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The Only One Day in San Diego Itinerary That You’ll Ever Need

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San Diego may just be the perfect city. Large, but not overwhelming, San Diego has stunning beaches, gorgeous hills, sea lion colonies, and the best tacos. You certainly could spend a week here and find plenty of places to explore and great street tacos to enjoy. However, if you’re short on time during a trip to California, like Chris and I were, here is the ultimate one day in San Diego itinerary.

Chris and I took a quick, 4-day trip out to California and made a stop in San Diego before driving up to Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. We’re so glad we included this city on our trip, and we’re here to tell you all about the best things to do in San Diego in a day.

Here is what you’ll find in this post:

  • Ultimate itinerary for one day in San Diego
  • What to do if you have more time in San Diego
  • Where to stay
  • How to get to San Diego
  • Getting around the city
  • When to visit San Diego
  • Other expert tips for your trip
Absolute Best Way to Spend 1 Day in San Diego
The Absolute Best Day in San Diego
1 Day in San Diego
This is how to spend 24 hours in San Diego | 1 Day in San Diego | San Diego 1 Day | San Diego 1 Day Itinerary | San Diego Things to do in 1 Day | Things to do in San Diego | San Diego California | San Diego Honeymoon | San Diego Food Restaurants | San Diego Attractions | Balboa Park San Diego | La Jolla San Diego | Downtown San Diego Things to do in | San Diego Itinerary | US Destinations | North America Destinations
This is how to spend 24 hours in San Diego | 1 Day in San Diego | San Diego 1 Day | San Diego 1 Day Itinerary | San Diego Things to do in 1 Day | Things to do in San Diego | San Diego California | San Diego Honeymoon | San Diego Food Restaurants | San Diego Attractions | Balboa Park San Diego | La Jolla San Diego | Downtown San Diego Things to do in | San Diego Itinerary | US Destinations | North America Destinations
This is how to spend 24 hours in San Diego | 1 Day in San Diego | San Diego 1 Day | San Diego 1 Day Itinerary | San Diego Things to do in 1 Day | Things to do in San Diego | San Diego California | San Diego Honeymoon | San Diego Food Restaurants | San Diego Attractions | Balboa Park San Diego | La Jolla San Diego | Downtown San Diego Things to do in | San Diego Itinerary | US Destinations | North America Destinations

There are SO many things you could do in San Diego. I was super overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do with the short time we had while there. However, if you want the perfect 1 day San Diego itinerary, this is a safe bet to having a great time!

First and foremost, I quickly realized that San Diego has amazing tacos and beaches… so I combined both and aimed to see as much of those as I could during my time here. Check it out below:

The Best 1 Day in San Diego Itinerary

Fish and spicy shrimp tacos at Tacos Mimi
  1. Taco Surf Pacific Beach

Yes, I am telling you to start your day out in San Diego at a taco place. As San Diego is super close to Mexico, you better believe they have some amazing tacos.

Fish tacos in San Diego are sublime, and Taco Surf Pacific Beach is no exception. Head here and test out their fried fish taco, covered with slaw and some delicious sauce-it is the perfect start to a day of exploring.

Taco Surf Hours: Daily 8:30 am-9 pm.

Taco Surf Address: 4657 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Pier on Pacific Beach, San Diego
  1. Check out Pacific Beach

While you’re in the area, walk over to Pacific Beach and hang out. Take photos of the pier, people watch as several college students play football and Frisbee, layout and work on your tan, or walk along the path next to the beach, stopping by various bars and eateries on the way.

Don’t forget your swimsuit! If it is a hot day, definitely take a dip and stay awhile.

Tacos El Gordo small shack on Pacific Beach: One Day in San Diego
Tacos El Gordo Fish tacos while overlooking Pacific Beach, San Diego
  1. Tacos El Gordo

Look, if you have a short day in San Diego, checking out all the taco places you can is kind of a must. And this place is perfect. Their fish tacos are everything and more.

I’m not kidding- it was the best fish taco of my life. I don’t think I can eat tacos in Cleveland again… kidding, I’ll always want tacos, but it will never be the same.

