San Diego, located in Southern California near the Mexican Border, is an absolutely stunning U.S. city full of culture, activities, tourist attractions, and awe-inspiring photo opportunities!
The unique Pacific Coast climate makes for perfect weather throughout the entire year. San Diego also houses a perfect blend of affluent areas, college students, military service-members, technological industry, Hispanic neighborhoods, and artists, giving the city a unique character of its own. Assuming you only have a limited amount of time to spend in this city, you’ll need to use your time wisely.
Here are some suggestions on how to experience this iconic American city in just two days:
Day 1
8AM – Take a trolley to Seaport Village, where you’ll find unique breakfast opportunities while enjoying the fresh, ocean air. You’ll also find small shops and boutiques, beautiful parks, carousels, and exciting family activities. Even a short stroll around Seaport Village will give you a good taste of San Diego’s personality.
11AM – Next stop by Balboa Park and spend several hours enjoying the botanical gardens and one or two of San Diego’s famous museums, such as the Science Center, Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, or the Air and Space Museum. Obviously, you won’t be able to see all of these attractions, but you can pick one that appeals to your personal interests.
4PM – Head over to the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island for dinner. This luxury hotel is world famous (several U.S. Presidents have stayed there) and is located right on the beach. Your dinner will be unparalleled and after dinner you can enjoy a little ballroom dancing!
7PM – San Diego’s famous Gas Lamp Quarter provides exciting nightlife opportunities with its nightclubs, coffee shops, and live music venues. Finish out your first night in this fun, historic area.
Day 2
8AM – Drive up to La Jolla Village, just North of San Diego for another delicious breakfast and a full morning of unique shops, family activities, spas, golf courses, or fun on the beach.
11AM – San Diego houses one of the most famous zoos in the world. Spend your late morning and early afternoon either at the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park (an offshoot of the zoo where you can see animals living in a natural habitat).
4PM – After the zoo, stop by Old Town, where you’ll find an endless stream of live entertainment ranging from mariachi bands to professional dancers to theaters and themed events. You’ll also find art galleries, unique shops, wine tasting, and more in Old Town!
7PM – Finish up your night with an extravagant, 3-hour dinner cruise on San Diego Bay. You’ll feel like a king as you enjoy an excellent, 5-star meal while touring the bay’s picturesque sights, such as the Bay Bridge and the Naval Base (which harbors enormous, breathtaking aircraft carriers).
There is enough to see and experience in San Diego to fill a full month of of sight-seeing, for more ideas check out Go San Diego now. There are countless golf courses, museums aplenty, and exciting border towns, but if you only have two days to experience a city, this itinerary will give you a full taste of San Diego’s many exciting attractions.