Diego
- Review of Skyroam – do you need a pocket wifi device?
- 5 day Puerto Rico itinerary
Where to stay in San Diego?
- There are a ton of great stays in San Diego. If you want to be downtown, I highly recommend the Staypineapple at Hotel Z. If you’re on a budget and will have a rental car, you might as well stay outside the city at somewhere such as La Quinta Inn & Suites San Diego Mission Bay.
Table of Contents
Jump directly to the the area that interests you the most with the links down below or keep scrolling down!
- Best sights and attractions to see
- Best activities and events to go see
- Best restaurants to eat
- Best places to stay
Sights and Attractions To See In A Weekend in San Diego
When planning your weekend in San Diego, these are the key highlights you want to make sure you hit up.
San Diego Zoo
Located on a hundred acres of land in Balboa Park, this is one of the best zoos in the USA. Transport yourself into the lush jungles of the Amazon, to the bamboo forests of China, and the dessert plains of Australia. Encounter rare and endangered animals with
Spanning a massive 100 acres, the zoo is broken down into geological and climate areas from around the world so depending on what you’re interested in, you can jump straight to one area first. Despite being a large area, they’ve put in place a variety of transportation options for you so you don’t have to walk too much. There’s a guided bus tour that takes you around a full loop, a shuttle bus that makes periodic stops around the zoo, and also a skyfari aerial tram.
Absolutely family friendly, there are a ton of fun activities for the kids, entertainment staff that are spread out throughout the zoo, live performances, and stroller-friendly facilities.
Make sure you bring comfy shoes, lots of sunscreen, and account to be here for the full day because there’s that much to see. During the summer, also make sure you don’t miss out on the nighttime zoo.
What You Need To Know
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 9AM – 9PM
Prices:
Buy your tickets online to bypass the long lines.
- 1 day pass ($54 adults, $44 children 3-11)
- 1 day plus pass – includes choice of one 4D experience ($60 adults, $50 children)
- 2 day pass (86.40 adults, $76.40 children)
- San Diego 3 for 1 pass – includes access to San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld® San Diego good for 7 days ($149 adult, $139 children)
- Go San Diego Card – 3 day, all-inclusive attraction pass with free admission to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld San Diego, and 35 other attractions ($209 adults, $189 children)
- There are also many other special experiences that you can book in advance
- Parking is $15 for vehicles and $20 for RVs
Go San Diego Card
Get access to 41 attractions in San Diego on one card and save a ton of money. This is similar to what I did with the Helsinki Card. If you plan your weekend right, you can really squeeze out a LOT of value with this card.
This is like an all-you-can-eat except it’s an all-you-can-do pass for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days.
If you get the 3, 5, or 7 day pass you also get bonus access to either Sea-World, Old Town Trolley Tours, or Speed Boat Adventures.
Not to make things any more complicated but you can also create your own customized package with their Package Deals such as 4-Choice Flex Pass and Top 3 Attraction Pass.
My take: The day passes are great deal if you can squeeze in as many attractions as you can for the day. If that seems a little too crazy, you might be better off with one of their packages or customized packages where you can pick and choose how many attractions you want to see for a bundled discounted price.
USS Midway
Easily one of my favorite attractions in San Diego, this US Navy super-carrier-turned-museum might just be the most thorough exhibit of military aviation and what it is like to live and work on ship that’s practically it’s own city.
Commissioned right after the end of World War II, the USS Midway was named after one of the most famous battles fought in the Pacific Theater of War. As the largest ship in the world until 1955, it was brought into battle during the Vietnam War and was instrumental during Operation Desert Storm.
As accomplished as it was in battle, it is equally impressive as a museum. Featuring exhibits on the hangar, flight deck, below deck, simulators, theaters, tons of aircraft to explore, this is easily a full day event if you wanted to do ever corner of the ship.
Make sure not to miss the guided island tour which takes you up to the command centre of the ship including navigation, the bridge, air operations, captain’s at sea cabin, and Pri-fly. It’s well worth the wait.
What also makes this experience so special is the fact that it is practically entirely run by volunteer veterans of the Navy. Whether it’s at the information desk, feature guests, ushers, guides, and special presenters, everyone you meet there has a story to tell. It’s truly amazing that they continue to give back to the community and the country.
What You Need To Know
Address: 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 10AM – 5PM (last admission at 4PM)
Prices:
These are the online prices where you save $2 by purchasing in advance.
