San Diego delivers mild weather, relaxed beach towns, a leading zoo and Mexican-influenced food at a gentler pace than Los Angeles. It works for short trips and families, with Tijuana and Coronado close by.
Good to know
- Mornings are often overcast along the coast in May and June; the afternoon clears.
- Coronado is reachable by ferry from Broadway Pier, which avoids the bridge traffic and parking.
- Book Balboa Park museums on a Tuesday or Wednesday; weekends are busy and the park hosts events.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
1,200 acres with Spanish-style architecture, gardens, the Botanical Building and more than a dozen museums.
One of the largest zoos in the world with pandas, koalas and a skyfari gondola; allow most of a day.
Snorkel with leopard sharks, watch sea lions on the rocks and walk the coast path to the tide pools.
Victorian beach hotel, wide sand beach and a ferry ride back with the skyline view.
Brick-lined district of restaurants, rooftop bars and live music near the Convention Center.
Historic first Spanish settlement for margaritas and tamales, then Chicano Park's mural collection.
Rare pine trees on sandstone cliffs above the Pacific with short trails and wildflowers in spring.
Former naval training center turned arts district, with a public market and nearby Cabrillo National Monument tide pools.
Aircraft carrier museum with a flight deck, restored planes and audio tours narrated by sailors.
Cross on foot at San Ysidro for Caesar salad at its birthplace, street tacos and Avenida Revolucion. Bring a passport.
Surf town with a pier, a 1970s-style main street and a classic Pacific sunset.