San Diego is a city that never fails to impress, with its perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless activities for every type of traveler. From its breathtaking coastal views to its rich history and culinary delights, San Diego offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a history buff, this city has it all. In this blog, I’ll take you through our four-day adventure with this San Diego travel guide, sharing our daily itinerary filled with exciting activities, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.
Day 1:
- Travel to San Diego via Pacific Surfliner
- Check-in at Marriott Gaslamp
- Explore Old Town and dine at Café Coyote
- Visit Societe Brewery
- Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs
- Dinner at Crudo Ceviche in Little Italy
We actually flew into John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County rather than San Diego. If you have the extra time, I’d highly recommend venturing down to San Diego from the Pacific Surfliner (Amtrak train). We departed Santa Ana’s train station1:00 PM and arrived in San Diego’s Old Town by 2:45 PM. The train ride itself was a relaxing start to our trip, offering stunning coastal views as we made our way south. There are plenty of stops up and down the coast if you want to visit other cities. Upon arrival, we took the trolley to the Gaslamp Quarter, where we checked in at the Marriott Gaslamp, a hotel perfectly situated for exploring downtown San Diego.
With our luggage stowed away, we headed back to Old Town, one of San Diego’s most historic neighborhoods. This area is a vibrant representation of the city’s Mexican heritage, with adobe buildings, lively markets, and authentic Mexican cuisine. We couldn’t resist stopping at Café Coyote for a late lunch. The atmosphere was festive, and the food was a delicious introduction to San Diego’s culinary scene. The homemade tortillas were a highlight (prepared fresh on-the-spot!), and the margaritas were the perfect way to kick off our vacation.
After lunch, we made our way to Societe Brewery, a local favorite known for its craft beers. The brewery’s relaxed vibe made it an ideal spot to unwind before heading to Sunset Cliffs for the evening. As the name suggests, Sunset Cliffs is the perfect location to witness one of San Diego’s stunning sunsets. The dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean provide a picturesque backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water.
For dinner, we ventured to Little Italy, a neighborhood renowned for its culinary offerings. Crudo Ceviche, a chic seafood restaurant, was our choice for the evening. The fresh ceviche and creative seafood dishes were exceptional, making it a memorable dining experience. With full bellies and happy hearts, we ended our first day in San Diego on a high note.
Day 2:
- Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Explore La Jolla Cove and Windansea Beach
- Lunch at Queenstown Village La Jolla
- Dinner at Water Grill in Gaslamp
- Fireworks at Port of San Diego Bay
Our second day in San Diego started early with a hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. This stunning coastal reserve is home to unique flora and fauna, as well as some of the most breathtaking ocean views in Southern California. The trails vary in difficulty, so there’s something for everyone. We chose a moderate trail that led us along the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The morning mist gradually lifted, revealing the sun-kissed coastline and the sparkling blue waters below.
After our invigorating hike, we headed to La Jolla, one of San Diego’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Our first stop was La Jolla Cove, where we were greeted by the playful sea lions basking on the rocks. It’s a popular spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and simply enjoying the coastal scenery. We then made our way to Windansea Beach, a less crowded but equally beautiful stretch of sand known for its excellent surf conditions and stunning beachside homes.
For lunch, we stopped at Queenstown Village in La Jolla, a charming eatery with a New Zealand-inspired menu. The outdoor seating area, surrounded by lush greenery, made for a relaxing lunch spot. The laid-back atmosphere was the perfect contrast to the morning’s hike.
As the day turned into evening, we returned to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner at Water Grill, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches and elegant ambiance. We enjoyed a leisurely meal before making our way to the Marriott rooftop bar for the evening; we visited San Diego over the Fourth of July holiday, and the fireworks show from the rooftop bar was stunning. The rooftop offered an unbeatable view of the Port of San Diego Bay, where the fireworks lit up the night sky in a dazzling display of color. It was a magical end to a day filled with adventure.
Day 3:
- Visit San Diego Zoo
- Lunch at The Fish Market
- Explore USS Midway
- Drinks at Stone Brewery Taphouse
- Padres vs. Diamondbacks Game at Petco Park
Day three of our San Diego adventure was all about iconic attractions and local flavors. We began the day at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park. This sprawling zoo is home to over 3,500 animals, representing more than 650 species. From the giant pandas to the polar bears, each exhibit was thoughtfully designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats. The zoo’s lush, botanical setting made it a pleasure to explore, and we could have easily spent an entire day wandering through its various sections. Don’t miss out on the gondola ride where you can enjoy park views from the sky!
