48 Hours in San Diego, California

San Diego has great weather, fabulous activities on land and sea, and a mix of artistic, cultural and culinary adventures

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The sunny shores and urban vibrancy of San Diego tempt travellers with great weather, fabulous activities on land and sea, and a bustling mix of artistic, cultural and culinary adventures.

Friday

12 PM – Lunch

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at Casa Guadalajara in Old Town San Diego. This colourful restaurant institution specializes in creative top shelf margaritas served alongside plates of homemade tortillas covered or stuffed with carne asada, wild caught shrimp, grilled vegetables and more.

1 PM – Explore Old Town San Diego

Old town
Old Town San Diego includes 32 historic sites, shops and the Presidio, the site of the first mission.Photo by San Diego Tourism Authority

2 PM – Balboa Park

California Tower
The iconic California Tower at the Museum of Us in San Diego’s Balboa Park.Photo by Claudia Laroye

7 PM – Little Italy

San Diego is city of 100 neighbourhoods, and on a Friday night, Little Italy is the place to be. Once home to San Diego’s tuna fishing industry where generations of Italian families made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a dense neighborhood bustling with cafés, restaurants, urban wineries, and the festive Piazza della Famiglia. Restaurants featuring cuisines of both Southern and Northern Italy line India Street, including the classic Filippi’s Pizza Grotto.

Saturday

9 AM – Breakfast at Dodo Bird Donuts

Dodo Bird Donut chaser
The best way to start a day of exploration in La Jolla – Avocado Toast with a sweet Dodo Bird Donut chaser. The popular donuterie is in La Jolla’s charming Bird Rock neighbourhood.Photo by Claudia Laroye

11 AM – Sea Kayaking to La Jolla Caves

Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve
Exploring the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve by kayak is the ideal way to see La Jolla’s sandstone cliffs, coves and cormorants up close.Photo by Claudia Laroye

1:30 PM – Lunch with a view

Enjoy an al fresco lunch underneath a bright patio umbrella on the outdoor terrace of The Kitchen at MCASD. With one of the best ocean views in La Jolla, The Kitchen offers a farm-to-table menu including artichoke flatbread, avocado bowl with barley, and artfully prepared sandwiches. The food pairs well with a glass of California Chardonnay or locally brewed craft ale.

2:30 PM – Get cultured

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)’s flagship location in La Jolla features an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art.Photo by San Diego Tourism Authority

4 PM – La Jolla stroll

La Jolla Cove
Enjoying the view of La Jolla Cove, part of a protected marine preserve popular with snorkellers and breeding seals.Photo by Claudia Laroye

5:30 PM – Dinner at Paradisaea

7:30 PM – Performance at The Conrad

Sunday

10 AM – Brunch by the Bay

After renting electric bikes for a 19-kilometre morning ride along the flat and scenic Mission Bay Bike Path loop, enjoy a well-earned Champagne brunch on the large outdoor patio of Oceana Coastal Kitchen at the Catamaran Resort Hotel. The brunch includes favourites such as brioche french toast, kalua pork benedicts and crispy crab cake salads, as well as cold buffet options like nigiri sushi, smoked salmon, charcuterie, fruit and freshly baked pastries.

12 PM – Whale watching

Where to Stay in San Deigo

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