Lovely San Diego is a straightforward promote. Town 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 may carve out spots for whale-watching cruises or wine tasting – and if you’re staying for longer than a day or two, you need to undoubtedly plan some day journeys. San Diego is ideally positioned on the southern California coast, supreme for venturing to a few of the state’s prettiest locations and most fun sights.
Finest Day Journeys from San Diego
Whether or not you’re a nature lover or favor up to date artwork, San Diego has a visit that can be up your alley. On this information, we’ll introduce you to the highest contenders, from hours spent in Los Angeles to afternoons wine tasting amidst rolling hills. It’s secure to say that there’s loads of selection. Seize a pen and paper as a result of San Diego’s day journeys don’t disappoint.
E-book your airport switch to your downtown San Diego lodge prematurely for a non-public worry-free journey.
1. Newport Seashore
Newport Seashore is just the place for a part-glitzy, part-cheesy seaside expertise in California. As a day journey from San Diego, it is a perfect seaside day vacation spot. You may relax 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 Enjoyable Zone.
This can be a light-hearted day journey to select from San Diego. If you’d like a enjoyable day trip or are touring with younger kids, it’s a nice guess. Take a look at 28 Finest Seashores in California
- Distance from San Diego: 1.5 hours
- The right way to get there: Automotive
2. Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is one thing fairly particular. The bizarre pure lake is legendary for its tremendous excessive salt ranges, residence to solely a handful of marine life species. Solely the hardiest creatures and plants can hack a life within the Salton Sea. The white sands across the lake are aesthetic sufficient to attract photographers, not simply swimmers. Total, Salton Sea is simply the right uncommon day journey so as to add to your San Diego itinerary.
When you’ve admired the lake, there’s a historic city round its perimeter to have a potter round. There’s additionally Rock Hill Path in case you fancy a leisurely 2-mile stroll with panoramic lake views and potential chicken watching.
- Distance from San Diego: 2 hours 40 minutes
- The right way to get there: Automotive
3. Tijuana
A Tijuana day journey is the last word persuasion to go out of downtown San Diego for a day. The border metropolis has a status for being lively and tradition – essentially the most accessible level of Mexico to succeed in on a day journey from San Diego. It’s massively widespread for these eager to squeeze a glimpse of Mexico into their San Diego itinerary. If you’d like an bold day trip, Tijuana is good.
You may wander the previous city, watch wrestling occasions, or go to the Tijuana Cultural Middle. You may go to independently or take a guided tour.
- Distance from San Diego: 1 hour and quarter-hour or 35 minutes by automotive
- The right way to get there: Shuttle or automotive
4. Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is among the best possible locations to go to for stargazing – totally surrounded by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and a chosen Worldwide Darkish Sky Group. Because of this whereas we’re including it as a ‘day journey’, you would possibly need to go to at evening in a barely extra unconventional journey. When you get there earlier than evening, although, you need to try a few of the trails within the state park. The Slot Canyon Path 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
- The right way to get there: Automotive
5. Palm Springs
Likelihood is you’ve already heard of Palm Springs. This metropolis is sat on – unsurprisingly – sizzling springs, which means you’ll discover tons of thermal swimming pools and plush plants. As a metropolis, it’s also action-packed in an opulent approach, with tennis courts, golf programs, horseback using, and nightlife galore. Palm Springs is actually an adults’ playground. It’s the supreme place to let your hair down for a day. Learn extra: 16 Finest Cities in California
As a fast facet be aware, Palm Springs is immediately between San Diego and Joshua Tree Nationwide Park. You may mix the 2 with a fast stopover in Palm Springs en path to the nationwide park.
- Distance from San Diego: 2.5 hours
- The right way to get there: Automotive
6. Los Angeles
We gained’t mince our phrases; ideally, you’d have greater than a day in Los Angeles; it’s simply one in all California’s finest cities. From theme parks to the Stroll of Fame and Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is just about all people’s dream vacation spot in terms of visiting California. The mega-city obtained its status from A-listers and Hollywood motion pictures, and it has a few of the finest sights and excursions your complete state affords. That mentioned, Los Angeles is doable on a day journey from San Diego. You’ll simply need to have a military-style itinerary. You may also spend money on a guided day journey. This fashion, the 2-hour drive every approach gained’t tire you out an excessive amount of.
