3-day itinerary
The Perfect 3 Days in San Diego
A balanced 3-day plan for San Diego, built around its top-rated sights so each day flows without backtracking — plus a bite to eat along the way. Like it? Make it your own in a couple of taps.
Make this San Diego itinerary yours
Customize it free →Day 1 — The Big Highlights
Morning
USS Midway Museum
Walk the flight deck of America's longest-serving 20th-century aircraft carrier docked in San Diego Bay.
Afternoon
Santa Fe Depot
A stunning 1915 Spanish Revival depot with terracotta rooftops anchoring San Diego's vibrant waterfront.
Evening
Star of India
Step aboard the world's oldest active sailing ship and feel the ocean's timeless pull.
Where to eat: Corvette Diner — Diner — a well-loved local spot.
Day 2 — Culture & Icons
Morning
HMS Surprise
Step aboard this majestic 18th-century frigate replica and relive the golden age of sail.
Afternoon
USS Dolphin
Step aboard the USS Dolphin, America's deepest-diving submarine and a fascinating Cold War relic in San Diego.
Evening
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Soar through aviation history with stunning aircraft displays in the heart of Balboa Park.
Where to eat: El Jardín — A well-loved local spot.
Day 3 — Culture & Icons
Morning
Old Globe Theater
Renowned Tony Award-winning theater staging world-class Shakespeare and Broadway productions in stunning Balboa Park.
Afternoon
San Diego Zoo
Home to over 3,500 animals, this iconic zoo dazzles with lush habitats and rare wildlife encounters.
Evening
PSA Flight 182
A historic landmark in San Diego.
Where to eat: 55 Thai Kitchen — Thai — a well-loved local spot.
Plan your real San Diego trip
Set your own dates and pace, swap any stop, and let the AI build a geo-optimized day-by-day plan with flights, hotels, and a live map — free.
Build my San Diego itinerary →Built from San Diego's top-rated attractions. Opening hours, prices, and whether a spot still delivers can change — double-check anything time-sensitive before you go.