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Downtown San Diego is home to incredible weather, exciting places to visit, and fun things to do. As a kid, I remember visiting Sea World but not doing much else. So, I wasn’t sure how much there would be for me to in downtown San Diego as an adult. Thankfully, after a little bit of research, I knew downtown San Diego had more than enough activities to keep us busy for a few days.
I was so excited about our itinerary that I opted to spend my birthday in downtown San Diego. We spent two days taking in the sites and exploring the town. I hope you have as much fun as we did on our downtown San Diego getaway.
Know Before You Visit Downtown San Diego
Best time to Visit Downtown San Diego
San Diego has good weather all year round. The peak time to visit San Diego is in the summer. However, in the summer months, the largest crowds gather at the attractions. But if you visit in months like April and May, you will likely have terrific weather and far fewer crowds.
Downtown San Diego is a Military Stronghold
San Diego is well known for its military might. While in downtown San Diego you are likely to see military helicopters, battleships, and/or vehicles. In fact, the view from the Cabrillo Monument gives you an excellent vantage point of America’s military strength.
The Best Things to Do in Downtown San Diego
Day 1 Downtown San Diego Itinerary
Brunch in Little Italy: Farmer’s Table
Start your morning off right with a terrific breakfast in Little Italy at the Farmer’s Table. Farmer’s Table uses locally sourced organic ingredients served in an inviting atmosphere in the heart of Little Italy. We shared two dishes, the turkey benedict and the banana foster French toast. As a lover of eggs benedict, I have to say, the turkey benedict on focaccia bread is one of the best I’ve ever had! The French toast was sweet and delicious. Although, next time, I might opt for the Brioche French Toast, which I suspect is a little less sweet.
Balboa Park
Getting to Balboa Park
Now it’s time to head off toward Balboa Park. We left Little Italy and headed on foot to Balboa Park. It took us about a half-hour to walk to the outskirts of Balboa Park. I suggest you either wear good walking shoes or skip the walk and make your way to Balboa Park by car. The walk over to Balboa Park from Little Italy was not very scenic. However, once you are in the Park, you start to realize its actual size and scope. Balboa Park occupies over 1,200 acres of park, museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Places to See in Balboa Park
We enjoyed exploring the Park and taking in the incredible views on the Cabrillo Bridge on El Prado. Once you cross Cabrillo Bridge, continue east on El Prado into the heart of Balboa Park. You can choose from dozens of museums and attractions such as the California Tower with 360 views, the San Diego Museum of Art, or the Botanical Building and Lily Pad. Or you can do what we did and spend the afternoon strolling around the Park.
If you plan to wander around Balboa Park, your first stop should be the visitor center, where you can pick up a map. Even though Balboa Park has direction signs, a map is extremely helpful. The Park is massive. So navigating with a map makes finding your way around Balboa Park much easier.
El Prado is the main road inside Balboa Park, with picture-perfect fountains and pretty Spanish-style buildings that house some smaller museums. We took our time walking down El Prado and ventured to the Desert and Rose Gardens, where everything was in full bloom.
After you have had a chance to explore Balboa Park, you can either visit one or two of the museums or attractions in the Park or go for a hike on the scenic Orange Trial (or one of the many other trails in the park) before moving to your next activity.
- Pro Tip
If you are short on time, you can give yourself a 60-90 minute tour of Balboa Park.
Lunch in Downtown San Diego
If you did not have breakfast yet, you are probably hungry by now. The closest restaurant inside Balboa Park is Prado, a higher-end restaurant. Prado does take reservations.
If you are ready to leave Balboa Park, you can head back to Little Italy for lunch or walk north and explore the local neighborhoods of North Park and Mission Hills. Take it from me though, you’re better off either driving or taking a scooter. I was utterly exhausted by the time we walked through these cute neighborhoods and back to Little Italy.
- Pro Tip
If you are in Balboa Park on Wednesday through Sunday, head over to San Diego’s Museum of Art’s Macy Sculpture Gardens for live music, a drink, and a bite to eat.
Site Seeing in San Diego Harbor
Now that you have had a little culture, it’s time for some fun on the water. San Diego Harbor is enormous and offers visitors countless things to do. Your visit to San Diego Harbor allows you to choose your own adventure. Here are a few suggestions of the best things to do in San Diego Harbor:
USS Midway
Named after the historic Battle of Midway in June of 1942, the USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. The USS Midway has played a pivotal role in US defense during the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm. The famed aircraft carrier also flew strikes in North Vietnam and assisted in evacuating civilian personnel from Clark Air Force Base after Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines. The USS Midway was decommissioned in 1992 and opened as a museum in 2004.