You may also guide this two-day personal sightseeing tour combining Los Angeles and San Diego. Learn all of the issues you are able to do in Los Angeles in your day journey or weekend getaway at 37 Finest Issues to Do in Los Angeles – By A Native
- Distance from San Diego: 2 hours
- The right way to get there: Automotive, prepare, or tour
7. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is among the most adventurous locations you may 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 Level, roughly an hour’s drive north of San Diego.
When you attain the island, you’ll have mountaineering, contemporary seafood eating places, and wildlife watching to entertain you. Catalina Island is legendary for its magnificence and nice hospitality. And in a day, you’ll undoubtedly have the ability to get an actual expertise of the island.
- Distance from San Diego: 2 hours
- The right way to get there: Ferry
8. Rosarito Seashore
In case you are in search of San Diego seashores, this sandy seaside is additional than you may need initially thought to look. Throughout the Mexican border, Rosarito Seashore is the best spot for a serene stroll on the sands. As an entire, the seaside city of Rosarito is superb enjoyable – finest identified for its footloose fashion of nightlife and passionate surf tradition. It doesn’t take a lot to elucidate why Rosarito is a well-liked getaway amongst US vacationers. However even simply on a day journey, it’s a nice seaside day vacation spot. It has incredible scuba diving alternatives, too, with a man-made reef mendacity simply offshore.
Lower 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
- The right way to get there: Automotive
9. Go Whale Watching
So far as animal encounters go, seeing an enormous 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 most effective interval is winter and early spring. Most tour operators supply a assure, too, the place in case you don’t see a whale in your tour, you get a free tour the subsequent day.
Even in case you don’t spot whales, there are particular sweeteners. There are nearly assured sightings of sea lions and dolphins, which can aid you crack a smile. This highly-rated tour is prone to promote out.
- Distance from San Diego: N/A
- The right way 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 wish to go mountaineering for a number of hours, the shaded oak woodland at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is irresistible, particularly within the morning of a sizzling 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 may spot something from cougars to coyotes and mule deer. The park is a magical place for wildlife lovers.
- Distance from San Diego: 1 hour
- The right way to get there: Automotive
11. Cleveland Nationwide Forest
Cleveland Nationwide 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 good 460,000 acres. Cleveland Nationwide Forest can be residence to a few mountain ranges, together with Santa Ana, Palomar, and the Laguna Mountains – which means loads of summit hikes and difficult trails to get your enamel into.
To flee Downtown San Diego for a day, you may’t beat the shaded trails in Cleveland Nationwide Forest. The forest has all kinds of wildlife, too, together with mountain lions, coyotes, and mule deer. It’s a good suggestion to convey binoculars. Learn extra: 15 Finest Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Open air
- Distance from San Diego: 1.5 hours
- The right way to get there: Automotive
12. San Clemente State Seashore
San Clemente State Seashore stretches a mile lengthy, with spacious sands and dramatic views that pack a particular wow issue. If you’d like a seaside day, San Clemente State Seashore has the area to beat the crowds on a busy day. It’s also simply an hour north of the town. It takes you on a fairly scenic miniature highway journey by a number of Californian seaside cities because the route hugs the shoreline. At San Clemente State Seashore, you may get pleasure from many various water sports activities, picnic, or chill out with a guide. Keep in mind to go to the close by San Onofre State Seashore as effectively, which is a extra rocky seaside however backed by dramatic cliffs and a beloved surf spot.
- Distance from San Diego: 1 hour
- The right way to get there: Automotive
13. Lake Poway Leisure Space
Lake Poway is the place to go for an unbiased fishing journey from San Diego. You might want to rent gear within the metropolis in case you didn’t convey yours, however the serenity while you arrive will make it price the additional organizing. The reservoir is about towards a scenic backdrop of a number of small hills. While you aren’t fishing, you may full a straightforward perimeter hike of below 3 miles. Lake Poway is a small slice of peacefulness solely half-hour away from San Diego’s metropolis middle by automotive. Plus, you’ll very doubtless come again with trout.
