Help with a very quick visit to San diego

Question

We have a few days lay over in LA so this time we thought we would head south to San Diego (having previously done LA- San Fran)

We land fairly late on a Saturday so I was thinking of just heading to a hotel in the Irvine/laguna beach area ready to start the following day early

My plan would be to drive down the coast, stopping at Torrey Pines and spending the afternoon in La Jolla

I haven’t decided where to stay that night yet but was thinking more centrally in San Diego so we can experience it a little (little Italy seems like a popular dinner place)

Monday morning we would check out balboa park and have a little stroll around San Diego before heading back up the coast l, we have a hotel booked in Huntington beach for Monday evening.

Does any one have any advice on this/ is there any must see spots I should consider

I know we don’t have long so can’t see much but open to ideas. We are young couple who like good views, chilled vibes but up for a nice bar in the evening

Thanks in advance

Answer

Your plan for a quick San Diego visit sounds very doable and should give you a nice mix of coastal views, relaxed vibes, and a touch of city exploration. Since you’re limited on time, focusing on iconic spots and efficient routing will maximize your experience.

Here’s a suggested approach:

Saturday night: Staying near Irvine or Laguna Beach is convenient for an early start on Sunday. Both areas offer scenic coastal drives, and you can enjoy a quiet evening beach stroll if you arrive early enough.
Sunday morning: Drive down the coast to San Diego. A first stop at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is perfect for short hikes with spectacular ocean views. Trails like the Razor Point or Beach Trail are moderate and quick.
Late morning / lunch: Head to La Jolla. Explore the coastline, check out the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, and have lunch at one of the waterfront cafes or casual eateries. This area is scenic and photogenic without requiring much walking.
Afternoon / evening: Continue into central San Diego. Little Italy is ideal for dinner, offering a lively but manageable vibe. For a relaxed bar with good ambiance, consider rooftop spots or craft cocktail bars in the Gaslamp Quarter nearby.

Monday morning:

Start with Balboa Park. You don’t need to see everything—pick a couple of gardens or the central plaza for a short stroll. If you have energy, a quick peek at one museum or the Botanical Building is nice, but the gardens and architecture are highlights on their own.
If time allows, consider a quick drive to Coronado Island for views of the San Diego skyline and a short walk along the beach.
Begin your drive back north toward Huntington Beach, taking the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) as much as possible. Stops along the way can include Oceanside Pier or Carlsbad beaches for a brief stretch and photos.

Additional tips:

Plan your route so you’re not battling peak traffic; leaving early on Sunday helps, and Monday morning is generally lighter than weekday rush hours.
Parking can be tricky near La Jolla and Balboa Park; using paid lots or timed street parking is advisable.
Keep an eye on timing—San Diego’s main attractions are spread out, so choose 2–3 key stops to enjoy rather than trying to cover everything.

Overall, your plan balances coastal drives, scenic spots, and a taste of San Diego nightlife without feeling rushed. The key is focusing on quality over quantity for this short visit.