California, US, United States · Trip plan
4 days in San Diego
Beaches, Balboa Park and gray whales migrating offshore.
- Best time
- Oct – Apr
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $300 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,400
Planning a 4-day trip to San Diego? Here's a day-by-day San Diego itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
San Diego has the mildest winter in the US, and gray whales pass the coast from December to April.
San Diego is a relaxed Southern California city of beaches, parks and great Mexican food, near the border.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
December to March: 10–20°C, sunny.
Don't miss
Best things to do in San Diego
- 01
Balboa Park
Museums, gardens and Spanish Colonial buildings.
- 02
La Jolla Cove
Sea lions and seals on the rocks.
- 03
San Diego Zoo
One of the world's best zoos.
- 04
Whale watching
Gray whales, December to April.
Day by day
San Diego itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Balboa Park and the zoo
- Morning
- Wander Balboa Park's Spanish Colonial buildings, gardens and the Botanical Building.
- Afternoon
- Spend the afternoon at the San Diego Zoo, one of the world's best.
- Evening
- Dinner in Little Italy.
Buy zoo tickets online to skip the queue.
- D2
Day 2: La Jolla
- Morning
- Watch the sea lions and harbour seals at La Jolla Cove and the Children's Pool.
- Afternoon
- Kayak to the seven sea caves of La Jolla.
- Evening
- Sunset from the cliffs at Torrey Pines.
Keep your distance from the seals and sea lions.
- D3
Day 3: Whales and Coronado
- Morning
- Whale-watching cruise from the harbour to see gray whales migrating (December to April).
- Afternoon
- Cross to Coronado for its wide beach and the red-roofed Hotel del Coronado.
- Evening
- Dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Morning cruises have calmer seas.
- D4
Day 4: Old Town and home
- Morning
- Explore Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the birthplace of California.
- Afternoon
- Mexican lunch in Old Town.
- Evening
- Fly home.
The airport is 10 minutes from downtown.
Shorter or longer
San Diego in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in San Diego
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Old Town and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in San Diego
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Maui.
What it costs
San Diego trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150 | $1,200 |
| Mid-range | $300 | $2,400 |
| Luxury | $700+ | $5,600 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to San Diego is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in San Diego for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in San Diego
Fish tacos
A San Diego staple.
California burrito
With fries inside.
Craft beer
One of the best beer cities in the US.
Getting there
How to reach San Diego
- Travel
- San Diego airport is 10 minutes from downtown.
- Getting around
- Trolley, buses and rideshare; a car helps.
- The zoo needs a full day.
- Whale tours run from the harbour.
Before you go
What to pack for San Diego
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
San Diego trip FAQs
How many days are enough for San Diego?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, San Diego Zoo. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day San Diego trip cost?
Roughly $150 a day per person on a budget, $300 mid-range and $700+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,400 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit San Diego?
Oct – Apr. San Diego has the mildest winter in the US, and gray whales pass the coast from December to April.
Where should I stay in San Diego?
Budget: Hostels in the Gaslamp (Downtown), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Little Italy (Little Italy), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Hotel del Coronado (Coronado), from about $600 a night.
How do I reach San Diego?
San Diego airport is 10 minutes from downtown.
Is 3 days enough for San Diego?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Old Town and home". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in San Diego?
December to March: 10–20°C, sunny.
What food should I try in San Diego?
Fish tacos: A San Diego staple. California burrito: With fries inside. Craft beer: One of the best beer cities in the US.
How do I get around San Diego?
Trolley, buses and rideshare; a car helps.
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