Tanama Tales

Southern California and travel blog for those who want to fill every day with meaningful experiences

You are here: Home / Blog / One Day in San Diego: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Blog California San Diego Travel USA

One Day in San Diego: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

One Day in San Diego.

If that is the amount of time you have available to explore “America’s Finest City,” do not worry, you have arrived at the right place.

I have lived in Southern California for more than 15 years and have extensive experience showing out of state visitors San Diego and helping friends to maximize time spent in the city

San Diego is one of the jewels of our state.  I am not sure if its beaches, history, culture, food, and funkiness can be beaten.

Get ready to have the time of your life in this fabulous city!

Trip Pre-Planning

Before getting into the details, I need to make sure we are on the same page.  What I discuss in this article will work under certain circumstances. I am outlining those below.

My suggestions are ideal for first-time visitors to the city.

I am assuming you are interested in seeing the top sights.  That means you will be moving around a lot. If you want a relaxing day in San Diego, you need to pick an area and spend the day there (see options on the alternate itineraries section).

This itinerary assumes you have an entire day in San Diego.  That means that you spent the night before in the city and are within close distance of the starting point.

Also, the itinerary assumes you are going to spend the night (after sightseeing) somewhere in the city

In short, you will need 10 to 12 daylight hours to follow what I have outlined here.  If you have less time, you will need to cut things short.

On the same line, you need to start sightseeing early (9:00 to 10:00 a.m.).

This itinerary will work better if you have a car.  As mentioned, there is a lot of movement involved since we are trying to see as much as possible in a day.

If you do not have a car, I advise you to take Uber or Lyft between places.  There are public transportation options but I would not spend time moving around on those with only one day in the city.

I will provide mileage information between stops.  In that way, you can calculate the approximate costs of using ride-sharing services (using an application such as RideGuru).

If you are renting a car, you need to take into consideration parking expenses.  In my opinion, parking costs in San Diego are affordable when compared to other big cities in the state.

Traffic in San Diego is moderate (not a nightmare like in Los Angeles).  You should not encounter any issues related to this.

I tried to keep this itinerary as budget-friendly as possible (yay for savings). Most attractions highlighted here are free.  The majority of the costs are related to transportation and food.

One Day in San Diego – Detailed Itinerary

Here is my step by step itinerary on how to spend an unforgettable one day in San Diego.

Stop #1: La Jolla  or Pacific Beach

Arrival Time: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.

Time Spent on Site: 3 hours

Probably, the first thing that comes to mind when you think about San Diego is the beach.  So, it would be a crime not spending a good chunk of the day exploring the coastal scene of the city.

On this itinerary, I would let you pick between La Jolla or Pacific Beach.  These two areas are very different and appeal to different personalities.  

If you are into raw beauty, coastal caves, and wildlife, choose La Jolla.  If you want to experience the quintessential Californian pier, a boardwalk, taco joints, and jovial locals, pick Pacific Beach.

If La Jolla is your choice, start the day by having a tantalizing breakfast.  My favorite place to have breakfast or brunch is Sugar and Scribe.  I cannot get enough of their lemon curd pancakes, quiches and naughty skillet (oh so good!).  Leave some room in your stomach for one of their baked goods (or buy for later). I love their chocolate croissants.

Just across from Sugar and Scribe, you will find The Cottage, a local favorite serving scones, French toast, omelets, and other classics.  Other breakfast options include Shorehouse Kitchen, Crushed and Cove House.

With a full belly, it is time to walk along Coast Boulevard to discover what La Jolla has to offer.  Towards the northern part of the road (intersection with Cave Street), you will find Goldfish Point a promontory with a cave under it.  You will be able to see the cave, full of noisy sea lions, from the street.

In addition, you can get onto the Coast Walk Trail to access the top of the promontory.  From here, to the north, you can see the other sea caves of La Jolla and wonderful views of the area.  If you have time, I recommend walking the trail (flat and easy) for even more amazing viewpoints.

Go back to the street and walk south this time.  You will encounter La Jolla Cove and the Children’s Pool.  Plus, sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, and seagulls congregate on the cliffs next to the water.

Note: You can spend your time in La Jolla doing a kayaking tour of the caves in the area.  These excursions last about 2 hours and depart from La Jolla Shores Park.

