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

Your San Diego itinerary sounds fun and adventurous! Since you love being outdoors, walking, biking, and short adventures, here’s a detailed plan and advice on logistics, timing, and restaurant options to maximize your experience.

June 4 – Arrival

Late-night arrival means a simple Uber or rideshare to your Pacific Beach Airbnb is best. No need to rush or do any sightseeing this night. Just settle in and rest for the active days ahead.

June 5 – Explore Pacific Beach

Using your rental bikes, take the day to get familiar with the area. Pacific Beach is very walkable and bike-friendly, especially along the boardwalk and Mission Boulevard. Key highlights:

Morning: Brunch at JRDN or The Mission Café – both casual, great for coffee and breakfast.
Late morning/early afternoon: Bike along the boardwalk from PB to Mission Beach and see Crystal Pier.
Afternoon: Walk along PB Pier, relax on the beach, maybe rent paddleboards if interested.
Evening: Casual dinner nearby – options include Kono’s for breakfast-style dinner, or Oscar’s Mexican Seafood for quick and tasty casual eats.

June 6 – Anniversary in La Jolla

Your schedule is ambitious but doable if you plan transit and parking carefully. Here’s how:

Uber or drive to La Jolla around 10:30–11:00am to arrive at George’s at the Cove on time.
After lunch, 2:40pm Sea Cave Kayak tour. Make sure to allow at least 20–30 min to drive/park and check in.
Post-kayak, visit La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool to see sea lions and seals (these are close to the kayak launch point).
Uber back to your Airbnb to freshen up before dinner at Eddie V’s at 6:30pm.

Notes: Timing is tight but manageable. Consider factoring in traffic and parking; La Jolla can get busy midday. Booking kayaks and restaurants in advance is crucial.

June 7–8 – Mission Bay and Hiking

Mission Bay: Great for biking along the scenic paths, water activities, or even renting a small boat. Breakfast or brunch at The Mission Bay Café is convenient.
Hiking: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is only ~15–20 min from PB by car/ride-share. Morning hikes offer ocean views and cooler temps. Moderate loops like the Guy Fleming Trail or Razor Point Trail are around 2–3 miles.
Evenings: Casual dining near your Airbnb or explore PB/La Jolla for small bistros and beachside cafés.

June 9–13 – Downtown/Marina District

With your business portion, solo exploration will be ideal for walking and short adventures.

Waterfront Walks: Seaport Village, Embarcadero, and Maritime Museum area are walkable and scenic.
Coronado: Take the ferry from downtown for a quick trip; walk the Hotel del Coronado beach area. Great for sunset views.
Biking: Consider using your rental bike for small downtown loops or along the waterfront paths. Easy to reach boutique shops and cafés in Little Italy.
Evening Dining:
- Little Italy: Barbusa, Civico 1845, or Ironside Fish & Oyster
- Downtown/Marina: Born & Raised for upscale, Puesto for casual tacos, Kettner Exchange for rooftop vibes
Outdoor exploration: Harbor Island Loop is a flat, scenic walking/biking route with views of the marina and city skyline.

June 13 – Last Day

Zoo and Balboa Park in the morning/early afternoon (start early to avoid crowds and heat). Focus on outdoor gardens and trails instead of museums.
Late afternoon/early evening: Head to Little Italy for dinner or check out Coronado Hotel area for a final stroll.
Red-eye prep: Ensure your luggage is ready and Uber to the airport with enough buffer time for early international flight check-in.

General Tips & Logistics

Uber/ride-share works well for longer distances, but biking/walking is efficient for PB, Mission Bay, and downtown areas.
Reserve restaurants and activities in advance to save time and guarantee availability.
Carry water, sunscreen, and layers for coastal winds; mornings can be cool even in June.
Try to group activities geographically to minimize back-and-forth travel.
Parking in La Jolla and downtown is limited; plan extra time if driving.

With this plan, you’ll balance your anniversary activities, active exploration, and downtown leisure, maximizing time outdoors and limiting Uber dependence while experiencing a true San Diego vibe.

Please help with itinerary

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