Beautiful San Diego is a straightforward promote. The metropolis has a lot to do, from artwork galleries, road artwork, and museums in Downtown San Diego to its spectacular portfolio of sandy seashores for the extra laidback vacationers. You can carve out spots for whale-watching cruises or wine tasting – and in case you are staying for longer than a day or two, you must undoubtedly plan some day journeys. San Diego is ideally situated on the southern California coast, supreme for venturing to a few of the state’s prettiest locations and most fun points of interest.
Best Day Trips from San Diego
Whether you’re a nature lover or choose modern artwork, San Diego has a visit that will likely be up your alley. In this information, we’ll introduce you to the highest contenders, from hours spent in Los Angeles to afternoons wine tasting amidst rolling hills. It is protected to say that there’s loads of selection. Grab a pen and paper as a result of San Diego’s day journeys don’t disappoint.
Book your airport switch to your downtown San Diego lodge upfront for a non-public worry-free journey.
1. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is solely the place for a part-glitzy, part-cheesy seaside expertise in California. As a day journey from San Diego, it is a perfect seashore day vacation spot. You can sit back on quite a few sandy seashores, head browsing, or attempt some scrumptious ice cream. There are off-beach actions, too, like amusement park actions on Balboa Pier and at Balboa Fun Zone.
This is a light-hearted day journey to select from San Diego. If you need a enjoyable time out or are touring with younger kids, it’s a nice guess. Check out 28 Best Beaches in California
Distance from San Diego: 1.5 hours How to get there: Car
2. Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is one thing fairly particular. The uncommon pure lake is known for its tremendous excessive salt ranges, house to solely a handful of marine life species. Only the hardiest creatures and plants can hack a life within the Salton Sea. The white sands across the lake are aesthetic sufficient to draw photographers, not simply swimmers. Overall, Salton Sea is simply the right uncommon day journey to add to your San Diego itinerary.
Once you’ve admired the lake, there’s a historic city round its perimeter to have a potter round. There’s additionally Rock Hill Trail in the event you fancy a leisurely 2-mile stroll with panoramic lake views and potential fowl watching.
Distance from San Diego: 2 hours 40 minutes How to get there: Car
3. Tijuana
A Tijuana day journey is the last word persuasion to head out of downtown San Diego for a day. The border metropolis has a status for being energetic and tradition – probably the most accessible level of Mexico to attain on a day journey from San Diego. It is massively widespread for these wanting to squeeze a glimpse of Mexico into their San Diego itinerary. If you need an bold time out, Tijuana is right.
You can wander the previous city, watch wrestling occasions, or go to the Tijuana Cultural Center. You can go to independently or take a guided tour.
Distance from San Diego: 1 hour and quarter-hour or 35 minutes by automotive How to get there: Shuttle or automotive
4. Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is among the very best locations to go to for stargazing – completely surrounded by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and a delegated International Dark Sky Community. This signifies that whereas we’re including it as a ‘day trip’, you may want to go to at night time in a barely extra unconventional journey. If you get there earlier than night time, although, you must take a look at a few of the trails within the state park. The Slot Canyon Trail is especially widespread. Clark Dry Lake is a cool spot, too; it’s a cracked lake that appears like one thing straight out of a Hollywood movie.
Distance from San Diego: 2 hours How to get there: Car
5. Palm Springs
Chances are you’ve already heard of Palm Springs. This metropolis is sat on – unsurprisingly – scorching springs, which means you’ll discover tons of thermal swimming pools and luxurious plants. As a metropolis, additionally it is action-packed in an opulent means, with tennis courts, golf programs, horseback using, and nightlife galore. Palm Springs is basically an adults’ playground. It is the perfect place to let your hair down for a day. Read extra: 16 Best Cities in California
As a fast facet be aware, Palm Springs is straight between San Diego and Joshua Tree National Park. You can mix the 2 with a fast stopover in Palm Springs en route to the nationwide park.
Distance from San Diego: 2.5 hours How to get there: Car
6. Los Angeles
We received’t mince our phrases; ideally, you’d have greater than a day in Los Angeles; it’s simply considered one of California’s greatest cities. From theme parks to the Walk of Fame and Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is just about all people’s dream vacation spot when it comes to visiting California. The mega-city bought its status from A-listers and Hollywood films, and it has a few of the greatest points of interest and excursions your complete state provides. That stated, Los Angeles is doable on a day journey from San Diego. You’ll simply have to have a military-style itinerary. You may spend money on a guided day journey. This means, the 2-hour drive every means received’t tire you out an excessive amount of.