Parking: In La Jolla, there is plenty of free parking spaces along Coast Boulevard.  On busy days, you may need to drive around several times to find a space. 

If you choose to spend your time in Pacific Beach, the place to have breakfast is Kono’s Cafe.  This no-frills restaurant serves breakfast sandwiches, egg burritos, scrambles, and classic plates.  You can have a burger for breakfast if you want. Get prepared to wait in line for a while.

When I am in Pacific Beach, I eat tacos for breakfast.  Hey, it is not my fault that one of my favorite taco joints opens at 8:00 a.m. Oscar’s Seafood sells to-die-for fish, shrimp, octopus, and steak tacos.  They have ceviche, tortas, and grilled fish on the menu as well.

In terms of things to do, check out the pier, take a dip in the ocean, play a round of volleyball and walk (or bike) the Boardwalk till the limits with Mission Beach.  The Boardwalk continues till Belmont Park and South Mission Beach.  This is too much to walk if you have time limitations.  You can cover more territory with a bike.

Parking: In Pacific Beach, it is more complicated to find a free parking spot.  The ones we tend to find are several blocks away from the beach. I recommend parking in one of the lots (for a fee) located in Garnet Avenue, Felspar Street, and Hornblend Street.

Stop #2: Old Town

Arrival Time: Around 12:00 or 12:30 p.m.

Time Spent on Site: 2 or 3 Hours

Distance from La Jolla: 11 miles

Distance from Pacific Beach: 7 miles

After the beach, change gears completely and take a look at the place where California was born. The Old Town Historic State Park marks the area where the Pueblo of San Diego started to develop (below a hill where the Presidio and Mission were located).  The neighborhood remained the center of the community until the 1860s (when Alonzo Horton started to develop present Downtown San Diego).

Nowadays, Old Town showcases a noble house, a hotel, a print shop, a blacksmith studio, a jail, a school, a plaza, stables, the Wells Fargo Museum, and much more.  Several structures are occupied by artisans or businesses selling unique goods. In one corner, a big structure is home to the Casa de Reyes Restaurant, Rose’s Tasting Room, a bakery and stores selling tiles, toys, jerky, root beer, jewelry, olive oil, and house goods.

Outside the Historic Park, on San Diego Avenue, you will find restaurants serving Mexican food, the Immaculate Conception Church, the Whaley House (one of the most haunted houses in the United States), street markets and museums.

I recommend taking a look at the Historic Park and moving to the next stop.  If you are hungry, Casa de Reyes, Casa Guadalajara, and Cafe Coyote are good places to have a bite.  Let me warn you that these places do not serve the most flavorful or authentic Mexican food in the city.

I will skip eating in Old Town (or will grab a snack there) and choose a restaurant close to the next stop. Excellent restaurants such as Barrio Star, CUCINA Urbana, and The Balboa are locaters meters away from Balboa Park.

Parking in Old Town:  There is plenty of free parking on the streets surrounding the Historic Park (Congress, Juan, Twiggs and Calhoun Streets).  In addition, there are many well-priced public lots in many strategic points around the park.

Stop #3: Balboa Park

Arrival Time: 3:00 p.m.

Time Spent on Site: 2 or 3 hours

Distance from Old Town: 4 miles

Balboa Park is huge.  The entire complex occupies 1,200 acres and it is home to museums, gardens, theaters and the San Diego Zoo.

With one day in San Diego, I recommend strolling around to have a look at the most prominent buildings and points of interest.  A walk along the main thoroughfare, El Prado, will take you to the Museum of Man (with its impressive California Tower), the Old Globe, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Alcazar Garden, the Plaza de Panama, the ornate Visitor’s Center, and the Botanical Building (you can enter for free) with its immense lily pond.

If you have time, visit a particular institution of interest.

Parking in Balboa Park:  To save time, I will park as closer to El Prado as possible.  My advice is to try to find a spot at the Alcazar Garden Parking Lot, or Organ Pavillion Parking Lot.  

Stop #4: Embarcadero and Seaport Village

Arrival Time: 6:00 p.m.

Time Spent on Site: Rest of the Day

Distance from Balboa Park: 2 miles

Since the day started next to the water, it makes sense to end it in a similar fashion.  San Diego has a huge naval history. It is the homeport of the United States Pacific Fleet and home of the second-largest surface ship base of the U.S. Navy.

