Planning a 3 day vacation to San Diego? This city is one of the most popular in California and offers a lot of incredible things to see and experience while you’re here…from beautiful beaches to the nearly always sunny weather!
But with only three days to spend in San Diego, you may be wondering what are the essential sights you need to see as a first-time visitor. If this is the case, then this 3 days in San Diego itinerary is perfect for you! Even with only a few days to spend in the city, this itinerary will help you discover and explore the best that San Diego has to offer.
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary
Day 1: Old Town, Whale Watching, USS Midway, Little Italy
Stop 1: Visit Old Town San Diego
To start off your 3 day San Diego itinerary, you should first make your way to Old Town San Diego. This is the city’s original downtown and is also sometimes called the “birthplace of California,” so this is one place you’ll definitely want to go!
This location is the site of the first Spanish settlement on the U.S. West Coast, which makes it important historically…but you’ll find it’s not just stuck in the past but is also a vibrant place to explore today! If you want a general overview of Old Town, you might wish to start your day with a Hop on Hop Off Bus tour that will take you around Old Town and acquaint you with some of its best features.
Besides simply wandering Old Town and Old Town State Historic Park, you may also enjoy other activities like trying delicious food on an Old Town, Tequila, and Tortillas tour or exploring other specialty shops and restaurants on your own. Other places to explore include the fascinating haunted Whaley House, the first office of the San Diego Union Newspaper, and the Seeley Stable Museum. Between the restaurants and the historical sites you visit, you’ll start to gain insight into the stories that make San Diego what it is today!
As a site thoroughly embedded with California heritage, Old Town makes an excellent first stop during your 3 days in San Diego. Stopping here first will help you gain an appreciation of some of San Diego’s culture from the past and from today, so be sure to add this to your list of places to visit!
Stop 2: See the USS Midway
Next up on your San Diego 3 day itinerary, the USS Midway Museum is a fascinating place to explore. The USS Midway is a historical naval aircraft carrier that served between 1945-1992 (making it the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century) and has since been converted into a museum for the public to enjoy.
On your visit here, you’ll have the chance to explore over 60 exhibit areas ranging from the engine room, to the galleys, to sleeping quarters, to the flight deck. You’ll also find an impressive collection of aircraft aboard! Not only does this museum give you insight into life aboard an aircraft carrier, but it also gives insight into the use of the Midway throughout its long career.
So if you’re interested in US military history or simply curious about this huge aircraft carrier permanently docked in the San Diego harbor, then this is a stop you won’t want to miss. Be sure to get your ticket online before you go so you don’t waste time in line when you’re there!
Stop 3: Go Whale Watching
After visiting the USS Midway and perhaps grabbing lunch along the waterfront, your next stop on your San Diego three day itinerary should be going whale watching! Whale watching is a popular and fun activity in California, and San Diego is one of the best places to go.
I’ve been whale watching several times in San Diego, and each time has been enjoyable but different from the others based on weather and what sea creatures happen to be nearby and show themselves at the time. You’ll see dolphins for sure on your trip (I’ve seen two types of dolphins when I’ve been out whale watching in San Diego) and you’ll also hopefully get a chance to glimpse a gray or blue whale!
Whale watching is always in season in San Diego, but you’ll see different types of whales depending on what season it is. Some days whale sightings are more plentiful, while on a few days you may not see any whales at all no matter how hard your guide tries. But whether you see whales or just dolphins and other sea creatures, going whale watching in San Diego is super fun and an iconic adventure for visitors and locals alike!
Hornblower Cruises offers an excellent 3.5 hour afternoon whale watching expedition that works perfectly with this itinerary, so I recommend booking this ahead of time so you have your spot on the tour secured. It departs from right near the USS Midway along the waterfront, which means you can walk over here directly after you’ve finished visiting the USS Midway Museum. This is one of my favorite things to do in San Diego so I think it’s essential to include for the perfect 3 day San Diego itinerary!
