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San Diego: Boeing 737 flying past Downtown on final approach to SAN
Photo: Steve Jurvetson · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Destination template · 12 days

San Diego & Santa Fe in 12 days

6 sightseeing days in San Diego, a dedicated relocation day, then 5 days in Santa Fe. Includes San Diego Zoo and Palace of the Governors / New Mexico History Museum, with guide-listed dining suggestions.

Adapted from community travel guides · Researched Sources & notes

The stops are drawn from the guides below; daily order, times and durations are our suggested adaptation. Available map pins are approximate, not provider-verified; missing coordinates remain unset. Prices are left unknown; check tickets, opening hours and transport before booking.

Route data adapted from Wikivoyage contributors, with our own selection and suggested timing; shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source pages link to contributor histories. This is an editorial multi-day schedule; the source community has not rated this itinerary.

  • Stay in San Diego for the first 6 sightseeing days; move to Santa Fe on day 7, then stay for 5 sightseeing days. Book accommodation in both bases rather than returning each night.
  • The 1084 km figure is approximate straight-line separation, not transit distance. The relocation day reserves room for travel and check-in without promising a direct service or a same-day connection. Verify the journey before booking this two-base plan.
  • City visits and restaurants are adapted from the linked retained community-guide material, not newly verified opening hours, live menus or first-hand visits. Suggested times are editable planning blocks. Check closures, reservations, accessibility and dietary needs.
  • Cover photo shows the first city. Original source and photo credits remain attached. Adapted community route selections retain CC BY-SA 4.0 attribution; source research dates remain in the individual stop and dining notes.
6 local dining picks added to this itineraryDining sources

These picks have positive travel-guide coverage or a named professional recommendation; they are not live customer ratings. Suggested times are not reservations. Confirm service days, dietary needs and prices. Other days remain open for your own food discoveries.

  • Day 1 · Zia Gourmet Pizza — Pizza, vegan, traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 2 · Ponces Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 3 · Bencotto Italian Kitchen — Pasta. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 8 · La Casa Sena — Traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 9 · AGAVE Restaurant & Lounge — Regional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 10 · La Choza — Traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗

Sources checked 2026-10-30. Community-guide dining data is adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; source pages link to contributor histories.

San Diego & Santa Fe itinerary: 12 days at a glance

Review the original daily plan before editing below. Times and durations are suggested planning blocks; dining stops are not reservations. Your personal edits appear in the editor and downloads.

Day 1: San Diego: San Diego Zoo & San Diego Museum of Art

  • · San Diego Zoo · 120 min
  • · Transfer to San Diego Museum of Art · 30 min
  • · San Diego Museum of Art · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Zia Gourmet Pizza (Pizza, vegan, traditional) · 75 min

Day 2: San Diego: USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum & Maritime Museum of San Diego

  • · USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Maritime Museum of San Diego · 30 min
  • · Maritime Museum of San Diego · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Ponces Mexican Restaurant (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 3: San Diego: Cabrillo National Monument & Fort Rosecrans

  • · Cabrillo National Monument · 75 min
  • · Transfer to Fort Rosecrans · 30 min
  • · Fort Rosecrans · 75 min
  • · Dinner: Bencotto Italian Kitchen (Pasta) · 75 min

Day 4: San Diego: San Diego Model Railroad Museum & Museum of Photographic Arts

  • · San Diego Model Railroad Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Museum of Photographic Arts · 30 min
  • · Museum of Photographic Arts · 120 min

Day 5: San Diego: San Diego Air and Space Museum & San Diego Automotive Museum

  • · San Diego Air and Space Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to San Diego Automotive Museum · 30 min
  • · San Diego Automotive Museum · 120 min

Day 6: San Diego: Gaslamp Museum at the Davis Horton House & San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

  • · Gaslamp Museum at the Davis Horton House · 120 min
  • · Transfer to San Diego Chinese Historical Museum · 30 min
  • · San Diego Chinese Historical Museum · 120 min

Day 7: San Diego → Santa Fe: travel and check-in

  • · Relocate: San Diego → Santa Fe · 600 min

Day 8: Santa Fe: Palace of the Governors / New Mexico History Museum & St. Francis Cathedral

