How to See San Diego in 2 Days
America’s Finest City has so much to see that you might think it’s impossible to do it all in just 2 days. But if you plan ahead and do your research, there’s no reason you can’t see the best San Diego has to offer. Here’s how to spend 2 days in San Diego.
Day 1 - Balboa Park, Museums & More
9:00am: On your first day in San Diego, you can see many of the most popular attractions, museums and even the world famous San Diego Zoo all in one place. Many of them are located within Balboa Park, which makes it easy and convenient. Balboa Park is home to 15 of San Diego’s most popular museums including San Diego Art & Space Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Museum of Us and Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts and more.
The San Diego Zoo
Home to 4,000 different animals, The San Diego Zoo is also located here. While spending only 2 days in San Diego, be sure to catch the Spreckles Organ Pavilion, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Veterans Memorial Garden and the Botanical Building. After exploring Balboa Park and seeing these major San Diego attractions, you still have time to check out some other popular sites. Head to nearby Little Italy to do some shopping and sightseeing and have an authentic Italian meal. This hilly San Diego neighborhood has many festivals and hosts a Farmers’ Market once a week.
Afternoon
Next, head over to Old Town State Park, first established in 1821 and known as the birthplace of California. A visit here will take you back in time to an era when Mexico succeeded from Spain. As you tour this historic park, you can see original Adobe buildings where the first settlers resided and learn about their culture and heritage. The Old Town Market is also here, along with shops, restaurants, artisans at work and plenty of entertainment. Be sure to visit the Whaley House, during your brief 2 days in San Diego, an iconic Greek Revival House best known for its haunting past and paranormal activity.
Day 2 - San Diego SEAL Tour, Coronado
9:00am: First thing in the morning, you should head over to the famed Seaport for one of the city’s most unique and exciting sightseeing experiences, the San Diego SEAL Tour. The SEAL tour is a top rated attraction, so put it at the top of your list of things to do during your 2 days in San Diego. You’ll see some of the most popular sights on land and water – all aboard a totally cool amphibious vehicle that is a bus and a boat all in one. It goes from the street into the bay and back again without missing a beat. You’ll learn interesting historical facts, cruise along in the bay and see the North Island Naval Air Station, Hotel del Coronado, the Maritime Museum, Seaport Village, Shelter Island and more.
After your tour
Spend some time in Seaport Village, where you can pick up souvenirs, grab a bite and enjoy the local shopping. Then, head over to the Gaslamp Quarter, one of San Diego’s most historic neighborhoods. Here, you can roam around more than 16 blocks of beautiful Victorian buildings, art galleries, sidewalk cafes, fine restaurants, boutiques, theaters, shops and more. You can also check out Horton Plaza, where you’ll find another six blocks of shops as well as restaurants, a food court, movie theaters and more, leaving you with plenty of options to spend the rest of your 2 days in San Diego.
Afternoon
Before heading back to your hotel or to the airport, after an action packed 2 days in San Diego, make a pit stop to see PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres. The ballpark is world famous for its magnificent architectural design, sight lines, and innovation. Then, just a short walk away is the ferry to Coronado Ferry Landing. You’ll be treated to beautiful bay views as you cruise for just 15 minutes to Coronado. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the ferry landing’s restaurants as you sit by the water.
Tickets - Select Your Journey
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Old Town Trolley Tours: As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” Since 1989, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego.
SEAL Tour: Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by land AND sea. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience.
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner
- SEAL Tour:
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village
- State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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SEE THE WHALEY HOUSE BY DAY & NIGHT
Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
Evening Guided Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Evening Guided Tour:
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
- Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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Ghosts & Gravestones
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Dying to Take a Ride on the Dark Side? Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed
- Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
- Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
- Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
- Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AT NIGHT
San Diego sparkles at night, and what better way to see it than with Old Town Trolley Tours! Hop aboard our trolley for a picturesque evening you won’t forget.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Old Town Market
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
- See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
- Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks
- Highlights include The Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado’s Ferry Landing, USS Midway and more
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