Girls Trip to San Diego, CA: 3 Day Guide for Fun, Sun & Unforgettable Moments

Annekah Hall-Solomon
Aug 11, 2025
5 min read

Why San Diego is the Perfect Spot for a Girls Trip

When it comes to planning a girls getaway that checks all the boxes — sunshine, gorgeous scenery, vibrant nightlife, laid-back beach vibes, and endless opportunities to pamper yourself — San Diego delivers.

It’s one of those destinations where you can mix rooftop cocktails and spa mornings in the same day, where the weather almost always cooperates (averaging 70 degrees year-round), and where every neighborhood has its own unique flavor.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, planning a bachelorette weekend, reuniting with your college crew, or simply craving some quality time with your closest friends, San Diego makes it easy to craft a weekend that balances fun, connection, and relaxation.

The best part? San Diego offers something for every style and budget — from luxe on a budget boutique stays to full-on luxury resorts with all the bells and whistles.

Where to Stay: Choose Your Vibe

San Diego’s charm lies in its variety. The right neighborhood will set the tone for your entire weekend. Here’s a guide to help you decide:

If You Want to Be in the Middle of the Action

Gaslamp Quarter

Known for its vibrant nightlife, rooftop bars, and trendy restaurants
Walkable and perfect if you plan to spend your evenings hopping between cocktail lounges and live music venues
Great for groups who want to dress up and go out without worrying about long Uber rides

Pacific Beach (PB)

A lively beach town with a younger, high-energy vibe
Great for daytime beach hangs that roll right into casual bars and beachfront happy hours
Perfect for groups who want a “flip-flops by day, heels by night” weekend

Little Italy

A foodie paradise with an abundance of wine bars, farm-to-table restaurants, and chic coffee shops
Walkable and atmospheric, especially during the Saturday farmers market
Great for groups who want a mix of upscale dining and relaxed daytime exploring

If You’re Craving a Relaxing Escape

La Jolla

Elegant coastal village known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and upscale dining
Gorgeous beaches and scenic coastal walks (La Jolla Cove is a must)
Ideal for groups who want a slower pace with plenty of opportunities to splurge on spa treatments and fine dining

Coronado

Charming island feel with beautiful sandy beaches and a quaint main street
Perfect for leisurely bike rides, beach picnics, and catching sunset with a glass of wine in hand
Great if you want to feel tucked away but still be just a quick drive from downtown

Del Mar

Coastal luxury at its finest, with scenic beaches, boutique shopping, and a polished yet relaxed vibe
Ideal for spa days, oceanfront dining, and catching a horse race at the famous Del Mar Racetrack (seasonal)

Your 3-Day Girls Trip to San Diego

Whether you want to stick to one neighborhood or explore a few, this 3-day plan offers a balance of excitement and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Fun

Afternoon:

Arrive in San Diego and check into your hotel (we’ll help you pick the perfect one for your group’s vibe).
Freshen up, unpack, and enjoy a welcome toast with your friends — champagne or sparkling mocktails always set the tone.

Evening:

Head out for a rooftop dinner with city or ocean views.
After dinner, wander to a lively cocktail lounge or wine bar. In Gaslamp, you can go from upscale lounges to high-energy dance floors in minutes.

Day 2: Beach, Brunch & Night Out

Morning:

Start the day with a beach walk or yoga session by the ocean.
Head to a popular brunch spot — San Diego is known for its creative brunch menus and bottomless mimosas.

Afternoon:

Split up the group if needed — some can opt for a spa appointment, others can shop local boutiques or hit a coastal trail.
If you’re near Little Italy, stroll the farmers market for artisanal snacks and handmade goods.

Evening:

Dress up for a memorable night out. This could mean a progressive dinner in Little Italy, a sunset cocktail cruise from the harbor, or dancing the night away in Pacific Beach or Gaslamp.

Day 3: Leisure & Send-Off

Morning:

Sleep in and enjoy a slow breakfast at a café with outdoor seating.
Savor your last few hours with a casual group activity — maybe a harbor cruise, art gallery visit, or a leisurely beach picnic.

Afternoon:

Check out, take one last group photo, and head to the airport or your next destination feeling refreshed and reconnected.

Activities to Mix & Match for Your Weekend

No matter your style, San Diego has options to fill your weekend with memory-making moments:

Beach Time & Water Fun

Lounge at Pacific Beach or Coronado Beach
Book a group surf lesson or stand-up paddleboard session
Go for a sunset sail or harbor cruise

Wellness & Pampering

Indulge in spa treatments at one of the city’s luxury resorts
Try a beachfront yoga or Pilates class
Book a group sound bath or meditation workshop

Shopping & Exploring

Explore La Jolla’s boutiques and art galleries
Stroll Little Italy’s markets and specialty shops
Visit Liberty Station for unique local vendors and galleries

Nightlife & Dining

Enjoy a rooftop happy hour with skyline views
Book a wine tasting or cocktail-making class
Dine at San Diego’s top seafood or farm-to-table restaurants

Unique Excursions

Take a day trip to Temecula for wine tasting
Visit Balboa Park’s museums and gardens
Explore the cliffs and tide pools at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Tips for Planning the Perfect Girls Trip to San Diego

Book Early – Hotels and group activities fill up fast, especially in summer and during big events.
Plan for Group Preferences – Balance active and downtime so everyone’s happy.
Mix Luxe & Casual – Pair splurge-worthy dinners with casual beach days for the perfect budget balance.
Dress Smart – Pack versatile outfits that can go from day to night with a change of shoes or accessories.
Let Someone Else Handle the Details – Group travel is easier (and more fun) when you’re not managing logistics alone.

Let Destination Decoded Travel Plan It All

From selecting the best neighborhood to arranging activities and dinner reservations, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment with your friends.

We’ll design your San Diego girls trip to match your group’s style, whether that means luxe on a budget or all-out luxury. Plus, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and upgrades when you book your hotel through us. And as a reminder, our services are Free.

📩 Ready to start planning?

Contact Destination Decoded Travel today and let’s turn your San Diego getaway into a weekend you’ll never forget. Visit www.DestinationDecodedTravel.com or Call / Text (702) 291-8599