Stop 4: Wander Through Little Italy
Your last stop on the first day of your 3 days in San Diego itinerary is Little Italy. This San Diego neighborhood is one of my favorites, as it’s the perfect place to wander, get dinner, and enjoy the evening in a slightly upscale/romantic setting.
You’ll find a plethora of Italian food options here (unsurprising, since it’s Little Italy) but you may also enjoy other options like ramen from Underbelly or eating at a cute New Zealand restaurant called the Queenstown Public House.
You may also enjoy visiting some of the fun stores throughout Little Italy or seeing adorable historic homes in this neighborhood. (There’s also a fantastic Farmers’ Market here on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am-2pm). And while you wander, don’t forget to try some of the best ice cream in the world from Salt & Straw!
This is a fun place to be in the evening and is also great for strolling along the street listening to street performers. One thing’s for sure—Little Italy has a romantic charm all its own, and is an excellent stop for your 3 perfect days in San Diego!
Day 2: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Coronado
Stop 1: Visit the San Diego Zoo
For your second day of exploring San Diego, starting off your day at the world-famous San Diego Zoo is an excellent choice. This is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, as the zoo has thousands of animals under its care and contributes to conservancy efforts at home and across the globe.
The best time to visit the Zoo is in the morning, as there are less people around and the animals are naturally more active in the cooler morning hours. This means you’ll get to see more of them during your visit here! Whether you’re looking for giraffes, elephants, polar bears, or more unusual animals, the Zoo has them and you’ll find it’s a treat to visit for both adults and children. There is plenty to keep you occupied here for the whole morning or even for the whole day!
If you want to visit the Zoo for a whole day, then you can simply modify this itinerary to do just that. You’ll find it’s cheapest to buy individual zoo tickets if you spend the whole day here, but if you only spend part of the day here then buying a Go San Diego Card could be a more cost-effective option.
Not interested in the Zoo? Not a problem! San Diego is also famous for other amusement parks like SeaWorld and the Safari Park. Simply substitute one of these, or find something else you would enjoy on the San Diego bucket list to fill up the morning of your second day in San Diego!
Stop 2: Explore Balboa Park
After spending the morning at the San Diego Zoo, your next stop on your 3 day itinerary for San Diego should be right next door at Balboa Park. This is a 1,200 acre urban cultural park, which means that you’ll find not only outdoor spaces and gardens but also some incredible buildings and museums to enjoy.
With your time limited to 3 days in San Diego, you likely won’t have time to explore the whole park. It’s the largest urban cultural park in North America, so it’s really quite big! Instead of trying to see it all, decide on a few key things you want to see ahead of time to make the most of your visit here.
You’ll find museums and theaters, urban hiking trails, themed gardens, and more…so take a look at the full list of museums and attractions in Balboa Park to help you decide where you’ll go. If it helps, some of my favorite places to visit are the Air & Space Museum and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Balboa Park itself is free to visit and wander around, but do note that many of the museums and gardens charge a fee to enter. If you wish to visit any of these ones that charge entrance, then it may be worth getting a Go San Diego Card to cut down on your sightseeing costs by paying one flat admission fee instead of paying individually. This is the same card that works with the San Diego Zoo entrance fee as mentioned above, as well as with lots of other San Diego sights.
But whether you only explore the free areas of Balboa or decide to visit some of the fascinating museums and delightful gardens, a visit to this park is one of the essential things to do during your three perfect days in San Diego.
Stop 3: Visit Coronado and the Hotel Del
The last stop on this day of your San Diego trip is Coronado, which is a darling little resort city on a peninsula along the San Diego Bay. From restaurants, to beaches, to hotels, this is the perfect place to explore during what’s left of day two on your San Diego in 3 days itinerary!
To get to Coronado, you can drive across the bridge or you can take a fun and short ferry ride from San Diego. And once you arrive, there are lots of exciting things to do from taking a Segway tour of the island to enjoying the beach and going stand up paddle boarding or going kayaking!
