Weekend Getaway: San Diego's Beaches & Breweries

Discover the ultimate beach experience in San Diego, where sun, sand, and surf meet.

22 April 2023

San Diego is a must-visit for a perfect cocktail of stunning beaches, warm sunshine, and world-class attractions. Visitors can explore the iconic Balboa Park, home to cultural and historical museums, or get up close with marine life at SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo. And what is a San Diego visit without indulging in its famous Mexican cuisine or craft beer scene?

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Bumming and Beer Sipping

  • Check in at The Pearl Hotel, a retro-chic boutique hotel in Point Loma
  • Rent bikes and cruise down the boardwalk of Mission Beach
  • Grab lunch at Draft, a beachy bar with a killer beer selection and tasty pub grub
  • Spend the afternoon catching some sun and surf at La Jolla Cove
  • Dinner at Hodad's, a local institution famous for their massive burgers and laid-back vibe
  • End the night with drinks at the rooftop bar of the trendy Altitude Sky Lounge, boasting panoramic views of the city
Day 2

Tacos and Tequila

  • Fuel up with breakfast at The Cottage, an adorable cafe in La Jolla with housemade pastries and omelettes to die for
  • Stop by Balboa Park and explore the many museums and gardens
  • Lunch at Oscar's Mexican Seafood, where locals flock for fresh, delicious fish tacos
  • Wander around the quaint shops of Old Town
  • Visit the USS Midway Museum, a fascinating look into San Diego's military history
  • Finally, unwind with a few margaritas at Barrio Logan's ¡Salud!, a chic tequila bar with a killer outdoor patio.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to San Diego by plane is to fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN) which is located just 3 miles from downtown San Diego. There are direct flights available from many major cities in the United States and abroad.

Car

Driving to San Diego is a great option if you are coming from nearby cities or states. The best route to take would depend on your starting location, but popular options include taking the I-5 if you are coming from Los Angeles or Orange County or the I-8 if you are coming from Arizona.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no trains that go directly to San Diego. However, you can take Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego from other major cities in Southern California.

Boat

It is not possible to get to San Diego by boat as there are no passenger ferry services that operate to San Diego. However, there are many marinas in San Diego that offer boat storage and rental services if you are interested in exploring the city's beautiful coastline by sea.

Bus

The best way to get to San Diego by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus which both have multiple daily routes to San Diego from various cities throughout the United States.

Destination

San Diego

If palm trees and sunshine are your thing, then San Diego is the answer to your prayers. Get ready to regret not packing enough sunscreen and flip flops because this city has enough blue skies to make a Smurf jealous.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

San Diego in 48: Beaches, Burgers, and Family Fun!

A family-friendly trip to San Diego, United States offers an abundance of activities for all ages. Enjoy the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where kids can get up close with animals from across the globe. Head to the beautiful beaches for sun-soaked days building sandcastles, swimming, and even trying out water sports like snorkeling or paddleboarding. Explore LEGOLAND, a theme park and aquarium perfect for young ones, filled with thrilling rides and interactive exhibits.

Thrifty & Thrilling San Diego in 3 Days

A trip to San Diego on a limited budget can still be enjoyable. Activities like visiting the USS Midway Museum and hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve are affordable. Staying in a hostel or booking through Airbnb can also help save money on lodging.

The Ultimate 5-Day San Diego Getaway Guide

Visiting San Diego would consist of soaking up the sunshine, strolling along the beautiful beaches and experiencing the city's rich history and culture. With attractions like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, there is never a shortage of things to do and see in this vibrant city. San Diego offers an incredible culinary scene, a world-renowned craft beer culture and a laid-back lifestyle that will have visitors returning year after year.

San Diego: Family Fun on a Budget

A family-friendly trip to San Diego offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for all ages. Your family can explore world-class zoos, such as the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, to get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. Enjoy the sunny beaches, visit the USS Midway Museum, and take a stroll along the vibrant and historic Gaslamp Quarter for a memorable vacation in the beautiful city of San Diego.