You’ve got to your beach house, and now you’re looking for what comes next. Your San Diego weekend trip has just started and now the real fun begins! The culture and beaches in San Diego are enough to make anyone want to stay permanently, but we’ve created an adjustable itinerary so that you can squeeze as many fun things in San Diego as you can.
If you’re planning a San Diego Weekend getaway, or you’re in San Diego this weekend, this resource will help you have the Perfect Weekend at this exciting SoCal location.
San Diego History
San Diego is one of the oldest cities in California, and most people don’t know its rich history. Founded in 1769 by Spanish missionaries, the city was originally named San Miguel de Arcangel, but was later renamed San Diego de Alcala. The city grew quickly because of its port and became an important stop for Spanish ships traveling between Mexico and Peru.
In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and San Diego became part of Mexico. However, in 1846 the United States took control of California during the Mexican-American War and San Diego became part of the US. Since then, it has evolved into the modern city people come from all over the world to visit.
Weekends are Better in San Diego
Because of its diverse history, the culture in San Diego is a unique blend of Mexican and American traditions. The food, art, and music scene reflect this blend of cultures. You can find anything from the best Mexican food, to sushi, seafood, and steakhouses. There are also many art galleries and museums to explore.
The nightlife in San Diego is also very vibrant, with many bars and clubs to choose from.
San Diego Weekend Trip Itinerary
There is so much to see and do in San Diego. If you are planning a San Diego weekend getaway or are looking for fun things to do in San Diego this weekend, this itinerary will be useful to sort out some of top things to do in San Diego. Our itinerary helps you break our beautiful San Diego out into sections that can be tackled in one day! Read on to start your planning journey.
Friday
Start your weekend by exploring a bit of the city. Whether you’re on a trip to San Diego or living here, it’s never a bad idea to take advantage of what’s around you.
The Embarcadero San Diego
The Embarcadero San Diego along the harbor is a great place to start your tour of the city. Home to many ships, speed boats and yachts it offers a stunning view of the Coronado Bridge. There is also the famous Maritime Museum, the USS Midway Museum (a long serving aircraft carrier that was converted into a museum for the 29 restored aircrafts it still carries) and is home to the Star of India (the world’s oldest active working ship).
The Gaslamp Quarter
Next, it’s time to head into town. The Gaslamp Quarter is the heart of San Diego’s historic district. With Victorian-style buildings, vintage lamps that light the streets, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightclubs to choose from- it never fails to entertain.
Explore in Style – San Diego GoCar Tour
Not sure how to best explore the harbor and Gaslamp Quarter- the Go Car San Diego tour is by far the most fun and easiest to zip through traffic! As a guided tour of San Diego, you’ll love small two-seater modern GoCar with navigation and commentary. The tour takes you to all of the major landmarks and attractions in San Diego.
Saturday
There is so much to see and do in San Diego, your Saturday itinerary promises to be jam packed! We’ll let you rest on Sunday- promise.
Coronado Island
After a morning sniffing out the best cafe San Diego has to offer, it’s time to head to Coronado Island. Coronado Island has a quiet, romantic atmosphere, but it used to be a famous hideaway for celebrities. The popular Hotel Del still stands and holds many secrets!
To get to the island, you can either take the ferry, or if you’re feeling adventurous why not book your own private San Diego Speed Boat Tour, which takes you on a high-speed tour of the harbor.
Explore Balboa Park
After a busy morning, it’s always a good idea to end the day at Balboa Park. Not only is it a great place to truly experience San Diego, it’s also one of the largest parks in the city. With stunning gardens, several museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, you can easily spend the entire afternoon here. However, we still have a lot to explore!
SEE MORE OF SAN DIEGO: To see more of San Diego, zip around with a small Scooter or GoCar. They can get parking quickly and easily zip through the traffic!
Wine Time
There is only one way to end a fabulous day, and that’s with a glass of San Diego wine- you are after-all in Wine Country. You can relax and take in the sunset at one of the many wineries in the area.
TIP: If you want to explore Coronado Island in a unique way, try the Coronado Scooter Tour. This tour takes you on a self-guided scooter tour of both Coronado Island and you get free admission to the Coronado Historical Museum. This way, you’ll get to see all of the major landmarks and attractions close up, get to stop where you want to., and you’ll cross the Coronado Bridge!
Did you know? Running or walking over the Coronado Bridge is normally not possible except during the annual Coronado Bay Bridge Run/Walk.
Sunday
On Sunday, it’s time to relax and enjoy some sun. You are after all in California!
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a beautiful beach with cliffs, caves, tide pools and great waves. You can also go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the cove. After a day at the beach, you can relax with a massage or spa treatment.
Ready to explore San Diego?
San Diego is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. There are also great day trips around San Diego to explore! Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled weekend or a relaxing San Diego weekend getaway, you can find it all right here.