15 days in San Diego & Denver Itinerary

Divided into neighborhoods with distinct characters and cultural heritages, San Diego sits just north of the Mexican border and offers visitors a blend of tourist attractions, including a lively nightlife, diverse cuisine, and a thriving musical scene.

Get outdoors at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and La Jolla Shores Park. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Point Loma and Mission Beach Boardwalk. Explore San Diego's surroundings by going to Del Mar City Beach (in Del Mar), Carlsbad (South Carlsbad State Beach & Carlsbad Village) and Lions, Tigers & Bears (in Alpine). The adventure continues: enjoy the sand and surf at Windansea Beach, explore the striking landscape of Cabrillo National Monument, tee off at Torrey Pines Golf Course, and examine the collection at Mingei International Museum.

For where to stay and tourist information, use the San Diego trip itinerary planner.

Rochester to San Diego is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Rochester to San Diego. Prepare for warmer weather when traveling from Rochester in February: high temperatures in San Diego hover around 68°F and lows are around 53°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Denver.

Aptly nicknamed the "Mile-High City," Denver sits at an altitude of 1,600 m (5,280 ft) above sea level, located right where the Great Plains give way to the Rocky Mountains.

Take a break from the city and head to Winter Park Resort and Loveland Ski Area. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Copper Mountain and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park (Many Parks Curve Overlook & Emerald Lake Trail), Horseback Riding Tours (in Estes Park) and Lady Luck Casino (in Black Hawk). The adventure continues: fly down the slopes at Arapahoe Basin, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, contemplate the waterfront views at Manitou Springs Incline, and pick up some new knowledge with Keystone Ski & Ride School.

To find where to stay and tourist information, use the Denver day trip planner.

Traveling by flight from San Diego to Denver takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from San Diego to Denver due to the time zone difference. Expect cooler temperatures when traveling from San Diego in February; daily highs in Denver reach 45°F and lows reach 21°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) early enough to fly back home.