3-day itinerary · San Diego

3 Days in San Diego: First-Time Highlights

This plan suits first-time visitors looking for a mix of sightseeing, culture, and outdoor experiences. Start with city and waterfront highlights, then combine wildlife, neighborhood tours, and coastal kayaking.

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Day 1: City sights and maritime history

Get oriented with a trolley tour, explore maritime history, and finish with a skyline sail.

  1. San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

    Morning

    San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

    Use the trolley to explore at your own pace and build a first impression of the city.

  2. USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date

    Afternoon

    USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date

    Explore the museum for an introduction to life at sea, adding maritime history to your city highlights.

  3. Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline

    Evening

    Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline

    Sail at sunset and take in the skyline from the water for a contrasting perspective on the city.

Day 2: Wildlife and neighborhood culture

Pair the zoo with neighborhood history and a nighttime sightseeing tour.

  1. San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket

    Morning

    San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket

    Explore the wildlife park and observe rare and endangered animals for a nature-focused highlight.

  2. Taste of Little Italy in San Diego

    Afternoon

    Taste of Little Italy in San Diego

    Discover neighborhood history, culture, and architecture on a guided tour that adds local context to your sightseeing.

  3. San Diego City Lights Night Tour

    Evening

    San Diego City Lights Night Tour

    Take a nighttime trolley tour to experience the city's lights and round out your daytime impressions.

Day 3: Coastal adventure and local stories

Combine guided kayaking with ballpark exploration and a food-and-history walking tour.

  1. Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two

    Morning

    Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two

    Join a guided sea cave kayak tour for an active introduction to the coast.

  2. Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park Tour

    Afternoon

    Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park Tour

    Explore the ballpark behind the scenes to add sports culture to your first visit.

  3. Gaslamp Quarter Food & Drink Tour: Brothels, Bites & Booze

    Evening

    Gaslamp Quarter Food & Drink Tour: Brothels, Bites & Booze

    Walk the neighborhood with food, cocktails, and scandalous stories for a lively introduction to local history.

Experiences are supplied by our partner Viator and booked on their site. Check times, prices and availability before you go.