San Diego in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

With its beautiful beaches and warm weather, San Diego is one of the most famous destinations on the West Coast. Touring it in a few days might seem like an impossible mission, but if you plan to stay here for a week, you will be able to discover most of its attractions. Here is a suggested itinerary to make your tour easier.

Among the best things to do in San Diego in a 7-day visit are visiting the picturesque Gaslamp Quarter, touring the beaches of La Jolla, visiting the local zoo and taking a full-day excursion to Tijuana.

For the first day of your tour of San Diego, I propose a tour of the areas close to downtown, which will allow you to discover the local spirit.

Visit the Gaslamp Quarter

Visiting the iconic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego will allow you to immerse yourself in a vibrant experience full of history. This district is known for its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture, which combines the modern with the nostalgic. You can get there by walking a few blocks from the city's Civic Center and Fifth Avenue light rail stations.

One of the neighborhood's main attractions is its dynamic culinary scene, which offers some of the best food tours in San Diego. From restaurants offering international dishes to local and authentic flavors, this place has something for everyone's palate.

However, the Gaslamp is not only a hub for entertainment and dining, but also houses much of San Diego's local history, which you can discover on your tour.

Discover the gastronomy of Little Italy

To continue your exquisite tour of the first day, you can explore the gastronomy of Little Italy in San Diego. This neighborhood is a must-see destination for food lovers looking to savor Italian flavors in the heart of California. From the Gaslamp you can reach this site on the green trolley line or on the 215, 225 and 235 bus lines in approximately 15 minutes.

Along the way you can visit the open-air markets, which offer imported and local products that allow visitors to take a little piece of Italy home with them. In addition, you will also find activities for the whole family, which is ideal if you plan to visit San Diego with children.

Stroll through San Diego's historic district

After getting to know two of the city's most popular neighborhoods, it's time to discover San Diego's Old Town, which will allow you to walk through the living pages of American history. This district offers a window into the past, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings that evoke the colonial era and the Gold Rush period.

On this tour you will come across the Old San Diego State Historic Park, which will take you back to the days of the ranchers and cowboys of the 19th century. The park can be reached in a 15-minute ride on the green and blue trolley lines, and you can also choose to take a ride on the San Diego sightseeing trolley.

On the other hand, the historic district is full of art galleries and plazas that invite you to relax and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the area. There you can also find some of the best museums in San Diego.

Say goodbye to the first night on the Embarcadero

After a busy first day of sightseeing, bidding farewell to the Embarcadero area is an experience that combines the bright lights with the serenity of the ocean. There you can take part in some of San Diego's best cruise excursions. From Old Mission State Historic Park you can get to the port on the blue and green trolley lines and the 992 bus.

You can also visit Embarcadero Park, which often hosts nightly events and festivals. If you plan to visit San Diego for Christmas, you can find a lot of Christmas Eve decorations there. You can also top off the evening with dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.

The second day of the itinerary includes two of San Diego's great traditions: beaches and wine. Are you ready to discover golden sands and California's most famous wineries?

Discover the beaches of La Jolla

La Jolla has some of the best beaches in San Diego and visiting them will allow you to step into a coastal paradise. You can get here from downtown on the green and blue trolley lines and the 9 and 30 bus lines.

La Jolla Cove, known for its crystal clear waters, is an ideal place for snorkelers. There you can opt for the amphibious tour or walk the beaches, especially if you plan to visit San Diego in the summer.

The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve overlook also offers a panoramic perspective of the beaches and cliffs of La Jolla, providing a breathtaking view of the coast and its surroundings.

Take a wine-tasting tour around San Diego

A wine tasting tour is an ideal experience to get to know the area around San Diego. The San Diego County wine region offers several destinations for wine lovers. From La Jolla, you can take a 30-minute drive down the highway to Escondido or take private transportation.

At wineries in this area, such as Wilson Creek Winery and Thorton Winery, you can savor quality wines, from robust reds to refreshing whites. The best alternative to visit these wineries is by private transportation and in the afternoon.

Another must-see stop on the tour is Ramona Valley, a lesser-known but equally charming wine gem. Boutique wineries such as Principe di Tricase Winery and Poppaea Vineyard offer an intimate and authentic experience.

Visit the upscale bars of San Diego's North Shore

After you've enjoyed a wine tasting, San Diego's coastal region will offer you a selection of upscale bars that combine the beauty of ocean views with high-quality drink offerings. One of the signature spots on this tour is the Sunset Bar at L'Auberge Del Mar, where visitors can enjoy craft cocktails while enjoying the sunset.

Another destination not to be missed is Eddie V's Prime Seafood. Any of these bars can be reached on the green and blue trolley lines from almost anywhere in San Diego.

On the third day of the tour the itinerary will include a visit to one of San Diego's most iconic sites, Coronado Island. In addition, you will also be able to visit the USS Midway Museum.

Visit the USS Midway Museum

Visiting the USS Midway Museum in San Diego will allow you to embark on a journey through the naval history of the United States. Located on the iconic aircraft carrier on the south side of the Embarcadero, this museum will give you the opportunity to explore a floating myth of the U.S. Navy.

The exhibit features historic aircraft and helicopters, from fighters to reconnaissance and transport planes used in different eras, making it one of the best museums in San Diego. From downtown you can reach the aircraft carrier on the blue trolley line and buses 215, 225 and 235.

Visit Coronado Island

After checking out one of San Diego's most striking museums, you can head to picturesque Coronado Island. Located just off the coast, it's an ideal destination for nature lovers. You can reach the island from the San Diego Embarcadero on an approximately 40-minute ferry ride or by land via the Coronado Bridge.

