Experience the Best of San Diego Before Returning to LA

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at Vistal, an excellent restaurant on the third floor of the InterContinental hotel with views of the bay.
Walk off your meal with a stroll around neighbouring Waterfront Park, a popular destination that surrounds the historic County Administration Center, with a well-maintained lawn, art installations, and water features.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Walk over to the USS Midway Museum, a World War II-era aircraft carrier that celebrates the legacy of the United States Navy. Go below deck to see how the crew lived and operated during times of war. You can also get an up-close look at dozens of small aircraft on the hangar deck and flight deck.
Try to arrive right as the museum opens at 10:00 a.m. to maximise your time. Tickets are available in advance online.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Return to the hotel to check out (if you haven't done so already) and pick up the car. Your next stop is the San Diego Zoo.
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The San Diego Zoo is the most popular zoo in the United States, drawing millions of visitors a year. It covers nearly 100 acres of Balboa Park, with thousands of animals in cage-free, open-air exhibits.
Most of the areas are themed (like "Elephant Odyssey”, "Africa Rocks”, "Asian Passage”, etc.). Your best strategy is to take the free bus ride around the park or the Skyfari cable car to soak it all in, then follow up with closer looks at the most interesting exhibits.
Lunch options range from full-service, sit-down restaurants like Albert's to quick, casual spots like Lagoon Terrace for pizza and hot dogs.
You could easily spend an entire day at the San Diego Zoo. If you prefer more time, skip the USS Midway visit in the morning and drive to the zoo earlier. Tickets are available online.
Note that opening hours may vary seasonally; check them in advance on the official website.

After a fun afternoon at the zoo, enjoy dinner at Trust, which is just a short drive away. Chef and owner Brad Wise divides the menu into categories like "Farm", "Ocean", and "Ranch", with an emphasis on seasonal vegetables, seafood, and steaks prepared in a wood-fired oven. Dishes are designed for the table to share.
The dining room has a contemporary, rustic feel, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio surrounding by trees. Call +16197956901 or go online to make a reservation.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday – Tuesday: Closed

It's about a two-hour drive back to Los Angeles, a trip that includes occasional ocean views. Take your time and stop to stretch your legs when needed.