This place is right off the beach, meaning you have amazing views while feasting on tacos. Definitely get the fish tacos. They keep it simple but oh-so-good here.

Their fish tacos are lightly fried and perfectly seasoned, then it is topped with tartar sauce and onions and that’s it. One bite while simultaneously sitting beachside facing the ocean, and you’re hooked.

Tacos El Gordo Address: Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

Sea Lion basking in the sun surrounded by other sea lions on a rock bluff
Two Sea Lions barking in La Jolla
La Jolla Cove Sea Lion barking: One Day in San Diego
  1. La Jolla Cove is a Perfect Addition to Your 1 Day in San Diego

Yes, this place is touristy. But yes, you have to go. If you love sea lions and seals, check out this area. The neighborhood of La Jolla also has a lot of cute shops and restaurants, but by far the best part is the cove.

Wander along the pathway on the coast, watching sea lions basking in the sunlight, frolicking into and out of the water, and flopping all over each other in a giant cuddle pile of cuteness.

Yes, there are tons of people in some parts, but other areas you can get to yourself if you just walk along the pathway. Just be careful while taking those selfies- sea lions and seals are wild animals, so keep your distance.

Also, take a seat and stay awhile, the views are absolutely incredible of the rocky bluffs, stunning beaches, and wonderful sea life.

Alcazar Gardens Balboa
Desert Garden in Balboa Park: One Day in San Diego
  1. Balboa Park

Once you’ve explored the northern parts of San Diego, head back into downtown toward Balboa Park. This huge park is home to the San Diego Zoo, several museums, and stunning gardens.

Rent a scooter or take some time and walk around exploring the various gardens. I loved seeing 1935 (Old) Cactus Garden, Desert Garden, Alcazar Garden (similar to the Moorish gardens in Spain), and the Japanese Friendship Garden.

You could spend an entire day in just this park, but an hour or two wandering around the gardens is a great introduction. There is also a fantastic tour around the park that is great to get more background history! This giant park is perfect for a San Diego 1 day itinerary.

Salt & Whiskey bar and architecture in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
  1. Check out the Gaslamp Quarter

After you’ve finished up with Balboa Park, rent a scooter and head over to the Gaslamp Quarter. This area is known for its nightlife, and it is iconic for its gaslamps.

Check out the gorgeous architecture and head into Half Door Brewing Company for a great beer flight to start winding down your day of exploring.

The Taco Stand, San Diego fish and cactus taco-2
  1. The Taco Stand is the Perfect end to a San Diego 1 Day Itinerary

If you started the day at a taco place, I supposed you also must end your day there. The Taco Stand has various locations across the city, but if you’re staying downtown, check out the one there.

We particularly loved the nopal taco (cactus taco) and grilled Pescado (grilled fish taco). They also have a bar set up with all the types of sauces you’d want to pour over your taco.

This place was fantastic! Be sure to get some chips and guacamole to share as you reflect on your day exploring San Diego.

The Taco Stand Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 am-9 pm, Friday 9 am-10 pm, Saturday 11 am-10 pm, Closed on Sunday.

The Taco Stand Address (Gaslamp Quarter): 645 B St, San Diego, CA 92101

Close up of a sea gull perched on a rock with ocean in background

If you have more than a 1 day in San Diego Itinerary

So while that is definitely a great one day in San Diego itinerary, here are some other great spots to check out if you have extra time (including day trips from San Diego):

  • Coronado Island and the famous Hotel Del Coronado
  • San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s best zoos (definitely book online to skip the line)! 
  • USS Midway Museum (skip the lines with this ticket)
  • Seaport Village
  • Mission Beach
  • Point Loma
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve

And you can also opt for a fantastic tour around the city!

King Room at Springhill Suites San Diego Bayfront

Where to Stay for a Day in San Diego

There are plenty of hotels to stay at in San Diego, and if you have hotel points to burn and/or a free night stay, this is the place to use it.

We loved our stay in downtown San Diego as it was within walking distance of so many neat areas. However, if you want to have a weekend away, you can certainly find some luxury too. Here are some great hotels to check out during your stay.

