How to Spend a Long Weekend in San Diego: A 3-Day Itinerary
There’s no better time to escape to sunny San Diego! With near-perfect weather year-round, stunning beaches, lively festivals, and world-famous attractions, San Diego is the ultimate summer destination.
Make your getaway even better here at The Dana on Mission Bay with our Linger Longer offer — the more nights you stay, the more you save! Whether you’re here for a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or just some well-earned R&R, this is your chance to soak up the sunshine and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Here are some ideas for the perfect stay in San Diego with a 3-day itinerary that can’t be beat! We have the best location near all the most popular things to do in San Diego, along with resort-style amenities and amazing onsite dining opportunities, The Dana on Mission Bay is exactly what you’re looking for when planning the perfect San Diego vacation. Here's how to make the most out of a 3-day getaway:
Day 1 – Relaxing At & Nearby the Hotel
Mornings at The Dana on Mission Bay are pure bliss. Wake up to the gentle coastal breeze, sip your coffee on a private balcony, and take in the stillness of the bay just steps from your room. It's the perfect way to start a San Diego day!
Breakfast at Firefly Eatery & Bar
Start the day off with a delicious breakfast at Firefly Eatery & Bar onsite at The Dana. Try the Surfer Burrito or Eggs Benedict and enjoy views of our Bayside Pool, private marina, and Mission Bay as you prepare for an amazing day in San Diego.
Beach Day, Anyone?
Grab some of our fun beach rentals and head down to Mission Beach, just a mile down the road from our hotel, for a day of sunbathing, beach combing, and swimming. Next, explore the popular Belmont Park, located right on the beachfront, with its fun carnival rides, mini-golf, and games. After a day of fun in the sun activities along the shore, treat yourself to lunch or dinner at Cannonball – a fun restaurant with sushi and California cuisine, with an intimate cocktail lounge, and rooftop terrace with amazing oceanfront views.
Games and Dive-In Movie Night
Make your way back to the Dana on Mission Bay for a fun-filled evening hanging out by the pool and hot tub and playing on the lawn with our games, including giant Connect-4, ping-pong, and more! Also, be sure to check out our nightly poolside family movie nights, known as “Dive-In Movies,” as you relax in the heated Tropical Pool and sip on your favorite cocktail.
Day 2 - Visit a Popular Amusement Park
Take a Bike Ride by the Bay
After a leisurely morning getting ready in your comfortable guestroom, enjoy breakfast by the Tropical Pool, then take a bike ride along the waterfront path and trails near the Dana on Mission Bay. When you’re done, fetch Fido from your pet-friendly room and take him for a walk around the waterfront, where you can both check out the scenery and take advantage of the amazing photo-ops together!
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
The 3-day adventure in San Diego continues with a visit to SeaWorld San Diego. Grab the convenient shuttle from our hotel and spend the day enjoying the amusement park rides, watching animal shows, shopping, taking guided tours, interacting with sea animals, and more! A great way to spend the day, and one of the most popular things to do in San Diego.
Sneak Away to a Speakeasy
Everyone loves a good speakeasy, and San Diego is home to some of the best! After a day at SeaWorld, head over to nearby Grass Skirt, a local speakeasy offering a tropical, tiki bar environment that is comfortable, fun, and one of the most popular things to do in San Diego. Enjoy cozy booth seating, exciting fire features, and theatrical effects for a tiki adventure you won’t soon forget!
Day 3 - Spend the Day on the Water
Breakfast in Bed
Treat yourself to breakfast in bed and have your favorite morning dishes delivered right to your room or suite with our Dana Delivery menu. Enjoy mimosas and tropical chai lattes, along with 3-egg omelets and fluffy pancakes to get the day started before you head out on your big adventure playing on the water!
Adventures on the Bay
Adventure Water Sports offers water sport rentals onsite at The Dana on Mission Bay, and is a great way to get out on the water in San Diego. Rentals include jet skis, kayaks, pontoon boats, stand-up paddle boards, ski boats, and more! Enjoy one of the most popular things to do in San Diego with a water sports experience from Adventure Water Sports during your stay in San Diego.
Catch a Summer Concert
Make plans to see a show at our sister hotel on Shelter Island, Humphreys Half Moon Inn. There is always something exciting happening at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay or Humphreys Backstage LIVE in San Diego. Here you will always find the best live entertainment in San Diego with intimate venues and top industry names. It's a great way to spend a summer evening in San Diego by the water!
Are You Ready to Plan a 3-Day Weekend in San Diego at The Dana on Mission Bay?
The longer you linger, the more you save this summer at The Dana on Mission Bay! Book your extended stay getaway today at our waterfront, pet-friendly hotel in San Diego for a summer escape you’ll always remember.
Our Water’s Edge Junior Suites and Suites offer beautiful views of the bayfront and are perfect for families, extended stays, and romantic escapes. Our bright and airy one and two-room suites are the best accommodations in San Diego and include private balconies or patios overlooking Mission Bay and Sunset Park. Now is the time to plan your SoCal adventure. Book today!
