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Things to do in San Diego: 3 local trip ideas

3 ready-made day trips in San Diego, California: adventure, family and scenic. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

AdventureFamilyScenic
Adventure trip

Coastal Cliffs, Sea Caves

5 stops · about 8 hr 15 min of stops · ~$195 per person

Conquer San Diego’s rugged coastal bluffs and marine life on a thrill-packed, geographically seamless route through La Jolla and Torrey Pines.

  1. 1

    Caroline's Seaside Cafe by Giuseppe

    8610 Charles F, Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
    Caroline's Seaside Cafe by Giuseppe, San Diego

    Grab an outdoor ocean-view patio table and fuel up with their famous short rib scramble or blueberry pancakes.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$20 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    12600 N Torrey Pines Rd

    12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

    Hike the rugged Beach Trail Loop down to the sand, flanked by rare pines and dramatic windswept sandstone cliffs.

    about 2 hr 30 min · ~$20 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Duke's La Jolla

    1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
    Duke's La Jolla, San Diego

    Sit on the vibrant outdoor terrace and power up with fresh fish tacos or a poke bowl overlooking La Jolla Cove.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$35 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    La Jolla Kayak

    2199 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
    La Jolla Kayak, San Diego

    Paddle through the Ecological Reserve to explore ocean sea caves up close and spot resident sea lions and leopard sharks.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$65 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Catania

    7863 Girard Ave 301 F3, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
    Catania, San Diego

    Celebrate the adventure on a chic rooftop with coastal Italian wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and sunset views.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$55 per person · Directions
Family trip

Family Fun from Mission Valley

5 stops · about 7 hr of stops · ~$215 per person

Enjoy a perfect family-friendly day in San Diego featuring a colorful retro breakfast, interactive museum exploration, relaxed park dining, and a fun-filled 1950s diner experience.

  1. 1

    The Waffle Spot

    1333 Hotel Cir S, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
    The Waffle Spot, San Diego

    A colorful, whimsical diner where kids get crayons and can color their own custom waffles.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$45 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
    San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego

    Explore one of the world's largest indoor model railroad displays with interactive toy train galleries.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$40 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Panama 66

    1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
    Panama 66, San Diego

    Grab a casual lunch in an open-air sculpture garden where kids can stretch their legs on the lawn.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$55 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Spreckels Organ Pavilion

    2125 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
    Spreckels Organ Pavilion, San Diego

    Let the kids burn off some energy at the nearby playground and run around the historic open-air plaza.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Corvette Diner

    2965 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
    Corvette Diner, San Diego

    Finish the day with burgers, giant milkshakes, dancing waiters, and a massive in-house arcade.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$75 per person · Directions
Scenic trip

Coastal Heights & Bayfront

5 stops · about 6 hr 30 min of stops · ~$75 per person

Enjoy a seamlessly routed, highly photogenic day exploring San Diego's most iconic coastal bluffs, panoramic viewpoints, and historic waterfronts.

  1. 1

    Jennings House Eatery

    1018 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
    Jennings House Eatery, San Diego

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast inside Point Loma's oldest historic home before heading down the peninsula.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$20 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Cabrillo National Monument

    1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
    Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego

    Take in sweeping 360-degree views of the harbor and ocean, and explore the historic 1855 lighthouse.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$20 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Sunset Cliffs

    1100 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
    Sunset Cliffs, San Diego

    Drive along the dramatic coastal bluffs and pull over at the designated viewpoints for incredible photos.

    ★ 4.9 on Google · about 45 min · Free · Directions
  4. 4

    Tom Ham's Lighthouse

    2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
    Tom Ham's Lighthouse, San Diego

    Savor a fresh seafood lunch right on the water with a perfect view of the downtown skyline.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$35 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Embarcadero Marina Park South

    200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
    Embarcadero Marina Park South, San Diego

    Stroll the shoreline path for views of Coronado Bridge, downtown skyscrapers, and passing sailboats.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions

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