11 day itinerary
Los Angeles San Diego
Personalized with:SurfCheapFun
Itinerary
An 11-day adventure in Los Angeles and San Diego sounds like a blast! With your love for surfing, budget-friendly options, and a desire for fun, I’ve crafted an itinerary that balances beach time, exploration, and some local culture. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles
- Morning: Arrive in LA! Check into a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb in areas like Santa Monica or .
- Afternoon: Head to . Stroll along the boardwalk, check out the street performers, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
- Evening: Grab a casual dinner at a local taco stand (like Tacos El Pastor) and enjoy the sunset on the beach.
Day 2: Surfing in Santa Monica
- Morning: Rent a surfboard at and take a surf lesson if you’re a beginner. The waves here are usually friendly!
- Afternoon: After surfing, grab a quick lunch at a beachside café. Then, explore the and its arcade.
- Evening: Walk along Third Street Promenade for some shopping and street performances. Grab dinner at a budget-friendly spot like The Misfit Restaurant.
Day 3: Explore LA
- Morning: Visit and hike up to for stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign.
- Afternoon: Head to to see the Walk of Fame and . Snap some fun photos!
- Evening: Enjoy a cheap dinner at In-N-Out Burger (a must-try!) and catch a movie at a local theater.
Day 4: Day Trip to Malibu
- Morning: Rent a car and drive to Malibu. Stop at for some sun and surf.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch on the beach (grab some snacks from a local grocery store) and enjoy more beach time.
- Evening: Head back to LA and have dinner at a local diner.
Day 5: San Diego Bound
- Morning: Check out of your LA accommodation and drive down to San Diego (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive in San Diego and check into a budget-friendly hostel in the or . Hit up for some surf time!
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a beachside taco shop.
Day 6: Surfing in
- Morning: Rent a surfboard and hit the waves at . The surf here is perfect for all levels!
- Afternoon: Grab lunch at a local café and then rent a bike to ride along the boardwalk.
- Evening: Check out the nightlife in . There are plenty of fun bars with live music!
Day 7: La Jolla Adventures
- Morning: Head to . You can surf or just enjoy the stunning views and sea lions!
- Afternoon: Explore the tide pools and grab lunch at a local spot like The Taco Stand.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset picnic at .
Day 8: & Downtown San Diego
- Morning: Visit . You can stroll through the gardens and check out the free museums.
- Afternoon: Have lunch in the park and then head to the (if you’re up for it, it’s a bit pricier but worth it!).
- Evening: Explore the for dinner. Look for happy hour deals to save some cash!
Day 9:
- Morning: Take the ferry to . Rent a bike or walk along the beach.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a beach day at . Pack a picnic or grab lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Return to San Diego and have a casual dinner at a local pizzeria.
Day 10: Surfing & Relaxation
- Morning: Head back to your favorite surf spot ( or ) for one last surf session.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring any areas you may have missed.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a beachside restaurant. Enjoy some fresh seafood or a classic burger!
Day 11: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café. Take a final stroll along the beach.
- Afternoon: Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Budgeting:
- Look for free or low-cost activities, like hiking, beach days, and exploring local neighborhoods.
- Use public transportation or rideshare apps to save on parking and gas.
- Check out local food trucks and casual eateries for affordable meals.
There you have it! An action-packed, surf-filled, and budget-friendly itinerary for your 11 days in Los Angeles and San Diego. Enjoy every wave and every moment! 🌊🏄♂️🌞