  • · Palace of the Governors / New Mexico History Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to St. Francis Cathedral · 30 min
  • · St. Francis Cathedral · 90 min
  • · Dinner: La Casa Sena (Traditional) · 75 min

Day 9: Santa Fe: Georgia O'Keeffe Museum & Museum of Contemporary Native Arts

  • · Georgia O'Keeffe Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Museum of Contemporary Native Arts · 30 min
  • · Museum of Contemporary Native Arts · 120 min
  • · Dinner: AGAVE Restaurant & Lounge (Regional) · 75 min

Day 10: Santa Fe: Museum of International Folk Art & Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

  • · Museum of International Folk Art · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Museum of Indian Arts & Culture · 30 min
  • · Museum of Indian Arts & Culture · 120 min
  • · Dinner: La Choza (Traditional) · 75 min

Day 11: Santa Fe: Museum of Spanish Colonial Art & Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian

  • · Museum of Spanish Colonial Art · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian · 30 min
  • · Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian · 120 min

Day 12: Santa Fe: Santa Fe Children's Museum & Scottish Rite Temple

  • · Santa Fe Children's Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Scottish Rite Temple · 30 min
  • · Scottish Rite Temple · 90 min

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Day 1
  • 09:30120m
    2920 Zoo Dr

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Balboa_Park-Hillcrest (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    San Diego

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.33 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    1450 El Prado

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Balboa_Park-Hillcrest (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    3311 Adams Ave

    Pizza, vegan, traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. About 4.3 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Mid-City (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5355966; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 2
  • 09:30120m
    910 N. Harbor Dr

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Downtown (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    San Diego

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.76 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    1492 North Harbor Dr

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Downtown (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    4050 Adams Ave

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. About 7.8 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Mid-City (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5355966; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 3
  • 09:3075m
    at the end of Catalina Boulevard

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Point_Loma-Ocean_Beach (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    San Diego

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (1.4 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0075m
    north of Cabrillo National Monument

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Point_Loma-Ocean_Beach (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    750 W Fir St

    Pasta. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: Tue-Sun 11:30AM-close, open Mondays June-Sept. Recheck with the restaurant. About 8.2 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Downtown (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5355964; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 4
  • 09:30120m
    1649 El Prado

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Balboa_Park-Hillcrest (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    San Diego

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.04 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    1649 El Prado

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Balboa_Park-Hillcrest (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 5
  • 09:30120m
    2001 Pan American Plaza

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Balboa_Park-Hillcrest (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    San Diego

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.13 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    2080 Pan American Plaza

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Balboa_Park-Hillcrest (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 6
  • 09:30120m
    410 Island Ave

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Downtown (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    San Diego

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.12 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    404 Third Ave

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego/Downtown (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 7
  • 08:00600m
    San Diego → Santa Fe

    Dedicated relocation day from San Diego to Santa Fe; no transport is booked. The city centres are approximately 1084 km apart in a straight line, not a measured road or rail route. Choose and book a suitable flight, train, bus or ferry; confirm operating days, total door-to-door time, luggage rules and arrival before making reservations. This full-day block is reserved time, not a timetable. Move the following day if your journey needs longer.

Day 8
  • 09:30120m
    105 E Palace Ave

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Santa Fe

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.26 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    213 Cathedral Pl

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    125 E Palace Ave

    Traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: Mon-Sat 11:30AM-3PM and 5:30PM-10PM, Sun 11AM-3PM and 5:30PM-10PM. Recheck with the restaurant. About 0.1 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5386788; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 9
  • 09:30120m
    217 Johnson St

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Santa Fe

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.43 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    108 Cathedral Pl

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    309 W. San Francisco

    Regional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: Dinner nightly from 5:30PM. Recheck with the restaurant. About 0.5 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5386788; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 10
  • 09:30120m
    706 Camino Lejo

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Santa Fe

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.1 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    710 Camino Lejo

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    905 Alarid St

    Traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. About 3 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5386788; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 11
  • 09:30120m
    750 Camino Lejo

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Santa Fe

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.47 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    704 Camino Lejo

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 12
  • 09:30120m
    1050 Old Pecos Trail

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Santa Fe

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (2.06 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    463 Paseo de Peralta

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_%28New_Mexico%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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