One Week in San Diego: Expectation vs. Reality

Planning the ultimate vacation is a delicate art. It involves meticulous preparation, a splash of optimism, and the flexibility to embrace the unexpected. When we set out to explore San Diego for a week, we had our itinerary mapped out down to the last detail. But as any seasoned traveler knows, the line between expectation and reality often blurs—and that's where the real adventure begins.

In this blog post, I’m excited to share our week-long San Diego journey. It’s a tale of perfectly planned days and the delightful (or sometimes frustrating) surprises that came our way. Whether you're in the midst of planning your next getaway or just dreaming of the California coast, I hope this guide not only inspires your itinerary but also reminds you that travel is as much about the unplanned as the planned.

We crafted this itinerary with a 15-year-old in mind, aiming to strike the perfect balance between family-friendly activities and adult indulgences. So, if you’re traveling with teens—or just looking for a fun, laid-back trip—this guide has you covered. Throughout, I’ll sprinkle in quick reviews of our experiences, but for deeper dives into specific spots, don’t forget to check out our other pages.

Why San Diego? For us, the answer was simple: it’s just a short drive away. Sometimes the best vacations are right in your backyard, waiting to be explored. Despite living in California for years, my husband and I had never truly experienced San Diego through the eyes of travelers. It’s easy to overlook the treasures close to home, much like New Yorkers who’ve never been to the Statue of Liberty. So, we decided to change that—and San Diego was the perfect place to start.

As you read on, keep in mind that our adventure unfolded in June, during the infamous “June Gloom.” While the weather added its own twists, it didn’t stop us from enjoying a few sunny moments. Now, let’s dive into Day 1 of our San Diego adventure.

Day 1: Monday

Expectation: Harbor Fish & Chips | Reality: Leftover Lunch at Home

Our first day was a travel day, and I had grand plans to kick it off with a relaxing lunch overlooking the harbor at Harbor Fish & Chips. With its simple menu and nautical charm, it seemed like the perfect way to ease into vacation mode. However, as anyone with a teenager knows, getting out of the house on time is an art form in itself. So, instead of indulging in fresh fish by the water, we found ourselves finishing off leftovers at home before piling into the car.

Expectation: San Diego Botanic Garden | Reality: A Late, But Lovely Stroll

The San Diego Botanic Garden was next on our list, where I envisioned us spending a leisurely few hours exploring the lush foliage. Reality check: we arrived late for our reserved time slot. Thankfully, the staff was gracious, and we still enjoyed a peaceful hour and a half wandering through the vibrant landscapes. While we didn’t get to see everything, the garden was a beautiful escape from the hustle of the road and a gentle transition into vacation mode. We’re already planning a return visit to explore the parts we missed.

Expectation: San Elijo State Beach | Reality: No Time for Waves

As beach lovers, we couldn’t wait to stop at San Elijo State Beach to breathe in the ocean air and soak up some coastal views. But with our schedule running behind, we had to skip this stop entirely. If you find yourself with more time, I highly recommend taking a moment to enjoy the waves—it’s the perfect way to signal that your vacation has officially begun.

Expectation: Grange Garden | Reality: Another Missed Opportunity

One of the more unique stops on our list was Grange Garden, better known as the “bunny café” that went viral on social media. The idea of sipping coffee while cuddling adorable bunnies sounded like the ultimate stress reliever. Unfortunately, with our day slipping away, we had to bypass this charming spot. It’s still on our radar for a future trip!

Expectation: Westfield UTC | Reality: A Teenage Shopper’s Dream, Left Unfulfilled

Westfield UTC was a backup plan, a mall detour in case we had extra time (or if we needed to appease a shopping-loving teenager). Though we didn’t make it there, it’s worth noting for those traveling with teens. Sometimes, a little retail therapy is just what the family needs to keep everyone on the same page.

Kona Kai Resort: A Welcoming Oasis

After a long day, checking into the Kona Kai Resort was a much-needed reprieve. Cutting out some activities meant we had ample time to relax, grab a drink, and settle into our room before heading out again. The resort was everything we hoped for, with a laid-back vibe that set the perfect tone for the rest of our stay. Be sure to check out our detailed review of Kona Kai Resort for all the highlights.

Petco Park: A Night Under the Stadium Lights

Our final stop of the day was Petco Park for a Padres game. Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, this stadium is worth a visit. The atmosphere was electric, the food options were plentiful (tip: scope out the vendors before making a decision), and the game itself was a blast. Our teenager even called it “lit,” which, for those not in the know, is high praise. We made some great memories and left feeling like our vacation was truly underway.

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