- Adult (18+) – $21
- Senior (62+) – $18
- Retired Military – $8 with ID
- Student (13-17) – $15 with ID
- Youth (6-12) – $8
La Jolla
Further north from San Diego is the beach-side town of La Jolla. Every time I visit San Diego, this is another area that I always make sure I come to. Known for its extraordinary beauty, come here to say hello to the local sea lions and seals that make the beaches and coves their home for a good part of the year, stroll along the rugged coastline, relax on the sandy beach of La Jolla Cove, shop the posh boutique shops that line the village, and eat at one fo the many waterfront restaurants.
My friends over at The Atlas Heart has a great piece on things to do in San Diego and the beaches of La Jolla and adventurous activities like paragliding are other things you’ll find in this neighbourhood.
La Jolla is the kind of place that you can have a vacation within a vacation. You can easily spend your whole weekend here or you can make a day trip here.
Tip: Be careful keep your distance from the sea lions and seals as I’ve seen way too many tourists uncomfortably close. The coast can also be a dangerous place especially with the splashing high tide in the evening.
What You Need To Know
Address: La Jolla, California
Parking: Parking is a little tricky here as it’s all street parking but know that parking is free in the city. There are no parking meters but you do have to watch out for two-hour parking limits.
Best sea lion and seal viewing: You can see them all along the coast but the best area to see big groups of them and upclose is right by La Jolla Cove Bridge Club.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Conveniently located right next to USS Midway and the pier where Hornblower Cruises departs from is this waterfront museum which contains an eclectic mix of ships that are steeped with fascinating history. From tall ships to submarines, there’s quite a bit of exploring to do here for the young and the old. This isn’t a traditional museum where you enter a building to see remnants of famous ships. Instead, this is an open air waterfront museum where boats are docked and you go hopping from one boat to the next and get to walk through the entire ship, bow to stern.
All of the ships here are stars in their own right but one of the most impressive ships in this collection is the Star of India. This ship holds the esteemed title of being the oldest active merchant sailing ship in the world. With sails flying high and still sea-worthy, you can stroll across her decks and uncover the different lives she has lived.
Another ship that is shrouded in intrigue is the B-39 submarine where you can descend into the Cold War era in this Soviet Navy diesel-electric attack submarine. This “Foxtrot” class submarine is a brilliantly put together interactive and educational museum where as you walk through the cramped quarters, you get to learn about the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Continuing onwards, there are many more vessels to learn about including a replica of the galleon, San Salvador, that is the first-recorded European vessel in San Diego, and the steam ferryboat Berkeley that shows touches of Victorian elegance that operated in the San Francisco Bay.
What You Need To Know
Address: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 9AM – 9PM (June 1st to September) and 9AM to 8PM (after Labor Day weekend)
Prices:
These are the online prices where you save $2 by purchasing in advance.
- Adult (18+) – $19
- Senior (62+) – $13
- Retired Military – $13 with ID
- Student (13-17) – $13 with ID
- Youth (6-12) – $8
- Family (two adults and two children 3-12) – $47
Balboa Park
When it comes to famous urban parks in the US, most think about New York City’s Central Park but would you be surprised to hear that Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres is nearly double in size? What truly makes Balboa Park unique and a must-see is because not only is it a beautiful green space but it is also home to 15 major museums, several performing art venues, world-class gardens, and many other attractions such as the San Diego Zoo.
The design of the park is centred around the famous El Prado pedestrian walkway which features highly ornamented Spanish-Renaissance style buildings and a big part of it is because most of these were constructed for the Panama-California Exposition the California-Pacific International Exposition that were hosted here.
Feature free walking tours, tram system, a number of restaurants to choose from, and all the museums, shows, and attractions that are available, you can easily spend a full day here. It’s fun for the whole family.
What You Need To Know
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Visitor Centre is opened 9:30AM – 4:30PM daily
Prices:
There are a number of museums and attractions within the park. The best way to see them is with the Balboa Park Explorer pass.
- One-Day Explorer (Good for any 5 museums)
- Adult – $48
- Child – $29
- Multi-Day Explorer (All museums for up to 7 consecutive days)
- Adult – $59
- Child – $32
Gaslamp Quarter
In the heart of San Diego is the lively Gaslamp Quarter that covers 16.5 blocks of the downtown core. There’s a lot of history steeped here and if you take the Old Town Trolley through here, you’ll learn about where the Victorian-era and art deco buildings originate and how someone by the name of Alonzo Horton purchased the land that nobody wanted into New Town which is most of what downtown San Diego is today.
