Fact checked by

Erin Medlicott

Are there any of you who have been working too hard? Feeling stress? Do you feel like you can’t take one more day of this heat? Or do you find yourself daydreaming about sunbathing on the beach (don’t forget the sunscreen) or sailing into the sunset? This probably covers just about everyone in the Phoenix area at one time or another. Well, I have great news. San Diego is just a few hours away.

Many thanks to the About Guide to California for Visitors for providing the following feature about San Diego. It doesn’t matter whether you are driving over with the kids for a week before school starts, or planning a romantic weekend for two. With these tips and tools, you are certain to have a wonderful and relaxing San Diego getaway.

San Diego is one of California’s most popular tourist destinations. Its year-round good weather draws visitors from all over and many Arizonans escape the summer heat to vacation there. Visitors of all ages and interests enjoy San Diego, and you can always find something to do.

Geography of San Diego

It takes about 7 hours to drive from central Phoenix to Central San Diego. Start on I-10 West and then to I-8 West. If you won’t be needing a car, or you are short on time, the flight to San Diego from Sky Harbor International Airport takes about one hour. San Diego spreads over some 300 square miles (514.0 km2). Most of the popular San Diego attractions are clustered along a five mile wide strip near the ocean. Get a San Diego map before you go.

Where to Stay in San Diego

Driving times in San Diego are short (except at rush hour), and you can find parking almost anywhere. There are many hotels in the San Diego Mission Valley and San Diego Downtown areas, both making fine bases for exploration. Less expensive but still convenient accommodations can be found in areas a little further from the center of San Diego.

Getting Around in San Diego

The San Diego Trolley runs through much of San Diego and past several attractions. However, most visitors find it most convenient to rent a car and drive. Remember that San Diego is a big city and is subject to traffic jams during rush hours.

What to Do in San Diego

San Diego is a big city and there’s plenty to do there for people with all kinds of interests. Try these ideas for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation.

Day 1

Animal lovers, choose between the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park for today’s adventure. As difficult as this decision is, either option is a full day experience. The zoo has baby panda Hua Mei and many other wonderful animals, while the Wild Animal Park offers a one-of-a-kind safari-like adventure.

If you’re not a fan of animals or viewing them in captivity, consider spending the day at the beach or shopping in La Jolla. Alternatively, take the trolley down to Tijuana for a south-of-the-border experience.

If you still have energy, drive to La Jolla for dinner, or enjoy one of the many seafood restaurants along the waterfront near downtown.

Day 2

Pack up. Is it time to go home already? Not quite, but you’ve got to do it sometime.

It’s time for a taste of San Diego history. Begin your day at Old Town, where San Diego began. Tour the historic buildings, do a bit of shopping, and join a guided tour if available. Enjoy lunch at one of the colorful Mexican restaurants in the area.

After Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter was the next place where people settled in San Diego. It boasts Victorian architecture and numerous walking and shopping opportunities. Nearby Horton Plaza provides even more chances to shop. If you skipped lunch at Old Town, try a fish taco at Rubio’s, just across the street from Horton Plaza.

Now it IS time to go home. The San Diego airport is just minutes north of the historic district.

Day 2 of a 3-Day Trip

For an additional day, choose two of three activities: scenic La Jolla, a bay cruise, or a trip to Coronado Island.

Perched on cliffs above the Pacific, upscale La Jolla offers shopping and a variety of restaurants. If your budget doesn’t allow for a dinner in one of the city’s more expensive restaurants, visit for a leisurely lunch instead.

Water and ships are integral to San Diego’s history. Narrated harbor cruises provide a unique view of the city and its history. Drive to the Cabrillo National Monument for a bird’s-eye view of the harbor, then walk down to sea level to enjoy the tide pools.

The bridge to Coronado Island is almost a sight unto itself, with its elegant arch over the water. Stop at Tidelands Park for a walk and terrific skyline views. At the water’s edge, you will find the historical Hotel del Coronado. This iconic hotel has hosted heads of state and movie stars alike. Enjoy the hotel’s small museum of photographs and soak in the atmosphere. You might even run into its resident ghost!

San Diego Day by Day

• Day 1 – Animals!
• San Diego Zoo (or Wild Animal Park) or Seaworld
• Day 2 – Historic Areas
• Old Town State Historic Park
• Gaslamp Quarter
• Horton Plaza
• Day 3 – Water
• La Jolla
• Bay Cruise (view photos)
• Cabrillo National Monument
• Coronado Island and Hotel del Coronado
• Day 4 – Mexico
• Tijuana – south of the border shopping (view photos)
• Day 5 – Side Trip
• Julian – gold rush country, apple pie and antiques
• Day 6 – More Water
• Spend the day at the beach or relax by the pool. Or play golf. This is a vacation – don’t exhaust yourself!
• Day 7 – More Animals!
• Wild Animal Park (or San Diego Zoo) or Seaworld
• Day 8 – Side Trip
• California desert – visit Temecula, or upscale Palm Springs, with an optional stop at a Casino
• Day 9
• Relax. Rest. Pack. You have to go home today.

Substitutions

• Parents of very small children may want to substitute Legoland for Sea World or the Wild Animal Park. Children of all ages love the zoo, though.
• If you object to visiting wild animals in captivity, substitute one or more of these for the animal days: a trip to Balboa Park’s museums, a tour of San Diego’s Spanish missions, or even a day trip to Disneyland in Orange County (about 2 hours away).

_{Special thanks to the About Guide to California for Visitors for providing the preceding itinerary to assist residents with their trip to San Diego.}