A fun half-day spent in Old Town San Diego is about right. Plan for a couple of hours of sightseeing, historic sites, shopping, and museums, followed by a meal. That will make for a great morning and a lunch or a great afternoon and an early dinner.
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Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving urban center offers an abundance of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all easily accessible by foot, bike, car or public transportation.
Good to know: While you can see the best of the city of San Diego in one day, the surrounding communities of La Jolla, Encinitas, Del Mar, and Carlsbad should not be missed. Depending on your interests, I recommend a minimum of three days in the area.
For a family just visiting on vacation 1 day is plenty. I think young children also need time to run around and play so don't forget beaches/parks/playgrounds etc.
Walkability. Downtown San Diego is an incredibly walkable area. Many visitors are able to enjoy the city without ever getting in a car! Just outside the Convention Center is the Gaslamp Quarter, an urban playground offering lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment options all within a single square-mile.
The Marina section of San Diego is a great place for pedestrians with a Walk Score of 94. Most errands can be accomplished on foot. There are hundreds of restaurants and coffee shops that you can walk to, as well as the Children's Museum.
Data collected from hotels, public transportation, bars, restaurants, etc. revealed San Diego to be one of the most expensive weekend getaways in the country.