This post is a 2 day itinerary for San Diego, CA.
San Diego has always been on my travel list, a city with sunshine, beaches, tacos, and that laid-back SoCal vibe everyone talks about. When I finally got the chance to spend 2 days in San Diego, I was beyond excited. I was coming off a longer California road trip and wanted something that felt relaxed but still full of fun things to do. Spoiler alert: San Diego delivered
Let me walk you through how I spent my 2 days in this beautiful city, what I did, where I ate, and all the little moments that made it such a great getaway. If you’re planning a short trip or weekend escape, I hope this little guide feels like a friend sharing her travel tips.
THINGS TO KNOW- HOW DO I PLAN A 2 DAY TRIP TO SAN DIEGO?
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
Honestly? San Diego has good weather all year. I went in late spring, and the temperature was that perfect warm, but breezy mix that made walking around super enjoyable. Summer is more crowded, but the beach energy is unbeatable. Fall is still sunny but more chill. If you hate crowds, shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November) are perfect.
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How to get around in San Diego?
I rented a car, and honestly, I’m glad I did. Driving in San Diego was easy, and most places I visited had convenient parking (just remember to read the signs carefully, especially downtown). It made things so much smoother and gave me more flexibility in my plans. You could Uber around too, but having a car was definitely a plus, especially for getting to places like La Jolla or Coronado Island.
What to pack for San Diego?
Since the weather was still pretty warm, I did not need to pack any heavy clothing items. So in addition to the below essentials, I suggest packing cute, summery outfits. More travel essentials for a trip to San Diego.
- You can also checkout my Amazon storefront for some inspiration. Click here.
- Portable phone battery charger. Click here.
- Portable fan to keep cool in the heat. Click here.
- Makeup- mostly my essentials and whatever fits in this bag. I have it in brown. Click here.
- Skin care- travel size only, the Origins travel skincare set was perfect, I use most of their products at home too. Click here.
- Sunscreen- again travel size only, I like the Neutrogena stick version which works for face & body. Click here.
- Camera- I have the Canon EOS T7i, there is a great bundle deal on Amazon. Click here.
- Waterproof camera- under $50, loved it! The quality is pretty good for the price. Click here. I also purchased a wide angle lens. Click here.
- Tripod- solo traveler problems. Get something sturdy and lightweight, especially if you plan on taking pics when it is windy. Click here.
- Shoes- 2-3 sandals, a reliable pair of sneakers and some comfortable heels.
- Packing cubes- to keep things organized especially when you have limited space. Click here.
- Blister bandages because you never know how painful walking all day can be. Click here.
- Portable luggage scale because shopping is unavoidable in Italy. Click here.
Where to stay in San Diego?
I wanted to stay somewhere central so chose the Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection. Located near Little Italy, the hotel was a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. In addition to the comfy bed, the hotel lobby was my favorite part, small but elegant. The customer service was excellent too. The staff was welcoming and friendly. The only downside of staying at the Hotel Republic San Diego is the parking situation. There is no free parking, I had to park at a garage around the block which wasn’t the cheapest.
Definitely check them out while planning your 2 day itinerary trip to San Diego. Click here for the link.
What to do with 2 days in San Diego?
I stayed in Downtown San Diego, which made it super easy to access everything, waterfront attractions, cafes, and little local spots tucked into corners I wouldn’t have found otherwise. One of the highlights of my trip was doing a whale watching tour (yes, you can totally fit that into a short trip!). It was such an incredible experience to be out on the water, feeling the ocean breeze and watching the whales in their natural habitat (Between December and April).
You can check it out here: San Diego Whale Watching Tour – Book Now
Where to eat in San Diego?
I enjoyed checking out the local food scene in San Diego, it definitely is a taco lovers’ paradise! I think I liked every restaurant/cafe/bar that I went to during my 2 day itinerary for San Diego. I have some amazing recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks based on my favorites spots:
Breakfast
- The Cottage La Jolla: A super cozy and charming spot with fresh, coastal breakfast vibes. Try their eggs benedict or stuffed French toast.