Today, the neighbourhood has transformed into an urban playground that still proudly showcases its history but also is a thriving vibrant place for nightlife, independent restaurants, retail shops, residential lofts, skyscrapers, theaters, and of course the baseball stadium.
Gaslamp Quarter is the perfect place to end the day by grabbing a drink, getting your dose of retail therapy, watching a baseball game, grabbing a meal run by a celebrity chef, or partying the night away.
What You Need To Know
Address: Stretches from Broadway to Harbor Drive and between 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenue
Parking: Metered parking can be found throughout the area however you can find cheaper prices in one of the many lots scattered throughout
Best Activities and Events To Go To
Hornblower Cruises
A great way to see the San Diego harbour properly is by boat and Hornblower Cruises is a great way to get out there for an affordable and family-friendly experience. This is a cruise that combines sightseeing with wildlife watching. Through the narrated audio-guide, landmarks are pointed out and also key areas where sea lions that can be spotted. On this cruise, you’ll also see the true might of the US Navy with helicopters, cruises, submarines, and fighter jets either stationary or running drills.
There are two routes that the tour operates – North Bay and South Bay. The North is called the Sea Lion Adventure because of the colony of sea lions that live on the bait barges near Point Loma. The South on the other hand travels under the Coronado Bay Bridge and provides amazing views of downtown San Diego.
Depending on what your preference is, pick one of the loops or do both. The choice is yours!
What You Need To Know
Address: Various stops on the route sell tickets
Hours: Visitor Centre is opened 9:30AM – 4:30PM daily
Prices:
Make sure to get your tickets online before heading out on your trip.
- One Hour (Good for one loop)
- Adult – $27
- Seniors & Military – $25
- Child (4-12) – $13.50
- Kids under 3 are free
- Two Hours (Good for North and South loops)
- Adult – $32
- Seniors & Military – $30
- Child (4-12) – $16
- Kids under 3 are free
Old Town Trolley Tours
San Diego’s version of the hop-on hop-off tour are these orange and green trolleys that cover a continuous 25-mile loop that visits 10 neighbourhoods with 10 destination stops. The concept is exactly the same as your standard city bus except personally I think it’s much better. Instead of a generic audio guide, you get live-commentary from your trolley driver that was thoroughly entertaining with their colorful anecdotes, stories, and historical information.
It’s a great way to plan your day around the city. All you need to do is pick a few attractions you want to see, park near one of the pick up points and let the trolley take you to everywhere you want to go while also getting a driving tour of the city.
What You Need To Know
Address: Various stops on the route sell tickets
Hours: Visitor Centre is opened 9:30AM – 4:30PM daily
Prices:
Book your Old Town Trolley ticket online for the best prices.
- One Day Explorer (Good for any 5 museums)
- Adult – $35.95
- Child (4-12) – $22.45
- Kids under 3 are free
- Two Days (All museums for up to 7 consecutive days)
- Adult – $69.90
- Child (4-12) – $44.90
- Kids under 3 are free
- There are also good value combo tickets (i.e. with the San Diego Zoo) that you should check out to save money!
Switchfoot’s Bro-Am
Every year, the band Switchfoot, puts together a benefit event in their home town to give back to the community. It’s an incredible day of surfing and music on the sands of Moonlight Beach and is worth planning your trip to San Diego around.
Fans of surfing are treated with legends like Rob Machado showing off his moves, surfers doing battle in the annual surf jousting competition, and inspirational kids overcoming physical disabilities.
Year after year, Switchfoot brings in awesome opening acts to start off the afternoon before the band itself takes to the stage for one memorable concert where hundreds of fans packed the beach with sand underneath their feet, jamming to classics and from the new albums as well.
What You Need To Know
Address: Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, CA
Hours: 7AM – 5PM
Prices: Free event with proceeds from the event supporting at-risk youth in the community
Tip: Event parking can get expensive so your best bet is to park at the Encinitas train station which is free on the weekends. Lots of spots available here and a short distance away from the beach.
Best Restaurants To Eat
Werewolf
Located in the Gaslamp District of San Diego, this super hip restaurant serves up American, pub, and brunch foods that are sure to delight. There’s a lot of character in the decor of the interior and is very lively all throughout the day and especially during happy hour.
Werewolf is best known for its brunch items and a local favorite is their pork belly benedict which is a well-balance fusion of eggs benedict with Korean braised fatty pork belly.