But the true star of Coronado is the Hotel del Coronado, an impressive hotel and resort sprawled across the beachfront on the island. This Victorian hotel has long been a favorite of celebrities and other famous figures, from Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn to all sorts of presidents including FDR, Taft, and Obama. And it’s still a popular destination for famous people today from actors, to singers, and more!
Whether you’re interested in exploring the island, enjoying the beach, marveling at the Hotel Del, or enjoying the shops and restaurants nearby, Coronado is the perfect place to spend the rest of your afternoon and evening on your second day in San Diego. It’s a lovely place to visit and will certainly steal your heart and make you long to come back!
Day 3: Torrey Pines, La Jolla, Belmont Park, Sunset Cliffs
Stop 1: Hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve
Your first stop for day 3 in San Diego is Torrey Pines State Reserve, a gorgeous stretch along the coast with some fantastic places to go hiking. There are so many incredible outdoor places to explore in San Diego, so day three is all about taking advantage of these places!
Torrey Pines State Reserve (and the adjacent Torrey Pines State Beach) is a beautiful 2,000 acre coastal park that is a delight to experience. Choose between some of the best trails in the park to discover amazing scenic vistas over the cliffs…or take my favorite trail, the Beach Trail, to end your hike on the beach below.
You can spend some time enjoying the beach itself or merely enjoying the hiking, but either way this is a San Diego gem that you will definitely want to see. There is also a glider port nearby where you can watch (or participate in) paragliding and hang gliding, which is super cool to see! All in all, this is an unforgettable stop on your San Diego trip itinerary.
Stop 2: Enjoy the Beach at La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores
Your 3 days in San Diego wouldn’t be complete without this next stop: La Jolla! Why? Well, San Diego is all about that classic California beach experience and the best place to go for that is La Jolla shores and La Jolla Cove.
There are a plethora of beaches to visit across San Diego, but these are a few of my favorites as between the two of them they offer up some of the best beach experiences. You’ll find that La Jolla Shores is a more traditional sandy beach for surfing, playing in the sand, etc. while La Jolla Cove is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying other exciting water activities.
Taking a kayaking tour of the sea caves near La Jolla Cove is a must-do while you’re here, as is stopping by the Children’s Pool nearby to see the seals (especially between December-May when there are seal pups!). And at the shores, you’ll want to play in the sand and the water as well as perhaps taking a surfing lesson for the true California experience.
So whether you visit one or both of these places in La Jolla, this is a stop not to be missed as it is at the heart of the San Diego experience! Block off a good amount of time on your schedule for this day to simply soak up the sun and enjoy this quintessential slice of San Diego life.
Stop 3: Experience Belmont Park
Another fun stop during your San Diego 3 day itinerary, Belmont Park is a beachside amusement park that allows you to experience the best of the beach alongside some fun rides!
One of the biggest reasons to visit Belmont Park is because of its most famous attraction: the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. This roller coaster is made out of wood and was designed in 1925 by the famous roller coaster designers Frank Prior and Frederick Church. It still works today, so when you visit you can enjoy the experience of riding this historical and fun attraction!
There isn’t an entrance fee to get into Belmont Park, but instead you simply pay to ride whichever rides you choose. You could also purchase a ticket for a flat rate or you’ll find that rides are included with the Go San Diego Card. This is definitely a fun place to add to your San Diego itinerary!
Stop 4: Watch Sunset at Sunset Cliffs
After a day spent exploring the beaches and hikes along the coast of San Diego, there’s one more essential activity that you must do during your 3 days in San Diego—watching a San Diego sunset!
San Diego offers some of the most glorious sunsets in the world, so on your last evening here you won’t want to miss this spectacular sight. There are several amazing places to enjoy watching the sunset, but one of my favorites is Sunset Cliffs so this is the one I recommend. Sitting or strolling along the top of the cliffs at sunset is the perfect way to end your last day in San Diego, especially as you can look out over the ocean and watch as the water and the cliffs glow with the setting sun.
