One Day in San Diego (A Local’s Perfect Itinerary)

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You have only one day in San Diego, America’s Finest City. How do you make the most of it?

I’m a San Diego local, and I have the perfect one-day in San Diego itinerary for you. This itinerary prioritizes the best San Diego attractions, activities, and restaurants in the city. It also includes advice on where to stay, how to get around, and tips to guarantee your one day in San Diego is phenomenal.

There are so many ways to spend a day in this popular Southern California city. Here’s a San Diego itinerary that’s packed with all the things you don’t want to miss.

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1 Day in San Diego Itinerary

8:00 am – Breakfast at The Mission 

Start your day off right at The Mission. It’s a beloved San Diego breakfast joint located in North Park, one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Diego.

The Mission has what you need to get fueled up and ready for the day’s activities. Order pancakes, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, and all manner of fantastic coffee drinks. 

9:00 am – Explore Balboa Park

Drive the short distance to Balboa Park once you’ve finished breakfast at The Mission.

Balboa’s 1,200 acres are filled with museums. Check out historic buildings constructed in 1915, secluded gardens, and cultural centers.

Walk down the central avenue of the park, called the Prado, to admire the beautiful Spanish-style architecture. Take a peaceful moment in the Alcázar Garden. And don’t miss the whimsical and artistic Spanish Village! Its bright colors will instantly put you in a happy mood. 

Pick one of the 18 museums scattered throughout Balboa Park to visit. There are so many options, and I’ll admit it can be overwhelming to choose. Here are a few of my recommendations to get you started: 

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The Museum of Us: This cultural anthropology museum is located in Balboa Park’s iconic California Tower. It celebrates the “community voice” of the people and the shared human experience.

🦖The San Diego Natural History Museum: Come to this Balboa Park museum to immerse yourself in the world’s history. Examine and learn about hundreds of artifacts and specimens.

🖼️ The San Diego Museum of Art: The largest and oldest museum in Balboa Park features 20,000 breathtaking pieces from artistic masters. Admire incredible work from the likes of Calder, Dalí, Eakins, Giott, Matisse, Miró, Monet, O’Keeffe, Rivera, and many more.

✈️ The San Diego Air and Space Museum: This iconic Balboa Park institution is dedicated to showing off the history of flight. It also focuses on technological advancements that have gotten humans where we are today.

🌸 The Japanese Friendship Garden: This 12-acre garden contains koi ponds, wooden bridges and benches, and cherry blossom trees. Admire traditional Japanese buildings and wander the meandering paths throughout. The garden intends to connect people to nature and themselves.

There are a few of my favorites. Are you a history buff? I’ve got one more for you. Look no further than the San Diego History Center if you are interested in learning about Balboa Park’s unique history. 

11:00 am – Visit the San Diego Zoo

Head to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo after enjoying a taste of art and culture. It’s a must-visit on any one-day in San Diego itinerary, after all. 

Grab a snack and a drink at the front concession stand. They’ll tide you over as you explore the 100 acres containing over 14,000 animals. 

Some of the zoo’s most iconic animals are the elephants, orangutans, polar bears, and giraffes. But there are tons more animals to see. One of my favorite things to do is grab a peaceful seat in one of the various aviaries and try to spot all the species of birds.

👉 Pro Tip: You can also bring outside food into the zoo. I suggest grabbing a burrito before heading into the zoo. Next, order a beer at one of the many concession stands in the park (you’re permitted to walk around with one). Finally, find a bench near a cool animal and enjoy your meal!

1:30 pm – Lunch in the Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is located in downtown San Diego. It’s one of the oldest parts of the city and contains tons of historical buildings.

The Gaslamp Quarter also has some of my top San Diego hotel recommendations for a one-day stay. Pendry San Diego is the most luxurious, with a rooftop pool area that’s perfect for soaking in city views while you swim.

