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3 days · San Diego itinerary

San Diego in 3 Days: The Complete Itinerary

Three days in San Diego cover the bay, the zoo and the coast. Here is how to spend three perfect days — with the best-rated tours to book.

At a glance

  1. 1Day 1: bay & city
  2. 2Day 2: zoo & Balboa
  3. 3Day 3: La Jolla
  4. 4Whale watching

Day 1: the bay

A harbor cruise and city sightseeing.

Day 2: the zoo

The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.

Day 3: the coast

La Jolla kayaking and whale watching.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in San Diego — prices per person.

2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sail with Drinks
San Diego
2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sail with Drinks
5.0(303)·3 hours
from$119/ person
via Viator
USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date
San Diego
USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date
4.9(2,282)·5 hours
from$41/ person
via Viator
La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour with Sea Lions and Sea Caves
La Jolla
La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour with Sea Lions and Sea Caves
5.0(13)·2 hours
from$90/ person
via Viator
Cabo San Lucas Sunset Sailing Shared Cruise
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas Sunset Sailing Shared Cruise
4.9(814)·2 hours
from$120/ person
via Viator
San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
San Diego
San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
4.7(4,586)·4 hours
from$78/ person
via Viator
Cali Dreaming Electric Bike Tour of La Jolla and Pacific Beach
La Jolla
Cali Dreaming Electric Bike Tour of La Jolla and Pacific Beach
5.0(419)·2 hours
from$99/ person
via Viator
Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline
San Diego
Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline
4.9(635)·2 hours
from$109/ person
via Viator
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Visit Pass Ticket
San Diego
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Visit Pass Ticket
4.3(177)·8 hours
from$130/ person
via Viator

San Diego in 3 days — FAQ

Is 3 days enough for San Diego?
Three days lets you enjoy the bay and city, the San Diego Zoo, and the La Jolla coast with whale watching.
What are the best things to do over 3 days in San Diego?
Combine a harbor cruise, the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla kayaking and a whale-watching trip.
How do I plan a 3-day San Diego itinerary?
Spend day one on the bay, day two at the zoo, and day three on the coast.

Explore more in San Diego

Harbor & Sunset CruisesZoo & AttractionsLa Jolla & KayakingWhale & Dolphin WatchingCity Sightseeing