Budget: King’s Inn San Diego

King’s Inn San Diego has clean and comfortable rooms, free parking, has two restaurants, a pool, and a hot tub. It isn’t downtown, but it is close to the interstate and Mission Bay. You have easy access to the beaches, Balboa Park, and other neighborhoods within a short drive. And for under $100 a night, you can’t beat a price like this in California.

Cost: Less than $100 per night.

Read reviews and book on TripAdvisor and book here!

Mid-Range: Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront 

This hotel is in the heart of downtown, within walking distance to many great pockets like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter. It has amazing views of the bay, and you can easily find scooters nearby to zoom around the city.

Cost: Around $250 per night.

Read reviews and book on TripAdvisor and book here!

Luxury: Fairmont Grand Del Mar

This place is rated as a TripAdvisor 2019 Traveler’s Choice and the #1 Luxury Hotel in California, so it has to be good. Surrounded by rolling hills, picturesque swimming pools (there are 4 pools), and Mediterranean design, this place is the perfect spot to relax. It’s true that it is further from downtown San Diego (about 25 minutes without traffic), but it is closer to Torrey Pines and La Jolla. If you want luxury, this is the place to have it.

Cost: Starting $600 per night.

Read reviews and book on TripAdvisor and book here!

Hotel De Coronado

Getting to San Diego

Getting to San Diego is fairly easy, thanks to its good-sized airport. You could also drive from nearby states and even Mexico as well.

Don’t forget that if you’re flying into LA, you can take the Amtrak train down into San Diego! It beats getting stuck in traffic and the views are great!

We ended up flying Southwest into San Diego and taking a Lyft into the city. Luckily, the airport is super close to downtown, so getting into the city was really easy.

San Diego International Airport has several flights a day with various airlines like Alaska, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, United, Southwest, Japan Airlines, and more.

You can usually find great deals to San Diego from various cities across the US.

Travel Hacking Tip: I booked a one-way flight using Southwest points for 13,569 miles.

And for booking flights with cash, I always check Skyscanner first for the best deals.

La Jolla Cove sea lions cuddling

Getting Around San Diego

 There are so many ways to get to where you need to go around San Diego. Here are the best ways to get around San Diego:

  1. Car: Renting a car may be your best bet when traveling around California in general. Public transportation can take a long time to get where you need to go, and it can be even trickier to get to the more touristy places. Instead, just rent a car. Fair warning, though, if you want to go up north to La Jolla, be sure to get out after 3 pm during the week, as traffic can be rough after that time. For renting a car, we love Rentalcars.com for great deals!
  2. Uber, Lyft, or a taxi: Of course, there is always Uber, Lyft, or a taxi to get you where you need to be as well. Again, as traffic starts early, be prepared to pay quite a bit during rush hour. Even getting to various places downtown can be expensive with this.
  3. Buses: There are several public buses to get around San Diego. While affordable, it can take some time to get to your destination.
  4. Trolley: There is a trolley that runs into the heart of downtown San Diego, so if you are trying to get around downtown, this is a great option. It doesn’t go up into the northern suburbs though.
  5. Scooters: Like several cities throughout the US, San Diego has motorized scooters… and they are everywhere. You can’t really use them to get from downtown up to Pacific Beach or La Jolla up north, but you certainly can use them to zip around downtown quickly or around the beaches once you’re up there. Lime, Byrd, and Lyft all have scooters readily available across the city.
Under the Pacific Beach Pier in San Diego, California

Best Time to Visit San Diego

San Diego has pretty nice weather year-round, so you could really visit at any time. Even in the cooler winter months, daytime highs hover around 65°F (18°C) and lows around 49°F (9°C). Peak summer temperatures are about 77°F (25°C) during the day and 67°F (19°C) at night.

The best months for visiting the beach are July and August/September but expect some crowds. March-May is perfect for comfortable, spring temperatures with fewer crowds, and October through February will certainly be cheaper for hotels and fewer tourists, but it can get rainy and cool. But fall in San Diego is a warmer welcome if you are looking to escape cold weather.

Pro-tip: There is a thing called the “June Gloom” in June where Southern California suffers from foggy, cool days. It isn’t terribly cold, but probably not the best for beach weather either.

