The Ultimate Guide To 3 Days in San Diego

The Hidden Gems Nobody Tells You About 

First of all, you probably could and should spend more than 3 days in San Diego! But if we have to scale down, we’ll fill your day with the most jam packed weekend of activities, top quality mexican food and historic neighborhoods to explore. Not to mention hidden gems that you can’t find in Google’s list of “top things to do in San Diego.”

Our Top Activity Picks in San Diego

Hit The Beach

There are some perks to heading slightly north from typical San Diego destinations. If avoiding large tourist crowds is your thing, consider going to the beach in Torrey Pines or Solana Beach. While Torrey Pines is known for ocean view hikes and paragliders, Del Mar has a quaint beach town with boutique shopping and dining for all types of travelers and beachgoers. 

Del Mar also has surfboard rentals, the best burritos in town, and incredible views of neighboring beach towns. Your instagram feed will never look better! 

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Visit the La Jolla Seals 

Another beach activity? You did choose San Diego for a reason, right?! This activity is a bit different. While La Jolla has beautiful beaches and incredible views, it also has the smelly seals that make this neighborhood unique! Be careful not to get too close! 

Seaworld San Diego

If smelling the seals in La Jolla isn’t your thing - you should check out the famous Seaworld San Diego instead! Home to amusement park rides for thrill seekers, you can also learn about the incredible animals living in the park and the life-saving experts on the rescue team. 

*Pro tip: Sit back a few rows if you’re not looking to be splashed by the whales! 

Looking for deals? Check to see if there are seasonal Seaworld discounts happening before you venture to the ticket booth. 


Where Should I Stay in San Diego?!

Hotels in Northern San Diego 

While there is an endless supply of accommodations in San Diego, depending on your price point, staying central is the key to success here. With activities stretching from The Midway down south, to Legoland up north, my recommendation is staying in between near Torrey Pines beach.

In order to stay in the middle of all San Diego attractions, our recommendation is The Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Del Mar. 

“They’re just off I-5, with easy access to Del Mar's beaches, shops, restaurants, and famous racetrack only 4.8 miles north. Downtown San Diego and the world-renowned zoo are just 16 miles south. During your stay with them, enjoy daily free hot breakfast and a full kitchen to cook your own meals.” 

  • Free Daily Breakfast

  • Onsite Parking & Gym 

  • Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub 

Check Them Out! 

Upscale La Jolla Hotels

If you’re looking for an upscale seaside spot, we recommend The Lodge at Torrey Pines. They have golf, spa treatments, fine dining, and incredible views of the ocean! 

  • 5 Star Hotel

  • Onsite Spa

  • Onsite Golf 

  • Ocean Views 

You can also check out our top accommodations page for a few more ideas. 

For My San Diego Foodies! 

Let’s cut to the best part about San Diego...the food! While San Diego has some southern coastal advantages for seafood and mexican, we have a few favorites picked out for your weekend getaway! 

Fine Dining 

Let’s start with the catch of the day. Jake’s Del Mar is a top pick for ocean views, great food, and voted a top romantic spot for couples looking for a date night! If mexican is more up your alley, Fidel’s Solana Beach is a fun spot for food, cocktails and authentic charm! 

If you’re looking for a hidden gem, tucked away in the Hilton Garden Inn Del Mar, Bistro 39 offers Upscale California Cuisine with an outdoor terrace for social distance dining in San Diego. We recommend the Mahi Tacos and Build Your Own Pizzas! 

SD Deli & Cafe 

If beach days are your go-to activities, check our NY Garden Deli for a sandwich to grab on your way to the coast. They feature Boar’s Head meat and incredible monthly specials. Just remember to ask for extra napkins if you’re going to eat it on the beach! 

NY Garden Deli’s Ahi Tuna Salad….YUM!

A Couple of Hidden Gems in San Diego

Prado in Balboa Park

This one is fun because it doubles as a Mexican restuarant and a tourist attraction in Balboa Park. Not only does it have historical charm, but the outdoor seating is a chic experience worth stepping into.

Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave in La Jolla

La Jolla should already be on your to-do list for a San Diego weekend, but did you know you can go into the caves as well? It’s not free, but it’s definately a unique $10 experience if you have some extra time by the beach.

Gaslamp District

Well known for their nightlife, was isn’t well known is all the daily activities going on each day. Whether you’re staying nearby or not, you can always take the trolley into the Gaslamp to enjoy some family friendly experiences:

  • Shopping

  • Happy Hours

  • Children’s Museum

  • and more.

San Diego Trolley Tours

If you don’t have a ton of extra time, but want to see more of San Diego, the Trolley Tours would be my top recommendation! Think of it as a means of transportation, as well as a historical tour with a guide taking you through each neighborhood.

Spend as much time as you’d like at each stop, and wait at the trolley stop for a few minutes for the next one. *Pro tip - you can walk to some of the trolley stops along the way, there is no correct order to getting on the tour bus!

With so much to see and do in San Diego, it’s worth some time up north to explore charming neighborhoods, local hot spots, and convenience for your all day sightseeing and ocean splashing. Be sure to check out upcoming events in San Diego to see if you’ll be in town for seasonal happenings!

Gaslamp Quarter nightlife in San Diego

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