The crystal clear waters surrounding Coronado Island, just outside the bay, are perfect for diving and snorkeling, but you can also visit the historic Hotel del Coronado.

Tour San Diego Bay on a dinner cruise tour

Once you finish your tour of Coronado Island, you can take advantage of your stay at the Embarcadero to tour San Diego Bay on a dinner cruise tour. On these tours you can savor a meal as you cruise the waters of the bay. These cruises offer an exceptional dining experience and are one of the best alternatives to discover San Diego at night.

From the iconic Coronado Bridge to the city's skyline, a dinner cruise tour of San Diego Bay provides an enriching view of the region's most iconic landmarks.

On the fourth day of the tour, book an itinerary to some of San Diego's top sites, including Balboa Park and the local zoo.

Visit Balboa Park

To visit Balboa Park in San Diego is to immerse yourself in a cultural and natural oasis that delights visitors of all ages. This vast, picturesque park is a treasure trove that is home to a rich mix of museums, lush gardens and stunning architecture.

Art lovers can explore the San Diego Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum, which exhibit a wide range of masterpieces from classical to contemporary art. The park can be reached by bus lines 7 and 215.

In addition to its cultural and natural richness, Balboa Park offers hiking, biking and picnicking activities. The San Diego Zoo, located at the north end of the park, is another must-see attraction.

Tour the San Diego Zoo

Located at the west end of Balboa Park, this zoo is known for being one of the most outstanding zoos in the world. This site recreates the natural environments of the species, providing an educational and captivating experience for visitors of all ages.

The zoo also offers interactive experiences, such as animal encounters and educational shows. From the captivating panda bear to the enigmatic Bengal tiger, the animals at this site offer an ideal option for visiting with children in San Diego.

Take a night tour to see the city lights

After touring Balbo Park, I recommend that you take part in a city lights tour. This experience will take you through the Gaslamp Quarter, which comes to life in a special way during the nighttime hours. There you can visit the bars and clubs that animate the place, while the illuminated facades of the buildings create an ideal setting to explore on foot.

In addition, the harbor and the famous Embarcadero offer a panoramic view of the dancing lights on the water, especially if you plan to visit San Diego in the summer when the skies are clear. From the parks to the overlooks, each stop offers a unique view of the city at night. These tours usually start from the historic downtown area.

One of the biggest attractions San Diego has to offer is its wildlife, so for day five I suggest an itinerary that includes a whale watching excursion and a visit to the popular SeaWorld.

Go on a whale watching excursion

Taking a whale watching tour in San Diego is one of the city's signature experiences. The crystal clear waters create an ideal atmosphere, which is why these excursions are often considered some of the best cruise alternatives in San Diego.

In addition to whale watching, San Diego's coastal scenery adds a picturesque dimension to the excursion, with panoramic views of the coastline. The Embarcadero can be reached on the blue trolley line and the 215, 225 and 235 buses from downtown.

Visit SeaWorld San Diego

Continuing with this tour that has marine animals as protagonist, you can't miss SeaWorld. Visiting this site will allow you to enter a world full of adventures and fascinating discoveries. This theme park is also an ideal alternative to visit with children in San Diego. Here tourists can get close to dolphins, killer whales and sea lions.

Beyond entertainment, SeaWorld is also dedicated to marine life conservation and education. From the Embarcadero, where the ship will dock after the sightseeing tour, you can get to the theme park on the green and blue trolley lines and buses on lines 8 and 9 for a ride of about half an hour.

Taking a full-day tour from San Diego to Tijuana is an exciting journey that offers a fascinating insight into the culture and life on the U.S.-Mexico border. As soon as you cross the border, you will find yourself immersed in the mix of traditions, flavors and colors that characterize Tijuana.

This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the bustling streets, discover the rich local crafts and taste the authentic Mexican cuisine, making it one of the best tours from San Diego.

The Tijuana tour includes a variety of activities that capture the essence of the city. From street food stands to elegant restaurants, you'll sample tacos, tamales and other typical dishes that reflect Mexico's culinary diversity. It will also include stops at local markets offering unique handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs that will allow you to take home a piece of Tijuana's culture.

During this experience you will also have the opportunity to discover Tijuana's culture by visiting museums, art galleries and other historical sites. From the famous Pasaje Rodriguez to the iconic Avenida Revolucion, you will be able to immerse yourself in the local daily life and experience its dynamism. By the end of the day, you will have an in-depth appreciation of the relationship between these two neighboring cities and the cultural richness they share.

For the last day of your tour of San Diego I suggest you visit the paradisiacal Playa Del Mar and then say goodbye to the city with the sunsets of Sunset Cliffs.

Visit Del Mar Beach

If you want to visit one of San Diego's coastal paradises, you can't miss Playa Del Mar, a place of golden sands and crystal clear waters. Playa Del Mar not only offers a picturesque landscape, but it is also a social and cultural meeting point in San Diego. Locals and tourists gather there to enjoy beach picnics and sunsets.

The relaxed atmosphere and recreational activities make Del Mar Beach a versatile destination for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun and relax with a good book or immerse yourself in the energy of surfing, this San Diego beach invites you to experience the California magic.

Say goodbye to San Diego by discovering the sunsets of Sunset Cliffs

Saying goodbye to San Diego in a memorable way means heading to the breathtaking Sunset Cliffs to witness the most spectacular sunsets that nature has to offer. From Del Mar you can reach this site in a 30-minute drive or by private transportation, and I recommend walking from Dog Beach to the cliffs to catch the sunset as you walk along the shore.

The Sunset Cliffs are not only a place to marvel at the beauty of the sunset, but also a space for reflection and connection with nature. The whimsical shapes of the rocks and the waves crashing against the shore add a dimension of serenity to the experience, and an invitation to return in the future.