The Gaslamp Quarter blends modern tastes with historical charm. You can take a peek into San Diego’s history in Gaslamp. But it is also home to a variety of lively bars and restaurants that range from trendy to historic. 

A few of my favorite restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter include Smokin J’s BBQ for fantastic barbeque. Head to Bang Bang for sushi, or check out Rustic Root for tasty dishes and rooftop views. Provisional Kitchen has a great atmosphere, while Tacos el Cabron dishes out some of the best Mexican food.

Take your time perusing the vibrant Gaslamp District and its interesting sites after lunch. For example, you can check out the William Heath Davis House which is considered the oldest house in San Diego. 

The Keating Building is also worth seeing. It features some iconic Romanesque architecture. Are you into paranormal sites? The Horton Grand Hotel is the haunted icon of San Diego’s history.

2:45 pm – Old Town San Diego

Old Town is the oldest part of the original Spanish settlement. It’s full of San Diego’s historical landmarks and culture that will transport you back in time. 

Take a tour of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to learn about the city’s history. You’ll explore the oldest buildings in San Diego that date back to the Spanish colonization of Southern California. Admire the Casa de Estudillo, McCoy House, and La Casa de Machado y Stewart on your tour.

Grab a seat and a drink at Barra Barra after your dose of history. Barra Barra offers unique twists on margaritas. Want to do some shopping? There are a wide variety of fun shops to peruse in Old Town to find the perfect souvenir.

4:30 pm – La Jolla Cove and Sea Caves

Next, head to La Jolla, arguably the best San Diego beach town. La Jolla boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines and beaches in San Diego.

Park in downtown La Jolla and walk to La Jolla Cove. It’s one of the most popular spots in the city, both for people and sea lions. Watching the sea lions play on the cliffs and in the water is extremely entertaining.

Visit The Cave Store for a fun surprise after spending time at La Jolla Cove. The cottage may look unassuming from the outside. But the interior contains a secret stairway through a tunnel that leads to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. This hidden cave was historically used for smuggling liquor during Prohibition.

Next, turn right from the Cave Store to walk the Coast Walk Trail. This is a short easy trail that showcases sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla Shores beach, and La Jolla’s iconic cliffs. Find a spot along the trail to watch the sunset.

6:30 pm – Dinner in La Jolla

Choose from one of La Jolla’s many fantastic restaurants for dinner. 

The Marine Room is undoubtedly the best option for the most unique and impressive dining experience. The restaurant is located literally on the sand of La Jolla Shores Beach. During high tide, the waves hit dramatically against the windows. It’s the perfect spot for a San Diego date night too.

Head to Duke’s La Jolla for a slightly more affordable (but no less delicious) option. Order a tasty sampling of Hawaiian food specialties while enjoying the patio’s ocean views.

8:00 pm – Live Entertainment throughout San Diego

San Diego has tons of places with nightly entertainment. Where you go just depends on your energy level and the atmosphere you’re in the mood for. These are a few of my top recommendations, so feel free to pick any of these:

The Comedy Store in La Jolla is a small venue that hosts some of the biggest names in comedy. Choose this if you want to close out your one day in San Diego with plenty of laughs.

Head back to the Gaslamp District for a high-energy, boisterous night out. Go to Shout! House, a dueling piano bar that bridges the gap between a live music performance and a comedy show. The pianists are incredibly talented and hilarious, making for some rowdy fun.

Panama 66 is the place to go for a low-key atmosphere. Panama 66 is located in Balboa Park and offers live jazz on weekend evenings and Wednesdays until 10 pm. The bar and restaurant has a sculpture garden where you can sit, listen to music, and enjoy a drink.

Where to Stay in San Diego

Best Hotels in San Diego

The hotel you choose is especially important for your one-day in San Diego itinerary. You’ll want to choose a hotel that’s located in the heart of most of your activities. This way, you won’t spend too much time traveling between attractions. 

