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A Whirlwind Day Trip to San Diego from Orange County
Here's a suggested itinerary for a fantastic self-guided family adventure to San Diego!
Your San Diego Adventure, Hour by Hour
7:30–8:00 AM: Departure from Orange County
- Hit the road early to beat the traffic!
- Gas up and grab coffee along the way if needed.
- Expect a 1.5–2 hour drive south on I-5.
9:30–11:00 AM: La Jolla Cove
📍 Location: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Stroll along the stunning coastline, marvel at the azure waters, and watch the seals bask in the sun.
- Capture breathtaking photos of the cliffs and sea caves.
- Enjoy the coastal park and picnic areas.
- 🅿️ Parking: Look for street parking (free or metered) – arriving early makes it easier to find a spot.
11:00–11:30 AM: UC San Diego (Optional Stop)
📍 Location: 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093
A quick visit to the iconic Geisel Library.
- Admire the modern architecture and artistic details.
- 🅿️ Parking: Use the visitor lot (payment via app/machine).
- ⭐ If you'd rather skip the university, spend more time exploring La Jolla.
12:00–1:15 PM: Lunch on Convoy Street
Head to Convoy Street (a short 10–15 minute drive from La Jolla) for delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
- 📍 Phở Ca Dao: 4646 Convoy St #102, San Diego, CA 92111
- 📍 Pho Hoa: 4717 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
- Discover a wealth of other amazing Vietnamese and Asian restaurants!
- 🅿️ Parking: Free lot (easy parking).
1:30–3:00 PM: Balboa Park
📍 Location: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Explore Southern California's largest urban cultural park.
- Wander through the Spanish Village Art Center, the Botanical Building, and the House of Hospitality.
- Enjoy free outdoor spaces and consider visiting one of the many museums (ticket purchase required).
- 🅿️ Parking: Free lots: Inspiration Point Lot (free shuttle to the central area), or along Park Blvd.
3:15–4:00 PM: Downtown / Seaport Village
📍 Location: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Take a relaxing stroll along the bay.
- Do a little shopping and grab a seaside coffee.
- Enjoy views of the USS Midway (consider a quick photo op if time is limited).
- 🅿️ Parking: Paid garage (Seaport Village lot) or street meters.
4:30–6:00 PM: Coronado Island & Beach
📍 Location: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Drive across the Coronado Bridge (spectacular views!).
- Walk along the famous white-sand beach.
- Visit the historic Hotel del Coronado.
- Watch a stunning sunset.
- 🅿️ Parking: Street parking (free, can be crowded), or Hotel del Coronado lot (paid).
6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner / Coffee with a View (Optional)
- Peohe's (seafood restaurant with bay views)
📍 Location: 1201 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118 - The Henry (casual cafe/restaurant)
📍 Location: 1031 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 - Or grab a quick bite in Seaport Village before heading home.
7:00–9:00 PM: Return to Orange County
- Expect a ~1.5–2 hour drive, depending on traffic.
- Stop for restroom breaks or coffee along the way if needed.
