3-Day San Diego Itinerary: The Perfect California Weekend Getaway

If you’re looking for the ultimate weekend getaway, San Diego is calling! With sunshine pretty much most of the year, stunning sunsets, and some of the best Mexican food you’ll ever eat, it’s the kind of place that feels like an instant vacation.

One of the best things about San Diego? It’s super easy to explore! The city is compact, so most spots are just 15–20 minutes apart, meaning you can pack in a ton without feeling rushed. Whether you’re chasing ocean views, lounging on the beach, or stuffing your face with tacos (which, let’s be real, is a top priority), there’s something for everyone.

This 3-day San Diego itinerary includes a mix of classic San Diego experiences and a day trip to the stunning desert landscapes just outside the city—because why not add a little adventure? Plus, if you have extra time, I’ll share some other great day trips to consider.

When to visit San Diego

Honestly—anytime! With sunshine year-round, San Diego is always a good idea. But depending on what you’re looking for, some seasons may be better.

• Spring (March–May) 🌸 – Perfect weather, fewer crowds, and wildflowers in bloom. Great for hiking and whale watching. If you’re going in March, do not miss Anza Borrego Desert super bloom. If you’re going in May, the sunset seat/train view trail in Del Mar is covered in lavender blooms!
• Summer (June–August) ☀️ – Peak season with lively beaches and festivals. It’s also the best time to snorkel with harmless leopard sharks in La Jolla! However, beware of June Gloom—a coastal phenomenon where the mornings are often cloudy and cool due to a thick marine layer. It usually clears up by midday, but if you’re aiming for a sunny beach day, it’s best to plan for the afternoon.
• Fall (September–November) 🍂 – Warm weather, fewer tourists, and ideal for both beach days and desert adventures. Bioluminescence sometimes appears in the ocean, creating glowing waves at night!
• Winter (December–February) ❄️ – Cooler with occasional rain, but great for whale watching, hiking, and stunning sunsets. Negative tides are more common which means you have a higher chance of being able to explore Sea Caves!

Where to stay in San Diego

We stayed at the Hilton Bay Front, and while it was a little on the pricier side, it was SO worth it! The view from our room was stunning, and we loved lounging in the hot tub and pool every day—it was the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventures.

One bonus that came with the hotel? They offer a complimentary shuttle to Coronado Island Beach, complete with towels and all the essentials. We didn’t use it, but if you’re not planning to drive around, it’s a super convenient option for a beach day!

If you’re heading to San Diego, I’d totally recommend staying somewhere central. It makes exploring the city a breeze, and you’ll be close to all the action—whether it’s the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, or the waterfront. Staying central means less time spent on transportation and more time soaking up everything San Diego has to offer!

How to get around San Diego

One of the best things about San Diego? You don’t have to drive if you don’t want to! The city is pretty small (compared to LA or SF Bay Area), and if you stay somewhere central (like the Gaslamp Quarter or Mission Bay), you can easily Uber or Lyft to most of the popular spots. This is perfect for a relaxing vacation—no need to deal with parking or traffic. I’ve visited a couple of times with friends for Bachelorette weekends, and we did exactly that. It worked out great and let us enjoy the city without any hassle.

That said, if you’re hoping to cover more ground or take a day trip to nearby spots like the desert, or the mountains, renting a car gives you that extra flexibility. San Diego is surrounded by some cool destinations, and having a car lets you explore more freely.

3-day Weekend San Diego Itinerary

Day 1 – The best Mexican food and skyline views

Old Town San Diego

We arrived in San Diego bright and early, and the first stop on our adventure was Old Town for some delicious Mexican cuisine. After picking up our rental car at the airport, we headed straight to Cafe Coyote, and it did not disappoint! The place was buzzing with energy—colorful murals, vibrant decorations, and the sweet aroma of freshly made tortillas in the air. We even got to watch an abuelita (grandmother) making tortillas by hand—such a charming experience!

We kicked off with some fish tacos, and wow—huge portions! They were packed with flavor and incredibly filling. As we were enjoying our meal, a couple of mariachis came by and asked if we wanted a song. Of course, we said yes! They serenaded us with their version of “Bésame Mucho,” one of the few Spanish songs I actually recognized, which made the experience even more special. We had the best time at Cafe Coyote and absolutely recommend it if you’re in the area.

