Discover San Diego: A 3-Day Weekend

San Diego, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and incredible attractions, is the perfect destination for a memorable weekend getaway. Here's an itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

Friday Night: Arrival Fly into San Diego and get settled into your accommodation. Rest up for the exciting days ahead!

Saturday: San Diego Zoo: This is one of the largest zoos in the world, home to some species you won't find anywhere else. Be sure to arrive early  to see the exotic parrots during their morning flyover. Don't miss the guided bus tour to get an overview of the zoo's vast offerings. My personal favorite must be the adorable red pandas.

Lunch: After exploring the park, enjoy a tasty lunch at Tacos El Gordo, known for its authentic and flavorful tacos. Especially their the carne asada and chorizo tacos

Dinner: For dinner, you have two fantastic options:

1. Iron Pig Alehouse: A great spot for BBQ and craft beer.

2. Blind Lady Alehouse: Known for its delicious pizzas and extensive beer list.

Dessert: Treat yourself to some ice cream at Stella Jean’s. Their chocolate and smores complete with real graham crackers and marshmallows flavor is a must-try!

Sunday: Discover Balboa Park and Beyond

Morning: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Hob Knob Hill, famous for its cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfast plates. After fueling up, head over to Balboa Park.

Balboa Park spans 1,200 acres, hosts 18 museums, beautiful gardens, and the renowned San Diego Zoo, making it a top destination in San Diego. Situated just blocks away from downtown San Diego hotels, this park stands as one of North America’s most celebrated urban green spaces. Established in 1868 on a scrub-filled mesa near downtown, the park showcases San Diego's rich history through its architecture, thought provoking exhibits, and cultural events. Today, it remains a vibrant reflection of the city's diversity, history, and natural beauty.

Balboa Park is a cultural oasis that offers a variety of attractions including the Comic Con Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Museum of US, Japanese friendship garden and the San Diego Natural History Museum. With the park covering thousands of acres, it's crucial to plan strategically which museums to visit, especially if you’re short on time. During my visit, I explored the Museum of Us and wandered through the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden.

1. San Diego Museum of Us - Located within the historic California Building, with its iconic California Tower soaring above the skyline, the San Diego Museum of Us stands as a tribute to both history and contemporary exploration. For more than a century, this museum has enthralled visitors worldwide, blending education with entertainment through an extensive range of interactive exhibits.Inside, the museum showcases a rich array of Indigenous cultural artifacts, including basketry, ceramics, textiles, archaeological finds, and photography representing over 200 Indigenous communities. One standout exhibit explores the history of beer civilization, tracing its origins from ancient craft brewing in the Fertile Crescent circa 4000 BC to the vibrant craft beer scene of modern-day San Diego.The museum also features an engaging section on Ancient Egypt, offering insights into daily life, the mysteries of the afterlife, and the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Admission prices are $19.95 for adults (18+), and $16.95 for seniors, military personnel, teachers, students, and youth under 18. For an additional $10.00, visitors can embark on a tour of the iconic California Tower, providing panoramic views of San Diego and its historic surroundings.

Lunch: Enjoy a flavorful lunch at El Indio, known for its delicious Mexican cuisine.

Afternoon: Return to Balboa Park to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden. 

1. The  Japanese Friendship Garden was by far my favorite. A serene sanctuary adorned with stunning samurai artifacts, sculptures, and tranquil koi ponds. General admission is priced at $16, with discounts for students and seniors at $14 each. Divided into upper and lower sections, the garden features a pond teeming with vibrant koi of every hue imaginable.In the upper garden, visitors can explore a bonsai garden, a delightful wall of wind chimes, a serene teahouse, and several exquisite statues. The lower garden, much larger in size,boasts a spacious ADA trail perfect for strollers and wheelchairs side by side. Typically, there are food booths scattered about, along with ample restroom facilities and scenic spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.I particularly loved the koi pond, the meandering paths, and the quaint stepping stones crossing the gentle streams throughout the garden. Every detail is meticulously maintained, and the blossoming cherry trees were a definite highlight of our visit.

Monday: Beach Day and Historic Tour

Morning: Begin your day with breakfast at Crest Cafe, famous for its chicken and waffles.

Beach Day: Spend the morning relaxing at one of San Diego's stunning beaches. Soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and enjoy the laid-back vibe.

Lunch: Head to Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill for a fresh and tasty Crab BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado).

Afternoon: After lunch, embark on the Old Town Trolley Tour. This guided tour is a fantastic way to see the city's highlights and learn about its history.

Spend the rest of the day shopping at Embarcadero. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and soak in the picturesque views. Let the ocean breeze guide you as you explore charming shops offering everything from unique souvenirs and nautical gifts to custom jewelry and outdoor essentials. This waterfront outlet mall not only features distinctive souvenirs but also boasts a variety of delightful shops to browse through.

Dinner: For a wonderful dining experience try Nonna’s Italian Comfort Food in Little Italy.  For starters we had  bruschetta  which was delicious, served with  tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, shaved parmigiano, basil, crostini. The entrée was linguine vongole with clams, shaved garlic, extra virgin olive oil & finally the pinot grigio was delicious, the clams were seasoned to perfection. Lastly for desert we had their handmade cannolis which was deliciously sweet 

Tuesday Morning: Departure After a packed and fulfilling weekend, it's time to head back home. Fly out Tuesday morning with wonderful memories of your San Diego adventure.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of San Diego’s cultural, culinary, and natural attractions, ensuring a fun and enriching weekend. Enjoy your trip!