9 Days in Sunny San Diego!

Chun-Lam Lee

3 Jan 2024

Join me on an epic adventure as I explore the beautiful city of San Diego. From stunning beaches to historic landmarks, this itinerary has it all. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Trip to San Diego

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Coastal Wonders and Oceanic Delights

$128

$ 15

This historic lighthouse & national monument offers a storied history & views all the way to Mexico.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$56

22 - 27 min

Directions

Long Pacific Ocean fishing pier with a cafe & shop known for sunset views, plus sea lion sightings.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Interactive tide pools & exhibitions for all things under the sea in an oceanside building.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$71

Day 2Thrills and Nature's Serenity

$120

$ 8

Vintage games, gift shops, rides & an iconic wooden roller coaster right next to the beach.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$75

31 - 38 min

Directions

Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$45

Day 3Beach Bliss and Breathtaking Views

$ 23

2-block space steps away from the sand & waves offers grassy area & playgrounds.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

21 - 26 min

Directions

Mission Beach Boardwalk | Ocean Front Walk

Longtime beachfront boardwalk featuring shops, an old-school amusement park & ocean activities.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

22 - 27 min

Directions

Natural cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer views of the coast & the occasional cliff diver.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

Bustling market in an old Navy building with hip eateries, bars & specialty food & craft vendors.

No time set

•

Free

Day 4Sesame Fun and Baseball Excitement

$278

$ 8

Family-friendly, Sesame Street-themed amusement park with rides, waterslides, parades & shows.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$225

30 - 36 min

Directions

From creative classes to climbable sculptures, contemporary art for kids, in a bright, modern space.

No time set

•

$53

Day 5Culture, Nature, and Shopping Galore

$ 8

Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, museums, gardens & more.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Waterside complex with shops, eateries, entertainment & relaxed grounds featuring fountains & ponds.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Island Paradise and Tranquil Gardens

$87

$ 8

Public park featuring spray fountains, grassy areas & lots of play equipment for kids.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Balboa Park's Japanese gardens have koi ponds, bonsai trees, garden tours & more.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$45

4 - 5 min

Directions

Kid-friendly museum featuring many working scale models of California rail lines & landscapes.

No time set

•

$41

Day 7Marine Marvels and Historic Charm

$263

$ 8

Marine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$263

15 - 18 min

Directions

Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Wildlife Encounters and Military History

$300

$ 8

Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$203

18 - 22 min

Directions

Life-at-sea exhibits, restored planes & flight simulators aboard this legendary aircraft carrier.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

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$98

Day 9Hiking Trails and Nature's Splendor

8,000-acre recreational park featuring 60 miles of trails, along with a lake for boating & camping.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1257 In total

Activities & Food:$1174

Transport:$83