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8 Days in San Diego: A Journey of Adventure and Discovery

Jackson McGaughey

Jackson McGaughey

29 Nov 2023

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the vibrant city of San Diego. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, explore fascinating museums, savor delicious cuisine, and encounter exotic wildlife. Get ready for an adventure like no other!

Day 1Serenity and Culture - Japanese Friendship Garden, Mingei International Museum, Panama 66, Cucina Urbana
+

$185

Japanese Friendship Garden
Balboa Park's Japanese gardens have koi ponds, bonsai trees, garden tours & more.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$30
4 - 5 min

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Mingei International Museum
Museum located in a historic building showcases folk art, craft & design from all over the globe.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$25
4 - 5 min

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Panama 66
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$72
10 - 15 min

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Cucina Urbana
CUCINA urbana is a California inspired Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop located in the heart of San Diego in Banker's Hill.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$58
Day 2Ocean Wonders and Scenic Hikes - Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Ken Sushi Workshop, Farmer & The Seahorse
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$204

·

$ 15

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Interactive tide pools & exhibitions for all things under the sea in an oceanside building.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$48
15 - 18 min

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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$30
13 - 16 min

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Ken Sushi Workshop
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
$56
16 - 20 min

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Farmer & The Seahorse
Award-winning Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey helms the newest Alexandria restaurant, a follow-up to his wildly successful Green Acre. Enjoy the inventive dishes he is known for, inspired by the bounty produced by local farmers, the freshest catch from the Pacific coastal waters, and more.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$70
Day 3Beach Bliss and Historic Charm - La Jolla Shores Park, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Casa de Reyes Restaurant, Casa Guadalajara
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$120

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$ 5

La Jolla Shores Park
2-block space steps away from the sand & waves offers grassy area & playgrounds.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
31 - 38 min

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Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
4 - 5 min

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Casa de Reyes Restaurant
Located in the center of Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego, Casa de Reyes is more than just a restaurant; it is an authentic Mexican experience for all the senses. Enjoy the homemade Mexican cuisine and frosty margaritas, while relaxing in the courtyard surrounded by a lush garden.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$64
4 - 5 min

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Casa Guadalajara
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$56
Day 4Nature's Retreat and Artistic Delights - Mission Trails Regional Park, Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art, Cucina Urbana, Azuki
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$132

·

$ 10

Mission Trails Regional Park
8,000-acre recreational park featuring 60 miles of trails, along with a lake for boating & camping.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
31 - 38 min

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Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art
More than 7,000 photos from 850 artists are showcased in a replica of a grand, ornate 1915 building.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
$20
5 - 6 min

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Cucina Urbana
CUCINA urbana is a California inspired Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop located in the heart of San Diego in Banker's Hill.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$58
4 - 5 min

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Azuki
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$54
Day 5Cultural Extravaganza - Balboa Park, The Prado at Balboa Park, TRUST Restaurant
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$110

·

$ 5

Balboa Park
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, museums, gardens & more.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
12 - 18 min

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The Prado at Balboa Park
Located in the House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm in the center of San Diego's Balboa Park.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$58
11 - 14 min

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TRUST Restaurant
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$52
Day 6History and Art Unveiled - San Diego Natural History Museum, Timken Museum of Art, Pummaro, Cabrillo National Monument, Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano
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$199

·

$ 15

San Diego Natural History Museum
Large natural history museum with rotating displays on animals, dinosaurs & earth science.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$38
4 - 5 min

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Timken Museum of Art
This 5-room museum is a host to European paintings, bronze sculptures & 17th-century tapestries.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
19 - 23 min

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Pummaro
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
$52
14 - 17 min

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Cabrillo National Monument
This historic lighthouse & national monument offers a storied history & views all the way to Mexico.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$38
14 - 17 min

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Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$72
Day 7Wildlife Encounters and Culinary Delights - San Diego Zoo, Donna Jean, Panama 66
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$265

San Diego Zoo
Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$135
28 - 41 min

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Donna Jean
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$58
15 - 22 min

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Panama 66
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$72

Budget breakdown: $1265 In total

Activities & Food:$1215
Transport:$50