- Distance from San Diego: 40 minutes
- The right way to get there: Automotive
14. Volcan Mountain Wilderness Protect
Volcan Mountain Wilderness Protect is a shocking 2,900 acres of conifer woodland with a mountain peak. Volcan Mountain has nice indigenous significance, and it’s worthwhile studying concerning the tradition and historical past behind the mountain earlier than visiting simply to make your mountaineering much more particular. The most effective hike is a 5-mile spherical journey that takes you proper to Volcan Mountain’s summit. But when that sounds a bit a lot, there’s additionally a 3.2-mile mid-summit hike you may go for. Each 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
- The right way to get there: Automotive
15. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is sea lion heaven. This rocky outcrop is located simply north of the town middle, making La Jolla Cove one of many shortest day journeys from San Diego. Nevertheless, La Jolla Cove is price allocating a number of hours or extra, as these animals can preserve you entertained for ages.
La Jolla Cove is a tiny stretch of seaside that sunbathers share with the massive animals – sunbathing or walloping their approach alongside the sands. You mustn’t contact them, and the resident lifeguards are tremendous strict on implementing respect for the animals. At La Jolla Cove, sea lions reign supreme. What’s to not love about this tremendous enjoyable setup?
- Distance from San Diego: 20 minutes
- The right way to get there: Automotive
16. Julian Pie Firm
This is among the whackiest day journeys from San Diego. The Julian Pie Firm is simply over an hour’s drive inland from the town and is most identified for its scrumptious apple pie. For good old style American delicacies, this spot is definitely worth the mini highway journey. You’ll be having fun with your pie in a diner-style café. Severely, if you’re a foodie, it’s effectively price a go to. You possibly can even refill on takeaway pies as souvenirs. In your approach again, think about stopping at one of many scenic spots you drive previous. These embrace the wineries within the San Diego Nation Property area and Cedar Creek Falls.
- Distance from San Diego: 1 hour quarter-hour
- The right way to get there: automotive
17. Wine Tasting Tour
Going wine tasting is an interactive day journey alternative to boost your San Diego itinerary. You may really drive to many of the vineyards, that are positioned only a brief drive outdoors of the town middle. Nevertheless, for apparent causes, there are guided excursions that embrace shuttle companies – a significantly better concept and well-established service within the San Diego tourism business.
One of many main wine locations close to San Diego is Temecula Valley. The valley has greater than 45 completely different wineries to decide on between, and it’s identified for its Rhone and cabernet sauvignons. Its heat local weather calls for these better-adapted grape varieties. Nevertheless, Temecula Valley nonetheless has greater than 24 grape varieties thriving in its hills.
This personal wine tasting facet automotive tour is a novel technique to discover San Diego whereas tasting wines at completely different areas.
- Distance from San Diego: Roughly 1 hour
- The right way 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 affords a magical escape right into a world of marvel and pleasure. Only a brief drive north, Disneyland, often known as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” is the right vacation spot for households, mates, and Disney aficionados alike. From the thrilling adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Massive 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 in depth planning. It’s the best 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
- The right way to get there: Automotive
19. Laguna Seashore
Laguna Seashore is among the hottest day journeys from San Diego and – truthfully – anyplace else close by in California. Laguna Seashore is famed for its boho vibe and exquisite shoreline. For glitzy folks in a scenic setting, Laguna Seashore ticks each field. Visiting is an expertise in itself, even only for a day. You may benefit from nice surf by renting a board, spending a day on a lovely seaside, or mountaineering whereas admiring Pacific Ocean views. Laguna Seashore is among the most well-known locations on the California shoreline, which is an unbelievable feat in itself. For a ‘occurring’ seaside day, it’s a excellent day trip.
- Distance from San Diego:
- The right way 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. Whereas, as a barely extra uncommon animal encounter, you may as well see kangaroo rats all yr spherical in case you look rigorously sufficient. Kangaroo rats seem like little gerbils and are a few of the cutest animals you may see. They’re nocturnal and extremely savvy in terms of noticing could-be-predators close by. However in case you hold round Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve a little bit later, you can get fortunate with sightings. In any other case, simply lap up the waterfront views and produce some bird-watching binoculars.
