Weekend Getaways from San Diego
Searching for the a cool weekend getaway (or day trip) from San Diego? Well, you are in the right place! We love San Diego as a home base but within just a few hours’ drive, you can trade city noise for relaxing 48 hours in a new scenic place! Here are my favorites that I hope you'll love them too.
Manhattan Beach - Just over two hours from San Diego
This really was a truly extraordinary beach getaway from San Diego!
It's true that living in San Diego beaches are never far away. However, driving up the coast towards Los Angeles is a special kid of weekend adventure! We headed up to Manhattan Beach (population about 35,000) for a fun weekend in the sun.
First thing I noticed was how walkable this town is. With a population of approximately 35,000, it's not exactly small but it nevertheless had an intimate vibe. I learned that Manhattan Beach is nicknamed the "Pearl of the South Bay" because of its natural beauty.
Once you arrive, park near downtown (or along the beach) and explore on foot to get oriented. The heart of the city is actually Manhattan Beach Pier. If you have kids, a visit to the Roundhouse Aquarium is a must at the end of the pier. On the beach, you can play volleyball, swim are sunbathe.
Need a place to stay? 4-star Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach offers modern luxury, while 3-star Sea View Inn at the Beach is more affordable with easy access to the sand.
What I loved best:
Dining here is a highlight. The Strand House serves great seafood with ocean views but Fishing with Dynamite is where you go for oysters.
Beverly Hills - 3 hours 10 minutes from San Diego
This city of approximately 31,000 people was a highlight on my road trip!
If you are in the mood for Old World glamour and history, continue your road trip up north (just 35 minutes) to Beverly Hills which is a lot of fun. Turn this trip into a 3-day or 4-day weekend getaway like we did this Memorial Day.
Now, first things first, you have to do some strolling down Rodeo Drive, even if just window-shopping. The luxury storefronts, posh sidewalks, and a chance at celebrity sightings make up the Beverly Hills experience.
We checked into the 3-star Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel & Spa for two nights. I especially appreciated their diverse spa menu that went beyond the simple massages.
What I loved best:
I loved how close Beverly Hills was to other parts of Los Angeles. After just a short drive, I could be at the beach, hiking in the hills, or exploring museums. Beverly Hills itself is the coolest base for finding great things to do in SoCal!
A downside? Getting around in my car and looking for parking was a bit of a hassle.
Fullerton - 1 Hour 30 minutes from San Diego
I thought this city of about 140,000 people was a true underrated beauty!
Looking for a nature getaway without driving too far? Fullerton makes a great day trip from San Diego! About 90 minutes north of San Diego, I found myself in a city that felt like a hidden gem tucked into Orange County.
We started downtown. I loved the historic storefronts, cool coffee shops, and restaurants. We explored the Fullerton Museum Center which has engaging exhibits (especially the ones about music and culture).
Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana is a great spot for lunch. You can eat affordable pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. Locals told me that the oven reaches nearly 1,000°F, and was built by using volcanic sand from Mt. Vesuvius and Italian stone!
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center was another highlight for me. You get to admire its Spanish Colonial-style architecture and art displays.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was visiting Fullerton Arboretum. My son adored the gardens, the lake, and I liked the late-19th-century architecture of the Heritage House. We walked past desert succulents and tropical palms.
Bahia Hotel - 15 minutes from San Diego
I thought the location of this hotel was so dreamy...located right on Mission Bay! I adored the lush landscaping and bay views. Best of all, we were there in no time at all.
You'll find 3-star Bahia Hotel surrounded by palm trees and set right along its own private stretch of sandy beach. I thought it was an amazing hidden gem.
Our room for five blissful days had a private balcony that looked onto the resort’s gardens. The sliding door that opened right out to the water view and quickly became my favorite feature.
You can swim in the hotel pool, paddleboard in the ocean, and go for romantic walks along the shoreline.
For even more things to do, the location is unbeatable. SeaWorld (20 minutes by car), Belmont Park, and Pacific Beach (15 minutes by car) are all just a short drive away. I have to warn you that you should read notices at the beach for bacteria warnings before you go swimming.
What I loved best:
For me, Bahia Hotel was one of the best weekend getaways from San Diego. Dining on-site was my personal highlight, with fresh California cuisine and ocean views.
