Travel Tip: 3 Days in San Diego

Sightseeing in San Diego (A Sample 3-day itinerary)

San Diego is one of my favorite place to visit. It is a beautiful city, and there is a ton to do there! While I was in college, it seems I made a lot of friends that were from S. California, and it was always fun to go visit. Whether I was trying to learn to surf, eating fish tacos and carne asada burritos, or chillin' in Sea Port Village, or hanging out at a bomb fire on the beach, I always had a blast.

If you only have 3 days to spend in San Diego, I recommend you do the following:

Day 1

Start off at the San Diego Zoo. To be honest, I couldn't decide whether to recommend the Zoo or Sea World. But then I figured, if it was good enough to be on top of Ross' list for his monkey, Marcel, then it was worth the visit (and yes, I'm a Friends fanatic!). Be prepared to walk, be prepared for hills, but also be prepared to be amazed and awed by both the animals and the
plants. This zoo is one of the largest zoo's in the country. Make sure you check out the Panda exhibit--one of the Panda's just had cubs. When I was there a few years ago, the Panda cubs were the highlight of my trip.


Grab a beverage at the "Top of the Hyatt" at sunset. The Top of the Hyatt, gives you one of the best views of the city. On one side, you can look across the Bay to Coronado Island, and on the other, you can see the city and Petco Park.

After checking out the view, walk over and spend the evening at Sea Port Village. Grab some dinner, ride the carousel, and browse through the shops. Sea Port Village is a great place to people watch.

Day 2
Spend the day at a leisurely pace. Head up to see the La Jolla Sea Caves. While you are there, sign up for a Sea Kayak tour or snorkel in the cove, if you would like. Shop in some of the boutique shops, and grab a bite to eat.

When you are ready, drive back down to San Diego the scenic way--mosey along Pacific Coast Highway 1. Stop at every beach along the way. Grab a carne asada burrito or a fish taco at a little taco stand for dinner.

Day 3
In the morning, hang out at Balboa Park. You can find anything and everything to do here...museums, golf and tennis, hiking and biking trails, and of course, the zoo. Catch a tour or stop by the Visitor Center for help planning your day.

In the afternoon, tour the USS Midway. Be amazed by this enormous air craft carrier. If you are still up to touring ships, treks a few yards down the sidewalk to the Maritime Museum. Check out some of the historic ships that are open for tours.

For dinner, grab some seafood at Anthony's Fish Grotto. This place is so good, my mouth waters just thinking about it.

Have you got a favorite thing to do or favorite place to eat while in San Diego? Leave a comment with your best San Diego Travel Tip.