Surfin' San Diego: A Budget Beach Day Trip

Endless sunshine, endless fun: San Diego on a budget, a traveler's heaven.

21 June 2023

San Diego is a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly trip to the United States. With its beautiful beaches, renowned museums, and vibrant nightlife, San Diego offers a lot of options for budget-conscious travelers. Make the most of your trip by exploring the city's many free attractions, such as the Balboa Park and La Jolla Cove.

Day trip plan

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Day

Beachy Bliss in San Diego

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast burrito from Nico's in Ocean Beach.
  • Walk along the beautiful Mission Beach Boardwalk and take a dip in the ocean.
  • Visit the famous Belmont Park and ride the giant dipper rollercoaster.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in Balboa Park's lush botanical gardens.
  • Head over to La Jolla Cove to watch sea lions and enjoy the stunning views.
  • End the day with delicious fish tacos from Oscars Mexican Seafood in Pacific Beach.
  • San Diego has everything to offer to beach lovers. Start your day with an authentic breakfast burrito on Ocean Beach's sandy shore. Take a scenic walk along the beautiful Mission Beach Boardwalk and cool off with a dip in the ocean. Head to Belmont Park to feel the adrenaline rush on the giant dipper rollercoaster. The stunning botanical gardens in Balboa Park are the perfect spot for a relaxed picnic lunch. Don't leave San Diego without visiting the adorable sea lions at La Jolla Cove. End your day with some of the best fish tacos in Pacific Beach.

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.

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