Balboa Park Alcazar Gardens in San Diego

Top Tips for Your San Diego One Day Itinerary

Here are some tips for visiting San Diego:

  1. Pack a sweater. This sounds silly, as Southern California is pretty warm, but definitely, be prepared for chillier evenings throughout the year. I love this sweater to put over most outfits.
  2. If you’re traveling a long distance to San Diego, and especially if this is an international trip for you, I suggest travel insurance. We go with World Nomads for its simplicity and great coverage plans. We don’t travel internationally without it.
  3. If you have time, the San Diego Zoo is the best in the world with an incredible panda exhibit. We recommend booking it online first so you don’t have to wait in line!
  4. If you’re nervous about pick-pocketing in the city, definitely opt for an anti-theft purse. I love my Travelon cross-body bag and take it everywhere I travel!

San Diego is probably now one of my favorite cities to visit in the US whether for a domestic honeymoon or couples getaway!

From beaches to amazing street tacos, and even wonderful gardens, this place is a great introduction to the diverse and wonderful state of California. It certainly is worth spending a few days exploring, but if you only have a short amount of time, this itinerary will help you see the best of San Diego.

What do you think of this one day in San Diego itinerary? What are your must-dos in San Diego? Have you been or want to go? Let us know in the comments!

Want more USA/Canada inspiration? Check these posts out!

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This is how to spend 24 hours in San Diego | 1 Day in San Diego | San Diego 1 Day | San Diego 1 Day Itinerary | San Diego Things to do in 1 Day | Things to do in San Diego | San Diego California | San Diego Honeymoon | San Diego Food Restaurants | San Diego Attractions | Balboa Park San Diego | La Jolla San Diego | Downtown San Diego Things to do in | San Diego Itinerary | US Destinations | North America Destinations
Where to Stay, Eat, and Play One Day in San Diego
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This is how to spend 24 hours in San Diego | 1 Day in San Diego | San Diego 1 Day | San Diego 1 Day Itinerary | San Diego Things to do in 1 Day | Things to do in San Diego | San Diego California | San Diego Honeymoon | San Diego Food Restaurants | San Diego Attractions | Balboa Park San Diego | La Jolla San Diego | Downtown San Diego Things to do in | San Diego Itinerary | US Destinations | North America Destinations
This is how to spend 24 hours in San Diego | 1 Day in San Diego | San Diego 1 Day | San Diego 1 Day Itinerary | San Diego Things to do in 1 Day | Things to do in San Diego | San Diego California | San Diego Honeymoon | San Diego Food Restaurants | San Diego Attractions | Balboa Park San Diego | La Jolla San Diego | Downtown San Diego Things to do in | San Diego Itinerary | US Destinations | North America Destinations
How to Spend the Best Day in San Diego
How to Spend 1 Day in San Diego
How to Spend 1 Day in San Diego
How to Spend 1 Day in San Diego
How to Spend One Day in San Diego

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Mandi

Wednesday 19th of February 2020

I am spending 5 days in London in a few weeks and I decided to read your blog on your London itinerary. I found it helpful, but I also noticed you wrote an itinerary for San Diego. I am from San Diego and out of curiosity, I decided to read it to see if I should trust your tips. I must say, you were on point! Such great advice and the fact that you included Tacos El Gordo gave me 100% of your trust! That place is my top favorite taco shop in San Diego. I was very impressed with the information you provided that most people wouldn't know unless they lived here. It makes me trust you fully with all your other itineraries. Keep up the good work!

Kat

Wednesday 19th of February 2020

Hey Mandi! Wow, that is high praise, thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed both itineraries and I definitely obsessively research before going to places so you don't have to lol. Also, I LOVED Tacos El Gordo. It was seriously the best tacos I had there (maybe in my life) and I made it my mission to stuff my face full of tacos that day. Thank you again and have a fantastic time in London!

Bianca

Saturday 1st of February 2020

San Diego looks like a place to add to my travel list. Had no idea there were so many things to do there.

Kat

Saturday 1st of February 2020

It's such a great city!

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