In fact, on a good day you can reach La Jolla in just 20 minutes! Just to the the north of San Diego, this coastal village has a lot on offer. La Jolla is a great option for San Diego day trips within an hour’s drive. La Jolla, California This is one of the best beaches in California If you’re looking at learning a little more about the park, then this audioguide is very handy to have.
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Most people who visit Joshua Tree National Park drive. There are no shops in the park, be sure to bring enough water and snacks! Popular ways to enjoy your time at Joshua tree include hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The twisted and spiky trees, combined with the dry and dusty landscape make for a truly alien-feeling landscape. This desert reserve takes its name from the unusual Joshua trees that call this area home. Approximately a 3 hour drive north east of San Diego, Joshua Tree is on the further side for a day trip, but so incredibly worth it! Immerse yourself in surreal, yet spectacular, surroundings in Joshua Tree National Park.
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If you’ve got time, then I’d really recommend visiting some of the local vineyards! Joshua Tree National Park, California A visit to Joshua Tree National Park is a must on any trip to California The surrounding hills of Ensenada are a flavourful wine growing region, and Baja California as a whole produces 90% of Mexico’s wine, so make sure to plan a few vineyard stops into your day. Then grab one of the city’s famous fish tacos while enjoying an ocean-side brew. Take a hike along the rugged coastline, or cool off in the crystal clear waters. This picturesque coastal city, dubbed the Cinderella of the Pacific, is a popular cruise ship destination, and the port is always a hive of activity. Ensenada, Mexico Who fancies a trip to Mexico?Īpproximately 130km to the south, you’ll find yourself in the gorgeous coastal city of Ensenada, Mexico. For a whole lot of fun, you can even take a Scavenger Beer and Adventures Tour.Īnother fantastic option is going on a food tour of Carlsbad Village and trying all the different dishes that make this an amazing place to visit. While you’re here, don’t forget to look around the historic Olde Carlsbad and check out one of the local craft breweries. Carlsbad State Beach has lifeguards on duty and is popular with families, scuba divers, and windsurfers, whereas unsupervised Terramar is a hot-spot for surfers. There are several gloriously sandy beaches to choose from. Just a 30 minute drive from San Diego, this is an ideal option if you’re looking to kick back and enjoy some sunshine. Camping in Joshua Tree National Parkīest day trips from San Diego Carlsbad Carlsbad is a beautiful stretch of coastlineġ1 gorgeous kilometres of coastline await you at the seaside city of Carlsbad. I promise you you’re in for such an amazing time!Īlso, if you’re planning a west coast road trip, check out my post on Day Trips From Portland. Hopefully you can use this post when putting your San Diego itinerary together. You’ll also find some great options for San Diego tours too if you don’t have your own transport.
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Go wine tasting in Mexico’s most prominent wine region, lose yourself in the vibrant streets of Tijuana, or simply lay on the beach and sample the incredible street food.Īll these activities are within three hours drive of San Diego, making them easy day trips, some are even as close as 20 minutes in the car. With it’s close proximity to the border, there are also lot of great day trip options in Mexico. San Diego is an amazing place to visit in California Let me tell you, when it comes to day trips from San Diego you really won’t be disappointed.įrom spending a day hiking the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park to having an alien experience at Coyote’s Flying Saucer Retrievals and Repairs, there’s a lot to pack in. And that’s not to mention the mouth-watering food!Īs incredible as this sunny city is, if you’re basing yourself here for a longer time you may want to broaden your horizons. This sunny city benefits from an amazing climate, beautiful beaches, and a very laid back lifestyle. Sitting on the Pacific Coast of southern California, San Diego is a fantastic city to visit. From watching lucha libre & eating fish tacos, to hiking surreal landscapes & soaking in hot springs, these are the best day trips from San Diego!