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8 Days in Sunny San Diego!

Karen Hall

Karen Hall

27 Dec 2023

Join me on an epic adventure through the sun-soaked streets of San Diego. From breathtaking cliffs to historic landmarks, this itinerary is packed with excitement and beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Day 1Parks and Gardens Extravaganza
+

$45

·

$ 15

Presidio Park
Expansive park offers a cultural museum & historical sites, plus trails, city views & picnic space.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Waterfront Park
Public park featuring spray fountains, grassy areas & lots of play equipment for kids.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Japanese Friendship Garden
Balboa Park's Japanese gardens have koi ponds, bonsai trees, garden tours & more.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
$45
Day 2Unveiling Hidden Treasures
+

$57

·

$ 8

Cabrillo National Monument
This historic lighthouse & national monument offers a storied history & views all the way to Mexico.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$56
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Natural cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer views of the coast & the occasional cliff diver.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 3Time Travel to the Old West
+

$0

·

$ 8

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Mission Beach Boardwalk | Ocean Front Walk
Longtime beachfront boardwalk featuring shops, an old-school amusement park & ocean activities.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 4Thrills and Marine Wonders
+

$263

·

$ 8

SeaWorld San Diego
Marine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$263
26 - 32 min

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Directions

La Jolla Cove
Popular with divers, this quaint beach houses permanent lifeguard stations, picnic tables & showers.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Free
Day 5Nature's Masterpieces
+

$45

·

$ 8

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$45
23 - 28 min

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Directions

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Massive cross monument honoring American veterans, with plaques telling their stories.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
Day 6Beach Bliss and Hiking Trails
+

$0

·

$ 8

La Jolla Shores Park
2-block space steps away from the sand & waves offers grassy area & playgrounds.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
27 - 33 min

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Directions

Mission Trails Regional Park
8,000-acre recreational park featuring 60 miles of trails, along with a lake for boating & camping.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
Day 7A Wild Encounter
+

$203

San Diego Zoo
Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$203
Day 8Culture and Art in Full Bloom
+

$0

Balboa Park
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, museums, gardens & more.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $664 In total

Activities & Food:$612
Transport:$53