Flights - If you’re flying into San Diego, it’s almost certain to be San Diego International Airport you’re flying into. Serving over 500 flights daily, it’ll be your first point of contact with the city.
Amtrak - If you’re coming via Amtrak, San Diego’s Amtrak station is well-connected. It’s based on the Old Town Transportation Centre, with The Pacific Surfliner route linking San Diego with the likes of Los Angeles.
Bus - If you’re looking to travel on a budget (as we do once travelling after summer camp https://www.campleaders.com/gb/travel-america-after-camp ), then the likes of the Greyhound head to and from San Diego. Located relatively central means it’s easy to hop on, hop off, and get around.
Transferring from airports - Compared to other airports and cities, San Diego International is close to the city at 3 and a half miles away. Your cheapest route is via bus, but you’ve also got a relatively affordable taxi ride or shuttle to get downtown.
How to Spend 48 Hours in San Diego
If you’re on the West Coast and looking for a new travel destination that’s affordable and full of things to do, look no further than the eclectic city of San Diego.
This coastal city boasts beautiful beaches, world-class attractions, and affordable hotels and restaurants, all delivered with a hip, bohemian vibe. It’s also one that gets around the excuse of “it’s too far away”, as it’s one of the most accessible cities in California. You can drive there from Los Angeles in about 90 minutes or fly there directly from most major airports.
There are loads of things to do in San Diego, so if you’ve booked a trip to experience everything this funky city offers, keep reading for how to spend 48 hours in San Diego.
Getting to San Diego
Getting around San Diego
Bus/Trolley/Train - An easy way to get around using public transport is the Pronto Fare System, San Diego’s version of an Oyster card or metro pass. You can download an app or get it from ticket vending machines with a simple tap on//tap off system.
Cabs - There are many different cab companies in San Diego, and the standard big players like Uber are there, too. It will cost you more than public transport, but it’ll be quicker and easier to get around
Where to stay in San Diego
San Diego is a major city, so there are loads of the expected accommodations options. Hostels (a good money saver if you’ve just finished summer camp in America), hotels, and Airbnb dominate, so decide on your budget and choose your option.
You'll likely want to stay in the Downtown area, so you're amongst the action. But there's also a few other areas, such as the Old Town, which also have lots of accommodation choices.
Day 1
- Early AM: Torrey Pines
- Late AM: San Diego Zoo
- Early PM: Little Italy
- Late PM: Old Town
Day 2
- Early AM: Street Art
- Late AM: Museum Hopping
- Early PM: Beaches
- Late PM: Theatres
Read on below to find out more about each.
Day 1
Early morning: See the sunrise at Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a gorgeous area just north of the city and is a great place to see the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
It’s a relatively easy trip from downtown, and for those that make the journey, you’ll be treated to incredible sights, landscapes, and scenery. One of the best picks is the Coastal Trail, a short, steep climb up a hill that overlooks a beautiful beach. The trail finishes at Cabrillo Highway, where you can catch a ride back to your car or walk along the beach to get a different perspective.
Late morning: Get wild at San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world and is home to over 4,000 animals, including rare and endangered species like the Giant Pandas and the Pacific Coast Vipers.
The zoo also has fantastic exhibits with a little something for everyone, like the Amazonian Rainforest, the Elephant Odyssey, and the California Desert section. While exploring the zoo, ensure you catch one of the free guided tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. You can choose from a few different tours, like the Sea Turtles Tour, the Flamingos Tour, and the Tropical Discovery Tour (regardless of age, it’s good fun). While at it, visit the Botanical Gardens and the Insect Zoo.
Throughout, you’ll see their incredible work co-existing with the environment and the critical impact of conservation across not only San Diego but the world.
Early afternoon: Eat your way through Little Italy
After working up an appetite during the morning, Little Italy is your best bet to refuel. It’s the best place to try authentic Italian food (unsurprisingly), and it’s only a short walk from the San Diego Art District.
Food lovers are spoilt for choice. Riviera Bakery & Café (serving fresh baked goods and coffee), Locál (a modern Mexican restaurant) and Piaggio Café & Bakery (a French-Italian bakery) are just a few local favourites.
From there, head to Piazza Basilone, a cultural plaza that hosts free events and festivals, like the annual Italian Street Fest.
With so much to do (and eat), it’s a great place to rest and refuel.
Evening: Visit San Diego's Old Town
Old Town takes you on a personality-filled trip through history, with cultural areas and exhibits throughout.
The Mexican influence is prevalent throughout, and it’s well known for its array of restaurants, food, and more.
Depending on the time of year you visit, there’s a good chance you’ll be in Old Town whilst there are seasonal events on. The Cinco de Mayo celebrations take place in May, with entertainment such as lucha libre wrestling or street performers dotted throughout.
If you’ve only got 48 hours in San Diego, it’s definitely making the Old Town one of your stops.
Day 2
Early morning: Check out San DIego's street art
San Diego has become a hub for street art in the last few decades.
There are over 1,000 murals in the city, with hundreds of them located in the Little Italy and East Village neighbourhoods, and it’s completely free to visit them all.
To start your street art tour, stop by Balboa Park, which has over 50 murals, or check out the City Walls Mural Tour. From there, we recommend walking around Little Italy (if you didn’t yesterday) and East Village, exploring the murals at your own pace.
If you’re interested in learning more about the artists behind these famous murals, there are free walking tours that leave daily at various times.
Late morning: Museum hopping
San Diego is blessed with an array of museums covering all topics.
Depending on what you find fascinating, you’ll find there are enough museums to delve into for an afternoon and to come out hours later wondering where the time has gone.
San Diego boasts their Museum of Art, Air & Space Museum, Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum, Fleet Science Center and even more, displaying its rich history and cultural importance.
Afternoon: Check out the beaches
Those who love an ocean breeze whilst walking through sand will love San Diego and its countless beaches.
There are loads of beaches in San Diego you must see, but some of our favourites include Coronado Beach, Pacific Beach, Flat Rock Beach, and Ocean Beach.
If you’ve only got 48 hours in San Diego, it’s worth picking your favourite beaches, as you may not have time to get to them all.
Evening: Enjoy an theatre evening
San Diego is home to many world-class theatres, including the San Diego Civic Theatre.
This theatre hosts Broadway-style performances, dance recitals, concerts, and travelling Broadway shows. Check out their website before seeing what’s playing, and buy tickets early to avoid the long lines.
Another option in the long list of things to do in San Diego is the San Diego Repertory Theatre, which hosts a variety of productions, including musicals and dramas.
It’s a perfect, entertaining way to wrap up a whirlwind 48 hours in San Diego.
Other things to do in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- SeaWorld San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Birch Aquarium
- Belmont Park
- Seaport Village
California has long been known to be one of the best US states for adventure seekers, and San Diego is one of the crown jewels.
Those who head south from the more well-trodden route of LA will be rewarded with a vibey city that displays its personality throughout.
