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

Jessica Kepschull

Jessica Kepschull

17 Nov 2023

Embark on a thrilling 5-day itinerary to San Diego, CA, and explore its captivating attractions. From historic landmarks to vibrant parks, this blog will guide you through an unforgettable adventure in America's Finest City.

Trip to San Diego

Day 1
+

$413

·

$ 20

Cabrillo National Monument
This historic lighthouse & national monument offers a storied history & views all the way to Mexico.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$75
27 - 33 min

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Directions

USS Midway Museum
Life-at-sea exhibits, restored planes & flight simulators aboard this legendary aircraft carrier.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$130
14 - 21 min

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Directions

Craft & Commerce
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$72
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Waterfront Park
Public park featuring spray fountains, grassy areas & lots of play equipment for kids.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
•
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.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
•
$60
13 - 20 min

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Directions

Azuki
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$76
Day 2
+

$394

·

$ 20

San Diego Zoo
Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$270
24 - 35 min

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Directions

The Market Place
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$48
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Balboa Park
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, museums, gardens & more.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Azuki
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$76
Day 3
+

$494

·

$ 40

Seaport Village
Waterside complex with shops, eateries, entertainment & relaxed grounds featuring fountains & ponds.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
17 - 21 min

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Directions

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

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Directions

The Cravory
The Cravory cookies are the ultimate cookie experience, with a soft cookie center and perfectly baked surface that provides both a gooey and crisp cookie eat...
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$48
13 - 16 min

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Directions

SeaWorld San Diego
Marine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
•
$350
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Phil's BBQ
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$96
Day 4
+

$379

·

$ 40

Belmont Park
Vintage games, gift shops, rides & an iconic wooden roller coaster right next to the beach.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$100
22 - 27 min

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Directions

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Interactive tide pools & exhibitions for all things under the sea in an oceanside building.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$95
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Ken Sushi Workshop
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$72
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
•
$60
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Urban Plates
Step into an Urban Plates, and you'll find something fresh. Something flavorful. Something new. This is where locally, sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients become amazing meals
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$52
Day 5
+

$446

·

$ 40

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
43 - 52 min

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Directions

Antonio's Mexican Food
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$96
16 - 20 min

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Directions

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visitor tours of a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 300 species of African & Asian animals.
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
•
$270
17 - 21 min

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Directions

Kennedy's Karne
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
•
$80

Budget breakdown: $2286 In total

Activities & Food:$2126
Transport:$160