Day Trips from San Diego

Looking for the very best day trips and tours from San Diego? You've come to the right page! This city is such a treat for a local when it comes to quick SoCal day trips beyond the skyscrapers, whether I want to see coastal towns or quiet desert escapes. Here are my personally vetted favorite day trips from "America's Finest City" that I hope you will love as much as we did.

Inland Day Trips from San Diego

I'm starting with inland day trips because they are some of my favorites and also the most affordable.

1. Fallbrook - 1 Hour from San Diego

I thought that the “Avocado Capital of the World” was one of the best day trips from San Diego when I moved here. Why? I loved how the pace felt slower here. In addition, every stop (like farm stands and family-owned shops) brought such a joyful sense of community.

Downtown Fallbrook was a gem, with art galleries, antique stores, and cozy cafés that made me want to linger and explore every corner.

We visited the Fallbrook Art Center, and I thought it was one of the coolest small-town cultural spots I’ve discovered, showcasing local and regional talent in a creative way.

Later, we hiked around the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve, enjoying being surrounded by oak trees, flowing water, and quiet trails.

• Location: Northern San Diego County in Southern California, in the foothills east of Camp Pendleton
• Map & Directions

What I loved best:

My personal highlight was the Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens ($7.50 adult admission to visit the gardens). This is a beautifully landscaped secret hideaway with lush pathways, flowers, and tranquil water features.

As the day ended, we caught the sunset over the countryside, and the golden light made the whole valley glow with magic.

2. Julian - 2 hours from San Diego

This is my second favorite day trip from San Diego. Why? First off, I loved that there's no need for a car once you’re there, so you are getting fit while discovering new activities. In addition, I thought that Juliann is perfect for anyone seeking a cozy mountain retreat and a taste of small-town calm when I moved here.

I learned that this historic gold rush town is famous for its homemade apple pies, with lots of rustic atmosphere and scenic beauty.

A few of the best things to do in Julian include apple picking at one of the local orchards (like Julian Farm and Orchard in my photo), sampling fresh cider at Julian Hard Cider, and visiting the Eagle Mining Company for a tour of an authentic 1870s gold mine. Chris and I love the outdoors so we go hiking in nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park or Mount Laguna when the weather is nice.

When it comes to food, you can’t leave without trying a slice of apple pie at Mom’s Pie House or Julian Pie Company !

• Location: Eastern San Diego County in Southern California, in the Cuyamaca Mountains
• Map & Directions

For accommodations, we usually pick one of the charming bed and breakfasts or historic inns in town. 3-star Orchard Hill and 2-star Julian Gold Rush Hotel both make a comfortable base for exploring!

What I loved best:

For dinner, Jeremy’s on the Hill was my personal highlight where we had farm-to-table cuisine with in-season local ingredients.

3. Escondido - 35 minutes from San Diego

When I first set foot in this city, I instantly felt the laid-back charm of an inland Southern California town. I think it's one of the best easy inland day trips from San Diego. Why? First off, I found this valley town it more affordable than many beach towns. In addition, I learned that Escondido is one of the region’s oldest cities where we found such a surprising amount to see and do on our day trip that we've returned five more times since.

Our highlights were scenic hikes at Daley Ranch (my favorite affordable escape into nature!), wandering through the California Center for the Arts (we caught a free community event), and strolling along Grand Avenue downtown.

We also visited Queen Califia’s Magical Circle (also free), a whimsical sculpture garden tucked inside Escondido's Kit Carson Park - I thought that its colorful, mosaic-covered artwork was a true hidden gem.

• Location: Northern San Diego County in Southern California
• Map & Directions

What I loved best:

Lunch at Elmisa Cafe Escondido was my personal highlight, where I had a handcrafted panini and a fresh salad.

4. Fullerton - 1 Hour 30 minutes 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 with so much to discover.

We started downtown, and I loved the lively mix of historic storefronts, cool coffee shops, and restaurants that gave the area a joyful, walkable energy.

We explored the Fullerton Museum Center, where the exhibits (especially the ones about music and culture) felt unique and engaging.

Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana is a great spot for lunch, serving incredible pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. Locals told me that the oven reaches nearly 1,000°F, and was built by artisan Stefano Ferrara using volcanic sand from Mt. Vesuvius and Italian stone!

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center was another highlight for me, with its Spanish Colonial-style architecture and art displays.

