Quick Summary:

  • What makes San Diego an ideal springboard?
    • San Diego is an ideal springboard to explore many cities, beaches, national parks, and historic attractions in Southern California.
  • What are some nearby destinations from San Diego?
    • Within 30 to 60 minutes of San Diego, you can visit the beautiful beach towns of La Jolla and Carlsbad.
    • You can also escape to the mountain resorts of Mount Laguna and Julian.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. La Jolla (25 min) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

La Jolla (25 min) | Day Trips From San Diego
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2. Julian (1 hour) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Julian (1 hour) | Day Trips From San Diego
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3. Carlsbad (45 min)

Carlsbad (45 min) | Day Trips From San Diego
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4. Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (45 minutes)

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (45 minutes) | Day Trips From San Diego
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5. Lake Poway (35 min)

Category: Activities
Lake Poway (35 min) | Day Trips From San Diego
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6. Disneyland (2 hours)

Disneyland (2 hours) | Day Trips From San Diego
© Disneyland

7. Rosarito Beach (1 hour)

Category: Beaches
Rosarito Beach (1 hour) | Day Trips From San Diego
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8. San Clemente (1 hour)

San Clemente (1 hour) | Day Trips From San Diego
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9. San Juan Capistrano (1 hour)

San Juan Capistrano (1 hour) | Day Trips From San Diego
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10. Temecula Valley (1 hour)

Temecula Valley (1 hour) | Day Trips From San Diego
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11. Laguna Beach (75min)

Category: Beaches
Laguna Beach (75min) | Day Trips From San Diego
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12. Borrego Springs (75min)

Category: Activities
Borrego Springs (75min) | Day Trips From San Diego
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13. Mount Palomar Observatory (1 hour and 30 min)

Category: Activities
Mount Palomar Observatory (1 hour and 30 min) | Day Trips From San Diego
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14. Mount Laguna (1 hour)

Category: Activities
Mount Laguna (1 hour) | Day Trips From San Diego
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15. Ensenada (2 hours)

Ensenada (2 hours) | Day Trips From San Diego
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16. Idyllwild (2 hours)

Idyllwild (2 hours) | Day Trips From San Diego
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17. Los Angeles (2 hours)

Los Angeles (2 hours) | Day Trips From San Diego
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18. Valle de Guadalupe (2 hours)

Valle de Guadalupe (2 hours) | Day Trips From San Diego
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19. Pasadena (2 hours)

Pasadena (2 hours) | Day Trips From San Diego
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20. Palm Springs (2 hours 30 minutes)

Category: Activities
Palm Springs (2 hours 30 minutes) | Day Trips From San Diego
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21. Joshua Tree National Park (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Category: Activities
Joshua Tree National Park (2 hours and 30 minutes) | Day Trips From San Diego
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22. Salton Sea State Recreation Area (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Category: Activities
Salton Sea State Recreation Area (2 hours and 30 minutes) | Day Trips From San Diego
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23. Catalina Island (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Romantic Islands
Catalina Island (2 hours and 30 minutes) | Day Trips From San Diego
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24. Big Bear (3 Hours)

Big Bear (3 Hours) | Day Trips From San Diego
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Summary & FAQ La Jolla (25 min) Julian (1 hour) Carlsbad (45 min) Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (45 minutes) Lake Poway (35 min) Disneyland (2 hours) Rosarito Beach (1 hour) San Clemente (1 hour) San Juan Capistrano (1 hour) Temecula Valley (1 hour) Laguna Beach (75min) Borrego Springs (75min) Mount Palomar Observatory (1 hour and 30 min) Mount Laguna (1 hour) Ensenada (2 hours) Idyllwild (2 hours) Los Angeles (2 hours) Valle de Guadalupe (2 hours) Pasadena (2 hours) Palm Springs (2 hours 30 minutes) Joshua Tree National Park (2 hours and 30 minutes) Salton Sea State Recreation Area (2 hours and 30 minutes) Catalina Island (2 hours and 30 minutes) Big Bear (3 Hours)

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