A Weekend Guide to San Diego
A city on the coast of California, San Diego is known for its laid back beach town vibes. Aside from spending a day at the beach, this sunny California city offers visitors a variety of things to see and do. Our weekend guide to San Diego covers a little bit of both.
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Weekend Guide to San Diego
San Diego is the perfect destination for a weekend trip. However you might find that a weekend trip is only an intro to San Diego and you’ll need to make a return trip (that’s how we feel).
How to Get There
The closest airport is San Diego International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport is about 2 hours away. You could also add San Diego as a stop on a road trip down the coast.
Read More: California Road Trip Guide-10 Days of Adventure
Where to Stay
Here are some amazing stays in San Diego!
Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection
Read More: The Pros and Cons of Airbnb Stays
Day 1
Communal Coffee
Start your day with breakfast and coffee at one of Communal Coffee’s many locations. They have a location in North Park, South Park, and Oceanside. Each location has a unique design. but the North Park location has the “Coffee + Flowers” mural that you might have seen on Instagram or Pinterest.
North Park
North Park is a trendy community in San Diego worth a visit. Stroll around and admire the colorful murals like the iconic “Welcome to San Diego” postcard mural located at 4223 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104. Shop North Park’s boutique shops or visit one of the many local art galleries.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a 1,200 acre hub with tons to see and do! The trails and gardens are free to explore on a daily basis. It is also home to attractions like the San Diego Zoo, the California Tower, a carousel, and more. Tickets to these attractions can be found here along with additional information about Balboa Park.
Carlsbad Flower Fields
The Carlsbad Flower Fields are a must if you’re in San Diego between March and May. Tickets can be purchased online to experience the beautiful fields of ranunculus flowers. There are other activities on-site as well that include a wagon ride, butterfly garden, food vendors, and more.
Read More: Guide to Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields
Day 2
Torrey Pines
Entrance Fee: $12-$25 depending on demand
Parking here can be very difficult as crowds begin showing up around 10 am. We would recommend arriving early in the morning around 8 or 9 to secure a spot. You can also park along Torrey Pines Road and walk in for free.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a large area to explore. You can visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport and watch the hangliders take off, you can relax at Torrey Pines State Beach, or hike some trails.
Guy Fleming Trail
This is an easy .8 mile scenic loop.
Parry Grove Trail
A short .6 mile loop that takes you past some scenic viewpoints.
Yucca Point Trail
If you’re up for a bit of a longer hike, this trail is 1.2 miles out and back and leads to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the ocean.
La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is the perfect beach for swimming or sunbathing. This mile long beach is beautiful but also very popular. There is paid parking available around La Jolla if the free lot is full.
Sunset Cliffs
End your time in San Diego watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs. The sun setting over the ocean with an unrestricted view is unforgettable. While Sunset Cliffs is a large area, sunset is a very popular time to visit. Arrive early to secure a parking spot. You can walk straight out to the cliffs from the parking area, or you can walk the trails to find a more secluded spot.
We hope you enjoy your trip to San Diego!