- Morning Glory (Little Italy): Trendy, Instagrammable, and delicious. The vibe is as good as the food.
Lunch
- Las Cuatro Milpas: Classic Mexican food and crazy good. Their tacos are unforgettable.
- Cesarina (Point Loma): A beautiful Italian lunch spot with homemade pasta and incredible service.
Dinner
- Born and Raised (Little Italy): Upscale steakhouse with a gorgeous vintage interior. Perfect for a fancy night out.
- The Fish Market: Casual but right on the waterfront, ideal for a laid back dinner with a sunset view. Perfect photo spot.
Coffee Shop
- James Coffee Co: Industrial style spot with strong coffee and a local vibe.
- Holsem Coffee: Cute cafe with great coffee and fun specialty drinks.
Bars
- False Idol: A hidden tiki bar with strong drinks and fun vibes. Great if you love something quirky.
- Noble Experiment: A speakeasy style bar tucked behind a wall of kegs. Super cool for a more elevated night out.
Any other tips for visiting San Diego?
- Start early: there’s a lot to see, and the city wakes up with the sun. You’ll find lots of folks out walking their dogs or out for their morning run by the shore line.
- Wear layers: the mornings and evenings can get chilly near the coast or if you are planning to jump on one of the recommended whale watching tours. Ladies bring something to cover your head too, the strong misty winds will ruin your hair. I found this cute hair scarf was perfect for the boat ride.
- Parking apps help: apps like SpotHero saved me time and money, especially when it came time to find parking near the hotel.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen: even if it’s cloudy. The sun sneaks up on you.
- If you have time and extra day or 2 to your itinerary, Coronado Island and La Jolla Cove are worth the detour.
STEAL MY 2 DAY ITINERARY FOR SAN DIEGO
DAY 1- Beach, Bay + Downtown vibes
- Morning: Start at La Jolla Cove. The walk along the cliffs is so peaceful, and you’ll probably spot sea lions lounging like locals. I walked for an hour just taking in the breeze and ocean views, I was so relaxed.
- Late Morning: Drive to Old Town San Diego for a taste of the city’s history. It’s a little touristy but fun, and the local shops and handmade crafts are worth checking out. This tequila and taco food tour is another great way to get a taste of the local cuisine. It’s not too early for tequila! Click here.
- Lunch: Grab tacos at Las Cuatro Milpas or try a small taqueria in Old Town.
- Afternoon: Head down to the San Diego Harbor and explore the USS Midway Museum if you’re into history, or just stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views.
- Evening: Dinner at The Fish Market, then grab a drink at False Idol tiki bar if you’re in the mood for a little night adventure.
DAY 2- Boats, Balboa Park + Little Italy
- Morning: Start the day with the whale watching tour (don’t skip this, it was one of the best parts of my trip, it is something you don’t have the chance to see often). It takes a few hours but is such a unique experience.
- Lunch: After the tour, head to Little Italy for lunch at Cesarina or a pizza spot if you want something quick.
- Afternoon: Explore Balboa Park, the architecture, the gardens, and the museums are beautiful. I wandered for a couple of hours and still didn’t see it all, but I loved every minute.
- Evening: Wrap up your trip with dinner at Born and Raised, then grab a late coffee or nightcap at Noble Experiment or a cafe nearby.
CONCLUSION- 2 DAY ITINERARY FOR SAN DIEGO
If I’m being honest, San Diego really surprised me. It’s chill but fun, relaxed but full of energy, and somehow makes you feel like you’re on vacation without trying too hard. From coastal cliffs to downtown rooftops, tacos to tiki bars, I got to see so many different sides of the city in just two days, and I already want to go back. I can say that this is one of my favorite cities to go to on a weekend.
If you’re thinking of planning your own 2 day San Diego itinerary, go for it. Don’t overthink it, grab a coffee, hit the beach, take a boat ride, eat something delicious, and enjoy the moment.
Let me know if you’re heading there soon, I’d love to hear what’s on your list!
