FULL WEEKEND IN SAN DIEGO, CA
When my husband told me he had to go to San Diego for work I was like… take me with you!! Although I was there just for a couple of days, we tried to make the most of it. In case you’re planning something similar, check out the highlights of our trip. Enjoy!
TIP: We didn’t know at the moment, but public transportation in San Diego SUCKS!! Mostly we moved around in Uber Pool (which is not as expensive as regular Uber), but we highly recommend renting a car, even if you’re visiting for a few days.
Day 1, Friday: Arrival.
Arrive late at night to San Diego. Have dinner in your hotel or somewhere nearby and turn in for the night.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton (Aero Dr.). Although it was a really nice hotel with friendly staff, I wouldn’t recommend it because of its remoteness from all the attractions (we HAD to stay there for work reasons).
Day 2, Saturday: San Diego Zoo, Pacific Beach, Downtown.
First morning in San Diego. Visit the (probably) most famous attraction of the city… SAN DIEGO ZOO! Be prepared to spend at least five to six hours inside the Zoo, as it is enormous in size housing more than 3,700 super cute animals, not to mention the huge amount of plants and trees you’ll see all around while walking (700,000 according to the Zoo’s website).
We were pleasantly surprised to see that the animals look very well cared for; on certain hours you get to watch how they are fed or groomed by their keepers. The Zoo’s design allows you to feel really close to the animals (unlike other zoos we’ve visited) and get a true idea of how they behave in their natural habitats.
TIP: The admission ticket is quite expensive (54 USD); don’t forget to ask your concierge for any discounts offered by your hotel.
Head next to Pacific Beach, a place to relax and enjoy a lovely afternoon in a really family friendly environment. You can either walk on the pier and watch the surfers dance the enormous waves, or enjoy a stroll on the path next to Mission Bay’s shore; there you’ll experience what laid-back San Diego life is all about owing to the fact that all the houses are opened to the beach, and you can see families seated outside preparing grilled burgers, listening to music, drinking beer and watching the kids play on the shore.
End your day in San Diego’s Downtown, a place we recommend to visit at night when all the lighting is on, bars and restaurants open their doors and the streets really come alive.
Day 3, Sunday: Balboa Park & La Jolla
Start by having the greatest breakfast of your life! Delicious waffles unlike any we’ve eaten before… I guess that’s why they’re called Atypical Waffle Company.
Head to Balboa Park to spend a full morning of sun, gardens, museums, live music and cool people dressed in shorts & flip-flops.
Next go to La Jolla, a town famous for its restaurants and relaxed ambiance, but most amazingly, for the sea lions & seals that have made a cove in the beach their home.
At your arrival, the smell can be overwhelming but I promise you, once you start watching these marvellous creatures you’ll forget all about it. They begin gathering at sunset so that would be the best time to visit. Be careful because male sea lions charge at tourist that come to close, and they move faster than you think!
After you’re done admiring these fascinating beasts, feel free to walk around town and have dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants you’ll find. Return to your hotel and pack your bags 🙁
Day 4, Monday
With a downhearted spirit, as there is WAY TO MUCH to see still, head towards the airport and start planning your return trip to this beautiful place!
Next time I’m there I won’t miss Old Town, Coronado, Little Italy and whale watching (if in the right season).
What are your favorite places in San Diego? Comment below!