You may ebook this two-day personal sightseeing tour combining Los Angeles and San Diego. Read all of the issues you are able to do in Los Angeles in your day journey or weekend getaway at 37 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – By A Local
Distance from San Diego: 2 hours How to get there: Car, practice, or tour
7. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is among the most adventurous locations you’ll be able to go to from San Diego. The beautiful island has a pure rugged attract, with shrub-covered mountain ridges and small villages hugging the beachfront at their base. Catalina Island is 22 miles off the coast of California, which means you’ll be catching a ferry. The ferry leaves from Dana Point, roughly an hour’s drive north of San Diego.
Once you attain the island, you’ll have mountaineering, contemporary seafood eating places, and wildlife watching to entertain you. Catalina Island is known for its magnificence and nice hospitality. And in a day, you’ll undoubtedly give you the option to get an actual expertise of the island.
Distance from San Diego: 2 hours How to get there: Ferry
8. Rosarito Beach
If you might be in search of San Diego seashores, this sandy seashore is additional than you might need initially thought to look. Across the Mexican border, Rosarito Beach is the perfect spot for a serene stroll on the sands. As an entire, the seashore city of Rosarito is superb enjoyable – greatest recognized for its footloose model of nightlife and passionate surf tradition. It doesn’t take a lot to clarify why Rosarito is a well-liked getaway amongst US vacationers. But even simply on a day journey, it’s a nice seashore day vacation spot. It has incredible scuba diving alternatives, too, with a man-made reef mendacity simply offshore.
Less than a 50-minute drive from San Diego, what extra may you need? You’ll mix two international locations in a single journey and get a refreshing dose of Mexican tradition.
Distance from San Diego: 50 minutes How to get there: Car
9. Go Whale Watching
As far as animal encounters go, seeing a large humpback whale floor from the Pacific Ocean tops most experiences. For any wildlife lovers, going whale watching is among the absolute best day journeys from San Diego. And whereas you will get fortunate nearly all yr spherical, the perfect interval is winter and early spring. Most tour operators supply a assure, too, the place in the event you don’t see a whale in your tour, you get a free tour the following day.
Even in the event you don’t spot whales, there are particular sweeteners. There are nearly assured sightings of sea lions and dolphins, which can assist you crack a smile. This highly-rated tour is probably going to promote out.
Distance from San Diego: N/A How to get there: Tour
10. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is among the most stunning day journeys from San Diego. If you need to go mountaineering for a couple of hours, the shaded oak woodland at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is irresistible, particularly within the morning of a scorching day. Many camp on this park and full in a single day hikes, however it’s equally well-suited to day trippers. It isn’t simply scenic; keep quiet, and you’ll spot something from cougars to coyotes and mule deer. The park is a magical place for wildlife fanatics.
Distance from San Diego: 1 hour How to get there: Car
11. Cleveland National Forest
Cleveland National Forest is a dream for hikers and mountain bikers; it even has horseback using trails. This spot is the southernmost nationwide forest in California and sprawls over a decent 460,000 acres. Cleveland National Forest can also be house to three mountain ranges, together with Santa Ana, Palomar, and the Laguna Mountains – which means loads of summit hikes and difficult trails to get your tooth into.
To escape Downtown San Diego for a day, you’ll be able to’t beat the shaded trails in Cleveland National Forest. The forest has all kinds of wildlife, too, together with mountain lions, coyotes, and mule deer. It’s a good suggestion to deliver binoculars. Read extra: 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
Distance from San Diego: 1.5 hours How to get there: Car
12. San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente State Beach stretches a mile lengthy, with spacious sands and dramatic views that pack a particular wow issue. If you need a seashore day, San Clemente State Beach has the area to beat the crowds on a busy day. It can also be simply an hour north of the town. It takes you on a fairly scenic miniature street journey by way of a number of Californian seashore cities because the route hugs the shoreline. At San Clemente State Beach, you’ll be able to get pleasure from many alternative water sports activities, picnic, or loosen up with a ebook. Remember to go to the close by San Onofre State Beach as effectively, which is a extra rocky seashore however backed by dramatic cliffs and a beloved surf spot.
Distance from San Diego: 1 hour How to get there: Car
13. Lake Poway Recreational Area
Lake Poway is the place to head for an unbiased fishing journey from San Diego. You may have to rent gear within the metropolis in the event you didn’t deliver yours, however the serenity if you arrive will make it price the additional organizing. The reservoir is ready towards a scenic backdrop of a number of small hills. When you aren’t fishing, you’ll be able to full a straightforward perimeter hike of beneath 3 miles. Lake Poway is a small slice of peacefulness solely half-hour away from San Diego’s metropolis heart by automotive. Plus, you’ll very seemingly come again with trout.
Distance from San Diego: 40 minutes How to get there: Car
14. Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve
Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve is a shocking 2,900 acres of conifer woodland with a mountain peak. Volcan Mountain has nice indigenous significance, and it’s worthwhile studying in regards to the tradition and historical past behind the mountain earlier than visiting simply to make your mountaineering much more particular. The greatest hike is a 5-mile spherical journey that takes you proper to Volcan Mountain’s summit. But if that sounds a bit a lot, there’s additionally a 3.2-mile mid-summit hike you’ll be able to go for. Both have beautiful views over the protect and are sensible for nature lovers and people wanting a health problem with stunning views.
Distance from San Diego: 1.5 hours How to get there: Car
15. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is sea lion heaven. This rocky outcrop is located simply north of the town heart, making La Jolla Cove one of many shortest day journeys from San Diego. However, La Jolla Cove is price allocating a couple of hours or extra, as these animals can maintain you entertained for ages.
La Jolla Cove is a tiny stretch of seashore that sunbathers share with the massive animals – sunbathing or walloping their means alongside the sands. You mustn’t contact them, and the resident lifeguards are tremendous strict on imposing respect for the animals. At La Jolla Cove, sea lions reign supreme. What’s not to love about this tremendous enjoyable setup?
Distance from San Diego: 20 minutes How to get there: Car
16. Julian Pie Company
This is among the whackiest day journeys from San Diego. The Julian Pie Company is simply over an hour’s drive inland from the town and is most recognized for its scrumptious apple pie. For good old school American delicacies, this spot is definitely worth the mini street journey. You’ll be having fun with your pie in a diner-style café. Seriously, in case you are a foodie, it’s effectively price a go to. You may even replenish on takeaway pies as souvenirs. On your means again, take into account stopping at one of many scenic spots you drive previous. These embrace the wineries within the San Diego Country Estate area and Cedar Creek Falls.
Distance from San Diego: 1 hour quarter-hour How to get there: automotive
17. Wine Tasting Tour
Going wine tasting is an interactive day journey alternative to boost your San Diego itinerary. You can truly drive to a lot of the vineyards, that are situated only a brief drive outdoors of the town heart. However, for apparent causes, there are guided excursions that embrace shuttle providers – a significantly better concept and well-established service within the San Diego tourism business.
One of the main wine locations close to San Diego is Temecula Valley. The valley has greater than 45 totally different wineries to select between, and it’s recognized for its Rhone and cabernet sauvignons. Its heat local weather calls for these better-adapted grape varieties. However, Temecula Valley nonetheless has greater than 24 grape varieties thriving in its hills.
This personal wine tasting facet automotive tour is a singular means to discover San Diego whereas tasting wines at totally different areas.
Distance from San Diego: Approximately 1 hour How to get there: Tour
18. Disneyland
Are you prepared for some of the enjoyable actions close to San Diego? Disneyland is simply 1.5 hours north of San Diego and is a superb day journey for the entire household.
Embarking on a day journey from San Diego to Disneyland provides a magical escape right into a world of marvel and pleasure. Just a brief drive north, Disneyland, often called “The Happiest Place on Earth,” is the right vacation spot for households, buddies, and Disney aficionados alike. From the thrilling adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to the whimsical rides in Fantasyland, there’s one thing for everybody.
Plus, with year-round sunshine and the comfort of proximity, San Diego residents can spontaneously resolve to discover the enchanting realms of Disneyland for a day with out the necessity for intensive planning. It’s the perfect fast getaway that guarantees a lifetime of reminiscences and a much-needed dose of pleasure and leisure.
Distance from San Diego: 1 hour 45 minutes How to get there: Car
19. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is among the hottest day journeys from San Diego and – truthfully – wherever else close by in California. Laguna Beach is famed for its boho vibe and exquisite shoreline. For glitzy folks in a scenic setting, Laguna Beach ticks each field. Visiting is an expertise in itself, even only for a day. You can benefit from nice surf by renting a board, spending a day on a ravishing seashore, or mountaineering whereas admiring Pacific Ocean views. Laguna Beach is among the most well-known locations on the California shoreline, which is an unimaginable feat in itself. For a ‘happening’ seashore day, it’s a good time out.
Distance from San Diego: How to get there:
20. Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve
Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve is a scenic reservoir surrounded by roughly 13,000 acres of protected land. Nature lovers will adore this reserve, particularly with all of the bird-watching alternatives. In winter, you will get fortunate and spot bald and golden eagles. While, as a barely extra uncommon animal encounter, you can too see kangaroo rats all yr spherical in the event you look fastidiously sufficient. Kangaroo rats seem like little gerbils and are a few of the cutest animals you’ll be able to see. They are nocturnal and extremely savvy when it comes to noticing could-be-predators close by. But in the event you grasp round Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve a bit later, you can get fortunate with sightings. Otherwise, simply lap up the waterfront views and produce some bird-watching binoculars.
