Tell us a little about your trip and get a day-by-day plan in seconds. Prefer the short version? The five big questions are answered below.
Build your trip
Your trip in 5 questions
2
Where should I stay?
Downtown or Little Italy for a first trip. Beach towns if it’s all about sand.
3
Do I need a car?
Not for a short downtown stay. Rent one for La Jolla and day trips.
4
What should I do?
One big day (usually the zoo), then the free stuff: coast, tide pools, sunsets.
Quick facts
- Airport About 3 miles from downtown
- Airport to downtown Route 992 bus or the free SAN Flyer shuttle
- Transit fare $3 one way, $7 a day max (since Oct 1, 2026)
- Weather Mild all year; often gray at the coast in May and June
Got 3 days?
Day 1
Balboa Park and the zoo
Zoo in the morning, Balboa Park’s gardens after lunch, dinner in Little Italy.
Day 2
The coast
La Jolla’s sea lions and coastal walk, then sunset at Sunset Cliffs.
Day 3
Your pick
A beach town, the ferry to Coronado, or murals and tacos in Barrio Logan.
FAQ: planning a San Diego trip
How many days do you need in San Diego?
Three days covers the highlights for most first-timers. Add a day or two for a day trip or a slower pace.
Do you need a car in San Diego?
For a short trip based downtown, usually not. Rent one for La Jolla, North County or lots of beach-hopping.
What is the best month to visit San Diego?
September and October: warm ocean, more sunshine and thinner crowds than summer.
Where should first-timers stay in San Diego?
Downtown or Little Italy. For a beach trip, Mission Beach suits families and Pacific Beach a livelier crowd.
How far is the airport from downtown San Diego?
About 3 miles. MTS Route 992 runs to downtown for the standard $3 fare (as of October 2026).
Facts last checked: October 7, 2026. Hours, fares and prices change, so check official sites before you go.