San Diego, “America’s Finest City,” blends 70 miles of coastline with a deep maritime legacy and year-round sunshine. Long before the Spanish missions and the U.S. Navy fleet defined the waterfront, the Kumeyaay people stewarded this land; today, their heritage survives in local place names and cultural sites. From tide pools to aircraft carriers, sunsets to street tacos, the city rewards slow travel.

Expect a lighthearted, outdoorsy rhythm: mornings on scenic trails, afternoons museum-hopping or surfing gentle breaks, evenings tasting modern California cuisine in lively neighborhoods. The craft beer scene is serious (over 150 breweries), the Mexican influence is deliciously omnipresent, and the views—Torrey Pines bluffs, La Jolla sea caves, Coronado sand—rarely quit. Families, couples, and solo travelers will all find easy wins.

Practical notes: layers are smart (ocean breezes and the spring marine layer can cool things down), and rip currents are real—swim near lifeguard towers. Rideshares are abundant; a car makes beach-hopping easier. If you plan a Tijuana day-visit, bring your passport and check current border wait times; otherwise, this 15-day San Diego itinerary is full without crossing.

San Diego

San Diego’s neighborhoods each feel like their own seaside village: Little Italy’s pasta and piazzas, North Park’s indie boutiques and breweries, La Jolla’s sea lions, and Coronado’s grand Victorian beachscape. The city shines with family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum, yet slips easily into romantic sunsets and chef-driven dinners.

Where to stay (split your base for a long stay):

• Mission Bay & Beach Vibes (Family-friendly): The Dana on Mission Bay (poolside bliss, marina views, easy to SeaWorld) or Paradise Point Resort & Spa (bungalow-style on a private 44-acre island).
• Design-Forward/Boutique: The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows (historic glam, a showpiece pool, cool dining) in University Heights/North Park.
• Great Value with Kitchenettes: Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo (easy for Balboa Park and freeway access).
• Resort Escape + Fine Dining: Fairmont Grand Del Mar (spa, canyon trails, and Addison—San Diego’s three-MICHELIN-star restaurant).
• Apartments & Beach Houses: Browse beach condos in Mission Beach, a La Jolla Cove pied-à-terre, or family-friendly homes near Balboa Park on VRBO San Diego or compare hotels on Hotels.com San Diego.

Getting there (first city): Fly into SAN (10 minutes to downtown). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: 1–2.5 hours from the West Coast, ~3 hours from Denver/Texas hubs, 5.5–6.5 hours from NYC; economy roundtrips often run ~$150–$450 in shoulder seasons. Driving times: ~2.5–3 hours from LAX (traffic-dependent), ~5–6 hours from Phoenix via I‑8.

Days 1–3: Waterfront Icons, Little Italy Eats, and the Embarcadero

Start easy along the bay. Stroll the Embarcadero past public art, ships, and harbor views, then dive into naval history aboard a legendary aircraft carrier. Evenings belong to Little Italy’s trattorias and buzzing piazzas.

• Top sights: Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Portside Pier (great bay views), and the USS Midway Museum—stand on the flight deck, duck into the engine rooms, and chat with volunteer veterans.
  USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date

  

• On the water: See the skyline and naval base from the bay on a narrated cruise (1–2 hours, frequent departures).
  San Diego Harbor Cruise

  

• Coffee & breakfast: Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (Little Italy; award-winning roasts), Portal Coffee inside a restored chapel at LIT, or Morning Glory (playful brunch, souffle pancakes, great people-watching).
• Lunch: Portside Pier’s Brigantine Seafood (fish tacos with a view), Miguel’s Cocina (classic Baja-style plates), or Ketch Grill & Taps (casual seafood, local beer).
• Dinner: Herb & Wood (seasonal wood-fired plates), Ironside Fish & Oyster (Little Italy’s maritime-chic raw bar), or Born & Raised (retro steakhouse drama with rooftop martinis).
• Evening tip: Grab gelato at Bobboi (Little Italy outpost) and wander the Piazza della Famiglia under string lights.

Days 4–6: Balboa Park, World-Class Zoo, and North Park’s Creative Energy

Balboa Park’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture frames 1,200 acres of gardens, museums, and performance spaces. Save a full day for the San Diego Zoo, then taste your way through North Park’s breweries and cheerful bistros.

• Balboa Park highlights: San Diego Museum of Art (old masters to modern), Fleet Science Center (hands-on fun), Botanical Building & Lily Pond (iconic photo stop), Japanese Friendship Garden (serene paths). For lunch in-park, Panama 66 (sculpture garden patio) or The Prado (historic dining room).
• Essential attraction: The San Diego Zoo—12,000 animals across lush canyons; don’t miss the Skyfari aerial tram and the Africa Rocks exhibit.
  San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket

  

• North Park & nearby: Browse indie shops on 30th & University, then sip at North Park Beer Co. (award-winning lagers) or Belching Beaver (PB Milk Stout cult favorite). For dinner, Mabel’s Gone Fishing (Spanish-Galician seafood, tinned fish, natural wines), Callie in East Village (Mediterranean flavors; reservations advised), or Cesarina in Point Loma (tableside tiramisu).
• Coffee & daytime bites: Communal Coffee (flower shop+café), Dark Horse Coffee Roasters (single-origin focus), and Underbelly (ramen and crispy Brussels in North Park).
• Nightcap: Polite Provisions (classic cocktails in a vintage apothecary setting) or a tasting flight at Bottlecraft (curated craft beers).