The USS Midway has over 60 exhibits, 30 resorted aircraft, and almost 10 acres of exhibits and displays. I did not get a chance to take the tour during my visit, but I did see the USS Midway from land. To say the USS Midway is impressive and intimidating would be an understatement. She is a massive ship. You could get your daily exercise just by walking from one end to the other. I hope to tour the USS Midway next time I am in downtown San Diego.
- Pro Tip
if you plan to stop into multiple attractions like the USS Midway, Legoland, or the San Diego Zoo, consider purchasing a Go City Card. It is designed to help travelers get the most out of their trip, at a discount.
Star of India
Docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the Star of India is the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Off to a disastrous start, including a collision, a mutiny, and a cyclone, it’s incredible the Star of India sailed around the world, not once, but twenty-one times.
Cruise San Diego Harbor
There are plenty of ways to explore San Diego’s Harbor. You can choose from a harbor or dinner cruise, whale watching, a speed boat adventure, a jet boat ride, or a sunset sail, to name a few!
Downtown San Diego’s Embarcadero
There is no shortage of activities along the Embarcadero. Whether you are looking for a bit of exercise, a bit to eat, or a scenic walking or biking path, the Embarcadero has something for you. The Embarcadero runs from the Maritime Museum (where the Star of India is docked), past the USS Midway, through Seaport Village, and ends at the Embarcadero Marina Park.
Dinner in Little Italy
Little Italy is the dining capital of downtown San Diego. There are so many great restaurants in this area. I would suggest eating at Barbusa one night and Born & Raised on your second night. For seafood lovers, head to Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar. Juniper and Ivy is also popular, so much so, it received the Diners’ choice award in 2020.
For dessert, think about stopping into Solunto for a chocolate éclair, Bobboi Natural Gelato for what else, gelato, or if you have never been to Salt & Straw and there is no line, give their ice cream a try.
Downtown San Diego Day 2 Itinerary
Today, we start with another choose your own adventure activity. I spent my birthday on an incredible hike on the North and South Fortuna Loop. However, I recognize that most people headed to San Diego for a couple of days might not want to hike. So, I give you three options for exploring downtown San Diego:
Hike North and South Fortuna in Mission Trails Regional Park
Get up early and drive about 30 minutes from downtown San Diego to Mission Trails Regional Park. There are plenty of trails in Mission Trails Regional Park. For my birthday hike, I wanted something that offered more than just nice views. We opted for a 7.6-mile hike on the North and South Fortuna Loop that features a water crossing, two summits, and a serious stair climb. I loved the hike!
One of my favorite parts was stopping for a snack break at the top of South Fortuna to take in the views and just relax for a few minutes before ascending to our next summit.
Hiking San Diego offers a detailed review of the trial with directions and pictures so you can get a good idea of what to expect on the trail.
You can do several shorter hikes in the Mission Trails National Park, including the Visitor Center Loop Trail that is 1.5 miles round-trip and rated as easy and suitable for beginners.
Spend the Morning at Coronado Beach
Getting to Coronado Beach from Downtown San Diego
There are several ways to get to Coronado Beach from downtown San Diego.
By Car
If you take the Coronado Bridge, you’ll see some of the best views in all of San Diego. Once you cross the bridge, you will be in the coastal seaside town of Coronado. Turn left on Orange Avenue. Continue past Hotel Del Coronado and start looking for street parking.
Alternatively, you can also drive to Coronado Island (a land-tied island) across a 7-mile stretch of land from Coronado to Imperial Beach called “Silver Strand.”
By Ferry
You can also take the 15-minute Coronado Ferry from either the Broadway Pier on the Embarcadero or the San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego. The cost of the Ferry is $5 per person each way.
Things to Do in Coronado
Visit a Coronado Beach
Coronado Central Beach is a wide 1.5-mile sandy beach perfect for relaxing. Coronado Central Beach is a quintessential California beach that you can find between the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
Named one of the best family beaches by the Travel Channel in 2012, Coronado Central Beach is famous for its soft sparkling wide sand beaches. Like most beaches, Coronado Central Beach is excellent for playing in the water and sunbathing. For the more adventurous beachgoer, you can surf or bodyboard. At low tide, look for tidepools at Coronado Central Beach. If you prefer calmer waters, head toward the ocean-facing the bay where the waves are gentler.
Another popular nearby beach is North Beach which allows dogs, or Coronado South Beach (“South Beach”), famed for the shipwreck of the SS Monte Carlo, a floating casino that sank in 1936. You might be able to see what’s left of the SS Monte Carlo at low tide.
Shopping in Coronado
When you need a break from the sun, head to Orange Avenue for some shopping.