What You Need To Know
Address: 627 4th Ave, San Diego, CA
Hours: 11AM – 2PM
Phone number: +1 619-234-0094
Good for: Brunch, lunch, dinner, late-night
Blue Water
If you’re looking for an unpretentious and high quality seafood restaurant, look no further than Blue Water. Located on the edge of Little Italy in San Diego, this is a local favourite for their fish tacos but are also known for their made-to-order seafood that is as fresh as it gets.
Always-busy, this shop reminds me of similar seafood restaurants that you can find in Hawaii where you step in to see a selection of fresh fish and shellfish behind the glass fridge and when it’s time to order, you choose the type of fish you want, the style of cooking, and the preparation sauces (lemon butter, lemon-garlic butter, bourbon butter, teriyaki, chipotle, blackened, or bronzed).
It’s one restaurant that you have to visit on your weekend itinerary.
What You Need To Know
Address: 3667 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
Hours:
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Sun 11:30AM – 9:00PM
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Mon – Thu 11:00AM – 9:00PM
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Fri 11:00AM – 10:00PM
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Sat 11:30AM – 10:00PM
Phone number: +1 619-497-0914
Good for: Lunch and dinner
Edgewater Grill at Seaport Village
In the waterfront shopping and entertainment complex of Seaport Village is the restaurant Edgewater Grill. Offering up unobstructed views of the bay, Coronado Bridge, and expansive outdoor patio, this is a great place for lunch or dinner with their American and seafood fare.
Every time I come to San Diego I try to drop by here especially during happy hour where they offer pretty good deals on menu items if you sit by the bar area.
When you’re done, make sure to explore the rest of Seaport Village which has a ton of souvenir shops, Ben & Jerry’s, and a merry-go-round for the kids!
What You Need To Know
Address: 861 W Harbor Dr, Apt W, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 8AM – 10PM
Phone number: +1 619-232-7581
Good for: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Edgewater Grill official website
The Taco Stand
If you only have time to go to taco place in San Diego, it has to be The Taco Stand. A bold statement for sure but this taqueria inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana was really impressive with their authenticity, freshness in their ingredients, and of course the taste. Their taco experience features handmade corn tortillas, high-grade meats, and guacamole and salsas made from scratch daily.
There’s always a line up here so try to come during off-peak hours. Also, if you’re looking for alternative locations, their original shop is in La Jolla.
What You Need To Know
Address: 642 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours:
- Mon – Thu 10AM – 10PM
- Fri + Sat 10AM – 1PM
- Sun 10AM – 10PM
Phone number: +1 760-230-2061
Good for: Lunch, dinner, and late night
Bobboi Natural Gelato
There are a lot of great restaurants in La Jolla to try but perhaps my favorite spot is for those with a sweet-tooth. Babboi Natural Gelato is relatively new on the block and already has lines filling out the door with their daily rotation of flavours.
Their gelato is award-worthy and packed with flavour, the perfect creamy and icy levels, and incredibly fresh. My recommendation is to try their black sesame, mango ataulfo, and salted caramel if they’re available. It’s the perfect pairing after you finish dinner in the village.
What You Need To Know
Address: 8008 Girard Ave, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
Hours:
- Sun 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Mon – Thu 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Fri – Sat 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Phone number: +1 858-255-8693
Good for: Snack and dessert
Best Places To Stay
Here are 3 recommendations for where to stay in San Diego based on your budget and your preference for location.
BUDGET
LA QUINTA INN & SUITES SAN DIEGO MISSION BAY
Located in the Mission Bay area which is close to SeaWorld and the Pacific Beach, this property is a great balance for those that want to pay a little less but still get a high quality standard that you’d expect from a La Quinta. This also comes with free continental breakfast and parking which is key.
CENTRAL DOWNTOWN
Located just 400 meters away from downtown, this colorful hotel is one of the best rated hotels in the city and features free wifi, pet-friendly rules, and newly renovated and furnished. On top of all of that, it is reasonable priced compared to the big chains that are in the area.
BEST
La Jolla and Pantai Inn is the perfect property to base yourself for the weekend. Balinese inspired in design, this has more of a bed & breakfast feel to it as it features suites with full kitchens, staff that genuinely will go the extra mile to cater to your needs, and an amazing breakfast that blew me away every morning.
More Fun Activities in San Diego to Consider
If you’re looking for something special to do in the city that will be incredibly memorable on your weekend trip, make sure to check these out.