One of the coolest things about the restaurant is that you don’t even need to sit down to enjoy their tortillas. You can grab them from the stalls outside for just $1 each! You can even order them with butter—definitely a treat (probably not the healthiest option), but they’re warm, soft, and ridiculously tasty. We couldn’t resist and got 3-4 of them to munch on.

After filling up, we spent some time strolling around Old Town, popping into cute shops and vibrant restaurants. We also checked out the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and explored the various historical buildings. It really felt like we had stepped onto a movie set of “West World”, with a whole lot of charm.

Check in at the Hotel

After a delicious and lively morning in Old Town, we checked into our hotel—Hilton BayFront. We were pretty tired from the travel and the excitement of the day, so we decided to take it easy for a few hours and relax at the hotel.

Once we were recharged, we headed out to enjoy the sunset. The hotel had the perfect setup for that—so we grabbed a spot by the hot tub and pool. The view of the sun setting over the bay was breathtaking, and soaking in the hot tub while watching the sky change colors was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of exploring.

Dinner at Filiberto’s

After a relaxing afternoon at the hotel, we were ready for round two of Mexican food—because, obviously! This time, we hit up Filiberto’s, and let me tell you, I’m totally hooked on this place! We first tried it during a road trip in Arizona, and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. When I found out they had branches in San Diego, I literally could not wait to go back!

Now, just to be clear, Filiberto’s is a fast-food spot—not the kind of sit-down restaurant where you’d expect a fancy vibe. But trust me, the food is amazing! I don’t know what magic they put in their tortillas, but they’re so much better than anywhere else (yep, even better than the ones the abuelita made in Old Town!). We grabbed a quesadilla and chimichanga to go, and took them over to Coronado Island for a sunset dinner with a view of the sparkling skyline.

Coronado Island

We sat at Coronado Ferry Landing Park, ate our tasty Mexican feast, and chatted as the evening breeze rolled in. After a little stroll around the park and soaking in the beautiful view, we headed back to the hotel, full and happy after the perfect day.

Day 2 – A day trip to the desert and the perfect sunset

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

On Day 2, we decided to switch gears and take a day trip to explore the desert landscape—something a little different from the beachy vibes of San Diego. As outdoor enthusiasts, we couldn’t miss the chance to check out the stunning desert views, so we headed to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

It was a warm but perfect day for a desert adventure. We made our way to Borrego Springs, and let me tell you, the area was SO cool—like something out of a wild wild west movie. It seriously reminded me of the series we used to watch called the Westworld, with its vast desert landscape and the architecture of the buildings in the area.

Our first stop was Galleta Meadows, an area known for its amazing art installations scattered throughout the desert. One of my favorite pieces was the massive dragon sculpture—it’s definitely a must-see if you’re in the area! The art was a super fun surprise, and we had a blast exploring and snapping photos with these giant, quirky pieces.

Along the way, we made a few stops at various viewpoints to take in the jaw-dropping desert scenery. Every spot offered a unique perspective, from rolling hills to rocky landscapes. If you’re visiting in the spring, Anza-Borrego is also famous for its super bloom—when the desert floor comes to life with colorful wildflowers. It’s something I’ve always wanted to see, so I’d recommend planning your trip around that time if you can!

We originally planned to head to Salton Sea and Bombay Beach for more desert exploration, but we decided to head back early to catch the sunset in the city instead. That said, Salton Sea is definitely worth a visit if you’re into quirky, off-the-beaten-path spots—it has such a fascinating history behind it, and you can feel the eerie vibe as you explore.

Sunset Cliffs

After an amazing day in the desert, we made our way back to the city and headed straight to Sunset Cliffs to catch the sunset. And let me tell you, it felt like the whole city had the same idea—people were everywhere, sitting on picnic blankets, enjoying the view of the ocean, the fiery sky, and the surfers catching waves below. There was such a chill, laid-back vibe, and it really felt like everyone was there to witness nature’s show.