After a morning at the zoo, we headed to The Fish Market, a waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor. The shrimp and grilled fish were highlights, and the casual atmosphere was perfect for a post-zoo lunch.
Our next stop was the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier turned museum. This floating museum offers a fascinating glimpse into naval history, with over 60 exhibits and restored aircraft on display. We took a self-guided audio tour, which provided interesting insights into life aboard the ship and the various missions it undertook during its service.
In the late afternoon, we made our way to Stone Brewery Taphouse, a local favorite known for its craft beers. The industrial-chic setting was a great place to relax and sample some of the brewery’s unique offerings. With a variety of beers on tap, there was something to suit every palate.
The evening ended with a quintessential San Diego experience: a Padres game at Petco Park. The atmosphere was electric as the Padres took on the Diamondbacks, and the ballpark’s downtown location provided stunning views of the city skyline. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, attending a game at Petco Park is a must-do when in San Diego.
Day 4:
- Morning coffee at Better Buzz Coffee
- Relax at Coronado Beach
- Visit Coronado Brewery
- Lunch at Café Coyote
- Explore North Park Brewery
- End the day at Ballast Point Brewery
Our final day in San Diego was all about taking it easy and enjoying some of the city’s best local brews. We booked an Uber and headed to Coronado Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in San Diego. We started the day with a coffee run to Better Buzz Coffee, a popular local chain known for its excellent coffee and trendy atmosphere. The “Best Drink Ever,” a vanilla and honey latte, lived up to its name and provided the perfect caffeine boost for the day ahead.
At Coronado Beach, the wide, sandy shoreline and gentle waves make it a perfect spot for a relaxing morning. We spent a few hours soaking up the sun and taking in the views of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a historic beachfront resort that has been a San Diego landmark since 1888.
After a morning at the beach, we visited Coronado Brewery, a local favorite known for its award-winning craft beers. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff made it a great spot to enjoy a cold brew.
We enjoyed Café Coyote on our first day so much that we had to visit it one last time before heading out of San Diego! After lunch, we made our way to North Park, a neighborhood known for its hipster vibe and thriving craft beer scene. North Park Brewery was our first stop, where we enjoyed a flight of their unique beers in a relaxed, industrial setting. Each brew had its own distinct flavor profile, making it a fun experience for any beer enthusiast.
We ended our brewery tour at Ballast Point Brewery, one of San Diego’s most famous craft breweries. The spacious taproom offered a wide selection of beers, including some experimental brews that aren’t available elsewhere. It was the perfect place to cap off our San Diego adventure with a final toast to an unforgettable trip. Pro tip: Grab a seat on the patio and watch all of the planes heading in or out from the San Diego airport!
Highly Recommended Places We Missed
While we packed a lot into our four days in San Diego, there were a few highly recommended spots that we simply didn’t have time to visit:
- Balboa Park: With its beautiful gardens, museums, and cultural institutions, Balboa Park is a must-see for any visitor to San Diego. So many options to explore!
- Cabrillo National Monument: Located at the tip of Point Loma, this historic site offers stunning views of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
- The Gaslamp Quarter at Night: While we explored this area during the day, the Gaslamp Quarter truly comes alive at night with its vibrant nightlife, live music, and rooftop bars.
- The Salk Institute: This architectural masterpiece designed by Louis Kahn is located in La Jolla and is renowned for its minimalist design and stunning ocean views.
- Belmont Park: This historic amusement park located on Mission Beach is home to the Giant Dipper, a classic wooden roller coaster that has been thrilling visitors since 1925.
Highly Recommended Food & Beer Options
A number of places were recommended to us by friends who live in San Diego or have visited a number of times. A few standouts include:
- Raised by Wolves
- Wolfie’s Carousel
- Born & Raised
- Morning Glory
- Lafayette Hotel
- The Fishery
- Ironside Fish & Oyster
Our four-day trip to San Diego was nothing short of spectacular. From breathtaking coastal views to vibrant neighborhoods, world-class dining, and unforgettable experiences, this city truly has something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a relaxing getaway, San Diego delivers on all fronts. While we packed our itinerary with as much as possible, there’s still so much more to see and do, leaving us with plenty of reasons to return. If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, make sure San Diego is at the top of your list — you won’t be disappointed.