A walk around the Embarcadero will give you a glimpse of the connection between the city and the armed forces.  Get ready to take a look at the USS Midway (you can visit the museum if you want), the Unconditional Surrender Statue, the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military Memorial and the USS San Diego Memorial.  

Further along, you will find the Seaport Village, an open-air shopping and dining destination.  You can grab something to eat while taking the views of Coronado Island and the Coronado Bridge.

There is the option of taking the ferry to Coronado Island from the Broadway Pier.  This is an activity I highly recommend since you are going to get great views of the San Diego Bay and skyline.

The 15-minute ride costs $5 one way and operates from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (till 10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays).  On the Coronado side, you can stroll around the Coronado Ferry Landing, Coronado Beach, Centennial Park, and Bayview Park.

And, in case you ask, the famous Hotel del Coronado is located on the other side of the island (technically, it is a peninsula).  The easiest way to reach it is by bus or Uber since I am assuming you will not want to walk the 1.5 miles between the ferry landing and the hotel.

Parking in the Embarcadero: There are big (public) parking lots along the Embarcadero.  Seaport Village has its own parking lot.

Stop #5: Little Italy (Optional)

Arrival Time: 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.

Distance from Balboa Park: 1 mile

I have added an optional stop on this one day in San Diego itinerary.  I know I have jammed packed the day but I couldn’t leave one of my favorite parts of the city out.

If you only take a quick look at the Embarcadero (and do not go to Coronado), head to nearby Little Italy.  The neighborhood is full of eateries, pubs, and breweries.  I love everything about this place. Most establishments close between 10:00 and 12:00 p.m.  Hours may be extended on the weekends.

For delicious pizza, head to Landini’s (you may have to wait in line).  For great Italian food and ambiance, try Davanti Enoteca, Barbusa, Nonna + Zucchero or Civico 1845.  Other superb choices include The Crack Shack, Supernatural Sandwiches, Puerto La Boca and Cafe Gratitude.  The places I have mentioned here are a small selection of what the area offers.  You can spend days here eating and drinking around.

Parking in Little Italy:  Finding a good parking spot in Little Italy is complicated due to the popularity of the area.  The ideal situation would be to grab a spot in one of the main streets (2 hours max, pay at the meter).  

If you drive around a couple of times and do not find a parking spot, leave the car at a private garage.  Beware since some of these places charge a lot of money. Cheaper public parking lots are located south of Little Italy.

One Day in San Diego – Alternative Itineraries

The detailed itinerary presented above is a great way to hit San Diego’s most famous sights in a day.  But, it requires a lot of movement and limited time in a single stop.

If you are looking for something more relaxed, here are some options.

Option #1 – Beach Hopping Day

If you can only think about California beaches, spend the day beach hopping in San Diego.  Instead of choosing between La Jolla or Pacific Beach (as the main itinerary suggests), spend the day between the two locations.

Spend half-day in La Jolla (no rush) and then move to Pacific Beach.  Extend the day by checking Mission Beach (adjacent to Pacific Beach) or end the day in Ocean Beach, one of San Diego’s quirkiest neighborhoods (this is the Venice Beach of San Diego).

Option #2 – Spend the Day at the San Diego Zoo

Visiting the San Diego Zoo will take you all day.  And, in all honesty, a day may not be enough to tackle everything this place has to offer. 

There are exhibitions, animal encounters, shows, tours, a theater, play areas, an aerial tram and much more.  This is a great place to visit with the entire family.

Option #3 – Museum Hop in Balboa Park

If you are a culture vulture, what about spending one day in San Diego museum hopping?  Well, this is an easy task since a lot of the top museums in the city are concentrated in Balboa Park.  Spend your day visiting the Museum of Man, the Botanical Building and the San Diego Museum of Art.

If you are visiting with kids, you can check out the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Fleet Science Center or the San Diego Air and Space Museum.

Do not forget to head to photogenic spots such as the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Rose and Cactus Gardens and the Spanish Villa Art Center.

Option #4 – End the Day In Point Loma

As an alternative, you can head to the Point Loma area after Old Town.  At the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, you can visit Cabrillo National Monument.  The monument commemorates the trip where Europeans settled foot in California for the first time.  Plus, you get to see magnificent views of the San Diego Bay, Downtown and Coronado Island.