We walked along the short trail that hugs the cliffs, taking in the stunning views, and eventually found our perfect spot to sit and relax. As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, the sky lit up with shades of orange and pink—it was the perfect end to our day.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting, check the tide schedule! During a negative tide, you can access the Sunset Cliffs Sea Cave that’s usually hidden underwater. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a negative tide on our visit, but we still loved soaking in the views and the relaxed atmosphere. If you do get the chance to visit during a negative tide, make sure to time it right for the sea cave experience—it’s a unique spot you won’t want to miss!

Walk along Embarcadero

After an unforgettable sunset, we returned to the hotel for a quick dip in the hot tub (perfect for unwinding after a full day!) and freshened up for a fun evening ahead. We took a leisurely stroll along the Embarcadero, right by the Maritime Museum. The Star of India, all lit up, looked absolutely stunning against the night sky—it’s one of those sights that feels like a little hidden gem in the city.

The Mothership

Next, we headed to a spot I’d been dying to check out for ages—The Mothership! I was so excited to have snagged a reservation for the late night (totally worth it). This restaurant is out of this world—literally! The whole place is designed to look like a starship, with glowing lights on the ceiling and even a shooting star that occasionally streaks across. The atmosphere is super fun and futuristic, and the menu is just as creative, featuring some seriously cool (and unique) items.

Just a heads up, though: it’s not the place to go when you’re super hungry. It’s perfect for drinks and small bites after you’ve had a proper meal elsewhere. The drinks were awesome—definitely a highlight! But the food? Meh, it was a bit average. Still, we had a great time soaking in the vibes, sipping cocktails, and nibbling on snacks. It was a perfect way to wrap up a full day in San Diego!

Day 3 – Canyons and beaches

Annie’s Canyon Trail

Our last day in San Diego started with a check-out from the hotel, and we were ready to make the most of it! First stop: Annie’s Canyon. It’s this super cool slot canyon trail (alltrails link) just a short drive from the city. We decided to go in the afternoon, but nope—there was a line to get into the canyon! We stood there for about 20 minutes, and it barely budged. Normally, we’re not fans of crowds on trails, so we decided to bail and save the adventure for another time. It did look like a beautiful hike, though, so if you’re planning to go, I’d recommend heading there early to avoid the line.

Del Mar

Next, we headed over to Del Mar for some last-minute beach vibes. San Diego is known for its iconic view of the Amtrak train crossing along the beach, and we couldn’t leave without catching it! This spot is also called the Sunset Train View, and it’s one of those quintessential San Diego pictures you’ll want to snap. Along Camino del Mar, there’s a gorgeous trail perfect for a beachside walk. If you have more time, head over to Torrey Pines—you can catch some amazing views of gliders at the Torrey Pines Gliderport while soaking in the coast.

Crack Shack, Little Italy

For lunch, we stopped at Crack Shack in Little Italy—wow. The fried chicken was crispy, juicy, and honestly some of the best I’ve had. The vibe was lively and fun, and I’d highly recommend it if you’re in the area.

Balboa Park

Our final stop for the day was Balboa Park, where we spent some time strolling around and soaking in the scenery. We wandered past the ornate buildings and stopped by the lily pond, which was beautiful. But here’s my tip: walk up and down El Prado, the main pedestrian street that runs through the park. The baroque architecture is absolutely stunning, and one of the popular spots is Casa del Prado—you’ve got to stop and look up, it’s just breathtaking.

It was a perfect way to wrap up our trip, soaking in the last of the beauty San Diego had to offer.

And just like that, our 3-day San Diego adventure came to a close! From mouthwatering Mexican food to breathtaking desert landscapes, and of course, the stunning sunsets, San Diego never disappointed. We packed so much into just a few days, but the city’s laid-back vibe made it all feel so effortless. It’s the perfect spot for a quick getaway, and I can already feel my wanderlust kicking in for round two.

So, until next time, San Diego—thanks for the memories, the tacos, and the sunsets. I’m sure we’ll be back soon to do it all over again!

If you’re planning your own trip, I hope this guide gives you a little inspo and a lot of excitement. Trust me, you won’t regret it! 🌞🌊🌮