The classic and upscale Pendry San Diego gets my vote. But these are a few of my other top recommendations that are close to the spots listed in this San Diego itinerary: 

• Budget – The Sofia Hotel
• Mid-Range – Hotel Indigo
• Luxury – Pendry San Diego
• Near La Jolla – La Valencia Hotel
• For Families – Hotel Del Coronado

Best Neighborhoods & Areas in San Diego

San Diego is full of small beach town neighborhoods in addition to the bustling Downtown area. These are some of the fantastic neighborhoods to explore when you visit San Diego. 

• Gaslamp District ( Search apartments in the Gaslamp) – The Gaslamp is considered Downtown San Diego. It’s the heart of the city, and the neighborhood is brimming with lively bars, restaurants, and historical sites.
• La Jolla ( Search apartments in La Jolla) – La Jolla is one of the most beautiful beach towns in San Diego. It’s home to La Jolla Cove, tons of wildlife, beautiful beaches, and high-end restaurants and shops.
• Coronado Island ( Search apartments in Coronado Island) – Coronado Island is a beautiful, laid-back beach community by San Diego Bay. This area is perfect for families wanting to relax on the stunning, sandy Coronado Beach.
• Little Italy ( Search apartments in Little Italy) – Little Italy is both the Italian quarter of Downtown San Diego and an epicenter of nightlife. It contains some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.

Any of these neighborhoods and areas are great for one day in San Diego. But be sure to bookmark my longer guide on where to stay in San Diego too. It has even more detailed and in-depth recommendations on hotels and neighborhoods in the city.

1 Day in San Diego – Itinerary Map

How to Get Around in San Diego

It’s important to consider transportation when visiting San Diego. The city is quite large and sprawling. 

There are walkable areas in most of the neighborhoods. The trolley connects much of Downtown San Diego, including Old Town. However, it’s tough to get to any of the beach towns by public transport.

I recommend renting a car to make the most of your one day in San Diego. A car will allow you to explore a wider variety of areas more quickly. La Jolla, which I recommend visiting on this San Diego itinerary, is quite difficult to access in any way besides a car.

I highly recommend booking a rental with Discover Cars ahead of your trip. You can compare the costs of different cars to get the best deal for your day. You can also pick the car up and drop it off right at the San Diego International Airport to make the whole process as seamless as possible.

San Diego 1 Day Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Make Reservations Ahead of Time for San Diego Restaurants

Restaurants in San Diego can fill up fast, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and La Jolla. These neighborhoods are quite popular and restaurant reservations go quickly. Plan where you want to eat ahead of time and make an early reservation so you can enjoy the best of San Diego dining.

Tip #2 – Check The Weather

Many visitors erroneously believe that San Diego has perfect, sunny, 75º F weather all day, every day. This is a myth. 

In winter, the cool, damp breeze rolling off the ocean makes the temperature feel much colder than usual. Bring layers that you can shed and put on for any unexpected temperature changes.

Tip #3 – Use the Trolley to Get Around Downtown San Diego

The Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Old Town are the downtown areas of San Diego. They’re all connected by San Diego’s trolley system. You can get inexpensive one-day tickets that will allow you to move between these areas efficiently and inexpensively.

Tip #4 – Eat Some Authentic Mexican Food

San Diego’s proximity to Mexico has benefited the city’s culinary culture greatly. The Mexican food in San Diego is incredible. Order everything from California burritos to fish tacos. Be sure to stop at one of the numerous traditional Mexican joints scattered throughout the city.

Tip #5 – Prioritize Watching the Sunset at the Beach

Watching the sunset over the Pacific is such a special experience. San Diego’s beaches offer the best view you could ask for. Sunset Cliffs is the prime spot to watch the sunset.

FAQ About Planning One Day in San Diego

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This one-day in San Diego itinerary should give you an idea of what sites and areas to prioritize during your short stay. For more, see my full list of things to do in San Diego.

Is it your first time or have you visited San Diego before? Leave a comment to let me know what you’re most excited to see and do in America’s Finest City.