This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a trip to San Diego, California? You’re in the right place!
From palm-lined beaches and historic neighborhoods to world-famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo, this sunny SoCal city has something for everyone. After exploring it for ourselves, we’ve put together a 3-day itinerary that mixes iconic sights, ocean views, and some seriously good food. You’ll hop on a trolley, cruise into the sunset, stroll through Old Town, and maybe even spot a whale or two.
Whether you’re coming for the coastline, the culture, or just want to soak up that laid-back vibe, this guide will help you make the most of your trip. Let’s dive into three fun-filled days in San Diego!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this full-day San Diego Zoo experience! These tickets gave us access to the guided bus tour, Skyfari tram, and all the exhibits. It’s huge, exciting, and worth every minute!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Itinerary Overview
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Where to Stay in San Diego, California
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Itinerary Overview
Three days in San Diego is just the right amount of time to soak in the city’s coastal beauty, vibrant neighborhoods, and top attractions. Getting around is super simple—most areas are easy to reach with guided tours, public transportation, or a short rideshare. No rental car needed unless you’re planning a bigger road trip.
Whether you’re riding a historic trolley, cruising the bay at sunset, or exploring one of the world’s most iconic zoos, this itinerary combines low-stress travel with high-reward experiences. Expect palm trees, ocean breezes, and plenty of tacos along the way.
- Day 1: We’ll start with a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour to get the lay of the land, stopping at some of San Diego’s top sights along the way. In the evening, dive into the city’s culinary and cultural past with a food tour through the lively Gaslamp Quarter.
- Day 2: Today’s all about the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. You’ll spend the day exploring its lush exhibits and incredible wildlife before unwinding on a scenic sunset cruise around the bay. Then cap off the night with fresh seafood and harbor views!
- Day 3: Kick off with brunch, a walk along the Sunset Cliffs, and an unforgettable whale watching cruise. Later, explore Old Town’s historic streets, museums, and Mexican eats before ending with craft beer at a local favorite.
Day 1
Morning/afternoon – See San Diego on a hop-on hop-off trolley
This hop-on, hop-off trolley tour is one of the easiest ways to explore San Diego without the hassle of planning every stop. Just find the pickup point closest to your hotel, then ride between top spots like Balboa Park, Old Town, the Zoo, and Coronado at your own pace.
You can hop off whenever something catches your eye and hop back on when you’re ready to move on. The first trolleys start running at 9 am, and how long you spend out is totally up to you!
With 11 well-placed stops covering the best of the city, including Old Town, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway, Little Italy, and more, this tour allows you to explore on your own schedule without worrying about transportation. You can stroll through the gardens at Balboa Park, hit a museum or two, or enjoy an afternoon aperitivo in Little Italy.
The trolleys come every 20 minutes, and the live commentary from the guides adds way more than you’d ever get on your own. Our driver, Frank, was hilarious and incredibly knowledgeable. You could tell he genuinely loves this city, and he made the whole experience even more fun!
Doing this tour on your first day in San Diego will give you the lay of the land and really give you a feel for the city’s character. It offers fun, flexibility, and zero planning stress. No wonder it has such great reviews!
Book your bus tickets here and get free 24-hour cancellation!
Dinner/evening – Taste your way around the Gaslamp Quarter on a food tour
The Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego’s heart and soul, and it’s home to some of the city’s best food! So tonight, instead of heading to just one restaurant, let’s head off to eat our way through this atmospheric quarter with this fun food tour!
The tour begins at 5:30 pm in the Gaslamp Quarter. We just love the way it combines local stories, classic flavors, and lively local nightlife! Every bite comes with a story, and every drink has a scandal behind it.
We stopped at four local restaurants for bites that ranged from upscale comfort food (hello, truffle mac and cheese) to bold, spicy flavors like street tacos with smoky chipotle aioli. We had drinks at three different stops in between, including one Prohibition-style drink inspired by a real bootlegger who once ran these very streets.
But the best part is that this wasn’t just a food crawl—it was also a deep dive into the Gaslamp’s scandalous past, from red-light history and crooked mayors to the modern-day bars that keep the party going. Meanwhile, with just a small number of us on the tour, it felt social without being crowded, just like a night out with a bunch of new friends!
By the end, we were full, tipsy, and ready to keep the night going. This is THE most fun way to spend an evening in San Diego, and over 500 5-star reviews here certainly attest to that!
Check availability and book this unique food tour here!
Day 2
Full-day – Visit the San Diego Zoo
You can’t come to San Diego without visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo!
