The Perfect 3-Day San Diego Itinerary
- Wandering with Jodi
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 14
Part 3 of 3 of a Wandering Van Road Trip down California Coast
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Get ready for sun, surf, and city vibes—this itinerary blends
beaches, history, food, and adventure so you can experience the best of San Diego in just 3 days!
If you want to see and do as much as possible in 3 days, renting a car is the best way to go! If you’re only sticking to downtown, Old Town, and the Gaslamp Quarter, you can manage without one.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Diego is based on your travel style. San Diego has a neighborhood for every vibe—whether you want beachfront relaxation, nightlife, family-friendly spots, or a mix of everything! Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
La Jolla is best for luxury and coastal views. You should stay in La Jolla for Gorgeous ocean views & upscale hotels. It is quite and scenic making it great for families & couples. La Jolla Cove is close to sea lions and Torrey Pines. The downside of La Jolla is that hotels can be pricey and it's farther from downtown San Diego.
📍 Top Hotels in La Jolla
Luxury: La Valencia Hotel
Mid-Range: Pantai Inn
Budget-Friendly: Inn by the Sea
The Gaslamp Quarter is best for Nightlife & First-Timers. It is
walkable & central to everything; has tons of restaurants,
rooftop bars, & nightlife. It is near Balboa Park, USS Midway, & Little Italy. The downside is it can be noisy at night
📍 Top Hotels:
Luxury: Pendry San Diego
Mid-Range: The Gaslamp Plaza Suites
Budget-Friendly: HI San Diego Downtown Hostel
Pacific Beach is best for Beach Vibes & Young Travelers. It is right on the beach with a fun boardwalk with tons of bars, casual eateries, & surf spots. It is great for younger travelers & solo adventurers The downside is it can get rowdy on weekends.
📍 Top Hotels:
Luxury: Tower 23 Hotel
Mid-Range: Pacific Terrace Hotel
Budget-Friendly: The Beach Cottages
Mission Bay is best for Families & Relaxation. It is known for calm waters & family-friendly beaches. Mission Bay is close to SeaWorld & Mission Beach. There are lots of resorts with pools & kid-friendly activities. The downside is there is not much nightlife.
📍 Top Hotels:
Luxury: San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Mid-Range: The Dana on Mission Bay
Budget-Friendly: Bahia Resort Hotel
Coronado is best for romantic getaways & relaxation. It is known for stunning white-sand beaches and the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Coronado is quiet & romantic, but still close to downtown. The downside is the bridge/ferry commute to downtown can be a hassle.
📍 Top Hotels:
Luxury: Hotel del Coronado
Mid-Range: Coronado Island Marriott Resort
Budget-Friendly: Glorietta Bay Inn
Little Italy is best for Foodies & Walkability. Littly Italy has amazing italian food & lively street markets. It is close to Gaslamp, Balboa Park, & the waterfront. Little Italy is trendy but not as chaotic as Gaslamp. The downside are the hotels are boutique-style (not big resorts).
📍 Top Hotels:
Luxury: Carte Hotel
Mid-Range: La Pensione Hotel
Budget-Friendly: Porto Vista Hotel
Having a car in San Diego for your 3-day itinerary is highly recommended. Renting a car is beneficial for easier Access to attractions – Many of the best spots (La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Sunset Cliffs, Cabrillo National Monument, Coronado) are spread out, and public transit isn’t always convenient. It saves time – San Diego’s trolley and bus system are decent, but driving will maximize your sightseeing time. Rential a car allows for more freedom – You can spontaneously stop at hidden gems, scenic viewpoints, or local eateries without worrying about schedules.
Alternatives If You Don’t Want a Car:
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Works well for shorter distances but can get expensive if you're hopping all over the city.
Public Transit: The trolley is great for downtown, Old Town, and Mission Valley but won’t easily get you to La Jolla, beaches, or hikes.
Bike/Scooter Rentals: Fun for beach areas like Mission Beach or Pacific Beach but not practical for the whole itinerary.
This itinerary gives you the perfect mix of beaches, history, adventure, and local culture. Want a more laid-back or customized experience? Let me know, and I’ll tweak it for you!
Day 1: Coastal Beauty & City Icons
☀️ Morning:
Breakfast in La Jolla – Enjoy oceanfront dining at The Cottage La Jolla or Brockton Villa.
Explore La Jolla Cove – Watch sea lions, explore tide pools, or go kayaking to the sea caves.
Torrey Pines State Reserve – Take a scenic hike with cliffside ocean views.
🌮 Afternoon:
Old Town San Diego – Stroll through California’s birthplace, visit historic adobe buildings, and grab tacos at Café Coyote.
Balboa Park – Wander through gorgeous gardens, admire Spanish architecture, and visit a museum (San Diego Museum of Art, Fleet Science Center, or the Air & Space Museum).
🌅 Evening:
Sunset at Sunset Cliffs – One of the best spots to watch the sun dip into the Pacific.
Dinner & Nightlife in Gaslamp Quarter – Savor a meal at Born & Raised or The Lion’s Share, then explore rooftop bars and lively clubs.
Day 2: Beaches, Adventure & Local Vibes
☕ Morning:
Breakfast in Pacific Beach – Head to Kono’s Cafe or Fig Tree Café for a delicious start.
Mission Beach & Belmont Park – Stroll the boardwalk, rent bikes, or ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster.
🏝️ Afternoon:
Lunch at Liberty Public Market – A foodie haven with tacos, ramen, and craft beer.
USS Midway Museum OR San Diego Zoo – Choose between exploring a historic aircraft carrier or visiting one of the world's top zoos.
🍹 Evening:
Coronado Island – Drive over the scenic Coronado Bridge, explore the historic Hotel del Coronado, and enjoy the pristine beach.
Dinner at Peohe’s or Serẽa – Stunning bayfront dining with a view of the San Diego skyline.
Day 3: Hidden Gems & Relaxation
🍳 Morning:
Breakfast in Little Italy – Enjoy a cozy morning at Morning Glory or Café Gratitude.
Explore Little Italy – Stroll the charming streets, shop at boutique stores, and grab a coffee at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.
🌊 Afternoon:
Cabrillo National Monument & Point Loma – Visit Lighthouse Point, soak in panoramic views, and explore tide pools at low tide.
Ocean Beach Farmers Market (Wednesday) OR Beach Time – Hang out at laid-back Ocean Beach, check out the quirky shops, or grab a bite at Hodad’s for legendary burgers.
🌇 Evening:
Dinner in North Park – Try Cucina Urbana, or Kindred for a local foodie experience.
Rooftop Drinks at The Nolen or Altitude Sky Lounge – End your trip with stunning skyline views and craft cocktails.
Ready to make your San Diego adventure a reality? I'd love to help you plan the perfect trip! Let’s craft an unforgettable itinerary tailored just for you—reach out, and let’s get started!
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