Budget-friendly Fun: 5 Days in San Diego

Discover San Diego's treasures without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Exploring San Diego on a limited budget is both possible and enjoyable. A visit to the famous Balboa Park with its museums, gardens, and cultural attractions is a must-see and many of the attractions there offer free admission. Adventurous visitors can also take advantage of the outdoor activities like hiking and biking in nearby Mission Trails Regional Park or relax at the beaches near La Jolla.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Bum Delight

  • Check-in at the Heritage Inn, a cozy and affordable hotel with comfy beds.
  • Head to Pacific Beach for a morning surf lesson with Surf Diva. Catch some waves and soak up the sun.
  • Grab lunch at The Baked Bear for their famous ice cream sandwiches.
  • Explore the La Jolla Cove caves and observe the sea lions lounging on the beach.
  • Sip on some cold brew at Better Buzz Coffee before catching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
  • Dinner at Oscars Mexican Seafood for their mouthwatering fish tacos.
Day 2

Historical Trailblazing

  • Breakfast at The Cottage for a delicious and hearty meal.
  • Visit the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier turned floating museum.
  • Stroll through Old Town State Historic Park and learn about San Diego's rich history.
  • Have lunch at Puesto, a trendy taco hotspot with unique flavor combinations.
  • Take in the views from the Cabrillo National Monument lighthouse.
  • Enjoy dinner at Hodad's, a local favorite for their juicy burgers and crispy onion rings.
Day 3

Culture Shock

  • Start the day off at the San Diego Museum of Art to appreciate over 12,000 years of art history.
  • Head to Balboa Park to explore the beautiful gardens and Spanish colonial architecture.
  • Grab lunch at Carnitas' Snack Shack for some carnitas tacos.
  • Visit the famous San Diego Zoo to see over 3,700 animals and take a guided bus tour.
  • Watch a movie under the stars at the South Bay Drive-In Theatre.
  • Dinner at Phil's BBQ for some finger-licking good ribs.
Day 4

Thrills and Chills

  • Wake up early to beat the crowds at the world-famous San Diego Comic-Con International.
  • Lunch at City Tacos, a funky eatery with creative taco fillings.
  • Visit the thrills and chills of SeaWorld San Diego for some aquatic animal encounters.
  • Relax at the hotel pool before heading to the Gaslamp Quarter for some nightlife and bar hopping.
  • Dinner at Cafe Coyote for their authentic Mexican cuisine and strong margaritas.
Day 5

Island Escape

  • Take a ferry to Coronado Island and rent bikes to explore the quaint beach town.
  • Lunch at Tartine, a bakery with French-inspired delights.
  • Visit the historic Hotel Del Coronado and walk along the stunning beach.
  • Take a sunset whale watching tour from the marina and see both dolphins and whales.
  • Farewell dinner at Sushi Ota, one of the best sushi restaurants in town.
  • Savor the memories of San Diego and promise to return soon.

Length of stay

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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