The great thing about visiting San Diego is that there is so much to see and do within the city. What do you do when you want a little more of an itinerary than a central San Diego itinerary can offer? When your desire for adventure develops, there are plenty of options for hitting the open road on day trips from San Diego.
Day Trips from San Diego You’ll Love
One of the unique things about San Diego is that you can reach the desert, mountains, beaches and waterfront within an hour or two of the city. Having lived here for over 20 years, I have enjoyed many day trips, often turning them into weekend trips. Here are 12 of the best day trips from San Diego to satisfy any visitor.
1. Julian
julian One of the closest day trip destinations, this historic mountain town is a former mine with a downtown main street lined with shops and eateries. This is one of my regular trips for wine, beer and cider options. All seasons are wonderful, but fall brings festivals and winter can bring snow for travelers in areas not used to enjoying it. Please try our apple pie made with locally grown apples.
2. Idyllwild
At 6,000 feet above sea level, this mountain town is a two-hour drive from San Diego and offers plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing, rock climbing, and hiking.The real fun is enjoying the hipsters in the heart of downtown Idyllwild. Vintage, recycled, crystal and jewelry shops are perfect for browsing and shopping. Small cafes and restaurants like Idyllwild Brewery and Middle Ridge Winery are popular stops.
3. Laguna Mountain
Located just 32 miles southwest of Julian and easily accessible from Interstate 8 from San Diego, Mount Laguna boasts even more outdoor adventure. Located on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest and close to the Pacific Coast Trail, tranquility is a big draw. There’s also an observatory, perfect for watching the night sky. Camping is one of the best ways to turn it into a weekend getaway, and there are plenty of options for doing so.
4. Borrego Springs/Anza-Borrego State Park
Don’t miss a day trip to the desert east of San Diego.town of Borrego Springs Although it is small, there are thrift shops and restaurants. As the official Dark Sky community, stargazing is very important here and one of my favorite pastimes. Summer is usually best avoided due to the intense heat, but seeing super blooms in early spring is a highlight.
There are options for weekend getaways to suit every style and budget. These include camping, RV parks, glamping retro RV rentals, motels and hotels. I’ve gone tent camping, glamping in a retro trailer, and stayed in motels, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
5. Temecula
The Temecula region is located about an hour north inland and is known for its wine country. Visit Old Town Temecula, known for its history, shopping, and dining options, for a super easy and fun day trip. I have created my own wine country tours and participated in organized tours such as: grape line. Tours can depart from Temecula or round-trip from San Diego.
6. Campo/Lake Morena
Although still part of San Diego County, visitors will feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lake Morena County Park It is located south of the Laguna Mountains at an elevation of 3,000 feet. As an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, camping, hiking, kayaking, and fishing are major attractions. Pacific Coast He often meets hikers on his trails.
7. Baja California, Mexico
One of the unique things about San Diego is its proximity to the Mexican border, where beaches, shopping, and tacos and margaritas await. The food and hospitality baja That’s why you should consider this trip. Stay in nearby Tijuana or venture further south to the wine regions of Rosarito, Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe. You can also take public transport taxis or hire a private driver or tour guide for those who don’t want to drive.
Note: This day trip requires more planning and documentation than other trips. Make sure all visitors have valid passports, make sure their cars are properly insured for Mexico, and plan ahead for potentially long waits at the border upon your return. please.
8. Dana Point
Dana Point has plenty of activities to do on a day trip, including beaches, shopping, and dining. Additionally, Dana Point Harbor is a great starting point for whale watching, fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Additionally, a trip to the Marine Research Institute will allow you to learn all about marine life.
9. San Juan Capistrano
This historic city, 106 miles north of San Diego, is a must-see for history buffs. One of the main tourist attractions is Mission San Juan Capistrano, known as the birthplace of Orange County. Additionally, the Los Rios Street Historic District is full of great restaurants, quaint shops, and art. Easily accessible by a 90-minute train ride aboard Amtrak’s scenic Pacific Surfliner, it’s the perfect way to spend your day without a car.
10. San Clemente
Just an hour north of San Diego, it’s one of the quickest day trips. Known for its surfing destination and historic pier, this coastal city also offers boutique shops, restaurants, and beach hiking. One of his highlights here is stopping at Pedro’s His Tacos, which has been a staple since 1986. A visit to the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, the former residence of the city’s founder, offers stunning views of the city and coast from above.
11. Long Beach/Queen Mary
Located between Orange County and Los Angeles, it is the perfect medium for both. Long Beach has 13.5 miles of coastline and is approximately 180 miles from San Diego. But there’s more to it than just the beach, including a visit to Queen Mary’s Palace and the cathedral. Aquarium of the Pacific Perfect for everyone in the family. There are plenty of accommodation options for a weekend getaway, including the Queen Mary, which operates as a floating hotel.
12. Anaheim/Disneyland
If you love Disney and theme parks, you can take day trips from San Diego to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. It’s a 150 mile drive. You can also take the train to Fullerton and then take the shuttle bus to the entrance. If you want to try both parks, it’s best to do this over two days for the ultimate experience. There are plenty of resorts, hotels, and motels perfect for a weekend or long vacation.
No matter which direction you take down the road from San Diego, adventure awaits. From mountains to deserts to beaches to water sports, there are plenty of options for day or weekend trips. Each location offers enough experiences to make your return journey enjoyable. Choosing where to go may be the hardest part.
Kelley Dukat is a freelance writer, event planner, and photographer based in the United States. She has been traveling the United States for the past two years as a nomadic home and pet sitter. At Wealth of Geeks, she writes about travel, news, and side hustles. She has traveled extensively in the United States and within the next three years she aims to visit all 50 states. Her nomadic life and event planning job help make her travels possible, and she finds stories of her travels wherever she goes. Her first foray into financial topics came from her experience as a magazine editor. mortgage originator magazine. She previously wrote about dog-friendly travel for Evaminer.com after years of traveling with dogs. A San Diego resident for over 20 years, she enjoys writing about America’s greatest cities and where to explore and eat within them.
She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder. She is also working on her memoir and a series of personal essays.