• Location: Northern Orange County in Southern California, north of Anaheim and east of Buena Park
• Map & Directions

What I loved best:

We spent part of the afternoon at Hillcrest Park, where winding trails, shady trees, and scenic overlooks created a spectacular place to enjoy nature, my personal highlight.

My Favorite Beach Day Trips from San Diego

More than anything, heading somewhere with a beach and ocean views can provide an instant re-set to my stressful life. That's why I love these coastal places near San Diego and hope you will too.

5. Manhattan Beach - Just over two hours from San Diego

I fell hard for this quintessential Southern California coastal escape full of sunshine, ocean air, and laid-back sophistication! We found it to be an easy day trip from San Diego (take I-5 North to I-405, then exit toward Manhattan Beach Boulevard) whether we just wanted to relax on the beach all day, or explore beyond the beach.

Once you arrive, park near downtown or along the beach and explore the compact, walkable area on foot. The heart of the city is Manhattan Beach Pier, where you can stroll out over the Pacific and visit the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end. The beach itself is perfect for volleyball or sunbathing, while we found The Strand, a scenic paved path along the ocean, great for walking or biking past luxurious beachfront homes. For a bit of nature, Polliwog Park is our go-to peaceful retreat with its duck pond and gardens.

• Location: Coastal city in Southern California’s South Bay region, along the Pacific Ocean southwest of Los Angeles
• Map & Directions

If you decide to add an overnight stay instead of heading home at the end of the day, book one of the boutique hotels near the shore. 4-star Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach offers modern luxury, while 3-star Sea View Inn at the Beach provides a more relaxed, coastal vibe with easy access to the sand.

What I loved best:

Dining here is a highlight, and just for that it's worth it to me to stay the night (once we did that for my birthday!). The Strand House serves refined coastal cuisine with ocean views, while Fishing with Dynamite is a beloved local spot for fresh oysters and seafood.

6. Torrance - just under 2 hours from San Diego

As soon as we parked, I was struck by how peaceful it felt compared to other busy LA-area beaches, and it quickly became one of my favorite coastal spots for a stroll.

Walking along the Strand, I loved the ocean breeze and wide-open views!

After visiting the beach, Downtown Torrance surprised me with its historic buildings, antique shops, and cool breweries where we stopped for a cold pint and some local bites.

I found Wilson Park to be a gem, especially with its farmers market that was full of fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods—it felt so vibrant and community-centered.

We made time for the Del Amo Fashion Center, and browsing through one of the largest malls in America was an exciting break when it got very hot outside in on a July afternoon.

On our second day trip to Torrance, we actually explored Madrona Marsh, a preserved wetland tucked right into the city, and it felt like discovering a hidden sanctuary filled with birds and trails.

• Location: Southwestern Los Angeles County in Southern California
• Map & Directions

What I loved best:

Sunset on Torrance Beach was my personal highlight, as it lit up with golden colors!

7. Carlsbad - 35 minutes from San Diego

This is such an easy coastal getaway that feels like a mini vacation without the long drive! When I'm feeling lazy, this is my go-to spring day trip from San Diego. Why? First off, I can just hop on the Coaster train for a car-free trip. In addition, I can count of lovely flower views and a relaxing time on the beach.

If I'm feeling more active, I like to explore the Carlsbad Village area entirely on foot, enjoy strolling along the Carlsbad State Beach boardwalk, and check out the art galleries that line Carlsbad Village Drive.

If you’re visiting with kids (or just young at heart), LEGOLAND California Resort is one of the region’s must-do attractions. Outdoor lovers will enjoy Batiquitos Lagoon, a peaceful 1.3 mile nature trail that’s perfect for birdwatching and sunset walks. Be sure to check out docent-led walks and ask lots of questions.

When it comes to food, Carlsbad’s is a true foodie heaven! Campfire is my favorite with its creative open-fire cooking and stylish vibe, while Jeune et Jolie, a Michelin-starred restaurant, serves elegant French-inspired dishes that looked almost too beautiful to eat. For something casual and cheap, grab tacos from Señor Grubby’s or enjoy ocean views over breakfast at The Daily News Café, my personal highlight.

• Location: Coastal city in northern San Diego County, California, along the Pacific Ocean
• Map & Directions

What I loved best:

Splurging on an overnight stay at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach (for ocean views and spa amenities) or Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort for a walkable base right in the heart of the village!

