Weekend in San Diego: Plan the Perfect San Diego Getaway

Plan the Perfect Weekend in San Diego

A weekend in San Diego is always a good idea. The weather is great and there is a ton of things do in San Diego.

Of course, a weekend is not enough to see it all, but this 2.5 day San Diego itinerary will give you a nice sampler of what San Diego has to offer. So grab your partner, friends, or family, and head on down to San Diego for a fun weekend getaway.

Here are our top recommendations for fun stuff to do while in San Diego.

Friday Evening – North Park

North Park Dinner & Breweries

After checking into your hotel and freshening up a bit, head up to North Park for a nice low key dinner and some tasty beers. North Park has a hipster-y vibe, lots of cool eateries and even more taprooms to try some delicious San Diego Craft Beer. North Park is perfect for a chill night out, which is great after a day of travel.

Where to Eat in North Park:

Lucha Libre Taco Shop – This is a great spot for some delicious fish tacos or one of their signature Cali burritos, and is one of the best taco shops in San Diego! Definitely check it out!

Underbelly Ramen
Tribute Pizza
Crazee Burger
Dunedin
Fort Oak

For a complete list, check out The Top Restaurants In North Park.

Taprooms & Bars in North Park

Mike Hess Brewing
619 Spirits
Bivouac Ciderworks
Bottle Craft
TapRoom Beer Co
Modern Times Flavordome
North Park Beer Company
Original 40 Brewing
Second Chance Beer Co

For more ideas, head over to The Best North Park Bars.

Saturday Morning – Little Italy, Waterfront & USS Midway

Little Italy Farmer’s Market

After a good sleep, head on over to the farmer’s market in Little Italy. You’ll find some artsy craftsmen, local farmers, musicians, and great breakfast options (take a look at our top recommendations for the best San Diego brunch spots). If you are looking for some unique souvenirs, you sure will find something there as well.

Grab some coffee and some food to go and head down to the next stop:

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is a great spot of a little picnic. Splash around the fountain and enjoy the view over the bay as you enjoy your Saturday morning brunch.

There is also a great playground, so this is perfect if you are traveling with younger kids.

>>Also read our List of Free Things to do in San Diego with Kids

USS Midway

After a relaxing morning at the market and the park, walk along the waterfront and head to the USS Midway Museum, the large aircraft carrier right in the heart of downtown.

It’s a great museum with a lot of veteran volunteers who share their stories about life on board an aircraft carrier. Don’t be shy, ask them questions and check out the interactive exhibits. Get your tickets here>>

Saturday Afternoon – Coronado or Mission Beach

Ferry to Coronado

From the Midway, walk to Broadway pier and hop on the ferry to Coronado. The ferry is a great way to spend some time on the water and get great shots of San Diego downtown.

Take a look at some pictures and the Coronado Ferry schedule here.

Coronado Ferry Landing

The ferry drops you off at the Coronado Ferry Landing, which has some fun shops and restaurants. You’ll find some typical souvenirs, like T-shirts, fridge magnets, and shot glasses. You’ll also have some great views of downtown, so bring your camera.

Orange Ave

Stroll along Coronado’s “Main Street” called Orange Avenue. You’ll find some nice restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

Beach & Cocktails at Hotel Del

After the 1.6 mile stroll along Orange Avenue, you deserve some relaxing time on the beach. Alternatively, splurge and grab a cocktail at the famous Hotel Del Coronado on their beautiful beachfront terrace. The hotel has so much history and if the walls could talk, you’d hear some interesting stories.

Take a look here for more fun ideas of things to do on Coronado Island.

Mission Beach

If you are more in the mood to soak up some rays, head on over to Mission Beach instead. The beach is one of our favorite beaches in San Diego. If you get hungry, head to one of the eateries at the boardwalk.

If you are looking for some more entertainment, check out Belmont Park. This is an amusement park with a famous Giant Dipper roller coaster.

Saturday Evening – Gaslamp Quarter

After freshening up at the hotel, head out for a fun night out. The historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown is a great place to enjoy a fancy dinner followed by some cocktails, craft brews, finished up by some dancing.

There are quite a few really good restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, no matter what your budget and taste. Read our guide to best restaurants in Downtown here.

Next, walk down 5th Avenue and find a bar or club that strikes your fancy. Whether you are in the mood for salsa dancing, a sports bar, Irish pub, a speakeasy, or a trailer park club, you’ll find it in the Gaslamp Quarter.

If you are into something a little spooky, check out the True Crime and History Tour in the Gaslamp quarter. My husband and I did this tour a few months ago and loved it. Book your tickets here>>

Sunday Morning – La Jolla Or Whale Watching

Brunch in La Jolla and stroll along the waterfront at La Jolla

On your final day, head up to La Jolla for a delicious brunch. This beautiful beach community up north has some really great brunch spots for any budget.

After stuffing yourself, go for a walk along La Jolla Cove. Stop by Children’s Beach and watch the sea lions and the kayakers below at the La Jolla caves. If you are up for an adventure, do one of the La Jolla Kayaking Tours. We love them and each time, you see something different!

If you are looking for a luxurious beach town getaway, you can also stay in La Jolla. Here are our recommendations for the best La Jolla hotels, La Jolla vacation rentals, and some stunning luxury beach rentals.

Whale Watching Tour

If you’re visiting in the winter months, I highly recommend skipping brunch and heading out on a whale watching tour in San Diego instead. Morning tours usually have better success rates of seeing whales. It is simply incredible to watch these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Get your tickets here>>

Sunday Afternoon – Balboa Park or San Diego Zoo

Before you head to the airport or hit the road, we recommend you choose one of these two top San Diego attractions: Balboa Park or the famous San Diego Zoo.

The best option depends on how much time you have and your budget. The zoo is only worth it if you have at least 4 – 5 hours to explore it. If you have less time, we recommend Balboa Park and save the zoo for another visit. Book your Zoo tickets here>>

Balboa Park & Museums

Balboa Park has so much to offer. This huge city park has plenty of green space to explore and relax, but also has a bunch of museums as well.

Stroll along the main street El Prado and enjoy the colorful gardens and stunning architecture of the buildings.

San Diego Zoo

If you have a little more time before you head back out, we highly recommend you visit the San Diego Zoo. It is known as one of the best zoos in the world and fun for people of all ages. Before you go, read our top San Diego Zoo Tips by a former Zoo employee. Book your Zoo tickets here>>

To be honest, a weekend in San Diego is too short to see it all, but it will give you a first glimpse of how much this city has to offer, and hopefully, you can come back for longer on your next trip to San Diego.

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Last Updated on March 4, 2025 by Maria Haase

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