The Perfect 3-day Weekend in San Diego

Here's what to see, do, and eat on a long weekend trip to San Diego.

With 70 miles of coastline, a vibrant dining scene, and sprawling parks, San Diego is a destination you could easily spend weeks exploring. But if you’re short on time, rest assured you’ll still be able to see quite a bit in a few days.

A weekend in San Diego will give you a taste of the Southern California city's best beaches, seafood, and family-friendly attractions. From the museums in Balboa Park to the swimming, surfing, and seal-watching spots along the Pacific coast, there are activities for every interest.

Below, we’ve outlined the best places to stay, eat, and play on a three-day weekend in San Diego.

Day One

If you’ve arrived at San Diego International Airport, you have several easy ways to get to your destination, including the city bus, a taxi, or ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft. We suggest basing yourself in the downtown area, which is about a 10-minute drive from the airport and boasts upscale restaurants, boutiques, museums, and easy access to the bay.

Stay at the historic The US Grant hotel, with its classic Art Deco style, or the Andaz, located in vintage building updated with contemporary interiors — plus a rooftop pool and lounge. If you're looking for views of the sea, you might find your perfect room at the Manchester Grand Hyatt; you'll still be close to downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter's trendy cocktail bars and art galleries.

Related: Where to Stay in San Diego: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

Once you’ve settled in, go for a stroll to get your bearings, then head to Seaport Village, a waterfront complex with a bevy of shops and restaurants. Take in the atmosphere and views of the bay, and when you're ready, do grab a bite to eat. Try Margarita’s Kitchen for tacos and burritos or Marion’s Fish Market for fish and chips and lobster rolls.

A short walk from there is the USS Midway Museum, a United States Navy aircraft carrier now open for self-guided or docent-led tours. Even without time for a tour, you’ll appreciate the size and history of the ship that took part in the 1990s Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War. Nearby in Tuna Harbor Park, look for the statues recognizing comedian Bob Hope’s role in entertaining the military and a statue memorializing the celebratory kiss of a sailor and a nurse at the end of World War II.

You’ll probably want to relax at your hotel and freshen up before dinner and the evening ahead in the Gaslamp Quarter. Head to Rustic Root, one of the best restaurants in San Diego. Start with a cocktail on their rooftop bar — if you arrive on a weeknight between 5 and 6:30 p.m., you’ll be in time for their happy hour special, including half-off cocktails. If not, you can still sip a cocktail and order from the Rooftop menu while you enjoy the view. Head to the dining room and choose from a variety of hearty seafood entrees, including lobster pappardelle pasta and Louisiana shrimp and grits. After dinner, enjoy the spirited atmosphere of the Quarter before returning to your hotel.

Day Two

Depending on how late you lingered last night, your breakfast time will vary, but the place should be Richard Walker’s Pancake House, which offers every morning dish you can imagine. You’ll want to be well nourished for the busy day ahead in Balboa Park, San Diego’s 1,200-acre cultural and entertainment paradise with 18 museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.

The urban park is located about a mile from downtown, so it’s easily accessible by foot, bike (bike racks are available), or rideshare. There’s parking, too, but depending on the day and season, it can be difficult to find a space. Stop at the visitor center for information to help plan your day, and grab a coffee or espresso at nearby Prado Perk or Daniel’s Coffee while you decide which museums to see — art, science, history, space exploration, or model railroads.

Will you stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden, ride the vintage Balboa Park Carousel, or hear one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion? You can explore on your own with an audio guide, join a free walking tour, or book a custom tour focusing on a special interest like architecture or the gardens. The Balboa Park app for your phone is a solid guide as well.

When it’s time for a midday break, treat yourself to lunch at The Prado, where you can choose an indoor or outdoor table, a margarita or specialty cocktail, sandwich, salad, burger, or a favorite like the Prado Paella. While you relax over lunch, you can plan your afternoon. There’s still so much to see in the Park, but save something for next time, and go to the San Diego Zoo. Most visitors are surprised to learn that it’s actually in Balboa Park.

Like the park, the zoo has more than you can see in a day, but plan to spend at least three hours and stay until closing time at 5 p.m. With more than 14,000 rare and endangered animals, including polar bears, koalas, and red pandas, there's plenty to see. Take the 35-minute guided bus tour for an overview, and you’ll still have time to spend with some of your favorites.

Go for dinner in Little Italy, a historic downtown area increasingly known for its lively atmosphere, wine bars, breweries, and stylish restaurants. For authentic Sicilian cuisine, fresh pasta, artisan pizzas, and Southern Italian wines, visit Busalacchi family-owned Barbusa. Or choose Herb & Wood for their roasted branzino, pasta, or any of the other creative dishes by chef Brian Malarkey. Dinner will end your busy day on a high note, so sleep well and be ready for your beach day tomorrow.

Related: San Diego Travel Guide

Day Three

Your weekend trip wouldn't be complete without checking out San Diego's best beaches, so get an early start and head north for about a 20-minute drive to La Jolla. Spend a while at the “Children’s Pool,” a small sandy beach sheltered by a seawall, and look down from the top of the cliff at the seals and sea lions that have taken over part of the cove. They’re entertaining to watch as they loll in the sand, jostle for space, dip in the water, and return to sleep on the beach. They put on quite a show, and it’s especially fun to see these marine animals in their natural surroundings. For your own beach visit, look for the parking lot at La Jolla Shores and walk to the mile-long sandy beach, which is ideal for swimming and equipped with convenient showers and restrooms.

Since this is your San Diego beach day, experience another style beach — one with a boardwalk, bike path, and lots going on. Drive south along Mission Boulevard about five miles, and you’ll be at Mission Beach. There, you can swim in the ocean or the calm waters of nearby Mission Bay, an artificial aquatic park, or take a bike ride or a sailboat cruise. Belmont Park, a classic boardwalk amusement park, is the place for miniature golf, arcade games, bumper cars, or a ride on the restored 1925 Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.

End your weekend in San Diego as close to the sea as possible, and dine outdoors with a view at one of Mission Bay’s fine dining or casual restaurants, depending on your mood. Enjoy seafood with a bay view at Tidal or sushi at oceanfront Cannonball, set on a rooftop above Mission Beach. While you enjoy the sunset and reflect on your weekend in San Diego, you’ll likely be planning your return.

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