arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

Exciting 2-Day Itineraries

Enjoy the sights and scene in San Diego

Believe it or not it's easy to see two of San Diego's four major attractions, the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld San Diego, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and LEGOLAND California, in just two days.

Squeeze Every Bit of Fun out of Your 2-Day Stay

Part of San Diego's charm is in its accessibility, with so much to do so close at hand. With two days to spend in San Diego, you can branch out from the downtown area and have twice the fun. The following are some suggested itineraries for travelers who have two days to explore San Diego. 

Attraction Action

For many visitors, San Diego’s famous and family friendly attractions are the main draw. From boisterous rides and a world made of bricks to animal encounters at an aquarium, rain forest or savanna, San Diego attractions offer a wide array of ways to spend a fun-filled day creating new memories.

Downtown and Mission Bay and Beach Regions

  • Day 1: San Diego Zoo, home to more than 3,500 animals. See rare and exotic creatures alike, such as koalas, gorillas, Komodo dragons, tigers, polar bears, giant tortoises, elephants, and more. Take a guided bus tour for a great overview of the Zoo.
  • Day 2: SeaWorld San Diego, located just north of downtown San Diego on Mission Bay, also offers close encounters of the animal kind, but in an aquatic setting. SeaWorld San Diego, the first SeaWorld park in the nation, features six major animal shows, dozens of fascinating exhibits containing marine life from around the globe, and thrill rides like Journey to Atlantis and the Manta roller coaster.

San Diego's North County Coastal and Inland Regions

  • Day 1: San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido is a 1,800-acre preserve where wild animals roam free over vast expanses as they would in their native habitats of Africa and Asia. It’s best to see the park's 3,000 animals by taking the guide-narrated tram safari.
  • Day 2: LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad is the first LEGO theme park in North America, featuring more than 60 interactive attractions, rides and shows, including Pirate Shores and Land of Adventure. Adults love Miniland USA, featuring amazing 1:20 scale replicas of landmarks in New York City, Washington D.C., New Orleans, California, Florida and New England, constructed with 20 million LEGO bricks.

La Jolla: The Jewel of San Diego

The community of La Jolla, located approximately 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego, is a seaside village nestled along seven miles of gently curving coastline. Its name (pronounced La Hoya) translates to "the jewel" in Spanish and is an appropriate description of this beautiful hamlet filled with spectacular scenery, outdoor recreation, world-class shopping, fine dining and an eclectic mix of museums, theatres and art galleries. Following is a suggested two-day itinerary:

  • Day 1: Shop along Prospect Street, La Jolla's main thoroughfare and one of San Diego’s most tony shopping areas, sometimes called the “Rodeo Drive” of San Diego. Prospect Street is also home to the thought-provoking Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - La Jolla. Stroll through Ellen Browning Scripps Park, overlooking the inlet beaches of La Jolla Cove and the Children's Pool where seals frolic. View the Stuart Collection of Sculpture, 17 contemporary artworks on the UCSD campus. End the day in style, fine dining in the village and then attending a performance at the Tony® Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse.
  • Day 2: Rise and shine for a round of golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course, home of the annual Farmers Insurance Open. Or for the more adventurous, tandem hang glide/paraglide at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, kayak the sea caves of La Jolla Cove or dive/snorkel in San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, the first coastal underwater preserve on the West Coast. Then explore the marine life at Birch Aquarium at Scripps — go behind-the-scenes with a scientist to learn about the unusual world of seahorse care and breeding —  and enjoy a leisurely hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve, home of one of the world's rarest pine trees. End the day atop Mt. Soledad for 360º views of San Diego and a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Neighborhood Adventures

Exploring San Diego's neighborhoods is a great way to experience the colorful charm of San Diego and its residents. You can spend two days discovering the downtown and uptown areas, including the Gaslamp QuarterLittle Italy and Hillcrest, as well as many others throughout the city. San Diego is home to approximately 100 distinct neighborhoods, each with lots to offer.

Life's a Beach

You don't have to venture far from downtown San Diego to get a taste of our laidback SoCal beach culture.

  • Day 1: Check out Imperial Beach (I.B.), a small surfer town on the U.S./Mexico border, home of Surfhenge, the world's largest known plexiglass artwork, and the Imperial Beach Pier. From I.B., head north along the sandy white Silver Strand peninsula to Coronado Beach, anchored by the impressive Hotel del Coronado.
  • Day 2: Explore the tidepools of Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma and the epic surf spots of Sunset Cliffs. From there head north to the edgy hippie hangout Ocean Beach, home of the Ocean Beach Pier, Dog Beach and Ocean Beach Antique District. Continue north to Mission Bay, home to one of the world's largest aquatic parks, and then visit Pacific Beach (P.B.) and Mission Beach, connected by a three-mile boardwalk crowded with inline skaters, skateboarders, runners, bikers and sun worshippers. The surrounding streets, stores, restaurants and bars bustle with activity. Adjacent to Mission Beach is Belmont Park, featuring the vintage “Giant Dipper” roller coaster, “The Plunge” giant indoor swimming pool, shops and other amusements.
Visit the San Diego Transportation page to learn more about getting around in San Diego. 

 

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Wineries

Uncork Savings: Enjoy 10% Off Private Wine Tours

Five Star Tours
Valid: Mar 22 - ongoing

Uncork the Savings: Enjoy 10% Off Your Private Winery Tour to Valle de Guadalupe from San Diego!  Escape to the enchanting Valle de Guadalupe and indulge in a wine lover's paradise with our...

Accommodation

Dana Bay and Breakfast Package

The Dana on Mission Bay
Valid: Mar 4 - ongoing

There are few words that can get someone to jump out of bed the morning of vacation, but breakfast is certainly one of them! Live your best life with our Bay & Breakfast Package and...

Accommodation

Bayside Booze & Bites 

Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Join us for some Booze & Bites at Humphreys Half Moon Inn! Treat yourself to a tasty appetizer, enjoy delicious sips, and soak up beautiful bay views at Humphreys SoCAL Dining &...

Events to check out

Event

USA Ultimate National Championships

Oct 24 - Oct 27, 2024

The USA Ultimate National Championships represent the pinnacle of elite ultimate in North America and crowns champions in three divisions: men’s, mixed and women’s. 

Event

Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Nov 1 - Nov 11, 2024

Experience one of San Diego’s largest Military events featuring Military Displays, High Tech equipment in the Innovation Zone, Active Navy & Coast Guard Ship Tours, Live Music, Food, and Fun...

Event

Half Day Electric Bike Tour

Dynamite Electric Bike Tours
Aug 7, 2024 - ongoing

Explore Solana Beach, Cardiff by the Sea and Encinitas on this fun 4 hour journey.  Great views, restaurants, history and cruzen the coast, await you!

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish