Also known as “America’s Finest City”, San Diego is the perfect place to head to if you’re looking for perfect year-round weather, beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities. If you’re looking to plan a quick weekend getaway, San Diego is the perfect place where you can pack a lot into a few days.

If you end up flying into the San Diego International Airport, there are tons of handy ways to get to wherever you’re staying (we recommend staying downtown!). Grab a taxi, hop on the City Bus, or rideshare and head downtown. Within ten minutes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by restaurants, beautiful hotels, boutique shops, plenty of people, and a salty sea breeze. If you want a view of the sea from your hotel room, theManchester Grand Hyatt is the hotel for you. Plus, you’ll still be close to downtown!

Once you’ve checked in and gotten ready, head to Seaport Village in San Diego. Here you can get a great view of The Big Bay and stop by Margarita’s Kitchen or Marion’s Fish Marketfor a delicious lunch. Not that hungry? Grab a snack from Wetzel’s Pretzels, Ben & Jerry’s, or Frost Me Gourmet Cupcakes.

Then wander down to the U.S.S. Midway, an old United States Navy aircraft carrier that you can explore, either by yourself or on a tour. Next, check out Tuna Harbor Park, where you’ll see statues like Bob Hope entertaining the military or the infamous celebratory kiss of a sailor and nurse at the end of World War II.

Before dinner, head back to your hotel for a nap and to freshen up. Head to Rustic Rootand choose from an array of seafood, pasta, meat, or a vegan entree with a salad, side, or appetizer. After dinner, take in the crisp ocean air and downtown hustle before heading to your hotel for the night.

Start out your second day in San Diego with a delicious breakfast from Richard Walker’s Pancake House. Make sure to fill up because the day ahead includes a visit to Balboa Park, a 1,200 acre paradise, and urban park with 17 museums, and the zoo.

Balboa Parkis only about a mile downtown, which you can walk or bike. Make sure to stop at the Visitor’s Center and grab a map to plan out your day, then stop in at Prado Perk or Daniel’s Coffeefor some much-needed energy. Choose to stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden or ride the vintage Balboa Park Carousel, or pick a couple of museums to wander through (perfect for those rare rainy days or hot summer ones). Overwhelmed with options? Download the Balboa Park app to help guide you.

After lunch at The Prado, it’s time to head to the San Diego Zoo(which is conveniently located in Balboa Park)! Here you’ll find 3,700 animals in their natural habits and climates. You can take a 35 minute guided bus tour for an overview if you’re interested!

After the Zoo, head back to your hotel for a little downtime before heading to Little Italy for dinner. For authentic Italian cuisine, head to Barbusa or Herb and Wood and eat your weight in pasta. After dinner, head back to your hotel, rest your legs and get ready for a final day on the beach.

End your weekend getaway with a short trip to La Jolla, about a 20-minute drive north. Relax at the “Children’s Pool” and watch the seals and sea lions as they sleep on the beach and swim. Next, find your way to La Jolla Shores and stroll along the mile-long beach and take a dip or two!

The next beach you’re going to head to in San Diego is Mission Beach. There, you’ll find a boardwalk, bike path, jump into the ocean, or opt for the calmer waters of Mission Bay. Play some carnival games at Belmont Park or play more traditional games like mini golf, bumper cars, or take a ride on the vintage (but totally safe!) 1925 Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.

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