4-Day San Diego Adventure & Relaxation Itinerary for Friends
San Diego, California
4 days
About San Diego, California
Welcome to San Diego, California, a sun-soaked paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-class attractions. Explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, brimming with unique shops, gourmet restaurants, and Victorian-era buildings. Visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, home to over 3,500 rare and endangered animals, or immerse yourself in marine life at SeaWorld San Diego. Enjoy the breathtaking views at La Jolla Cove, a perfect spot for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Don't miss Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre urban cultural park housing 17 museums, beautiful gardens, and the Old Globe Theatre. With its perfect weather, San Diego is a year-round destination offering a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff, San Diego has something for everyone.
4-Day Itinerary
Day 2
History and Culture in Downtown and Old Town
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in Seaport Village, a waterfront shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you can learn about the city's early days as a Spanish and Mexican settlement.
Dinner
Have dinner in Little Italy, a lively neighborhood known for its Italian restaurants and pizzerias.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Cabrillo National Monument, offering stunning views of the San Diego skyline and the Pacific Ocean.
Day 3
Nature and Marine Life in Torrey Pines and La Jolla
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, known for its stunning cliffs and views of the Pacific Ocean.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in La Jolla, a seaside area known for its rugged coastline, upscale dining, and shopping.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, where you can learn about marine life and conservation.
Dinner
Have dinner in Pacific Beach, a neighborhood known for its laid-back vibe and beachfront eateries.
Evening
End your day with a relaxing walk along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, enjoying the cool ocean breeze and beautiful sunset views.
Day 4
Gardens and Family Fun in Encinitas and Carlsbad
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the San Diego Botanic Garden, a 37-acre garden with plants from all over the world.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in Encinitas, a beach city known for its surfing culture and healthy dining options.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the LEGOLAND California Resort, a theme park and aquarium designed for families with children aged 2-12.
Dinner
Have dinner in Carlsbad, a coastal city known for its charming village area with a variety of dining options.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Oceanside Pier, one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Attractions in Itinerary (22)
1San Diego Zoo
World-renowned zoo housing over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies.
2Balboa Park
A 1,200-acre urban cultural park with 17 museums, several gardens, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo.
3San Diego Museum of Art
The region's oldest, largest and most visited art museum, located in Balboa Park.
4San Diego Natural History Museum
A museum in Balboa Park that focuses on the natural history and unique biodiversity of Southern California.
5Botanical Building
One of the largest lath structures in the world, the Botanical Building in Balboa Park houses more than 2,100 permanent plants, including collections of ferns, orchids, cycads, palms, and other tropical plants.
6Gaslamp Quarter
A lively downtown neighborhood known for its nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
7Embarcadero
A lively waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and historic ships to tour.
8USS Midway Museum
An historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego.
9Seaport Village
A waterfront shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay.
10Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
A state protected historical park in San Diego that commemorates the early days of the town of San Diego.
11Little Italy
A chic, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, packed with trendy cocktail bars, brewpubs and restaurants with bustling patios.
12Cabrillo National Monument
Located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, California. It commemorates the landing of Juan RodrÃguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542.
13Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A coastal state park offering hiking trails, beaches, and a lagoon that's home to migrating seabirds.
14La Jolla
A picturesque seaside neighborhood offering beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and dining.
15Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, offering a window into the exciting world of research and conservation.
16Pacific Beach
A neighborhood in San Diego known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous eateries, and sun-soaked beach, Pacific Beach attracts surfers and sunbathers alike.
17Mission Beach Boardwalk
Mission Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant and lively oceanfront promenade, perfect for walking, biking, and rollerblading. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a plethora of activities for all ages.
18San Diego Botanic Garden
A 37-acre garden that has more than 4,000 plant species and varieties, gardens representing 15 different regions of the world, 12 demonstration gardens, and natural habitat preserves.
19Encinitas
Encinitas is a picturesque beach town located in San Diego County. It's known for its vibrant surfing culture, beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle.
20LEGOLAND California Resort
LEGOLAND California Resort is a family-friendly theme park located in Carlsbad. It features a variety of LEGO-themed rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.
21Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a coastal city located in San Diego County. It's known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown area, and family-friendly attractions like LEGOLAND California Resort.
22Oceanside Pier
Oceanside Pier is one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast. It offers stunning ocean views and a variety of activities, including fishing and dining.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
California Burrito
A San Diego special, this burrito is typically filled with carne asada, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and French fries.
Fish Tacos
A popular dish in San Diego due to its proximity to the ocean, these tacos are usually made with grilled or fried fish, cabbage, and a creamy sauce.
Carne Asada Fries
This dish is a local favorite in San Diego, consisting of French fries topped with carne asada, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
Stone IPA
A popular local beer brewed in San Diego, known for its strong hop flavor and high alcohol content.
Green Flash West Coast IPA
Another local beer, this IPA is known for its strong hoppy flavor and is a favorite among San Diego's craft beer enthusiasts.