We knew that this zoo was a big deal before we came here, but we didn’t fully grasp how massive and immersive it is until we grabbed these one-day tickets. The ticket suggests 1–4 hours, but we easily spent 6+. For that reason, we suggest arriving at 9 am when the zoo first opens to make the most of your day here.
The zoo passes include a guided bus tour, which is a great way to get acquainted with this enormous zoo. It really is like a small city in its own right, so we decided to start off with the bus tour. We’re glad that we did because it helped us decide what to explore more in-depth later.
Oh, and I have to mention the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which is also covered with your pass. It was a lifesaver for tired legs and also offered amazing views of the park from above—that’s what I call a win-win!
We loved the pandas but ended up mesmerized by the orangutans and siamangs. One moment we were watching polar bears dive, the next we were surrounded by orchids and flamingos—this place surprises you at every turn!
Buying your ticket in advance saves time at the entrance and comes with flexible payment and cancellation options. Even though it’s just standard admission, it makes everything smoother so you can focus on exploring. With thousands of glowing reviews here, the hype is real—and totally deserved, I might add!
Book your San Diego Zoo day passes here, before they sell out!
Evening – Relax on a sunset cruise
A sunset cruise is the perfect way to wind down after a busy day at the San Diego Zoo, and this one is the best in town! It starts at 5 pm and runs until 8 pm, so it’s the perfect opportunity to chill out before dinner.
Sunset cruises can sometimes feel overcrowded or overly scripted, but this one is relaxed and scenic. We booked it looking for low-key luxury, and that’s exactly what we got! There were just six guests on board, so it felt peaceful and personal right from the get-go.
While our captain, Dave, wasn’t officially a tour guide, he provided a lot of insightful commentary along the way. He pointed out local landmarks like the USS Midway, the twin lighthouses of Point Loma, and the stretch of Coronado Island glowing in the last light of the day.
As the sky shifted into deep orange and pink, we sipped on complimentary drinks, snacked on chips and cookies, and wrapped up in cozy blankets as the breeze picked up. We synced up our playlist to the surround-sound Bluetooth system, and suddenly it felt like our own private sunset party!
This is a super special experience and the perfect way to see San Diego at its most beautiful. But don’t just take our word for it—check out the rave reviews here!
Book this special sunset tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Ketch Grill and Taps
Ketch Grill & Taps is a fantastic spot for seafood with a view, so that’s where we’re headed for dinner tonight! You can sit inside a cozy booth and look out over the marina, or grab a table outside and soak up the waterfront vibes. The oysters are super fresh, the calamari is perfectly crispy, and the fish and chips come out flaky, hot, and golden. We think that this place—and the beautiful bay view—encapsulate the spirit of San Diego perfectly.
Day 3
Brunch – Breakfast Republic
Breakfast Republic is a cute little cafe that serves up a true American breakfast! From huge pancakes to Lowcountry-style shrimp ‘n grits, this place will set you up perfectly for another day of exploring San Diego. And if you don’t fancy coffee, I love the strawberry lemonade here!
Then, from Breakfast Republic, it’s just a 10-minute drive to the Sunset Cliffs park. So not only is this a yummy place to grab breakfast, it’s convenient, too!
Morning – Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is the perfect spot for a peaceful morning walk with stunning coastal views. The rugged cliffs and crashing waves make for a dramatic, postcard-worthy backdrop. It’s a great place to snap some photos, watch surfers below, or just take in the ocean breeze. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the whale watching tour meeting point, so it fits seamlessly into your day.
Mid-day – Go whale watching
San Diego is famous for its marine life, so whale watching is a must while you’re here! This top-rated tour is usually available at 11 am, but there are a few days when it starts at 2 pm instead. So if that’s the only option available, remember that today is flexible and you can easily swap activities around. This is the only thing that you’ll need to book!
And trust me, this particular whale watching tour really does stand out from the crowd. You get to sail on a replica of the historic schooner that won the very first America’s Cup in 1851! It boasts massive sails, polished wood decks, and a layout that gives everyone plenty of space to move around and soak it all in.
We loved the ship’s design because it meant we could get closer to the whales without disturbing them, and the views from every angle were wide open. Captain Troy and the crew were incredibly welcoming, sharing fun facts about marine life, the ship’s history, and even the Navy sites we passed on the way out.
We saw three gray whales surfacing and diving in rhythm, and a huge pod of dolphins surrounded the boat, leaping in and out of the water like they were putting on a show.
With a whale sighting guarantee and a no-sea sickness policy, this tour is a no-brainer! However, it’s popular for a reason and likely to sell out. So, book early and prepare to be wowed!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and book this popular whale cruise here!