Days 7–9: La Jolla Coast, Torrey Pines Hikes, and Pacific Wildlife

La Jolla frames the most photogenic stretch of coastline—sea caves, tide pools, and a cove filled with sea lions. Pair it with Torrey Pines’ sandstone cliffs and, in season, whales cruising the blue highway just offshore.

• La Jolla essentials: La Jolla Cove (sea lions on the rocks), Shell Beach and the low-tide pools, Children’s Pool overlook (harbor seals). Consider a guided sea-cave kayak or a gentle snorkel around the cove on calm mornings.
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Hike Guy Fleming or Razor Point trails (1–1.5 miles each) for sweeping ocean views; visit at golden hour for painterly light.
• Ocean safari: Head out from Mission Bay for a chance at gray, blue, or humpback whales (season-dependent) and pods of common and bottlenose dolphins.
  San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

  

• Food & drink: George’s at the Cove (ocean terrace, modern California dishes), Duke’s La Jolla (Hawaiian plates, mai tais), The Taco Stand (adobada on fresh tortillas), and Caroline’s Seaside Café at Scripps (breakfast burritos above the waves). For dessert: Bobboi Gelato (small-batch, pistachio perfection).
• Coffee breaks: Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (original roastery on La Jolla Blvd) and Parakeet Café (colorful bowls, pastries).

Days 10–12: Coronado Island, Liberty Station, and Sunset Cliffs

Cross the postcard-worthy bridge (or take the ferry) to Coronado’s wide, family-friendly beach and the storied Hotel del Coronado. Back on the Point Loma peninsula, explore Liberty Station’s arts district and toast the day at Sunset Cliffs.

• Coronado day: Walk the Hotel del Coronado grounds (1888 grande dame), lounge on Coronado Beach (sparkling mica sand), then rent bikes for the flat Silver Strand path. Casual bites: Little Frenchie (bistro classics), Miguel’s Cocina (white sauce enchiladas), or Bluewater Boathouse (seafood in a historic boathouse).
• Liberty Station: Browse galleries, a public market of local vendors (great for a progressive lunch), and Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (airy beer garden). For waterside seafood, Mitch’s Seafood or Point Loma Seafoods are local favorites with fresh catches and harbor views.
• Vista & history: Cabrillo National Monument for panoramic bay views and lighthouse history; at low tide, explore excellent tide pools on the monument’s outer edge.
• Sunset ritual: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park—arrive 45 minutes before sundown. Afterward, Bali Hai on Shelter Island serves famous (and famously strong) mai tais with twinkling skyline views.
• Breakfast & coffee: Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café (cinnamon rolls, artisan sandwiches) in Liberty Station; Better Buzz Coffee (Point Loma) for a “Best Drink Ever.”

Days 13–14: Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach—Boards, Bites, and Boardwalks

These two days lean into classic SoCal: beach cruisers, Belmont Park’s wooden coaster, surf lessons, and casual eats that taste better with sandy toes. Mission Bay is gentler water for paddling; Pacific and Ocean Beach bring that laid-back surf-town tempo.

• On the water: Rent paddleboards on Mission Bay (mornings are calm), ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park, or book a sunset sailing excursion for golden-hour magic.
• Casual eats: Kono’s Cafe (PB breakfast burritos with ocean views), Oscar’s Mexican Seafood (smoky grilled fish tacos), Sushi Ota (reservation-worthy omakase in an unassuming strip mall), and Hodad’s in Ocean Beach (towering burgers, local institution).
• Breweries: Pizza Port (OB; surfy vibe and stellar hoppy ales) and Amplified Ale Works (boardwalk location, Mediterranean fare).
• Coffee & treats: Better Buzz (PB), OB Beans Coffee Roasters, and The Cravory (cookie flights).
• Optional food tour: Prefer guided tastings downtown? Consider an evening through the historic red-brick lanes and speakeasy lore of the Gaslamp Quarter:
  San Diego Gaslamp Food Tour with 6 Modern Californian Tastings

  

Day 15: Old Town Heritage, Last-Minute Tacos, and Departure

Wrap your San Diego itinerary where the city began. Old Town preserves 1800s adobes, lively plazas, and the aroma of fresh tortillas floating from open griddles.

• Old Town morning: Wander the historic park’s museums and courtyards. Brunch at Old Town Mexican Café (house-made tortillas since 1977) or breakfast plates at Café de Reyes inside the festive plaza.
• Souvenirs: Pick up hot sauces, handmade pottery, or vanilla from specialty shops; grab one last churro for the road.
• Farewell cruise option: If your flight’s late, celebrate with a relaxed harbor brunch on another day, such as:
  City Cruises San Diego: Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise

  

• Departure: SAN is compact—return your car and be curbside quickly. For flights, compare last-minute options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Local tips: “May Gray” and “June Gloom” bring morning overcast that usually burns off by afternoon. Tide pooling is best during winter low tides; check the charts before Cabrillo or La Jolla. For Torrey Pines parking, arrive early or park along the beach and hike up the reserve for a satisfying climb with views.

From sea-sprayed boardwalks to museum courtyards shaded by palms, this 15-day San Diego trip balances adventure with easygoing beach time. You’ll sail the harbor, hear the hiss of tortillas on the comal, spot dolphins offshore, and watch the sky soften to tangerine at Sunset Cliffs—memories you’ll replay long after wheels up.