Perfect One Day in San Diego Itinerary: What Not to Miss

Looking to make the most of your day trip to San Diego?

In this guide, I’ve assembled a power-packed one day in San Diego itinerary from my best experiences there. Having lived in Los Angeles for three years, San Diego became a common weekend getaway for friend trips and chasing my love of techno raves.

During one of my numerous trips to San Diego, I had a complete tourist experience over the entire weekend with a friend who attended UCSD. He knew all the cool local spots to show us. Despite being a fairly big city, you can get a pretty good overall idea of San Diego in just one day.

Alright, time-strapped travelers, let’s make the most of your limited time with an exciting day to can’t-miss places like Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter. And if you have some extra time, I’ll also share recommendations for other places, along with some trip-planning info. 

Sample One Day in San Diego Itinerary

So that you’ve got everything conveniently laid out in one scroll, here’s your super-packed day trip itinerary below.

Morning

• Start your day with breakfast at Cafe 22 in the Gaslamp Quarter.
• Learn about naval history at the USS Midway Museum.
• Stroll endlessly through Balboa Park.

Afternoon

• Head over and grab a fish tacos at one of the Mexican restaurants in Old Town.
• Wander around the historic Old Town San Diego State Park.

Early Evening

• Head to La Jolla Cove to spot some sea lions on beautiful cliffsides.
• Alternative: Go to Cabrillo National Monument for cityscape sunsets.

Evening

• Dine in one of the many ocean-view restaurants or take a harbor cruise that serves dinner.
• End your day partying in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Recommended Places to Stay in San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter

• The Pendry San Diego: A luxurious hotel with modern rooms and a rooftop pool.
• Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego: A boutique hotel with quirky rooms and complimentary bike rentals.
• HI San Diego Downtown Hostel: A budget-friendly option with shared dorms and private rooms. 

Quick Facts to Visiting San Diego

Get ready to soak up some California sun in San Diego, a city with over 70 miles of spectacular beaches and an average temperature of 70 degrees year-round. This top West Coast destination has some of the coolest tours, like whale watching and harbor cruises.

Did you know it’s also home to the largest urban cultural park in North America, Balboa Park? And being only 30 minutes from Tijuana, it’s no surprise that Mexican culture strongly influences its food, architecture, and overall vibe.

Quick Facts	Information
Location	Southern California, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean
Best Time to Visit	March to May and September to November
Where to Stay	Downtown, Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, or Old Town
Best Hotels	High-End: The Pendry San Diego Mid-Range: Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego Budget: HI San Diego Downtown Hostel
Best Things/Tours to Do	Harbor Cruise, Whale Watching, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum,
Population	Approx. 1.4 million (as of 2020)
Time Zone	Pacific Standard Time (PST)
How to Get Around	Car rentals, public buses, trolleys, and bicycles. Use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals.
City Airports	San Diego International Airport (3 miles from downtown). Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.
Don’t Forget!	Get the “Go San Diego Card” for unlimited access to over 35 city attractions.

What to Do in San Diego in One Day

Morning: Gaslamp Quarter

Start your day in the heart of downtown San Diego at the Gaslamp Quarter, a 16 block historic district featuring restored Victorian-era buildings, trendy restaurants and bars, and chic boutiques and galleries. It’s also the best place for nightlife, but we’ll save that for the end. 

Grab breakfast at Cafe 22 for a well-known local favorite, or try Richard Walker’s Pancake House for some tasty pancakes.

Read More: If you really want to dig deep into the food culture, I recommend finding a San Diego food tour!

After breakfast, stroll around the Gaslamp Quarter and admire the beautiful architecture. Don’t miss the famous Gaslamp Quarter arches, a signature landmark of San Diego, and the Davis-Horton House, the oldest standing structure in the area.

The Quarter is also home to many legendary events, such as the Mardi Gras Parade and the Street Scene Music Festival, so keep an eye out for local happenings.

USS Midway Museum

Next up on your one day San Diego itinerary is a visit to the USS Midway Museum, housed within a massive decommissioned aircraft carrier. 

You’ll find the USS Midway Museum along Navy Pier. Step into a world of naval warfare and air supremacy with over 60 exhibits and an impressive collection of aircraft on display, including helicopters, fighter jets, and more. There’s also a flight simulator, so you can feel what it’s like to pilot an aircraft.