If you want to act like the locals, grab a blanket or a picnic or even enjoy doing yoga here as the sun sets below the horizon. It’s a peaceful and tranquil place to enjoy an unforgettable San Diego sunset and reflect on your perfect three days in this incredible city!
Looking for even more exciting sunset activity? Consider taking a San Diego sunset cruise!
Additional San Diego Sights for Your Three Day San Diego Itinerary
The 3 day San Diego itinerary above includes my most recommended sights during your short time in the city, but if you find some of them do not interest you then there are plenty of other places you can substitute instead. Here are a few additions you might enjoy:
Shop at the Fashion Valley Mall
San Diego has some fantastic places to shop, and the Fashion Valley Mall is the queen of luxurious shopping experiences. It’s an upscale, open-air shopping mall…and is, in fact, the largest mall in San Diego and one of the largest in California!
Wandering here, you’ll find luxury and designer brands on every corner plus large and amazing versions of common mall stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s. You’ll even find a huge Apple store and a Tesla store, so be sure to check out a full list of stores before you go so you don’t miss something you want to see.
This is also just a fun place to walk and window shop, as there is lots of comfortable seating throughout the open air sections of the mall that seems more designed for enjoying a chat with friends than for simply waiting while at the mall. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into another world complete with all sorts of luxuries, so don’t forget to add this to your list of fun things to see in San Diego!
Explore Cabrillo National Monument
Looking for another cool outdoor place to explore? Cabrillo National Monument is a good place to go. This park is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who in 1542 was the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the US…but besides the history aspect, there are some really cool activities and places to visit here!
One of my favorite things to do in this park is visit the Cabrillo tide pools at low tide. It’s incredible to see these sea creatures up close, and you never know what creatures you might discover if you’re patient and quiet when you’re here! The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is also a fun place to visit and learn about its use and the families who lived and worked here to keep sailors safe, and you’ll find some nice and some easy hiking trails nearby as well.
Aside from these activities, there are also some pretty incredible views of San Diego across the bay…so it is definitely worth a stop here if you have the time. You can pay for one-time entrance to the park on its own ($20) or you can buy an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) that gives you unlimited entry to national parks and monuments across the entire US for a whole year.
Go to the Gaslamp Quarter
Are you a fan of the nightlife scene? If so, you will want to add the Gaslamp Quarter to your 3 day San Diego itinerary. This is the perfect neighborhood for high energy clubs, bars, dancing, and more…it’s a very lively evening scene and perfect for those looking for a night out!
My personal preferences tend towards a little more subdued evening scenes, so I tend to prefer areas like Little Italy and North Park…but if clubbing is your scene then you will likely really enjoy a visit to the Gaslamp Quarter!
Looking for more possible activities for your three days in San Diego? Check out this San Diego bucket list!
San Diego Three Day Itinerary Map
This map shows you the locations of all the places mentioned on this three day San Diego itinerary to help you navigate during your time here. You’ll find day one attractions listed in magenta, day two attractions in blue, and day three attractions in green. Additional attractions are listed in gray in case you wish to substitute them for something else on the itinerary.
Restaurants to Try During Your 3 Days in San Diego
One of the things I love about San Diego is its delicious food scene. You can find nearly anything you want and any type of food from around the world! You’ll likely run into a lot of good restaurants during your time here, but these are a few popular San Diego restaurants that I like that are perfect for visitors to the area as well:
- Phil’s BBQ: This San Diego restaurant is essentially a landmark in San Diego, and the food is absolutely delicious! You’ll likely find lines out the door during lunch or dinner, so be prepared for a bit of a wait…but it will be worth it! Everything here is so delicious, but a few of my favorites are the Baby Back Ribs and the El Toro Sandwich.
- The Fish Market: You’re in San Diego by the ocean, so of course you have to try the seafood here at least once during your 3 days. And the Fish Market is an excellent choice! The food is wonderful and the restaurant sits right on the waterfront, so you’ll have gorgeous views over the ocean while you eat. Some of my favorite dishes I’ve had here are their New England Clam Chowder and Pacific Thresher Shark, but there are a lot of options so there’s sure to be something you will enjoy.