8. Laguna Beach - 1 Hour and 15 Minutes from San Diego

For me, this is hands down one of Southern California’s most beautiful coastal escapes, a perfect day trip from San Diego for art lovers and ocean enthusiasts alike. I adore the dramatic cliffs here, along with hidden coves, and fantastic restaurants too.

While the drive takes just over an hour, we always stop and enjoy the ocean views along the way and I recommend the same for your trip. My absolute favorite thing here is that once you arrive, you can easily explore most of the town on foot (I also like to ride on the free local trolley).

I love that there are so many different beaches here to enjoy the day, whether I'm in the mood for the lively Main Beach, or just want to chill on one of the quieter coves like Thousand Steps Beach and Shaw’s Cove.

Beyond the beach, there the Laguna Art Museum, galleries along Forest Avenue, and even the Pageant of the Masters and Sawdust Art Festival in the summer.

In addition, Laguna’s dining scene is as impressive as its views. For oceanfront elegance, Driftwood Kitchen and Las Brisas are my long-time favorites.

• Location: Coastal city in southern Orange County, California, along the Pacific Ocean between Newport Beach and Dana Point
• Map & Directions

What I loved best: For a casual breakfast or coffee, Zinc Café is my personal favorite, especially if you can get there early and grab one of their outdoor tables! I always go for Huevos Rancheros ($17).

9. La Jolla - 25 min from San Diego

Just a short 25 minute drive north of San Diego, I found this to be one of my favorite coastal escapes, and it felt like the perfect change of pace from the city’s energy.

As soon as we arrived, we walked along the dramatic cliffs at La Jolla Cove, and I couldn’t get over the cool sea caves carved into the shoreline.

I loved spotting the sea lions basking on the rocks (sometimes you have to look hard!), and we stayed for a while just watching their playful antics—it was such a joyful experience that completely won me over.

We also wandered through the village, which had a charming mix of boutiques, galleries, and cafés that gave the area such a unique small-town feel right by the ocean.

Brunch overlooking the water at Brockton Villa was my personal highlight, especially with those sweeping Pacific views that stretched endlessly in front of us.

Kayaking here is an exciting highlight for many visitors I talked to, since you can get up close to hidden coves and even paddle into one of the famous sea caves. Not a fan of getting in the water? Not a problem - there is so much else to do here!

What struck me most was how family-friendly everything felt, with parks, beaches, and tide pools perfect for exploring with kids.

• Location: Coastal neighborhood of San Diego in Southern California
• Map & Directions

What I loved best:

One of the coolest moments in the "Jewel City" was watching the sunset from the cliffs—the colors made the whole coastline glow in a way I’ll never forget.

In addition, I recommend a two day stay at 4-star La Valencia Hotel if you are from out of town to give yourself plenty of time to get to know the area.

10. Coronado - 15 minutes from San Diego

Looking for a beach to take the kids that's easy to reach when you are local? Just across the bay from downtown San Diego, you quickly get to Coronado, one of my favorite SoCal spots that I love visiting with my husband and son on vacation. I also think it's the absolute best day trip from San Diego. Why? Because it's close by making the drive short letting you relax on beautiful sandy shores for longer.

We drove over the sweeping Coronado Bridge, and the view of the skyline behind us was one of the coolest sights I’ve seen in Southern California.

Strolling along Orange Avenue, I found myself exploring a mix of boutiques, ice cream shops, and cafés.

I loved how the wide, golden-sand beach stretched on.

Watching the waves roll in while families set up picnics and kids built sandcastles made me appreciate how family-friendly this island truly is.

We stopped at the historic Hotel del Coronado (which just won the 2025 Preservation Design Award from the California Preservation Foundation). I could see why it won! The hotel felt like walking into living history, and its grand Victorian architecture was my favorite sight of the day.

• Location: On a peninsula across the bay from downtown San Diego
• Map & Directions

What I loved best:

My personal highlight was sipping a cold drink on the terrace while gazing at the Pacific—it was an affordable little luxury on our day trip.

A downside? While the town is family-friendly, holiday weekends and summers can draw a larger crowd. So if you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet retreat visiting during the colder season or during the week may be best.

Conclusion

After exploring so many different Southern California towns, I realized each day trip offered something special. What I loved most was how every destination felt unique, with its own energy, scenery, and experiences that made the journey just as rewarding as the arrival.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.

 

Leave a Comment