- Distance from San Diego: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- The right way to get there: Automotive
21. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano is an interesting museum to go to and is about in an previous Spanish chapel. The San Juan Capistrano ‘mission’ was based in 1776 as a approach for Spanish settlers to succeed in out to the neighborhood and preach about Catholicism. You may study extra about this early faith preaching by completely 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 serious about faith, the colonial influence within the US, and the historical past round San Diego’s area.
- Distance from San Diego: 1.5 hours
- The right way to get there: Automotive or prepare
22. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is among the most traditional day journeys from San Diego. There’s nothing unsuitable with leaping on the vacationer path sometimes. And that’s particularly the case in terms of Joshua Tree Nationwide Park. The park covers practically 800,000 acres and attracts over 3 million guests yearly, largely due to its weird namesake bushes. The Joshua Tree is a twisted, bristly tree with inexperienced spiky shoots on the finish of its branches. It seems like an outsized cactus, an absolute novelty that draws photographers and non-photographers alike to carry their cameras.
Except for its bushes, the nationwide park has many nice mountaineering trails. Hidden Valley Nature Path and Mastodon Peak are agency favorites.
- Distance from San Diego: 3 hours and quarter-hour
- The right way to get there: Automotive
23. San Jacinto Mountains
Do you wish to mountain bike or go mountaineering? The San Jacinto Mountains are the place to go 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 may both convey 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.
In fact, there may be additionally San Jacinto State Park itself. That is the very best peak within the mountain vary and sits at 10,834 ft. It is just appropriate for essentially the most superior hikers however an excellent problem for these with sufficient expertise.
- Distance from San Diego: 3 hours
- The right way to get there: Automotive
Day Journeys from San Diego: FAQs
Are you able to evaluate the FAQs behind the right day journeys from San Diego? That further insider info can remodel your journey – so it’s effectively price scanning over these prime 4 questions. Who is aware of what would possibly simply offer you that further little bit of inspiration? Listed below are the highest FAQs for planning day journeys in San Diego.
Are you able to do a day journey from San Diego to Mexico?
Sure, you completely can. San Diego is located proper on the US/Mexico border, close to the border metropolis of Tijuana. Tijuana is definitely accessible on a day journey from San Diego, which means you may nip throughout a distinct nation for a day. Tijuana is nice for seashores, Mexican delicacies, and cultural experiences like watching wrestling.
Are you able to do a day journey to Tijuana from San Diego?
Sure, you may simply set up a day journey to Tijuana from San Diego. A number of 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. Speak about maximizing your time!
Are you able to do a day journey from San Diego to Los Angeles?
Undoubtedly, you may take a day journey to Los Angeles from San Diego in simply 2 hours by automotive or 3 hours by prepare. You may also guide organized excursions, which is superb if you wish to get taken round the principle sights with minimal effort. Los Angeles is clearly very iconic. It is among the finest day journeys from San Diego in order for you an inspiring getaway.
What’s the finest Mexican city close to San Diego?
Tijuana is essentially the most generally visited Mexican vacation spot from San Diego. Nevertheless, we advise visiting Rosarito. Rosarito is a sunny resort city on the Baja Californian peninsula with a lovely seaside and intense sufficient nightlife to attract common US guests. It’s a browsing hotspot and can be sensible for scuba diving, with a former Navy ship creating an unbelievable synthetic reef simply offshore.
Why We Love These Day Journeys From San Diego
As you may see, you might be tremendous spoiled for alternative in terms of day journeys from San Diego. Town is ideal for spreading your wings and experiencing extra of California, and what higher technique to benefit from your vacation? San Diego day journeys are an excellent concept. And in case you keep longer than two days, you undoubtedly have time for no less than one of many journeys on this checklist.
Are you in search of extra San Diego inspiration? You’re in the precise place. Keep in mind to have a look at our The place to remain in San Diego information and final California highway journey itinerary. San Diego has a lot to find out about and is a perfect launchpad for much more adventures. Profit from your journey.