After that, you can end the day in Liberty Station, a neighborhood featuring a public market, a huge beer garden, museums, galleries, and the well-known Corvette Diner.  This is another of my favorite parts of the city.

One Day in San Diego – Resources

For more information about the city, I recommend checking the following resources.  They may help you to get discounts or deals for events and restaurants.

  • San Diego Magazine
  • Time Out San Diego
  • The Infatuation San Diego
  • Eater San Diego
  • Groupon
  • Yelp
  • TripAdvisor
  • Travelzoo San Diego

This is quite a fabulous itinerary! I hope this helps you conquer San Diego in a day.  I am sure you will have a great time and makes long-lasting memories.

More of San Diego

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

Visit Cabrillo National Monument

Los Angeles to San Diego Drive: Road Trip Itinerary

More of Southern California

One Day in Los Angeles: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Los Angeles Itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 Days in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

Places to Visit in Santa Barbara

150+ Places to Go in Orange County


Have you spent one day in San Diego? What are your suggestions?

Pin for later!

Related posts:

View of the Point Loma Peninsula Cliffs, San Diego, CaliforniaSunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego Santee Lakes Camping, Pier over one of the recycled water lakes located at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, San Diego, CaliforniaSantee Lakes Recreation Preserve: Day Trip from San Diego Planning a Trip to California, Lone Cypress at 17-mile Drive, MontereyPlanning a Trip to California: Cost-Saving Tips There are thousands, if not millions, of things to do in California. The Golden State, with an area of 163, 696 square miles, truly has it all: beaches, forests, deserts, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, mountains, valleys, vineyards and beds of flowers. Given the facts, how to start planning a trip? Do not worry my friends! I have collected the best things to do in California from experienced traveler. In this article, you will find some of the most exciting activities to do in the state. Get ready since this is going to be a fun ride! Things to Do in California - Northern California There are always going to be differing opinions on how to divide California. For this article’s purpose, we are assuming the northern 48 counties of the state compose Northern California. Drive Around the Redwoods By Pamela Iorg from Travel Hacking Mom One of the biggest tourist draws to the Northern part of California is the magnificent Redwood Trees the area is known for. One of the best places to see them is driving through the Avenue of the Giants. It is a 31-mile section of highway 101 that starts near Phillipsville, California in the south and ends at Stafford in the north end. If you stop at the entrance to Avenue of the Giants, you can pick up a brochure that will tell you about different places to stop and safely view the trees. This two-lane road winds through Redwood National Park, with the Eel River at its side. It will be impossible to keep your eyes on the road while gaping at these awe-inspiring trees. Plan to pull off and enjoy them outside of your car. You can even drive through a huge tree near Myers Flat. The Drive-Through Tree will cost about $8 to go through but is totally worth it – when else will you have the experience of actually driving through a huge Redwood tree? Lady Bird Grove (named after Lady Bird Johnson) is a great place to stop and wander through the Redwoods. It can be a quiet, majestic, and almost spiritual experience. The sheer beauty of these giant trees and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds them will be something you will long remember! Road Trip to Mendocino from SF By Aswani from A Charming Escape Mendocino is a coastal town in Northern California about 3 hours from San Francisco. It is a charming little town with cliffside trails, quiet beaches, ocean view hotels and is perfect for a weekend road trip from SF. The most popular places to stay near Mendocino are Heritage House Resort, Sweetwater Inn and the Stanford Inn but there are also many cute B&Bs. The best and fastest route to get to Mendocino is through Highway 101 and Highway 128 via Sonoma wine country and the redwood forests. Stop at the town of Healdsburg for a quick breakfast. Stroll through downtown before heading into the winding Hwy 128 surrounded by majestic redwood trees. Another great stop on the way to Mendocino is the underrated wine region of Anderson Valley between Boonville and the town of Navarro. This region is home to some of California’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wineries. Our favorite wineries in the Anderson Valley are Roederer Estate, Navarro Vineyards, Brutacao Cellars, and Phillips Hill Estates. Once you arrive in Mendocino, hike one of the beautiful trails in Mendocino Headlands State Park for an amazing sunset. Spend the next day exploring the coastal trails and visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. It has an impressive collection of camellias, roses, dahlias, magnolias, and many more plants. Catch Firefall in Yosemite National Park By Becky from Bonjour Becky For a few weeks each February, Yosemite's Horsetail Falls becomes Firefall — a stream of red-hot lava glowing in the setting sun. It's every photographer's and sightseer's dream. The phenomenon begins around Valentine's Day every year —exact dates vary— and happens every sunset until March, weather permitting. Plan to stay near Yosemite at least two nights to increase your chance of catching it. The closest parking is a mile away from Firefall, so arrive in Yosemite Valley early and plan to walk a mile along the road to the best viewing spots. You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of "lava" plunging 3,600 feet down the face of El Capitan. (Bonus: bring a thermos of hot cocoa and some blankets for an extra-cozy evening.) Firefall is a great excuse for a winter trip to Yosemite, which offers year-round hiking and epic views. Snowshoe through a winter wonderland, gaze out at the iconic Tunnel View or go ice skating with views of Half Dome before you head to Firefall in the