Weekend Getaway in San Diego: Spring Sunshine by the Sea
San Diego in spring is all sunshine, sea breezes, and laid-back charm. This 3-day itinerary covers Coronado’s beaches, La Jolla’s cliffs, the world-famous Zoo, and plenty of must-eat local bites—from fish tacos to California burritos. A perfect long weekend for travelers who want a flexible, childfree-friendly getaway.
San Diego has a way of slowing you down—in the best possible way. With sparkling beaches, a laid-back vibe, and plenty of good food to fuel your days, it’s the perfect city for a long weekend escape. We visited in the spring, when the weather was warm but not sweltering, the skies were bright, and the crowds were manageable.
This 3-day itinerary blends iconic highlights, seaside adventures, and plenty of time for simply soaking in the coastal atmosphere. It’s tailored for travelers who want a flexible, no-fuss trip without juggling nap schedules or kid-friendly stops—just the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Friday: Coronado Island & Coastal Calm
We landed in San Diego around 10 a.m. and headed straight for Coronado Island, just across the bay from downtown. Crossing the sweeping Coronado Bridge gives you a postcard-worthy view of the city skyline and the endless Pacific beyond.
Our first stop was Coronado Beach, famous for its golden sand that actually glimmers thanks to mica in the shoreline. Wide and flat, it’s the kind of beach that makes you want to kick off your shoes and just wander. The backdrop of the historic Hotel del Coronado—a red-turreted Victorian masterpiece—adds a dose of storybook charm. Be sure to grab some Baja-style fish tacos on Coronado. It’s the perfect introduction to San Diego’s food scene—crispy, fresh, and full of flavor.
Coronado itself feels like a world apart from the city: palm-lined streets, casual cafés, and boutique shops that invite slow browsing. We popped into a coffee shop on Orange Avenue, strolled the little neighborhoods, and watched surfers carve through the waves.
By late afternoon, we made our way back into San Diego, checked into our hotel, and decided on an early night. After traveling, sometimes the best way to start a trip is to let yourself settle in with no pressure to do more.
Saturday: Gaslamp Vibes, Waterfront Strolls & La Jolla Adventure
Saturday was our “big explore” day, and we started in the heart of the city: the Gaslamp Quarter. This neighborhood combines Victorian architecture with a lively mix of brunch spots, breweries, and rooftop bars. Without kids in tow, you can linger over a second latte, browse boutique shops, or simply wander the brick-paved streets at your own pace.
From there, we walked down to the Seaport Village, a waterfront area dotted with shops and restaurants, and then along the Embarcadero. Here you’ll find sweeping views of the bay and attractions like the USS Midway Museum, an aircraft carrier turned floating museum that dominates the harbor. Even if you don’t go aboard, just seeing its sheer scale is impressive.
By early afternoon, we drove north to La Jolla for one of the highlights of our trip: a kayak tour with La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks. Paddling through the surf with sea cliffs towering above us felt adventurous yet accessible, and spotting sea lions sunbathing on the rocks was a bonus. The guides pointed out hidden sea caves and told stories about the marine life, making the experience both active and educational.
After kayaking, we explored La Jolla on foot. The La Jolla Cove is small but stunning, framed by cliffs and home to dozens of barking sea lions. We meandered along the coastal paths, stopping at tide pools and lookout points that seemed to be made for photo ops.
We capped the day with a San Diego specialty, California burritos. It’s a local invention stuffed with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and French fries. It sounds over the top, but it’s peak San Diego comfort food.
Sunday: Zoo Wonders & Balboa Beauty
For our last day, we checked out of our hotel but kept the adventure going. Our first stop was the San Diego Zoo, often ranked among the best in the world. Unlike many zoos, this one feels more like a botanical garden crossed with an animal sanctuary—lush, green, and beautifully laid out. Highlights included giraffes stretching for snacks, the playful antics of the monkeys, and the aviaries filled with vibrant tropical birds. Even if you’re not usually a zoo person, this one is worth it.
Red panda at the San Diego Zoo—so cute!
From the Zoo, it’s an easy transition into Balboa Park, San Diego’s cultural crown jewel. This massive urban park is home to Spanish-style architecture, fountains, and manicured gardens. You can pop into museums if you want (the San Diego Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum are standouts), or simply enjoy the park’s walkways and courtyards.
Spring made it especially lovely—bougainvillea spilling over walls, bursts of flowers in the gardens, and perfect weather for strolling. We found a bench near one of the fountains and let the afternoon slow to a stop before heading to the airport. Before leaving, grab a warm churro from one of the stands near Balboa Park. Simple, sweet, and the perfect farewell to San Diego.
Balboa Park
Final Thoughts
San Diego in the spring is all about balance: mornings by the beach, afternoons on the water, evenings with good food. This itinerary mixes a little adventure with a lot of downtime, ideal for travelers who prefer a flexible pace. Whether it’s the coastal views in La Jolla, the iconic animals at the Zoo, or that first bite of a California burrito, San Diego makes for a weekend getaway that feels both easy and unforgettable.
No stress. No rigid plans. Just sunshine, sea air, and a city that rewards you for slowing down.
This post is part of my Weekend Getaways in the U.S. series. Check out Seattle in Autumn for another quick, budget-friendly city break.
Have you spent a weekend in San Diego? What was your favorite spot—or your must-eat food? Share your tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!