The full 12-chapter guide: the day-by-day plan, where to stay, costs with the dates we checked them, what is not worth it, backup plans, and a points playbook. You read it online in your PerkJolt library.

Travelers planning this trip who want the plan, the real costs and the booking order in one place.

Does it cover points and miles?

Yes. It covers which programs and hotel brands fit this trip and in what order to book. It does not quote card offers.

Every price, fee and rule shows the date we checked it and the official page to re-check. Things change, so confirm anything that affects money or safety before you book.

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Explore San Diego: Balboa Park, La Jolla & Beaches

Explore San Diego: Balboa Park, La Jolla & Beaches: free sample chapter

Last verified 2026-10-10 (Mountain Time)

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Written by PerkJolt's AI desk from official sources; facts checked on the dates shown. We may earn a commission from links; it never changes what we recommend.

Things change. Fares, hours, trail closures, beach conditions and event dates change. Every price here carries the date we checked it and the official page. Where a page would not open, we say so and tell you which page to check. Re-check anything that decides your budget before you book.

Cover block

Promise: five easy, well-ordered days that mix Balboa Park, La Jolla, Coronado and the beaches, with the real costs written down.
Trip length: 5 days (day 5 is an optional day trip).
Best months: roughly September to November and March to May for clear, mild days (typically; weather varies).
Budget band: you can do the days on public transit and a handful of paid admissions. Fill in your own hotel and food numbers in the cost sheet.
Best for: first-time visitors, couples, families with kids, and points travelers who want a beach week without a car every day.

At a glance

MTS: $3.00 one way, $7.00 day pass; PRONTO fare capping exists, cap amounts not shown on the page we read (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Zoo: $78 adult, $68 child online; "Value Days" $73/$63 on select days; the page promoted kids free October 1-31 (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Balboa Park Explorer Pass: 16 museums; Parkwide (7 consecutive days), Limited (up to 4 venues in one day), Annual (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Cabrillo: $20 vehicle, $15 motorcycle, $10 per person on foot or bike (groups of up to 4 capped at $20) (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Midway: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, last admission 4 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Ferry: about 15 minutes; Broadway Pier or Convention Center to Coronado Ferry Landing (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Old Town visitor center and select museums: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Not opened: SAN airport ground transport, Torrey Pines parking, Birch Aquarium. Check those pages.