5-day itinerary
The Perfect 5 Days in San Diego
A balanced 5-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
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Explore a stunning collection of historic ships docked right on San Diego's beautiful waterfront.
Where to eat: El Jardín — A well-loved local spot.
Day 3 — Culture & Icons
Morning
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Soar through aviation history with stunning aircraft displays in the heart of Balboa Park.
Afternoon
Museum of Us
Explore humanity's fascinating story through stunning artifacts and exhibits in Balboa Park's iconic landmark.
Evening
Old Globe Theater
Renowned Tony Award-winning theater staging world-class Shakespeare and Broadway productions in stunning Balboa Park.
Where to eat: 55 Thai Kitchen — Thai — a well-loved local spot.
Day 4 — Culture & Icons
Morning
San Diego Zoo
Home to over 3,500 animals, this iconic zoo dazzles with lush habitats and rare wildlife encounters.
Afternoon
Balboa Park
A sprawling park filled with world-class museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
Evening
PSA Flight 182
A historic landmark in San Diego.
Where to eat: Addis — A well-loved local spot.
Day 5 — Culture & Icons
Morning
La Casa de Estudillo
Step into San Diego's Spanish colonial past inside this beautifully restored 19th-century adobe hacienda.
Afternoon
Belmont Park
Ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster steps from the sparkling Pacific Ocean in Mission Beach.
Evening
North Island Navy Exchange
Browse military retail at this department store serving active-duty and veteran shoppers.
Where to eat: Al Teatro Panini Grill — Italian — 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.