evening. Once you've seen it, Firefall will burn bright in your memory forever. Photo by Becky Read More: 2 Day Yosemite Itinerary Rent a Cabin in Lake Tahoe in the Winter By Diana from In Between Pictures As many Californians do in the winter, rent a cabin in Lake Tahoe and enjoy the powdery white snow - perfect to snuggle up next to a fire pit with hot cocoa or wine. Lake Tahoe, nestled in the range of Sierra Nevada, is renowned for its breathtaking views and blue water - a sight that you won’t be able to get enough of. While many people visit to hit the slopes, many also like to go to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can go on hikes, enjoy the scenic drive along the lake, or simply relax in the cabin with a good book. If you want to find the best views in Lake Tahoe – though the view is amazing no matter where you go – head to Emerald Bay where you can spot the tiny island Fannette Island. There is no better way to experience this magical place than by staying at a cozy cabin by the lake! Photo by Diana Read More: Lake Tahoe in Pictures Taking the boat to Alcatraz Island By Jo From Discover Discomfort Alcatraz Island (known colloquially as “The Rock”) is just off the coast of San Francisco Bay and is a must-visit if you’re in Northern California. It’s very popular and tickets usually sell out months in advance, so make a reservation well ahead — especially for weekends. Alcatraz Island was turned into a prison in 1934. While it was in operation it was home to the most notorious criminals at the time, including Al Capone, and “Bird Man” Robert Stroud. The conditions of the island — its freezing temperature, turbulent waves and sharp cliffs — made the prison well known for being impossible to escape from… unless you believe the legends! You take a 20-minute tour ferry to the island and then can explore freely, but I’d also recommend the 40-minute audio tour. This audio tour was hands-down one of the most engaging ones I’ve ever experienced. The narration and the dramatic reenactments gives you a glimpse into what life must have been like for the prisoners. You can even take a night tour if you’re looking for an extra spooky vibe. Read More: San Francisco Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Days in the City Walk Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower By Rachel from Rachel Ruminations The hills are what make San Francisco a particularly beautiful town: the views of the sea or the bay, the sight of those long, straight downhills that filmmakers so enjoy for chase scenes. Topped by art-deco Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill is a particular joy to climb on a free afternoon. Starting from Washington Square Park, the walk up is pretty, but steep. You will be rewarded by the phenomenal view of the city at Coit Tower’s base, and you can see an even better view if you take the elevator to the top. Make sure to check out the Depression-era murals on the inside of the tower’s ground floor even if you don’t go up. The walk downhill is even prettier than the walk up, if that’s possible. The long Filbert Street steps lead all the way down to sea level near Fishermen’s Wharf, where you’ll undoubtedly meet the tourist throngs. Take your time on the steps, though, and enjoy the lush Grace Marchant Garden and the narrow “streets” leading off on either side. To learn more about this walk, read Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill: An unmissable walk in San Francisco. Ski Lake Tahoe By Christina from Travel2next.com A year-round outdoor playground with amazing beaches, 12 fabulous ski resorts and miles of biking and hiking trails, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. With soaring peaks and stunning lakes, Lake Tahoe is also a skier’s parades that straddles both California and Nevada. One of the unique things about a Lake Tahoe winter is you can ski across the border! One of the benefits of skiing in Lake Tahoe is that the ski areas are within easy reach of one another and you can try several ski resorts in one trip. Sierra at Tahoe has some of the best tree skiing and plenty of powder. NorthStar is an excellent intermediate ski resort with a fabulous base village to hang out at the end of the day. Sugar Bowl is the most convenient resort to get to if you’re coming from San Francisco Bay Area. It has a mid-sized ski area and is excellent for families. Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are two ski areas covered under one lift ticket. Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Olympics and is a favorite of many professional skiers. The fifth-largest ski area in North America has a fun party atmosphere is Heavenly Mountain Resort, which has plenty of terrain and is the. Read More: Drive Around Lake Tahoe Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge By Luda from Adventures with Luda If you’re traveling to San Francisco and looking for a fun (and adventurous) activity, rent a bike and get to pedaling across the Golden Gate Bridge! I recommend this for three main reasons: you’ll see amazing views of the San Francisco bay, work off some calories (psst - Japantown has some pretty great restaurants!), and you can explore other cities. There are plenty of places to rent a bike, but I recommend picking a company in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood since it’s closest to the Bridge. The 20-minute bike ride over to the starting point will take you through some fairly flat streets, and you can stop near Crissy Field if you’d like to take a few photos of the waterfront. When biking across the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s important to note that there are two sidewalks: one is for pedestrians, and the other is for bikers. If you don’t know which one to take, just take a look at where everyone else is going or ask one of the employees at the concession stand. If you’re flexible on timing, you can bike all the way across the bridge and explore the neighboring town of Tiburon. This cozy little town is famous for its quirky boutiques, grassy parks, and scenic waterfront. If you plan to make the trip to Tiburon, ask the bike rental employee for a bicycle lock, as there are plenty of bicycle “parking” near the waterfront. Read More: Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Book a Spot at