27 Road Trip-Worthy Day Trips from San Diego That Capture the SoCal Spirit

Sometimes, you just need to break free from the city, right?

Well, there’s no shortage of incredible day trips from San Diego that are perfect for a quick getaway. Whether it’s just going for some beautiful beaches of La Jolla or getting far away to the Mojave Desert, you’ll find something exciting within a few hours’ drive. 

Choosing the right spot for a short trip can be tricky when time is limited. Having lived in California and then vanlifed in the state for a few years, here’s a list of my top picks for San Diego day trips that will have you recharged and back in the city before you know it! 

Easy Day Trips from San Diego: Less than 1 Hour

1. Coronado Island

Drive over the Coronado Bridge to an island with beautiful beaches with great weather year-round. There, you have places like Coronado Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country.

Rent a bike or take a stroll through the touch of luxury streets lined with vendors and restaurants. Pass the historic Hotel del Coronado, known for its grandeur and famous visitors like Marilyn Monroe. 

2. La Jolla 

If you’re looking to escape the city while still staying close by, a day trip to La Jolla Cove is just a short drive from downtown San Diego. 

La Jolla is a beautiful beach community that is the place to go if you’ve never seen sea lions before. Stroll along the coastline and explore the tide pools, or visit La Jolla Cove for some snorkeling or swimming with the seals. It’s the only place I’ve ever been that you can be mere meters away from these giant, fishy-smelling sea creatures. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, try paragliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or renting a kayak and exploring the sea caves along the coast. 

3. Blacks Beach 

There are not many clothing-optional beaches in California, so if that’s your jam, Black’s Beach is one of the few where no one will bother you if you go in your birthday suit. This secluded beach is located beneath towering cliffs with quite a steep pair of stairs to get down, giving it a more secluded feel compared to other beaches in San Diego.

You can also hike down from Torrey Pines State Park for a scenic route or try to paraglide off the cliffs above. Just check the tide schedule before you go, as the beach disappears during high tide. 

4. Tijuana, Mexico 

You’re so close to Mexico here that you can easily zip over to Tijuana for the day; it’s right over the US-Mexico border. I’ve even heard of folks from San Diego heading over just to snag cheaper gas and hit up Costco. 

It does have a bit of a rep for not being the safest destination, but it’s an awesome way to dip into Mexican culture without the hassle of a flight. Walk down the city’s Avenida Revolucion for a day, stuffing yourself with legit tacos and margaritas. 

Travel Tip! Make sure you’ve got your passport and all the needed travel documents on you, and double-check the wait times at the Mexican border before you go.

5. Carlsbad 

Another coastal town to detour at, Carlsbad is home to LEGOLAND California Resort, a popular theme park for families, and beautiful beaches and lagoons. If you’re not quite feeling the usual beach scene, head over to the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens to wander through the themed gardens.

A highlight is the Carlsbad flower fields, where you can stroll through colorful rows of ranunculus flowers in spring. During winter, the Carlsbad Village Christmas walk is a fun way to enjoy holiday festivities.

 📖 Read Also: 11 American Places So Surreal, You’ll Think They’re Photoshopped

6. Oceanside 

Located in northern San Diego County, Oceanside is another cute beach town with a laid-back vibe. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, including Oceanside Pier, the longest wooden pier on the West Coast.

Besides chilling in the sun and surfing some waves, you can check out the California Surf Museum or wander around Oceanside Harbor Village for some tasty eats. If you’re around in the fall, the Oceanside Harbor Days festival is a great time to go with live tunes, awesome food trucks, and lots of fun stuff to do.

Best Day Trips from San Diego: Less than 2 Hours

7. Temecula Wine Country 

If Napa and Sonoma seem too far, Temecula Wine Country presents a fantastic wining and dining experience in Southern California. With over 40 wineries, spend your day filled with award-winning wines and views of rolling hills and vineyards on guided tours. 

Wake up early to experience hot air ballooning over the vineyards, then walk around the charming Old Town Temecula or venture to Lake Skinner for more nature.

 📖 Read Also: 5 Best Temecula Hot Air Balloon Tours Over Wine Country

8. San Clemente

If you want a more low-key beach town experience, San Clemente is a charming surf town filled with cute shops and restaurants on its main street, Avenida Del Mar. You can also swing by the historic Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens or catch a surf contest at one of the beaches. like San Onofre State Beach. 

End your day with some delicious fish tacos from Pedro’s Tacos, a local favorite, and appreciate the beautiful sunset at San Clemente Pier. This place really makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a laid-back California paradise. 

9. Julian 

Tucked away in the mountains, Julian is known for its apple orchards and delicious homemade pies. Come fall, pick your own apples at one of the many farms or grab a slice of apple pie at one of the local bakeries.