Lunch in Coronado
After an active morning, it’s time for lunch. There are many places to eat in Coronado. While visiting Coronado Island, we opted for the super casual Beach & Taco Shack at Hotel del Coronado. It’s not fancy. It’s literally a shack with tables on the sand with a limited menu. But you can put your toes in the sand and enjoy the ocean view while you eat lunch and sip your cocktail. Plus, there is live music several afternoons a week. The simplicity is what makes Beach & Taco Shack so great!
After lunch, you can go for a walk along the beach and check out Hotel del Coronado. As it is nicknamed, the Del became famous in the movie Some Like it Hot and is a National Historic Landmark.
While in Coronado, take time to drive around the island and check out the views of downtown San Diego across the harbor.
Visit Cabrillo National Monument
If you are like me and went for a hike in the morning and spent the afternoon at Coronado Beach, I’d save Cabrillo Monument for the next day, if you have time. Alternatively, if you are not much of a beach or hiking person, you might enjoy Cabrillo Monument in the morning and a visit to Coronado for lunch and shopping in the afternoon.
Point Loma Military Base and Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
You will notice the military buildings and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery as you drive through the Point Loma military base toward the Cabrillo National Monument. I did not know we would be passing a military cemetery on the way to the Cabrillo National Monument, so I wanted you to be aware in case you lost a loved one in the armed services. Those buried at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery include casualties of war dating back to the days when California was a territory, including those who perished during the battle of San Pasqual.
Seeing the rows and rows of headstones puts in perspective the cost of freedom. Each headstone reminds us that we have a debt of gratitude to pay every member of our military for their service and the enormity of their sacrifice.
Entering National Cabrillo Monument
As you continue your drive, you will reach the entrance booth at Cabrillo National Monument. At the time of writing this blog post, the cost of entry was $20 per car. Once you arrive at Cabrillo National Monument, park in the large parking lot near the visitor center.
Things to Do at Cabrillo Monument
Cabrillo Monument
As you park near the visitor center, you will notice a tall statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, an explorer who claimed this land for the King of Spain. He is the first known European to reach the West Coast of the United States and come ashore. On September 28, 1542, Cabrillo and his armada entered what we now call San Diego Harbor and remarked “a closed and very good port.” Although Cabrillo died before heading back to Spain, his notes were used to create trade routes between New Spain and the Philippines.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Old Point Loma Lighthouse sits 422 feet above sea level, offering magnificent views of the San Diego Harbor. The lighthouse was completed in 1854. In November of 1855, the lighthouse keeper lit an oil lamp for the first time, helping sailors navigate their way into and out of San Diego Harbor. The light could be seen up to 28 miles away, although there are reports that the light was seen from even farther distances. The lighthouse keeper was on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unfortunately, due to low clouds and fog, it turned out this was not the best spot for a lighthouse. On March 23, 1981, the lamp was lit for the last time.
While visiting the lighthouse, you can see tour the lighthouse and see how the lighthouse keepers and their families lived while tending the light. Interestingly, two women were lightkeepers, including Eliza Jenkins and Maria Israel.
Bayside Trail
The Bayside Trail is a short fire road type trail that follows an old US Army roadway. The trail overlooks the San Diego Bay, giving you a glimpse of the military power in the harbor. You can see submarines, battleships, and military helicopters like the Osprey flying overhead and patrolling the waters below.
The coastal sage, succulents, and scrubs on the trail are protected, in the hopes that these native species and animals like birds, amphibians, and reptiles will thrive in their natural ecosystem.
Defending the San Diego Bay
Point Loma was used as a strategic military facility during World Wars I and II and designated as a military reserve. The firepower at Point Loma was impressive, including two 16-inch guns that could fire 2,300- pound shells close to 30 miles out to sea.
Whale Watching at Point Loma
Point Loma is a good place for spotting gray whales on their round-trip migration from the Arctic to Baja, California. The best time of year to see the gray whales is in January and February. There is an overlook at the top of the hill called the Kelp Forest and Whale Overlook built for your viewing pleasure.
Military History Exhibit at Cabrillo National Monument
There is a small building that houses interactive exhibits about our military’s defense of Point Loma through the years.
Tide Pools
While at Point Loma, visitors can drive down the hill to check out the tidepools. Cabrillo National Monument’s rocky intertidal pools are known to have shore crabs, spongy dead man’s fingers, bat stars, surf grass, and sea hares. To keep life growing in these tide pools, please be respectful during your visit. Walk gently and do not remove plants or animals.
I hope you enjoyed this 2-day guide to downtown San Diego. If you plan to stay in San Diego County for more than two days, you might also want to visit these two picturesque coastal beach towns: La Jolla and Carlsbad. If there is something that you think should be added to this itinerary, kindly leave a note below to help your fellow travelers.