the Sonoma Wine Trolley By Taima from Poor in a Private Plane If you are looking for a unique way to discover Sonoma then check out the Sonoma Wine Trolley. The tour begins in downtown Sonoma which is a great place to grab a bite before starting your wine adventure. Grab a bite at Sunflower Cafe and then make your way to Sonoma Plaza where you will board your wheels for the day. The wine trolley is a replica of a vintage California Street Cable Car used in San Francisco in the early 1900s. It’s an excellent way to experience Sonoma Valley in the open air trolley. The tour will take you to four different wineries with a stop for lunch. At one of the wineries you will be served a picnic lunch catered by The Girl and The Fig, one of the best restaurants in Sonoma. Once you have visited all four wineries the tour will drop you back off at Sonoma Plaza where you will have your pick of places to have dinner before turning in for the night. Whether it is your first time visiting Sonoma or you’re looking for a new way to experience Sonoma, the Sonoma Wine Trolley is a truly unique and fun experience. Photo by Taima Taste Craft Beer at the Russian River Brewery By Derek from Robe Trotting Napa and Sonoma valleys are rightly world-renowned for the vineyards, but one of my favorite stops in Sonoma valley was actually one of the best craft breweries in the world. Russian River Brewing Company has become world-famous for its Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger IPAs, hailed by many aficionados as the best beers in the world (Pliny the Younger is brewed once a year and is an especially hot ticket to enjoy). But they offer more than just IPAs, as their sours (named Consecration, Supplication, and Temptation) are world-class. Russian River now offers two locations in Sonoma Valley, including their original taproom in Santa Rosa and a new brewery and brewpub in Windsor. The Santa Rosa location can get packed in evenings, but they offer excellent pizzas and wings to pair with the beers. The Windsor location has a little less traffic and offers a broader menu, plus you can take a tour of their brewery. Visit the Mystery Spot By Rosie from Popcuria The Mystery Spot is a fun and quirky addition to any California trip and a great activity for all ages. This classic roadside attraction is now a California Historical Landmark and worth a stop on any drive up Highway One. Tucked away in the redwoods just outside of Santa Cruz, CA, the Mystery Spot is home to strange gravitational anomalies that will make you question your own eyes. Take the Mystery Spot’s guided tour and experience this supernatural phenomenon for yourself. Your tour will take you on a whimsical walk through the redwoods where the basics of physics do not seem to apply. Within the confines of the Mystery Spot, balls roll up hill instead of down and your friends and family appear taller and shorter than in real life. Take Instagram-worthy shots of your friends leaning off tables at unnatural angles inside the Spot’s topsy-turvy house. Snag the Mystery Spot’s bumper sticker at the end of your tour to commemorate your time at this iconic roadside pitstop. Read More: Santa Cruz Boardwalk in Pictures Hold a Baby Goat and Eat Cheese By Constance from Adventures of Panda Bear Harley Farms in Pescadero, CA is goat dairy farm located off of the northern California coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. The farm has a variety of animals including chickens, a donkey, guardian llamas, Anatolian shepards, and of course, goats. All of the animals on the farm are working animals, the goats, in particular, provide milk for goat cheese. The farm’s dairy produces a variety of award-winning goat cheeses ranging from plain to cranberry walnut and garden chive, and more. The cheeses alone are well worth the visit! The best thing about visiting Harley Goat Farms is their baby goats. Take a farm tour during the spring months after the baby goats, or “kids” as they’re called, are born. Then, you’ll be able to see and hold a baby goat! The farm tour is also super informative and you’ll learn a lot about how to hold a baby goat, the farm’s operations, animals, and their cheese. The highlight of it all are definitely the baby goats, they are too cute! Stop by a Hot Spring By Athul from Our Backpack Tales Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Glass Mountain Ridge in California is the Crowley Hot Springs also known as Wild Willy's Hot Springs. You can reach the trail close to US 395 by taking the Benton Crossing Road. The Crowley Hot Springs are open 24 hours a day and it is absolutely free. From the parking lot, you can see an elevated wooden walkway. A short walk of around 0.32 km through the beautiful backdrop of mountains is an amazing experience. The walkway slopes slightly downward and ends almost abruptly by the pools. It is about 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, and you can easily take a dip in it! This hot spring contains one small and one large pool. The temperature in these pools can vary from 95 to 105 degrees. The bigger pool can accommodate a dozen of people but the small pool can accommodate some. The area surrounding the pool is stunning with mountains and grasslands in the backdrop. There are few option for camping in the surrounding area. These hot springs are in a fragile ecosystem so all should follow leave no trace behind policy to keep them clean. Things to Do in California - Central California Here are some of the things you can do around California’s Central area. If you ask me, this is one of the most thrilling parts of the state. Drive Around Big Sur By Dhara from It's Not About the Miles Driving the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Ragged Point should be high on your list of things to do in California. Considered one of the most scenic coastlines on the planet, the drive gives you the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Central California coastline. Just a little over 75 miles in length, Highway One hugs the water for most of this route. Where it does not, for short stretches, you will drive through towering redwoods or bucolic countryside. There are numerous pullouts where you can park and enjoy the views at leisure, and take lots of photos. Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best

