24 Hours in San Diego: Your One-Day Spring Itinerary
Even if you only have 24-hours to visit San Diego, we’ve got the perfect itinerary to ensure you can enjoy everything our fine city has to offer this spring, including delicious food, popular sights to see, and fun activities to experience.
Your exciting 24-hours in San Diego starts at the Days Inn by Wyndham Hotel Circle, where your spring vacation starts with our onsite amenities, including a refreshing pool, relaxing Jacuzzi, modern fitness center, and prime location near all the best things to do in San Diego.
Wondering what to see, do, and eat during your short time in San Diego? No worries! We have planned the perfect (and affordable) itinerary for you to ensure you make the most out of your time in our coastal paradise.
The Perfect One-Day Spring Itinerary for 24-Hours in San Diego
7:30 AM – Morning Walk
Get your morning started with an invigorating stroll along the Mission Bay path for a fun coastal walk and a bit of people watching. If you’re looking for amazing west coast scenes, Sunset Cliffs is the place to be for some of the best scenic and ocean views in San Diego.
8:30 AM – Breakfast Near Hotel
Whether you’re a “grab a cup of java and go” or a “sit down and enjoy a meal” type – your breakfast options in San Diego are good and plenty! Try The Mission for healthy dishes with an artful twist, like the Granola Banana Pancakes or Avocado Toast. The Broken Yolk Café is another local fave that serves dishes where calories on vacation don’t count with the Monte Cristo and Meat Lovers Omelet! If a good cup of brew is your jam, Better Buzz is a great place for morning fuel. Grab a Horchata Iced Latte or Moroccan Spice Iced Coffee along with a bagel or pastry for a delicious and light breakfast on the go!
10:00 AM – Explore Balboa Park
Spend the morning exploring Balboa Park in San Diego near the Days Inn Hotel Circle! There is so much to see and do at this popular San Diego landmark. Walk through the different gardens, visit your choice of 18 museums, and explore the beautifully landscaped grounds. Another fun option for adventure in San Diego is to explore the Spanish-style architecture in Old Town, just 10 minutes away. Enjoy the quaint atmosphere and culture-filled streets of Old Town San Diego while you learn local traditions, visit local shops, and see the site of the first mission.
12:30 PM – Casual Lunch
All of that exploring probably has you working up an appetite, so a casual lunch will definitely hit the spot. Try the best tacos from The Taco Stand, amazing sandwiches at Board & Brew, or make your way over to Liberty Public Market for a variety of different dining options including everything from sushi to chimney cakes!
2:00 PM – Afternoon Adventure
Choose your vibe:
Beach Time - Coronado or Pacific Beach
Coronado Beach is best known for its golden sandy beaches and interesting local tide pools where you can find starfish, crabs, anemones, and more!
Pacific Beach is the place to be if sunsets are your thing! This laid-back beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, along with some lively cafés and bars along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Check out the Fashion Valley Mall (located just down the street from our Mission Valley hotel!) for an exciting day of shopping for everything from top designer brands to fun local souvenirs from your San Diego spring vacation.
Hiking at Torrey Pines Nature Reserve
Still looking to spend time outdoors and soak up that California sunshine? Get out and enjoy the wonderful spring weather in San Diego with an invigorating hike at Torrey Pines Nature Reserve with stunning overlooks and peaceful trails to explore.
4:30 PM – Scenic Break
Take a break and enjoy the view along the waterfront while you enjoy a little afternoon fuel at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Little Italy near the hotel. Try a Monkey Bite Espresso or Macchiato and get ready for your next exciting San Diego adventure!
6:30 PM – Dinner Out
After a big day on the town exploring, it’s time for dinner at one of the best restaurants in San Diego. Head to Little Italy for all the best wine and Italian favorites, Gaslamp Quarter for a lively dining and bar experience, or stay coastal with the best seafood in Mission Beach.
8:30 PM – Evening Fun
After dinner, hang out and explore Gaslamp Quarter at one of their many entertaining bars, like Casablanca Lounge or Gaslamp Tavern, for a fun night in San Diego. If you’re a sports fan, make it a point to take in a MLB game at Petco Park where you can cheer the Padres to victory! The music lovers out there will enjoy a fun concert at nearby Snapdragon Stadium, or an exciting San Diego Wave FC game!
10:30 PM – Late-Night Treat
Wrap up the evening with a sweet treat at one of the best dessert shops in San Diego. Choose from a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream at Salt and Straw in Little Italy. You’ll also love freshly made donuts from a classic San Diego donut shop like TK Donuts that offers everything from old school donuts to cronuts and breakfast croissants. Definitely a great way to indulge your sweet tooth during your San Diego spring vacation.
Are You Ready for the Perfect Day in San Diego at the Days Inn Hotel Circle?
Let’s get this spring adventure in San Diego started by booking your room at the Days Inn Hotel Circle today! Our 24-hour San Diego itinerary offers a well-planned adventure that lets you experience some of the best things to do in San Diego. From museums and parks to beach exploring and sunsets - 24 hours in San Diego is just what you need to make you want to come back and see more! Book your stay at the Days Inn Hotel Circle today and prepare for an amazing 24-hours in your favorite coastal California city! And don’t forget, the Days Inn proudly offers a Special Rate every day for our active and retired military members to thank you for your service!
