Picture Perfect; San Diego Weekend Photography Trip
A Weekend Getaway in San Diego: January 17-20, 2024
Not all trips are meticulously planned down to the last detail. Sometimes, the best adventures happen when you spontaneously decide on a destination. That’s exactly what happened with our weekend getaway to San Diego. My partner had never been to the city, and my only previous visit had been for a camping trip. This time, we were diving into San Diego’s vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and, of course, plenty of opportunities for photography.
Arrival: Smooth Sailing and a Lucky Upgrade
We flew out on Thursday night after work, opting for a late flight to maximize our time. Our route was a quick one with a single layover in Dallas/Fort Worth, and both flights were uneventful, a nice change from the usual travel chaos. We landed in San Diego at midnight and, after a brief stop at the Avis counter (which was at the Budget counter late at night), we found out we had been upgraded to a Subaru Outback for no extra charge. It turned out to be the perfect vehicle for getting around the city.
We checked into the IHG Holiday Inn Express in downtown The hotel was clean, comfortable, and affordable, and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. It was the perfect place to rest after a day of travel and to get ready for the adventures ahead.
Day 1: Wildlife, Street Art, and Historic Charm
We woke up early on Friday to head straight for La Jolla Cove. This spot is a must-see, and even in the off-season, it’s quite popular. We spent the morning photographing sea lions, which were everywhere—sunbathing, barking, and chasing each other through the surf. The best part was how playful and carefree they seemed. It’s hard not to smile watching them frolic around in the sun. I even found myself putting the camera down at times to just soak it all in.
Afterward, we drove over to Chicano Park, a cultural gem located beneath the Coronado Bridge. This park is home to one of the largest collections of murals in the country. The vibrant artwork tells powerful stories of resistance and celebration. If you visit, I highly recommend reading Chadd Scott’s article Chicano Park Day Commemoration Returns To Roots Of Resistance to truly appreciate its significance. We spent a couple of hours photographing the murals, the skate park, and the beautifully painted stage. We were approached by a local who shared more about the area, recommending a nearby museum dedicated to the history of the area.
By now, we were starving, so we headed to Old Town San Diego for lunch. We ate at Miguel’s and ate some of the best fajitas I’ve ever had. Old Town is a charming mix of history, shops, and food, and we found plenty of photo ops as we wandered. Casa de Estudillo was a highlight—this historic house and its gardens offer a glimpse into San Diego’s past.
Next, we made our way to Coronado Island to capture the iconic Coronado Bridge at golden hour. I had the idea to photograph it from below, with the boats on the beach as a foreground, while waiting for the lights to come on. The sunset views of the bridge were stunning, and we capped the evening by heading to the other side of the island for some shots of the San Diego skyline as it lit up against the night sky. After hours of shooting, we were exhausted but incredibly happy with the results. We returned to the hotel, sore and satisfied, ready to rest up for Day 2.
Day 2: Wildlife and Adventure at the Zoo
Saturday was all about the San Diego Zoo. After a much-needed lie-in, we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the zoo with just the essentials—my Canon R5 with a RF100-500mm lens. The zoo is massive, and you’ll definitely need several hours to explore. From exotic birds to the famous Red Pandas, we captured some incredible shots. Pro tip: bring extra memory cards! I filled my 128GB card the day before and had to stop by Nelson Photo and Video to grab another. Glad I did! The staff at the store were friendly and helpful and I found everything I needed!
The zoo is a little on the pricey side, but it's worth it. The animals are well cared for, and the zoo focuses heavily on conservation and education. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, but the photography opportunities are endless. By the time we were done, we were beyond exhausted but couldn't resist stopping at In-N-Out Burger for a quick dinner. After all, no California trip is complete without one! I couldn’t resist the Double-Double Animal Style—no regrets there.
Day 3: Coastal Wildlife and Scenic Drives
On Sunday, we decided to keep things a little more low-key. We visited the Living Coast Discovery Center and Wildlife Reserve. It was the perfect spot for a morning stroll, with amazing photo ops of raptors, sharks, and rays. We even had a wild owl surprise us by perching above the owl enclosure! Nature had a way of showing up just when we needed it.
Next, we walked along the Sweetwater Trail, capturing shots of shorebirds and enjoying the calm atmosphere. We had originally planned to visit the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, but by this point, we were both pretty tired, so we decided to drive through instead. The architecture there is fantastic, and I’d recommend checking it out if you have time.
For our last adventure, we decided to take a scenic drive up the coast to visit Norco and Corona, where I used to live. We had an amazing California Burrito at 4 Serranos Mexican Grill in Norco before heading back to San Diego. We drove a different route to enjoy more of the beautiful California scenery, winding through the canyons and making our way back slowly.
Departure: The Journey Home
We wrapped up our trip by editing more photos in the hotel room and enjoying a relaxing pizza dinner before our 4 AM airport departure. The flight back to reality was smooth and uneventful, as we were both already dreaming about our next adventure.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Weekend in San Diego
San Diego turned out to be the perfect getaway for a photography-focused weekend. From the sea lions at La Jolla Cove to the vibrant murals at Chicano Park and the wild animals at the zoo, there was no shortage of photo-worthy moments. The city’s blend of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and laid-back vibe made it the ideal destination for us. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just looking to relax and explore, San Diego has something for everyone.
I’ll be back soon, that’s for sure!
If you enjoyed this post and want to explore more about San Diego or photography tips, feel free to reach out or follow along for more travel adventures! And if you like what I write, consider subscribing so you never miss a new post (Blue Sign up button on the Gallery page) Until next time; safe travels and happy shooting!