Comments

  2. Cynthia / Adventuring Woman says

    I love how you’ve provided such a detailed itinerary. The more I hear about San Diego, the more I want to visit! I actually didn’t know about applications like RideGuru that calculate costs of using Uber or Lyft. Thanks for educating me. I wish I’d known about that on a recent city break trip! I appreciate your alternative itineraries, too. Sometimes a more mellow day is in order. I think I’d do the museum hop.

    Reply

  4. Jessica says

    Great guide! You nailed it on the food recommendations in La Jolla, I was there last May and ate at Sugar & Scribe and The Cottage – both unreal, and worth noting, have plenty of gluten-free options!

    Reply

  5. Katherine says

    Thanks for setting out the parameters of your itinerary, it helps to make decisions about how much time I’d need to do everything on your list. And thanks for introducing me to RideGuru as well, I’d not heard of it before and it seems like it’d be really useful.

    Reply

  6. Ann says

    Love this detailed itinerary! I’ve been to San Diego when I was younger but would really love to return one day soon. The old town looks so cool!

    Reply

  7. Katja | placesandnotes says

    Oh wow I didn´t even think San Diego is such an interesting city with so much to see and do besides the beach. Plus I´m now hungry for a proper taco hehe. Thanks for sharing, definitely on my list for the next West coast USA visit 🙂

    Reply

  9. Meghan Emcee says

    Great guide to one day in San Diego, I couldn’t have planned a better day myself! I love San Diego, there’s so many different things to do an see! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get all the latest goodness straight to your inbox!