Time-Saving Tip! Purchase your tickets online here to save time and skip the line.

Otherwise, other places in the Embarcadero area to visit are the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the Seaport Village, Old Town Trolley Tours, and Seal Tours.

Wander the Never-Ending Balboa Park

Just a stone’s throw from downtown is the crown jewel of San Diego: Balboa Park. Spanning a massive 1,200 acres, this urban cultural park has endless gardens, over 17 museums, and a full-on safari zoo. You can literally stay here for hours, if not days. 

Start your walk down El Prado, the park’s central avenue for the Spanish-Renaissance architectural-style buildings. Back when I went, the paths were lined with people playing Pokemon Go here.

If you’re museum-inclined, the highly recommended ones are the San Diego Museum of Man, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and the San Diego Museum of Art. Other must-visit spots are the Botanical Building, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Old Globe Theater. 

The San Diego Zoo is consistently rated as one of the world’s best, but you probably won’t be able to fit this into a day trip if you want to see other places.

Travel Tip: Some museums and attractions within Balboa Park require tickets like the San Diego Zoo (which you can purchase here). But the park also has plenty of free events and performances, so check the schedule before you go.

Afternoon: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

If you’re not yet already starving, head to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park for some authentic Mexican cuisine. This area is considered the birthplace of California since it was the first permanent European settlement in the state.

The area is lined with preserved and reconstructed buildings from the mid-19th century. The Whaley House Museum, known as one of the most haunted houses in America, is a particular crowd-puller. If ghosts aren’t your thing, check out the Blacksmith Shop or the Old Adobe Chapel. 

You’ll see actors dressed in period attire, performing reenactments of daily life back in the day. 

Catch the Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove

It’s pretty tough to pull off adding La Jolla to your day trip itinerary. You could spend an entire day in this area alone. But personally, I think it’s worth a visit.

The sunset here is known for being one of the most magical in San Diego. The water is incredibly clear, the cliffsides gorgeous, and there are always masses of sea lions lounging around. And you can get incredibly close to them. It’s also a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, and there are few in California you can do so.

If you have extra time, go on a kayak tour or rent a paddleboard and explore the caves along the coast. The La Jolla Village also has many interesting boutique shops and art galleries.

Watch the Sunset at Cabrillo National Monument

Alternatively, head to Cabrillo National Monument for stunning city views at sunset. This national park is perched on the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, with hiking trails and a lighthouse. You’ll also get complete views of San Diego’s skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and Mexico’s Coronado Islands. 

And did I mention the tide pools? On your way out, descend the two-mile Bayside Trail to the rocky intertidal area. During low tide, nature reveals pools filled with colorful sea anemones, starfish, and crabs. 

Travel Tip! The national historic landmark charges an entrance fee, or you can use an America the Beautiful National Park Pass.

Party in the Gaslamp Quarter

As promised, end your one day in San Diego with a bang by experiencing the nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter. The streets come alive at night with live music, rooftop bars, and swanky lounges. Coming to a festival in this area is actually where I met my best friend.

Known for its rotating theme and decor, Fluxx Nightclub is a must for the club scene. For live music, the Shout! House is a crowd favorite with its dueling pianos and interactive performances.

The Gaslamp Quarter has a lot of craft breweries, and Ballast Point and Monkey Paw are two standouts. Or you could have it all going on an organized pub crawl. And if you’re feeling brave, try a haunted ghost tour to wrap up your night.

Where to Stay in San Diego

For the best location, I recommend staying in the Gaslamp Quarter, as it is centrally located and within walking distance of many top attractions. You’ll be by beautiful beaches in La Jolla, but it’s a bit far, and North Park is celebrated for its hip atmosphere and street art. 