San Diego-style Sushi
San Diego's version of sushi often includes Mexican ingredients, such as jalapenos and cilantro, reflecting the city's multicultural influences.
Chilled Sea Urchin
San Diego, being a coastal city, offers fresh sea urchin. It's often served chilled and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Date Shake
A sweet, creamy drink made with dates, a popular fruit in Southern California, and ice cream.
Smoked Fish
With its access to fresh seafood, smoked fish is a popular dish in San Diego, often served with crackers and cream cheese.
Avocado Toast
Given California's abundant avocado production, this simple yet delicious dish is a must-try in San Diego.
Craft Cocktails
San Diego's craft cocktail scene is thriving, with many bars offering unique and innovative drinks using local ingredients.
Kombucha
A fermented tea drink that's popular in health-conscious San Diego, often flavored with fruits or herbs.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit San Diego, California is typically from March to May and September to November. During these periods, the city experiences mild, pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The spring season, March to May, is particularly beautiful with blooming flowers. The fall season, September to November, is also a great time to visit as the summer crowds have thinned out and the weather is still quite warm. However, San Diego is known for its year-round mild climate, so it's a great destination any time of year.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 15 | Mon | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
February 19 | Mon | Presidents' Day |
May 27 | Mon | Memorial Day |
June 19 | Wed | Juneteenth |
July 4 | Thu | Independence Day |
September 2 | Mon | Labor Day |
October 14 | Mon | Columbus Day |
November 11 | Mon | Veterans Day |
November 28 | Thu | Thanksgiving Day |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Car Rental
Renting a car is a popular option for getting around San Diego. There are several car rental companies available at the airport and throughout the city. This gives you the flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Public Transportation
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates bus and trolley services throughout the city. The trolley service is particularly useful for tourists, as it connects downtown San Diego with popular attractions like Old Town, Mission Valley, and the Mexican border.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in San Diego. These services can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.
Bicycles
San Diego is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and paths. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city, or use the city's bike-sharing program, DecoBike.
Pedestrian
San Diego's downtown area is very walkable, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within a short distance of each other. The city's pleasant climate makes walking an enjoyable way to get around.
Ferries and Water Taxis
San Diego's waterfront location means that ferries and water taxis are a viable mode of transportation. They can be a scenic and enjoyable way to travel between downtown San Diego, Coronado Island, and other waterfront locations.
Train
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and the COASTER commuter train provide service along the coast between San Diego and other Southern California cities. This can be a convenient way to visit nearby destinations like Carlsbad or Oceanside.
Airport Shuttle
Many hotels in San Diego offer shuttle services to and from San Diego International Airport. This can be a convenient option if you're staying at one of these hotels.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available in San Diego, particularly in the downtown area and at the airport. They can be a convenient option for short trips or if you prefer not to drive.
Important information
Currency$ USD
Time zoneUTC-5
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone911
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage120 V
Things to know about San Diego, California as a first time visitor
1
San Diego has a Mediterranean climate, which means it has warm, dry summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 76°F (24°C), while in winter it's around 66°F (19°C).
2
San Diego is a very walkable city, especially in areas like Downtown, Little Italy, and the Gaslamp Quarter. However, if you're planning to explore areas further afield, you might want to consider renting a car.
3
Public transportation is available and includes buses, trolleys, and trains, but service can be limited in some areas and during certain times of the day.
4
Tipping is customary in San Diego. It's standard to tip 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, and it's also common to tip taxi drivers, hairdressers, and hotel staff.
5
San Diego is a very diverse city with a large Hispanic population, so you'll find a lot of authentic Mexican food. The city is also known for its craft beer scene.
6
San Diego is a very health-conscious city, with lots of options for outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and yoga. There are also many farmers markets and health food stores.
7
The city is very pet-friendly, with many hotels, restaurants, and parks allowing dogs. There's even a dog beach in Ocean Beach where dogs can run off-leash.
8
San Diego is in the Pacific Time Zone and observes daylight saving time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
9
The city is known for its military presence, with several bases located in and around San Diego. You might see military aircraft flying overhead or Navy ships in the harbor.
10
San Diego has a high cost of living compared to other U.S. cities, so be prepared for higher prices for food, drinks, and accommodations.
11
The city is very environmentally conscious, with many initiatives to reduce waste and promote sustainability. You'll find recycling bins throughout the city, and many restaurants and cafes offer discounts for bringing your own cup or container.
12
San Diego has a casual dress code. Even at nicer restaurants and events, you'll see people wearing jeans and t-shirts. However, some places might require a dress code, so it's always a good idea to check beforehand.
13
The city is very safe, but like any large city, it has areas that are best avoided at night. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
14
San Diego has a strong surf culture, and you'll find many surf shops and schools if you want to try it out. Remember to always respect the local surf etiquette.
15
The city has a ban on smoking in all public places, including parks and beaches. Some hotels also have strict no-smoking policies.
