A Weekend Itinerary for Exploring San Diego, California

San Diego is jam-packed with activities, restaurants, and countless sights to explore. You'll be busy from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. Having a plan in place before your trip is essential—it can be overwhelming to navigate all the options, and that's where we come in.

To minimize transportation time and maximize opportunities for activities, we focused on one region of San Diego. However, San Diego is made up of various communities, each with its own unique characteristics. This itinerary focuses on Downtown San Diego, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, Little Italy, and Point Loma.

San Diego has many delicious brunch locations, so choosing one with a view is best. Malibu Farm is located in Seaport Village, a vibrant area filled with dining options, bars, and shops along San Diego Bay. Brunch at Malibu Farm allows you to enjoy a tasty meal with the waterfront as your backdrop.

After brunch, walk down to the harbor and take a cruise in the San Diego Harbor. Experience extravagant views of the Coronado Bridge, the San Diego city skyline, and Point Loma; you might even spot seals and dolphins.

Take some time to explore Seaport Village, enjoying the shops and the fresh ocean breeze before or after the boat ride. Once you've taken in all that Seaport Village has to offer, take an 8-minute drive to Little Italy.

Little Italy boasts numerous wineries, breweries, restaurants, and shops. This is your chance to have a fresh, authentic Italian dinner. With various Italian markets, you can take home an authentic Italian treat or souvenir. They offer both sit-down meals and grab-and-go options. We recommend checking out Nonna, or Roman Wolves for a sit-down dining experience and Landini’s Pizzeria for a quick eat.

No trip to San Diego is complete without a day at the beach. Depending on the season, you can spend the day soaking up the sun, swimming, and enjoying a stunning sunset. If it’s too chilly for a swim, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the beach atmosphere.

Start your morning with breakfast at Hideaway, a cozy spot with a coastal interior that feels like you’re dining at a friend’s beach house. After breakfast, take some time to explore the local shops on Garnet Ave. Then, rent bikes and enjoy a ride along the boardwalks of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, eventually making your way to Mission Bay. After your bike ride, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Have you ever tried the San Diego classic, the California Burrito? This burrito, packed with French fries, is a must-try, and the best spot to get one is Harry’s Taco Club on Cass Street. You can ride your bike there and enjoy your burrito mid-ride, or pick it up to save for later to eat on the beach.

If there’s one thing San Diego is known for, it’s the sunsets—you definitely don’t want to miss a San Diego sunset. You can stay at Pacific Beach or Mission Beach to watch the sunset, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery, consider driving to Sunset Cliffs. This spot offers breathtaking cliffside views, making it a perfect place to end your day and begin your night.

As mentioned earlier, San Diego is a foodie’s paradise, so you won’t end your day hungry. For dinner, head to Downtown San Diego to Tacos El Gordo for some of the best street tacos in town. Don’t let the line intimidate you—it moves quickly, and the wait is absolutely worth it.

After dinner, if you’re looking for entertainment, head to The SHOUT! House for a high-energy dual-piano, sing-along experience. Alternatively, check out Cafe Sevilla for live Latin music and dancing to keep the night going.

In addition to being a foodie’s paradise, San Diego is also the coffee connoisseur's capital. Start your day at Selva Coffee Shop for a quick coffee and breakfast treat. Selva is a bright, airy space adorned with plants hanging from the ceilings and covering the walls. Its unique aesthetic perfectly complements its exceptional coffee—a true 10/10 for both flavor and interior design.

Next, make your way to Balboa Park, a sprawling 1,200-acre historic park filled with museums, stunning European-inspired architecture, and beautiful gardens. Choose one or more museums to explore, and don’t miss the iconic Botanical Building with its lush displays.

For lunch, stop at Panama 66, where you can enjoy a unique outdoor dining experience in a sculpture-filled courtyard connected to the San Diego Museum of Art.

After exploring Balboa Park, head to Old Town, a historic landmark celebrating San Diego’s Mexican heritage and its history from 1820 to 1870. Stroll through adobe-style and Victorian-era houses that reflect San Diego's rich historical past. Be sure to take a tour of the Whaley House Museum, a home built in 1856 that is famously rumored to be haunted.

If you’re looking for a quick snack, stop by the Old Town Mexican Café for a freshly baked tortilla. The bakers handmake the tortillas the traditional way right in front of you, and your tortilla comes straight from the grill into your hands.

For free entertainment, visit Fiesta de Reyes for live mariachi and folklórico dancing.

When it’s time for dinner, we suggest Tahona Bar or Café Coyote. Tahona Bar is an intimate spot offering Oaxacan-inspired cuisine, expertly crafted mezcal cocktails, and mezcal tastings. Café Coyote is a vibrant outdoor restaurant known for its large, traditional Mexican dishes.

Should I make reservations?
It’s recommended to make reservations at larger restaurants whenever possible. For coffee shops or brunch spots on the weekend, aim to arrive by 9:00 AM to avoid long wait times.

What neighborhood should I stay in for this itinerary?
The locations and activities listed above are all in the general region pictured below(marked with a yellow dot), and driving to each spot will only take 10-15 minutes. For a middle ground, look for hotels or Airbnbs in Mission Bay or Mission Beach. However, if you stay in Little Italy or Downtown San Diego, you will still be in close proximity and closer to the majority of activities.

What is the best mode of transportation in San Diego?
If you’re deciding between renting a car and using Uber, we recommend Uber. Parking can be challenging to find, and many areas require payment for parking.

For transportation around Little Italy, Old Town, and Downtown San Diego, consider using the Blue Line Trolley, which conveniently connects these areas. A Day pass costs $6 or one way is $2.50.

San Diego is filled with picturesque scenery and buildings, so you will want to be sure you have the best gear to capture it all.