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' ll be able to discover most of its attractions. Here's a suggested itinerary to make it easier.

Some of the best things to do in San Diego on a 7-day visit include visiting the picturesque Gaslamp Quarter, touring the beaches of La Jolla, checking out the local zoo and taking a full-day trip to Tijuana.

For the first day of your tour of San Diego, I propose a tour of the areas close to the city centre, 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 and historic experience. 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 Civic Center and Fifth Avenue stations on the city's light rail.

One of the neighbourhood'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 flavours, this place has something for everyone's palate.

However, the Gaslamp is not only a centre for entertainment and dining, but is also home to 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 San Diego's Little Italy. This neighbourhood is a must-visit destination for foodies looking for a taste of Italian flavours in the heart of California. From the Gaslamp you can get here on the green trolley line or the 215, 225 and 235 buses for an approximate 15-minute ride.

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. There are also 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 neighbourhoods, 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'll come across the Old San Diego State Historic Park, which transports you back to the days of 19th century ranchers and cowboys. The park is a 15-minute ride on the green and blue trolley lines, and you can also opt to take a ride on the San Diego Sightseeing Trolley.

The historic old town is full of art galleries and squares that invite you to relax and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the area. Some of San Diego's best museums can also be found here.

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. Here 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'll find plenty of Christmas Eve decorations. 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 spot for snorkellers. 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 La Jolla's beaches and cliffs, providing a breathtaking view of the coastline and surrounding area.

Take a wine tasting tour of San Diego's surroundings

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

Wineries in the area, such as Wilson Creek Winery and Thorton Winery, offer quality wines ranging from robust reds to refreshing whites. These wineries are best visited by private transport 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 a high-quality beverage offering. One of the signature spots on this tour is the Sunset Bar at L'Auberge Del Mar, where visitors can enjoy craft cocktails while watching 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 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 US Navy.

The exhibit features historic planes and helicopters, from fighters to reconnaissance and transport aircraft used in different eras, making it one of the best museums in San Diego. From downtown you can get to 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 snorkelling, 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 excursions you can savour a meal as you cruise the waters of the bay. These cruises offer an exceptional dining experience and are one of the best ways to discover San Diego by 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 and picturesque park is a treasure trove of museums, lush gardens and stunning architecture.

Art lovers can explore the San Diego Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum, which showcase a wide range of masterpieces from classical to contemporary art. The park can be reached by buses 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 to be 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 nighttime tour of the city lights

After touring Balbo Park I suggest you take part in a city lights tour. This experience will take you through the Gaslamp Quarter, which comes alive at night. There you can visit the bars and clubs that animate the place, while the illuminated facades of the buildings create an ideal backdrop to explore on foot.

In addition, the harbour 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 city centre.

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 tour and a visit to the popular SeaWorld.

Take a Whale Watching Tour

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 buses 215, 225 and 235 from downtown.

Visit SeaWorld San Diego

Continuing with this marine animal-themed tour, 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 up 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 boat 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 US-Mexico border. As soon as you cross the border, you will find yourself immersed in the mix of traditions, flavours and colours that characterise Tijuana.

This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the bustling streets, discover the rich local crafts and taste 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 stalls 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 culture.

During this experience you will also have the opportunity to discover the culture of Tijuana, 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 local daily life and experience its dynamism. By the end of the day, you'll have an in-depth appreciation of the relationship between these two neighbouring 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 picturesque scenery, but is also a social and cultural hotspot in San Diego. Locals and tourists gather here to enjoy beach picnics and sunsets.

The relaxed atmosphere and recreational activities make Del Mar Beach a versatile destination for all types of travellers. 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 Californian 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 nature has to offer. From Del Mar you can reach this site in a 30-minute drive or by private transport, 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.