San Diego 3-Day Itinerary

3-Day San Diego Itinerary

Adventure without breaking the bank

I recently realized how simple and possible it was to travel America in the midst of getting my degree and being employed.

The hardest part was finding the time to plan the trip, which is why I did it for you.

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

Sunset Cliffs

A Snow Covered Mountain Under the White Sky

When is the best time to travel to San Diego?

This was my first time on the West Coast, and I arrived in San Diego late in December.

I'm sure it's beautiful year-round, but the cool mornings (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit) warmed up in the daytime (around 75 degrees Fahrenheit) felt perfect to me.

I would recommend to plan your travel during the late Fall or early Winter months.

How to get around

Although San Diego offers public transport, I would recommend renting a car due to the short amount of time available to fit in lots of activities.

I rented through Dirt Cheap Car Rental

because they don't have a fee for being under the age of 25 to rent, and they are in fact dirt cheap.

For your planning, I drove just under 200 miles so unless you’re planning on leaving the San Diego area, upgrading to unlimited miles isn’t necessary.

Dirt Cheap Car Rental

$35/day

California Dreams Hostel

Lodging

I would recommend staying at the California Dreams Hostel and stay in a gender-designed dorm room. They have a pool, hot tub, full kitchen, and are in a very convenient location.

$34.65/day

Day One

Breakfast

Morning Glory

If you're looking for an Instagrammable breakfast spot, this has got to be the best in the city. There was a line even before they opened, so I recommend planning to arrive before they open to get a good table without waiting in the long lines.

I got their breakfast parfait that was probably the best I've ever had.

$13 pre-tip

Hiking

Mission Trails Regional Park

This was a gorgeous 3.7 mile hike that took me about 1.5 hours to finish. There were lots of others throughout the trail making the time pass quickly. Limited free parking.

Free to enter.

Sunset

Sunset Cliffs

I mean, there's even "sunset" in the name... how could you go wrong here? This was around 10 minutes from my hostel, and was beyond gorgeous. There were people surfing, having picnics, and just simply watching the sunset. It was surprisingly not very crowded and parking was free and easy.

Free to enter.

Dinner and Shopping

Liberty Public Market

This shopping center was wonderful to walk around their outdoor area and well as their indoor markets. If you're a foodie, this is the place for you! They have plenty of different options for good eats and there's trendy shops that are walking distance in the area. Free parking.

Free to enter.

Morning Glory

Sunset Cliffs

Liberty Public Market

Day Two

Hiking

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This was a beautiful hike to start the day! It begins with a walk on a beach (a nude beach, actually, but it must've been too cold because I didn't see anybody...) and it was a 2.3 mile loop. Should take about an hour to complete. Free parking along the trailhead.

Free to enter.

Annie's Canyon Trail

This hike made me feel like a kid in a playground! The canyon wasn't too long of a walk from the road, and it was like nothing I've done before. It took me a little over 30 minutes to complete. Free parking along the trailhead.

Free to enter.

Lunch

Little Italy

Little Italy is a cute small downtown area with lots of options for good eats! I got some of the best unique tacos I have ever had from Not Not Tacos (no that's not a typo, that's really it's name). Try your best to go for Taco Tuesday for the best deal! Limited parking.

$15 for 3 tacos

Torrey Pines

Meander

Not Not Tacos

Balboa Park

This was a really great place to check out for any time frame, whether you have to squeeze it in or if you have a few hours to kill, it's a wonderful place to walk around and sightsee. Perfect for renting some of their electric scooters and roaming throughout the park. Park right outside of the park to avoid a parking fee and walk or scooter to the area.

Free to enter.

Sunset

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

TThe higher elevation made for a chilly evening, but the sunset at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial gave 360 degree views of San Diego, including the sunsetting on La Jolla Beach. Free but limited parking at the site.

Free to enter.

Dinner

The Taco Stand

Hands down, these were the best street tacos I have ever had!! Simple ingredients and so much flavor! Free parking along the street.

About $3/taco

Balboa Park

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

Day Three

Hiking

La Jolla Trail

This was my favorite and most challenging hike yet. Luckily, it should take between 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The hike included very narrow and slippery canyons to walk through, so avoid bringing large bags. Free parking in the neighborhood of the trail.

Free to enter.

Sea Lion Watch

La Jolla Cove

The sea lions are a must-SEA! (Sea what I did there?) There were hundreds along the beach providing endless entertainment. The La Jolla Beach has a trail that continues for miles, so it's a great place to walk around with a coffee or smoothie from downtown. Free parking.

Free to enter.

La Jolla Trail

La Jolla

Lunch

Downtown La Jolla

I had a lunch date with my Kindle in the charming downtown area of La Jolla. I used the electric scooters to get around and stopped at Parakeet Cafe for this amazing vegan lunch bowl. Free street parking or paid parking lots.

Waterfall Hike

Penasquitos Falls Extended Loop

This waterfall was absolutely gorgeous! It was about 3.35 miles in length and took me an hour and 20 minutes to complete. The beginning feels as if you're walking in the dessert, but it continues to change scenery and lead to a peaceful waterfall. Free trailhead parking.

Dinner

Old Town

If you're feeling Mexican (again), walk around Old Town! It has lots of options for good eats, happy hours, and gift shops. Great way to end the trip! Prepare to pay to park, or eat at one of the restaurants for free parking.

Dinner prices vary on where you order, but mine was $16.