- C Level: C Level is another fantastic waterfront dining option, but it is a bit more on the expensive side. I still highly recommend it, though, as the food and the views are both amazing! If you decide to eat here, be sure to try their Lobster & Fontina BLT Sandwich that is to die for.
- Liberty Public Market: Looking for a variety of food rather than sitting down at one restaurant? The Public Market at Liberty Station is the place for you. You can wander through the market and choose any food your heart desires from the various restaurants inside. The ramen shop and the crepe shop are two of my favorite places to eat here, but you’ll find plenty of other options as well to suit everyone’s tastes.
How to Save Money on San Diego Sightseeing
Visiting lots of popular sightseeing spots in San Diego can make your expenses add up quickly, but there is one option that can help you keep the costs down while still experiencing the best San Diego has to offer—the Go San Diego Card.
This card is a city pass that allows you to pay one flat rate for entrance to a variety of San Diego sights, rather than paying for each one individually. Paying this way can save you up to 55% off your sightseeing costs (depending on how many sights you cram into your time in San Diego).
To make use of the pass, you simply purchase a 1, 2, or 3 day San Diego Pass and then use it to gain entrance to places and activities across the city. Some of the attractions available include the museums in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and going snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, and lots of other amazing activities!
If you’re interested in the San Diego 3 day pass, then check out your itinerary plans for your 3 days in the city to see if it makes sense for you to buy this card to save money. Depending on the activities you have planned, you may find it is easiest to buy a 3 day San Diego Go Card or you may find it is more cost-effective to purchase a pass for only one or two days instead. This can be a really helpful way to save on your sightseeing costs while touring San Diego for three days!
Purchase your Go San Diego Card now to save on your San Diego sightseeing costs!
Getting Around San Diego – Transport Options
Getting around San Diego and to the various attractions can be a bit of a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some of the best transport options to explore the city:
Car: Exploring by car is possibly the best way to get around San Diego, especially when you have 3 days in the city. The ease of transport and the fact that you can travel where you want to go directly is definitely one of the best parts of driving in San Diego! I usually bring my car to the city as I find this is the best method, so you may wish to bring your own or rent while you are here. If you choose this method, be prepared to spend some time looking for parking and to pay fees for street or garage parking in many places as well.
Circuit: Circuit (previously called FRED) is my second favorite way to get around San Diego. This is a free ride system that runs throughout the downtown/popular tourist areas, and all you have to do is download the free app and then type in your destination to call a driver. Soon after, a driver in your area will show up in a little electronic vehicle and take you to the destination you’ve selected in the app! It’s easy, free, and fun…although tips are accepted and appreciated if you’d like to tip your driver.
Uber: Uber is always a great option for getting around cities when you don’t have your own car and need to get somewhere quickly. This option is obviously a little more expensive than using Circuit, but if you feel more comfortable using Uber than Circuit then it is still an excellent transportation method to use while you are here.
Trolley: The San Diego trolley system is also a good method of transportation if you’d like to take public transport during your time in the city. While it’s a fairly inexpensive option, the trade off with using public transport is that it may not go everywhere you want to…and when it does go where you want, you still won’t be going directly there but will have to make stops along the way. As you try to decide whether public transportation is the right option for you, be sure to map out your route to make sure you aren’t wasting too much of your precious sightseeing time during your 3 days in San Diego. You can check out the trolley system and schedule here to help you make your decision.
Three Days in San Diego – Where to Stay the Night
When staying for three days in San Diego, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay the night. There are a lot of spectacular hotel options in San Diego, but here are a few of the best:
- Hotel del Coronado – Luxury stay near the beach
- Hilton San Diego Mission Valley – Comfortable mid-range accommodation
- Pendry San Diego – Boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego
Read next: What to Pack for a Trip to San Diego
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