Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown
4:00 PM – Arrive at San Diego International Airport
Take the Rental Car Center shuttle. Note: Some companies require a second shuttle from the main center (Offsite Rental Cars), so check in advance.
4:30 PM – Pick Up Rental Car
Booking in advance via platforms like Expedia makes the process smoother.
For U.S. residents, your credit card and personal car insurance often include coverage. Otherwise, insurance must be purchased through the rental company.
5:00 PM – Check-In at Airbnb (Downtown San Diego)
Staying in Downtown makes sightseeing easier, especially for short trips. Book early to avoid high prices during peak seasons. Confirm parking availability with your host or plan for nearby lots.
6:00 PM – Dinner in Little Italy
Stroll through this charming neighborhood and enjoy dinner at Isola Pizza Bar. The prosciutto pizza with chewy crust was a standout.
For dessert, stop by Pappalecco for authentic Italian gelato—we recommend lemon and berry flavors.
8:30 PM – Explore the Gaslamp Quarter
This nightlife hub is filled with bars and clubs. We found a spot with both indoor and outdoor bars, each offering a unique vibe.
10:30 PM – Return to Airbnb
Day 2: Museums, Historic Sites & Coastal Views
8:00 AM – Wake Up & Breakfast at a Local Café
Sundays are typically quiet, and street parking is free in most areas.
11:00 AM – USS Midway Museum
A must-see for Top Gun fans and military history buffs. See real F-14s, sit in fighter jet cockpits labeled “Maverick” and “Goose,” and explore the aircraft carrier. Plan about 3 hours for a full visit.
Admission: Free for children under 5; adult tickets around $30.
2:00 PM – Harbor Island Park
Next to the museum, this park is home to the famous “Unconditional Surrender” statue of a sailor kissing a nurse—perfect for photos.
3:00 PM – Old Town San Diego
Step back in time in this vibrant Mexican-style district founded by Spanish settlers in 1769. Explore souvenir shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Don’t miss the Tequila Museum for a taste of Mexico.
6:30 PM – La Jolla
Though the sunset was hidden by clouds, we enjoyed tacos from Oscar’s Mexican Seafood on the beach. For more dramatic views, consider visiting Sunset Cliffs Cave.
8:30 PM – Return to Airbnb
Day 3: Ocean Adventure & Departure
8:00 AM – Wake Up & Breakfast in La Jolla
9:30 AM – La Jolla Kayak Tour
Even on a cloudy day, this was a highlight. We saw wild dolphins and seals along the coast. Great for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
12:30 PM – Kansas City Barbeque
This bar was a filming location for Top Gun and still features original props and photos—including the piano Goose played in the movie.
2:00 PM – Visit Coronado
Cross the scenic bridge to this upscale area known for its beach and charming village vibe—like a small-scale Beverly Hills.
3:00 PM – Border Field State Park Hike
From the trail, you can see the U.S.–Mexico border wall and even the Mexican town of Tijuana. It’s a striking and thought-provoking experience with few crowds.
Note: There are restricted areas near the border wall monitored by security patrols and helicopters.
5:00 PM – Return Rental Car
6:00 PM – Arrive at San Diego Airport
Additional Recommendations
- Balboa Park: Includes a zoo, museums, gardens, and theaters. Great for families and culture lovers.
- San Diego Zoo: One of the best zoos in the world, featuring over 3,600 animals across 660 species. It’s huge—plan for a full day.
- Seaport Village: Perfect for shopping and finding local souvenirs.
Travel Tips
- Renting a Car: Highly recommended for convenience and cost savings.
- Real ID or Passport Required: Government-issued ID is mandatory at TSA checkpoints.
- Free Street Parking on Sundays: A great way to save on parking.
- Sun Protection: Always bring sunscreen and sunglasses—even on cloudy days.