Please help with trip itinerary

Question

I made revision of trip itinerary, could someone review and share your thoughts.

Day 1 Friday arrive afternoon. Check in airbnb mission Hills.

Stop at old town for dinner. Some posting suggested Rockin' Baja Lobster ? Looking for authentic Mexico or local cuisine in the area ?

- parking on which street is ideal for walking/browsing the old town

Day 2 Sat

-little Italy Mercado farmer market, where to park car, parking is free, limited free, or paid ?

-walk on seaport/ Pier route ( similar to pier route in San Francisco?)

-USS midway museum

-Un conditional surrender

-where else to explore in little Italy ?

- stop by Harper’s topiary garden

- anyone tried blue water seafood market and grill

Q- fit in day 2 or day 3 ? Where we should fit in Sunset cliffs cove

Sunset cliff natural park ( how long is the hike ? Flat ground to walk ?

-point luma

- browse liberty public market

Day 3 Sunday

- La Joao cove, see sea lions, scenery (morning visit? When is low tide ?)

-recommend brunch restaurants

- coffee shop ? harry coffee shop

-Balboa park ( what street to park is ideal)

- Spanish village

Day 4 Monday

-San Diego Zoo Safari Park ( would it take whole day to explore), assume there is restaurant or places to grab food ?

- restaurant to have dinner in mission hills ? Drive distance?

Day 5 Tuesday

Free day ?

Anywhere else to explore

- where are boutique handmade craft, fine home made shops, some posts suggested

Franchise, pigment.

- where is designer shops/ malls

Thank you so much

Answer

Your San Diego itinerary looks well thought out, and I can provide some detailed guidance on parking, timing, and how to structure each day to maximize your experience.

Day 1 – Friday: Arrival & Old Town

Old Town is a compact area with plenty of restaurants and shops. Rockin’ Baja Lobster is popular for seafood tacos, but for authentic Mexican cuisine, consider:

Casa Guadalajara – traditional Mexican dishes, lively atmosphere
Old Town Mexican Cafe – known for local flavors and handmade tortillas

Parking:

Best options are the street parking along San Diego Avenue and Taylor Street. There are also paid lots behind the restaurants, which make walking around easier.

Day 2 – Saturday: Little Italy & Waterfront

Little Italy’s Mercato Farmers Market is lively on Saturdays. Parking options include:

Street parking (metered, usually 2-hour limit) – check for signage
Paid parking lots – several are within a 5–10 minute walk from the market

Activities:

Walk along the waterfront and Seaport Village area – yes, similar in feel to San Francisco piers but more spread out and sunny
USS Midway Museum – allow 2–3 hours
Unconditional Surrender statue – quick photo stop
Little Italy – explore artisan shops, Gelato Paradiso, and trendy cafes
Harper’s Topiary Garden – a small detour worth a photo
Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill – casual seafood lunch, good for fresh catch

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park:

Recommend fitting this in Day 2 late afternoon for sunset views
The walking path is mostly flat along the cliffs; moderate hike can be 1–2 miles depending on your route

Point Loma and Liberty Public Market:

Point Loma – lighthouse and scenic viewpoints
Liberty Public Market – can be included near the end of Day 2 as a casual dinner or snack stop

Day 3 – Sunday: La Jolla & Balboa Park

La Jolla Cove:

Best in the morning for calmer crowds and to see sea lions
Check tide tables online – low tide varies daily; around morning hours is usually good

Brunch & coffee:

Brunch: The Cottage La Jolla or Brockton Villa – both near the cove
Coffee: Harry’s Coffee Shop or Bird Rock Coffee Roasters – local favorites

Balboa Park:

Park on Sixth Avenue or street parking near the Botanical Building and Spanish Village for easy access
Spanish Village – explore art studios and shops within Balboa Park

Day 4 – Monday: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Safari Park is a full-day visit (plan 5–6 hours minimum)
Food options: several cafes and snack bars inside the park
Return to Mission Hills for dinner – options include:

Born and Raised – upscale steakhouse
Ristorante Italia – casual Italian cuisine

Drive time from Safari Park to Mission Hills: ~45–50 minutes

Day 5 – Tuesday: Free Day / Shopping & Exploration

Handmade, boutique, and craft shopping:

Franchise – known for artisan goods
Pigment – home decor, gifts, and unique items
Little Italy shops for local designers

Designer malls / shopping centers:

Fashion Valley Mall – upscale brands and department stores
La Jolla Village – boutique shopping

Overall tips:

Try to group nearby activities to minimize driving time
Check hours for Farmers Markets and museums in advance
Reserve parking in high-demand areas if possible (La Jolla, Balboa Park, Little Italy)
Be flexible with Sunset Cliffs and Point Loma depending on sunset timing and energy levels

This itinerary balances sightseeing, local culture, and nature while allowing some flexibility for your preferences and local traffic conditions.