21 days in San Diego Itinerary

Divided into neighborhoods with distinct characters and cultural heritages, San Diego sits just north of the Mexican border and offers visitors a blend of tourist attractions, including a lively nightlife, diverse cuisine, and a thriving musical scene.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like San Diego Zoo and Disney California Adventure Park. You'll find plenty of places to visit near San Diego: Oceanside Pier (in Oceanside), Anaheim (Tarzan's Treehouse, Downtown Disney District, &more) and LEGOLAND California (in Carlsbad). Spend the 2nd (Sat) exploring the fascinating underwater world at SeaWorld San Diego. There's still lots to do: examine the collection at USS Midway Museum, appreciate the history behind Cabrillo National Monument, identify plant and animal life at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and kick back and relax at La Jolla Cove.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our San Diego online tour builder.

Chicago to San Diego is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time is minus 2 hours. Plan for much warmer temperatures traveling from Chicago in December, with highs in San Diego at 68°F and lows at 51°F. On the 16th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.