Besides indulging in all things apple, you can also visit the nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park to hike Mount Laguna in Cleveland National Forest or check out the Julian Pioneer Museum to learn about the town’s history. 

10. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 

Visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park. This desert haven has palm groves, slot canyons, and gorgeous desert vistas, rivaling the beauty of Joshua Tree minus the crowds. 

It’s an International Dark Sky area, so camping means amazing nighttime stargazing. Daytime is dedicated to hiking through places like Slot Canyon and the Calcite Mine. And if you forget to bring something crucial to camp, Borrego Springs is like a mini Palm Springs.

 📖 Read Also: 14 Western US State Parks That Rival Any National Park

11. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a California must-visit, no question. The landscape is dotted with desert plants and those famous Joshua trees, and people go there for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and stargazing.

Don’t skip Joshua Tree spots like Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and Hidden Valley. Besides snapping some pics with the unique desert trees, be sure to catch at least one sunset.

I definitely suggest coming in late spring or fall when the weather’s just right for outdoor fun. Even though it is in the desert, it certainly gets cold in the winter. I even had it hail on me once in March. 

 📖 Read Also: 10 National Parks That May Be Too Hot to Handle This Summer

Best Day Trips from San Diego: More than 2 Hours

12. Laguna Beach 

In Orange County, the quaint seaside town of Laguna Beach has some of the most stunning beaches in California. Dedicate a day to basking in the sunshine and enjoying the sandy beaches and ocean waves at either Main Beach or Thousand Steps Beach. This destination is one of the few places in SoCal for snorkeling and diving opportunities.

With a long history as an art colony, Laguna Beach is also home to many galleries and public art installations. The Laguna Art Museum has an impressive collection of contemporary works. Wander through the town to take in the outdoor art installations and galleries or participate in an art class where you can learn pottery or live model drawing. Make sure to cap off your visit with a sunset view from Heisler Park.

13. Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

Head south of the border into Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe for a unique day trip. This wine region in Baja, California, is quickly gaining recognition for its award-winning wines and vineyards. Spend your day tasting wines, dining at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants, and beaching slightly further south.

Check out some of the wineries like Vena Cava or Finca Altozano and try some local specialties like grilled octopus or tuna tostadas. Bring your passport!

14. Newport Beach & Balboa Island

Newport Beach is another seaside gem with its golden sands, luxurious shopping, and dining scenes. Begin your day catching waves on its inviting beaches, then wander through the unique shops on Balboa Island in the afternoon. 

Hop on the Balboa Island Ferry to see the cottages of the island. While you’re there, take a chance to watch dolphins and whales on a boat tour through Newport Bay or see some live entertainment at The Newport Theater Arts Center. 

15. Ensenada, Mexico

Just a short drive south of the border is another cool coastal city in Mexico, Ensenada. This port town had lovely beaches, cheaper seafood, and a culture influenced by both Mexican and American traditions. 

Sun up at Playa Hermosa or walk the Malecon, their waterfront promenade. La Bufadora, a natural blowhole, is another great popular tourist attraction.

16. Disneyland Resort, Anaheim

A visit to Southern California isn’t complete without spending a day or two at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, famously known as the happiest place on Earth. Disneyland has a range of exhilarating rides, such as Space Mountain, and family-friendly attractions like It’s a Small World. The parades and fireworks displays are enchanting too.

The resort features two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. At Disneyland Park, you can interact with your favorite Disney characters and enter fairy-tale castles. Disney California Adventure Park has Cars Land and other movie-themed zones to explore. 

Head over to the Richard Nixon Library nearby to tack on another educational adventure.

17. Holtville Hot Springs

Not many people know that there are hot springs so far inland. The Holtville Hot Springs are some geothermal hot springs in the Imperial Valley of California. Once home to the Cahuilla Native American tribe, who used these hot springs for healing purposes, these natural hot pools range from  95-110 degrees Fahrenheit.

San Diego Day Trips: Less than 3 Hours

18. Idyllwild 

Another favorite in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild, is a mountain town with cozy cabins, shops, and restaurants. The town also has a thriving arts community with local galleries, music festivals, and theater productions. Otherwise, breathe in the fresh air through hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. 

19. Los Angeles

A trip to Southern California wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the City of Angels. As someone who has lived there for years, I still have so much on my bucket list. Although some places like the Walk of Fame are highly overrated, spend your day at the eccentric Venice Beach and your nights watching the stars from Griffith Observatory. 

Don’t skip the free Broad Museum and the Walt Disney Concert Hall for its architecture. Regarding food, LA is a melting pot of cultures, so be sure to try out some Korean BBQ or authentic Mexican tacos at Grand Central Market right next door.

20. Palm Springs

With sun-drenched weather and dazzling mountainous scenery, Palm Springs has long been a favored retreat among Hollywood’s elite. Often referred to as the “playground of the stars,” a plethora of luxury resorts, top-tier golf courses, and lavish spas made this desert expanse a rather green treat. 

