Take a Fun Weekend Getaway to Southern California

Sometimes, a short getaway is just what the doctor ordered, and Southern California has a lot to offer, with its beaches, outdoor activities, and moderate temperatures. The San Diego International Airport boasts non-stop flights to dozens of cities in the U.S., and it’s a popular destination for visitors, especially in the spring (before the foggy months of May and June), late summer, and fall. My daughter, who loves to travel out west, put together this beachy, 3-day itinerary based in San Diego’s Little Italy after her trip in April. You will explore by car, train, bike, and foot on this active getaway. 

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​3-Day Southern California Itinerary
Day 1
Rent Bikes & Take the Ferry to Coronado Beach from Broadway Pier | Bike to Coronado Beach & Hotel del Coronado | Ferry Back to Convention Center | Explore Seaport Village | Sunset at Sunset Cliffs | Drinks & Dinner in Little Italy

Day 2
Ride Pacific Surfliner (Amtrak) to Oceanside | Watch the Surfers by Mission Pier | Check out Sea Lion Island | Explore Oceanside | Pacific Surfliner Back to San Diego | Drinks & Dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter

Day 3
Check Out/Rent a Car | Drive to La Jolla Cove for Wildlife Viewing | Breakfast in LaJolla | Drive to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve | Finish at Mission
​ or Pacific Beach 

Day One. We love exploring new cities on bikes, and San Diego is super bike-friendly, with designated bike lanes on most roads. We rented from Wheel Fun Rentals San Diego, with a variety of bike styles to choose from. Once you rent bikes, head across the street to Broadway Pier and take the ferry across the water to Coronado (there’s no extra charge to bring a bike). You’ll get epic views of the San Diego skyline and the USS Midway Museum, with planes taking off around you. Once you’ve exited the ferry and visited the shops at the Coronado Ferry Landing, bike along the Bayshore Bikeway to Coronado Beach. You can’t miss Hotel del Coronado, an iconic beach resort found in the background of a few movies! 

If you have time for a beach walk, check out the Coronado Dog Beach on the north end of Coronado. Grab some lunch by the beach or in town (recommend Miguel’s Cocina) before ferrying back. We took the ferry back to the Convention Center and explored Seaport Village before returning the bikes. Next, check out the sunset at the famous Sunset Cliffs Natural Park before dinner and drinks in Little Italy! Both Ristorante Illando for dinner and Caffe Italia for coffee are highly rated. 

Day Two. Taking a train may not be the first thing that comes to mind when traveling in Southern California, but it’s a scenic option for day trips from San Diego. Hop on the Pacific Surfliner by Amtrak to Oceanside, a phenomenal beach town home to California’s longest over-water, wooden pier. Grab a coffee and watch the surfers catch waves by the pier or along the beach. Head north a few blocks to Sea Lion Island at the Oceanside Harbor to check out the resident sea lions. If you have time, whale-watching boat tours are popular with visitors. 

Choose to spend the rest of the day eating, drinking, or lounging on the beach. We recommend the Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Beach Resort and the Shore Room bar for amazing drinks, seafood, & views. Catch the train back to San Diego and get ready for a late dinner or drinks in Gaslamp Quarter. La Puerta’s Mexican cuisine is a 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award honoree. Or check out the latest article from Eater highlighting 21 restaurants and bars in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Day 3. After checking out of the hotel, rent a car and drive to La Jolla Cove for more wildlife viewing, including the protected seals and sea lions. Here are some ideas for other things to do while at La Jolla Cove, including where to stop for breakfast. Drive to Torrey Pines Natural State Park for beautiful hiking trails. Be sure to read more about this wilderness area before you visit and plan to go during low tide.  

Finish the afternoon at Mission or Pacific Beach before heading to the airport. If you have an extra day, other activities to consider are Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo, a baseball game at Petco Park, or a visit to nearby Carlsbad Flower Fields if you are visiting between March and May for their seasonal flower display. 

Options for downtown hotels range in price, here are a few with favorable ratings: the Pendry San Diego, the Staypineapple Hotel Z, to the  Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter, or the Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown.