Please help with itinerary

Question

Hi. Hoping for some planning guidance on this upcoming trip. TA is my go-to as I always get the best advice...so thank you in advance for any help!! :)

Trip is part business (later portion of trip near Convention Center) and initial part Anniversary trip (4 full days staying in PB)...so just my husband and I for the initial part. In our early 50's. We're active, on-the-go ppl and love adventure, sightseeing and good food. We will not have a car but rental comes with bikes and we love to venture this way.

Flying into SD June 4th (late at night) and probably ubering/ride-share (?) to our Airbnb in Pacific Beach (just a few blocks from beach/pier).

The only days I have planned is the 6th (anniversary)...uber/ride-share (?) to La Jolla. Reservation at George's at the Cove at 11am. Sea Cave Kayak Tour at 2:40pm. Fit in La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions and Children's Pools for the seals. Reservations at Eddie V's at 6:30pm. Is all of this doable? Not sure of logistics.

The other day planned (somewhat) is our last day, the 13th prior to our flight out (red-eye)...zoo, Balboa Park then Little Italy for dinner or Coronado Hotel to venture around and have dinner.

So I need to plan out the 5th (thoughts are venturing around Pacific Beach via bikes to get the lay of the land) - boardwalk, maybe JRDN for brunch...

Then the 7th and 8th - Mission Bay (?), etc? Hiking?

The 9th through the 13th we'll be near the marina downtown...any help with this would be great as I may be flying mostly solo for this part. Love boutique shopping, quaint cafes and just walking around taking it all in.

Any advice with restaurants (we love all food - dressy and also no-frills but with good vibes is a must), spots not to miss, must sees and dos. Most important is probably logistics as we do not care for sitting in ubers/transportation all day...we'd rather bike, walk, hike to locations but will uber within short distances. Would rather be outside regardless of weather - so no museums.

Wow...sorry for the book just wanted to make it as specific as possible as any help with this would be so appreciated!! BTW first timers here...but I think you could already gather that. haha

Answer

It sounds like you’ve got an exciting trip planned to San Diego! With your active, on-the-go style and love for adventure, there’s so much to do that’s both outdoors and walkable. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown with advice on logistics, activities, and dining to make your anniversary trip unforgettable. I’ve also included some recommendations for when you’ll be near the marina/downtown portion of your trip.

June 4th - Arrival
Since you’ll be arriving late at night, it’s a great plan to take a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) straight to your Airbnb in Pacific Beach. It’s a short drive from the airport, and you can easily settle in and get some rest for the busy days ahead.

June 5th - Pacific Beach Exploration
The 5th is a good day to get familiar with Pacific Beach and its surroundings. You can rent bikes from your Airbnb and ride around to get a feel for the area. Here are a few ideas:

Pacific Beach Boardwalk: Spend some time biking along the boardwalk, which stretches for miles along the coastline. It’s lively and has great people-watching opportunities.
Mission Beach: Continue biking south to Mission Beach, where you can check out the famous Belmont Park or just enjoy the beach vibe.
Brunch at JRDN: For brunch, JRDN at Tower23 is an excellent option, right on the beachfront. It offers delicious food with great views. The vibe is upscale yet casual.
Bike to Sunset Cliffs: If you’re feeling adventurous, bike to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for some stunning ocean views and a peaceful walk along the cliffs. It’s not far from PB and is a must-see.

June 6th - Anniversary in La Jolla
Your anniversary day looks fantastic! Everything you have planned is doable, but you may need to keep an eye on time to ensure you’re not rushing from one spot to the next. Here’s a suggestion to keep things smooth:

George’s at the Cove (11:00 am): This is a perfect spot for a special anniversary brunch with a gorgeous view of the coastline.
Sea Cave Kayak Tour (2:40 pm): After brunch, your kayak tour will give you a great opportunity to see La Jolla Cove from the water. The sea caves are a unique experience, and the tour lasts about 90 minutes, so you’ll have some time to relax before your next stop.
La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool: After your kayak tour, take some time to wander around La Jolla Cove, visit the sea lions, and check out the seals at the Children’s Pool. It’s a short walk from the kayak tour location.
Eddie V’s (6:30 pm): Finish your anniversary day with a lovely dinner at Eddie V’s. This upscale seafood spot is a great choice for a special night, with excellent views and a lively atmosphere.

June 7th & 8th - Mission Bay and Outdoor Activities
Both Mission Bay and hiking areas are fantastic options for these two days. Here are some ideas for outdoor adventures:

Mission Bay: Start your day with a bike ride around Mission Bay, which has bike paths that circle the entire area. There are also parks, beaches, and picnic areas where you can stop to rest. Renting bikes gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Hiking Option 1 - Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: If you’re in the mood for hiking, Torrey Pines offers some incredible coastal trails with breathtaking views. It’s a short drive from Pacific Beach, and the trails range from easy to moderate. Perfect for active travelers like you!
Hiking Option 2 - Cowles Mountain: For a more challenging hike with panoramic views of San Diego, head to Cowles Mountain. It’s a bit more strenuous but worth it for the views.

June 9th - 13th - Near Marina/Downtown
When you move closer to the Marina area, you'll be centrally located for several other great activities. Since you’re solo for part of this time, you can explore areas around the marina, Little Italy, and Seaport Village.

Seaport Village: This is a great area for strolling, shopping, and enjoying the waterfront. It’s very walkable, and you can explore the shops, cafes, and outdoor seating by the bay. You can also rent bikes and ride along the waterfront.
Little Italy: This neighborhood is perfect for walking around, and it’s filled with trendy cafes, art galleries, and excellent Italian restaurants. It’s a lively area, with many spots to stop for a coffee or pastry.
USS Midway Museum: If you’re interested in a non-hiking activity, the USS Midway Museum offers a unique experience exploring an aircraft carrier. It’s located in the marina area and is a cool historical spot to visit.
Coronado Island: Hop on the ferry or take a short drive to Coronado Island. It’s very bike-friendly, and you can rent bikes or walk around to explore the beaches, Hotel Del Coronado, and local shops. It’s a lovely, relaxed spot.

Dining Recommendations:
Since you love good food, here are some must-try spots:

The Fish Market: Located near the waterfront, this seafood spot is casual but delicious with views of the harbor.
Born & Raised (Little Italy): A fantastic, upscale steakhouse with a fun atmosphere.
The Patio on Lamont (Mission Beach): Great for brunch or dinner with a lively vibe and outdoor seating.
Great Maple (Hillcrest): If you’re in the mood for comfort food, this upscale diner serves modern American cuisine.

Overall, your trip to San Diego looks fantastic, and you’ve got a good mix of activities planned. The key is to take your time, enjoy the outdoors, and explore on foot or by bike, as San Diego is so walkable and bike-friendly. Have an amazing time!

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