Discover Old Hollywood by exploring the Palm Springs Walk of Stars or touring celebrity homes. The surrounding canyons offer numerous hiking opportunities, while the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides a scenic route to the summit of Mount San Jacinto.

21. Lake Arrowhead

Whether among the snow-capped peaks in winter or basking in the summer sunlight, Lake Arrowhead is a beloved mountain resort town within the San Bernardino National Forest. At its heart lies the lake, a privately maintained yet accessible gem for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Lake Arrowhead Village is very cute for shoreside shopping and dining experiences. 

Many hiking trails nearby wind through the dense forests, opening up to breathtaking mountain views, while public beaches offer spots for relaxation. Come winter, come ski at Snow Valley Mountain Resort or tube at Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park.

 📖 Read Also: 11 Dreamy Lakes in West USA That Will Take Your Breath Away

22. Salton Sea 

Once a bustling holiday destination in the 1950s, the Salton Sea has dwindled to a mere shadow of its past glory. This accidental lake, born from a flood of the Colorado River in 1905, has become a haven for the eclectic and the artistic. 

Bombay Beach is among my favorite go-to places for urban exploration, where you can find revamped abandoned structures and eccentric art pieces. Another must-visit is the Painted Canyon, offering a mesmerizing slot canyon walk that ends at a secret palm oasis. 

Travel Tip! Some parts of the lake smell really unpleasant due to its high salinity and decaying fish.

 📖 Read Also: 18 Weirdest Roadside Attractions Across West America

23. Universal Studios Hollywood 

Universal Studios Hollywood is the legendary theme park and studio tour that has delighted guests for generations. It gives visitors a sneak peek into movie-making, rides inspired by blockbuster movies, and the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  

Right outside the park, CityWalk serves up a bustling mix of eateries, retail outlets, and live performers.  

Budget-Saving Tip! An annual pass might be more economical than a single-day ticket, particularly if you live around SoCal.

24. Slab City and Salvation Mountain 

Slab City and Salvation Mountain form an off-grid community with a unique blend of residents, hand-painted art installations, and quirky events. The star attraction is Salvation Mountain, a colorful and spiritual monument crafted by Leonard Knight. 

Explore the rest of Slab City, dubbed “the last free place on earth,” with its numerous art installations and makeshift homes made from recycled materials.

Travel Tip! While it’s a fascinating place to visit, I wouldn’t recommend staying overnight due to some sketchy happenings.

25. Malibu 

Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and you’ll find yourself in Malibu, the beach town famous for its celebrity residents and seaside mansions. Soak up the sun at Zuma Beach or investigate the tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Park. My top beach pick is El Matador, known for its dramatic sea stacks and soft sand. 

Take an adventure through Malibu Creek State Park to glimpse where M*ASH was filmed. If you’re in the mood for some luxury, pop over to Malibu Country Mart, the go-to place for upscale shopping and dining. The array of luxury cars parked outside could rival any car show.

26. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake, in the San Bernardino Mountains, is a beloved SoCal destination throughout the year for the more outdoorsy among us. It’s well-known for the Big Bear Mountain Resort, where winter brings skiers and snowboarders, and the Alpine Slide promises full tubing fun. Summer invites visitors to swim in the lake, explore hiking trails, enjoy wakeboarding, or experience the thrill of zip-lining.

27. Santa Clarita and Six Flags Magic Mountain

Santa Clarita plays host to Six Flags Magic Mountain, arguably one of the top theme parks in the U.S., with 19 roller coasters and more than 100 attractions. It’s a blast for family outings and an awesome spot for dates. I had a buddy throw a rave there while the coasters zoomed by.

Aside from the excitement, Santa Clarita is a charming town set against scenic hills. Stroll down Main Street and check out the California Institute of the Arts, founded by Walt Disney. Nearby, Vasquez Rocks is a beautiful geological formation of jutting rocks, often seen in films and TV.

Budget Tip! Consider getting an annual pass to Six Flags. It’s often cheaper than a day pass, with nationwide park access and complimentary parking.

Final Thoughts: Best Mini Road Trips from San Diego, California

Living in SoCal truly made me fall in love with the United States. Roaming on these California road trips has provided some of the most invigorating experiences of my life. You can go from standing atop the highest dune in Death Valley at sunset to snowboarding at Big Bear and then going to the beach the same weekend!

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Redwood National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Joshua Tree Itinerary For First-Timers
• One Day In Death Valley Itinerary For Adventurers
• Perfect One Day in San Diego Itinerary: What Not to Miss
• Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers
• Day Trip to Lake Tahoe: One Day Itinerary for All Seasons
• Perfect Day Trip to Sonoma Itinerary for Wine Lovers
• Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
• Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary from a Local

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.