Afternoon – Explore Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is the perfect place to spend the afternoon after your whale watching tour wraps up. This is where the city began, and today it’s full of charming adobe buildings, historic landmarks, and some of the best Mexican food in Southern California. The vibe is festive and colorful, with mariachi bands often playing in the background and plenty of shops and sights to explore. Here are a few fun ways to enjoy your time in Old Town:
Explore Old Town San Diego State Park
This free, open-air park gives you a glimpse into 19th-century San Diego with restored buildings like the Church of Immaculate Conception and Mason Street School proudly on display. This living history is such a great way to see a bygone era, and there are plenty of photo-worthy spots. It closes at 5 pm, so make this your first stop!
Visit the Whaley House Museum
If you’re into ghost stories or just curious about San Diego’s past, the Whaley House is a must. It’s open from 5–9 pm and is known as one of the most haunted houses in the U.S. It’s spooky fun and a great stop for history buffs and thrill seekers alike!
Browse the Bazaar del Mundo
This colorful marketplace is full of handcrafted gifts, vibrant textiles, jewelry, and home decor. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a lovely spot to wander and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Dinner – Miguel’s Cocina
Tonight, we’re heading for a delicious Mexican meal at Miguel’s Cocina! It’s a lively spot with a friendly atmosphere and big floor-to-ceiling windows. We love the passion fruit margaritas here (especially if you opt for a smoky salt rim), and the tacos are just delicious. But honestly, pretty much anything on the menu here is a safe bet because all of the food is fresh and spiced to perfection.
Drinks – Societe Brewing Company
Did you know that San Diego is known as “the craft beer capital of America”? Yup, there’s a good reason why we love this city!
Given its reputation, it seems only right to end your three-day trip to San Diego at one of the city’s best craft breweries. It’s just a minute’s walk from Miguel’s Cocina, so it’s convenient, but it’s also cozy with a great choice of local brews. And if you’re not sure what to try first, the friendly staff will be more than happy to help you figure it out!
Related Read: Looking to swap something out or extend your trip? Check out our guide on the ten best things to do in San Diego here for even more ideas for your time in this sunny SoCal city.
Related Read: Planning more California adventures? Check out our guide on the absolute best things to do in Napa here for country charm, great food, and scenic escapes.
Where to Stay in San Diego, California
Now that you’ve got the perfect San Diego itinerary planned, you just need a great place to stay! This is a fun and sunny coastal city with great places to stay for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a luxurious escape, a laid-back family trip, or a budget-friendly adventure, there’s a spot that fits your needs.
And there’s no need to get lost in a sea of hotel options, either, because we’ve narrowed it down to the best places to stay in San Diego. This way, you can hit the ground running and soak up every bit of sunshine, surf, and city energy this place offers!
Luxury – $$$
Nestled in the heart of San Diego’s Carmel Valley, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a lavish resort that combines old-world European elegance with California charm. Surrounded by peaceful canyon views, the property offers everything from four outdoor pools and a private golf course to an award-winning spa and the acclaimed Addison restaurant. Rooms are spacious and refined, with marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, and cozy fireplaces or terraces overlooking the gardens.
Rates typically range from $750–$3,000 USD per night, depending on the season and suite. Browse options and reserve your luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle is a great mid-range stay just minutes from top attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Old Town. The spacious, modern rooms come with plush beds, a mini-fridge, and ergonomic workspaces. Guests love the outdoor pool, hot tub, and 24-hour gym, plus The Bistro serves Starbucks coffee, breakfast, and evening cocktails. It’s clean, convenient, and family-friendly—ideal for exploring San Diego without breaking the bank.
Prices start around $230 USD per night. Check availability for your stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a budget stay in downtown San Diego, Stay Classy hits all the right notes. This clean, modern hostel is just a short walk from the convention center and offers full-sized beds with privacy curtains—no bunks here!
You’ll find plenty of space to relax, whether it’s in the cozy lounge, billiards room, or shared kitchen. Free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and helpful staff make it a smart pick for travelers who want comfort without the splurge.
Beds start at around $58 USD per night. Book your stay now on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of San Diego’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Three days is the perfect amount of time to fall for San Diego’s sunny charm. From trolley tours and tacos to pandas and Pacific sunsets, this itinerary captures the best of the city without feeling rushed. It blends iconic sights with local flavor, and still leaves room for spontaneity.
Before you go, be sure to check out all our USA blogs here! They’re packed with travel tips, personal recommendations, and inspiration for your next American adventure. Or browse a few of our most popular guides below to start planning your next trip!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in San Francisco: 3-Day Itinerary