Distance from San Diego: 1 hour and 40 minutes How to get there: Car
21. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a captivating museum to go to and is ready in an previous Spanish chapel. The San Juan Capistrano ‘mission’ was based in 1776 as a means for Spanish settlers to attain out to the neighborhood and preach about Catholicism. You can be taught extra about this early faith preaching by way of totally different displays, in addition to catch the bell ringing, which happens every day in honor of Saint Junipero Serra. Mission San Juan Capistrano is ideal for anybody thinking about faith, the colonial impression within the US, and the historical past round San Diego’s area.
Distance from San Diego: 1.5 hours How to get there: Car or practice
22. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is among the most basic day journeys from San Diego. There is nothing mistaken with leaping on the vacationer path sometimes. And that’s particularly the case when it comes to Joshua Tree National Park. The park covers practically 800,000 acres and attracts over 3 million guests yearly, largely thanks to its weird namesake bushes. The Joshua Tree is a twisted, bristly tree with inexperienced spiky shoots on the finish of its branches. It appears to be like like an outsized cactus, an absolute novelty that pulls photographers and non-photographers alike to raise their cameras.
Aside from its bushes, the nationwide park has many nice mountaineering trails. Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Mastodon Peak are agency favorites.
Distance from San Diego: 3 hours and quarter-hour How to get there: Car
23. San Jacinto Mountains
Do you want to mountain bike or go mountaineering? The San Jacinto Mountains are the place to head in your chosen one-day tour from San Diego. The mountain vary is simply east of Los Angeles – northeast of San Diego. A fast Google brings up dozens of motorbike trails on-line, and you’ll both deliver your individual or rent one in San Diego. The mountains are additionally dreamy for climbers. The granite peaks overlook beautiful meadows and forested valleys. You’ll be effectively rewarded with any summit climbs, and there are many technical challenges for extra skilled climbers.
Of course, there may be additionally San Jacinto State Park itself. This is the very best peak within the mountain vary and sits at 10,834 ft. It is just appropriate for probably the most superior hikers however an excellent problem for these with satisfactory expertise.
Distance from San Diego: 3 hours How to get there: Car
Day Trips from San Diego: FAQs
Are you prepared to evaluation the FAQs behind the right day journeys from San Diego? That further insider data can remodel your journey – so it’s effectively price scanning over these prime 4 questions. Who is aware of what may simply offer you that further little bit of inspiration? Here are the highest FAQs for planning day journeys in San Diego.
Can you do a day journey from San Diego to Mexico?
Yes, you completely can. San Diego is located proper on the US/Mexico border, close to the border metropolis of Tijuana. Tijuana is well accessible on a day journey from San Diego, which means you’ll be able to nip throughout a special nation for a day. Tijuana is nice for seashores, Mexican delicacies, and cultural experiences like watching wrestling.
Can you do a day journey to Tijuana from San Diego?
Yes, you’ll be able to simply set up a day journey to Tijuana from San Diego. Multiple excursions take vacationers throughout the border for a day, or you can head on an unbiased day journey by renting a automotive. Tijuana is superb enjoyable and the right addition to a keep in San Diego. Talk about maximizing your time!
Can you do a day journey from San Diego to Los Angeles?
Definitely, you’ll be able to take a day journey to Los Angeles from San Diego in simply 2 hours by automotive or 3 hours by practice. You may ebook organized excursions, which is superb if you need to get taken round the primary sights with minimal effort. Los Angeles is clearly very iconic. It is among the greatest day journeys from San Diego if you need an inspiring getaway.
What is the perfect Mexican city close to San Diego?
Tijuana is probably the most generally visited Mexican vacation spot from San Diego. However, we propose visiting Rosarito. Rosarito is a sunny resort city on the Baja Californian peninsula with a ravishing seashore and intense sufficient nightlife to draw common US guests. It is a browsing hotspot and can also be sensible for scuba diving, with a former Navy ship creating an unimaginable synthetic reef simply offshore.
Why We Love These Day Trips From San Diego
As you’ll be able to see, you might be tremendous spoiled for alternative when it comes to day journeys from San Diego. The metropolis is ideal for spreading your wings and experiencing extra of California, and what higher means to benefit from your vacation? San Diego day journeys are an excellent concept. And in the event you keep longer than two days, you undoubtedly have time for no less than one of many journeys on this record.
Are you in search of extra San Diego inspiration? You are in the precise place. Remember to have a look at our Where to keep in San Diego information and final California street journey itinerary. San Diego has a lot to study and is a perfect launchpad for much more adventures. Make probably the most of your journey.
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