Best Hotels in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

Hotel Name	Benefits
Luxury: The Pendry San Diego	– Modern luxury with a lively nightlife scene – Stylish rooms, rooftop pool, and multiple dining venues
Mid-Range: Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego	– Chic accommodations – Complimentary bike rentals – Close to major attractions like Petco Park and Balboa Park
Budget: HI San Diego Downtown Hostel	– Affordable accommodation right in the city – Free breakfast, a communal kitchen – Organized activities with new friends

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Things to Do in San Diego

• Mission Beach: A classic Southern California beach with a boardwalk and the historic Belmont Park, a beachfront amusement park.
• Seaport Village: A waterfront shopping and dining complex with Pacific Ocean views.
• Torrey Pines State Reserve: Beautiful hiking trails with striking ocean views. Black’s Beach is known for its steep stairs and clothing-optionalness.
• Little Italy: Renowned for its trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and the lively Mercato Farmers’ Market.
• Coronado Island: A long bridge to a small town with beautiful beaches and the iconic Hotel Del Coronado.
• Go Paragliding: A popular activity is to fly over San Diego’s coastline.

Day Trips from San Diego

• Temecula: Famous for its wineries, it’s a great place for wine tasting and hot air balloon rides.
• Joshua Tree National Park: A desert park with unique trees and rock formations for rock climbing, hiking, and star gazing.
• Laguna Beach: A seaside resort city with pristine beaches and art galleries.
• Salton Sea: One of my favorite places in California. It’s a dying saline lake on the San Andreas Fault.
• Los Angeles: The city of stars and a cultural hub in one of the largest cities in the USA.
• Tijuana, Mexico: Just 30 minutes away, many locals cross the border just to get cheaper groceries and gas. But you can get a taste of Mexico too. Remember to bring your passport! 
• Julian: A historic gold-mining town known for its apple pies, approximately an hour away.
• Palm Springs: Known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas.
• Disneyland Resort in Anaheim: The “Happiest Place on Earth” is less than two hours away.
• Santa Barbara: Known for its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings and beautiful beaches, it’s about three hours away.

Is 1 Day Enough for San Diego

It’s possible to get a decent taste of San Diego in just one day. However, to feel relaxed and be able to add more activities, an ideal stay would be at least 2 to 3 days. If I had more than one day, I would leave La Jolla for a separate day, then go up the coast to check out the northern beachside and go paragliding. 

With more time, I would go to nearby day trip places such as Temecula or Joshua Tree National Park. Staying longer would also mean more dining at diverse restaurants, trying out the craft beer scene, or going on a scenic hike.

Best Time To Visit

With its awesome weather, San Diego is a great place to visit year round. But if you’re looking for the best time, spring and fall win out over the other seasons. The temperature is not too hot or chilly, but most importantly, as a popular tourist destination, it’s not overrun with people and high hotel prices. 

The winter months drop to 50°F – 66°F, but it’s worth visiting if you’re into going on a whale-watching boat trip. This is the best time to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales along the coast.

How to Get Here

San Diego is an easily accessible destination.

By Air: Air is the fastest way to reach San Diego if traveling from afar. San Diego International Airport, located three miles northwest of Downtown, serves domestic and international flights.

By Train: For those near the West Coast, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner provides service along the coast between San Luis Obispo and San Diego.

By Car: If you’re coming from nearby cities such as Los Angeles or Phoenix, San Diego is easily reached via Interstates 5, 8, 15, and 805. The drive from LA takes about 2 to 3 hours, while it takes about 5 to 6 hours from Phoenix.

By Bus: Greyhound buses go to the main bus station in downtown San Diego.

And once you get here, the public transportation system consists of buses and trolleys. You can use the PRONTO Card to pay for your rides or purchase a one-day or multi-day pass.

But really, I recommend having a car to get around. And if you’re looking for a rental, DiscoverCars is my go-to aggregator.

Final Thoughts: What to Do with 24 Hours in San Diego

San Diego may be a big city, but it somehow still has a charming small-town feel. It’s a place that many Los Angelenos say they would rather live. And even if you’re there for a short visit, you’ll realize why. It’s a smaller, chiller version of LA without many of its problems. 

And if you’re headed elsewhere in the Golden State, check out our comprehensive guides on other fascinating destinations in California below.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Redwood National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Joshua Tree Itinerary For First-Timers
• One Day In Death Valley Itinerary For Adventurers
• Perfect One Day in San Diego Itinerary: What Not to Miss
• Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers
• Day Trip to Lake Tahoe: One Day Itinerary for All Seasons
• Perfect Day Trip to Sonoma Itinerary for Wine Lovers
• Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
• Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary from a Local

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.