San Diego is one of California's most popular tourist destinations. In recent years, San Diego has become a surprisingly sophisticated place, and it has something to offer almost everyone, from ballet to theatre to zoos. This itinerary is designed for a family vacation that spans a week and two weekends. There are literally hundreds of things you COULD do while in San Diego, and if you have special interests, by all means indulge them. These suggestions are designed to give you a look at some of San Diego's many faces and a chance to visit some of the special Southern California places of interest.
Sometimes the best things on a vacation are the ones you find by surprise. Don't take this itinerary too seriously. If the roses are blooming stop and smell them!
San Diego Day by Day
-
Day 1 - Animals!
San Diego Zoo (or Wild Animal Park) or Seaworld -
Day 2 - Historic Areas
Old Town State Historic Park
Gaslamp Quarter
Horton Plaza -
Day 3 - Water
La Jolla
Bay Cruise ( view photos )
Cabrillo National Monument
Coronado Island and Hotel del Coronado -
Day 4 - Mexico
Tijuana - south of the border shopping ( view photos ) -
Day 5 - Side Trip
Julian - gold rush country, apple pie and antiques -
Day 6 - More Water
Spend the day at the beach or relax by the pool. Or play golf. This is a vacation - don't exhaust yourself! -
Day 7 - More Animals!
Wild Animal Park (or San Diego Zoo) or Seaworld -
Day 8 - Side Trip
California desert - visit Temecula, where the old west meets wineries, or upscale Palm Springs, with an optional stop at a Casino -
Day 9
Relax. Rest. Pack. You have to go home today.
Substitutions
-
Parents of very small children may want to substitute Legoland for Sea World or the Wild Animal Park. Children of all ages love the zoo, though.
-
If you object to visiting wild animals in captivity, substitute one or more of these for the animal days: a trip to Balboa Park's museums, a tour of San Diego's Spanish missions, or even a day trip to Disneyland in Orange County (about 2 hours away).
Back to Feature Main Page
San Diego Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Many thanks to the About Guide to California for Visitors for providing the preceding itinerary to assist our Phoenix area residents with their trip to San Diego.
