Two days in San Diego.

Question

Hi all. We are flying in for 2 days/2 nights to San Diego in September. Two adults, no car, no particular itinerary order but the zoo is a must and would like to squeeze in a few other things. Looking to also take in the midway museum, a trip to a beach (not sunbathing, mainly sightseeing and general wining/dining) and some of the usual shopping and sightseeing. Questions are... is this doable in two days and if so where would it be better to stay near a beach or in the Gaslamp/Little Italy area as we will be ubering everywhere. So many different beach areas, it gets confusing after a while. Thanks.

Answer

Two full days in San Diego is definitely doable, but you will need to prioritize a few key attractions given your limited time. Since you don’t have a car, Uber and rideshares are your main options, so staying in a central location is important to minimize travel time between sites.

Where to stay:

Gaslamp Quarter / Little Italy: Highly recommended for first-time visitors. Central, walkable, and close to many restaurants, bars, and Uber routes. Easier for sightseeing and nightlife compared to beach areas.
Beach areas (La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach): Beautiful scenery and beachfront dining, but Uber trips to the Zoo or Midway will take longer (30–45 minutes or more depending on traffic), which could eat into your short schedule.

Suggested itinerary for two days:

Day 1: Focus on San Diego Zoo and nearby Balboa Park. Start early in the morning to maximize zoo time. After the zoo, explore a few highlights of Balboa Park, such as gardens and museums if time allows. Evening: return to Gaslamp or Little Italy for dinner and a stroll.
Day 2: USS Midway Museum in the morning (downtown waterfront, easy Uber from central hotel). Then head to a scenic beach for lunch and sightseeing. La Jolla Cove is ideal for ocean views, sea lions, and walking paths. Afternoon: quick shopping in Gaslamp, Seaport Village, or Little Italy before heading back to the airport.

Other tips:

Uber is plentiful, but traffic can add time, so plan travel windows accordingly.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, especially for Balboa Park and La Jolla.
If you want a more relaxed beach visit without sunbathing, Mission Beach or La Jolla offer nice boardwalks and restaurants with ocean views.
Booking timed-entry tickets (Zoo, Midway) in advance will save time and reduce waiting.

Overall, staying centrally in Gaslamp or Little Italy is more practical for a short two-day trip and allows you to maximize sightseeing, dining, and Uber convenience. You can still enjoy the beach without staying there overnight.