16
San Diego has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. The legal drinking age is 21, and you'll need to show ID to buy alcohol.
17
The city is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including Comic-Con, the San Diego County Fair, and the Festival of Sail. It's worth checking the local event calendar before your visit.
18
San Diego has a large homeless population, particularly in the Downtown area. While most homeless people are harmless, it's best to avoid giving money directly and instead donate to local charities.
19
The city is very bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and bike rental services. However, California law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding a bike.
20
San Diego is close to the U.S.-Mexico border, and you can easily visit Tijuana for a day trip. Just remember to bring your passport and check the visa requirements if you're not a U.S. citizen.
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear (4 pairs)
Socks (4 pairs)
T-shirts (4)
Long-sleeve shirts (2)
Jeans or trousers (2 pairs)
Shorts (2 pairs)
Dress or formal outfit (1, if needed)
Pajamas (1 set)
Swimsuit (1)
Light jacket or sweater (1)
Walking shoes (1 pair)
Sandals or flip-flops (1 pair)
Hat or cap (1)
Sunglasses (1 pair)
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Deodorant
Razor
Shaving cream
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Lotion
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Makeup and makeup remover (if applicable)
Contact lenses and solution (if applicable)
Prescription medications
Travel documents and essentials
Passport or ID
Flight tickets
Hotel booking confirmation
Car rental confirmation (if applicable)
Travel insurance documents
Credit and debit cards
Cash
Emergency contacts and addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera (if not using phone camera)
Charger for camera
Power bank
Adapters (if needed)
Laptop and charger (if needed)
Miscellaneous items
Books or e-reader for leisure reading
Travel guide or map
Snacks
Water bottle
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
First-aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Tissues or wet wipes
Weather Conditions
San Diego, California, is known for its mild and pleasant climate throughout the year. However, it's always wise to be prepared for the weather conditions you might encounter during your visit. The city generally experiences a Mediterranean climate, which means dry, warm summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F (24-29°C), while winter temperatures can drop to 48-65°F (9-18°C). If you're visiting in the summer, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, but don't forget a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. The city's coastal location can lead to sudden changes in weather, with fog and marine layer clouds often rolling in unexpectedly. This is particularly common in May and June, a phenomenon known locally as "May Gray" and "June Gloom". So, even if you're visiting in these months, it's a good idea to carry a light jacket or sweater. San Diego gets most of its rain in the winter months, from December to February. If you're visiting during this time, pack a raincoat or umbrella. However, rainfall is generally light and doesn't last long. Despite its sunny reputation, San Diego can also experience occasional heat waves, particularly in late summer and early fall. If you're visiting during these periods, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect against the strong California sun. Lastly, if you're planning to visit the beach, be aware that the Pacific Ocean can be quite cool, even in the summer. The water temperature rarely rises above 70°F (21°C), so if you're planning to swim, you might want to consider a wetsuit. In conclusion, San Diego's weather is generally mild and pleasant, but it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 18° / 8° | January is the coldest month in San Diego, but it's still mild compared to most places. Expect occasional rain showers. |
February | 18° / 9° | February sees a slight increase in temperature, with a mix of sunny and rainy days. |
March | 19° / 11° | March brings the beginning of spring, with more sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures. |
April | 21° / 12° | April is a pleasant month with lots of sunshine and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities. |
May | 21° / 14° | May is a beautiful month with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, making it ideal for beach activities. |
June | 24° / 16° | June marks the beginning of summer, with longer days and warmer temperatures, perfect for exploring the city and beaches. |
July | 27° / 18° | July is the warmest month in San Diego, with lots of sunshine and high temperatures, perfect for beach and water activities. |
August | 28° / 19° | August continues the summer heat, with plenty of sunshine and warm nights, making it ideal for nightlife and outdoor dining. |
September | 27° / 18° | September is a lovely month with warm temperatures and less crowd, making it a great time to visit. |
October | 24° / 15° | October brings cooler temperatures and less crowd, making it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. |
November | 21° / 11° | November sees a drop in temperature, with cooler nights and less crowd, making it a great time for sightseeing. |
December | 18° / 9° | December is a cooler month with shorter days, but still mild enough for outdoor activities and holiday events. |
Did you know?
Places near by San Diego, California
La Jolla Cove
Famous for its clear waters and abundant marine life, this is a favorite spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.
Legoland California
A theme park, miniature park, and aquarium located in Carlsbad, based on the Lego toy brand.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A coastal state park located in the community of La Jolla, off North Torrey Pines Road.
Julian
A historic gold mining town located in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Known for its apple pies.
Temecula
Known for its wineries, old town, and golf courses.
Disneyland Park
The first of two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, opened on July 17, 1955.
Joshua Tree National Park
A vast protected area in southern California. It's characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes.
Santa Catalina Island
An island off the coast of California known for its wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak.
Palm Springs
A desert resort city in Riverside County, California, known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas.
Los Angeles
Known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, and the entertainment industry.
