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Let’s explore a different side of this great city. Let’s go on some incredible day trips from San Diego!
You can see and do a lot in just a single-day trip from San Diego, California. Think of its sunny beaches, green mountains, extensive deserts, quaint towns, theme parks, and spectacular vineyards.
There are plenty of day trips from San Diego to choose from, whether you are doing a family trip or a solo getaway.
Those of us visiting San Diego County are lucky with the large number of choices we have of places to visit and explore. Here are some of my absolute favorite day trips from San Diego.
But before we start our list of day trips from San Diego, let me share an important tip. Here is a guide to San Diego travel costs; read it to plan your visit and make the most of your money.
Now let’s talk about all the great things to do near San Diego and how to plan an unforgettable day trip.
Popular day trips around San Diego
Whether you’re on vacation or a local resident here looking for new things to explore, the ideas below are worth updating your road trip song playlist for.
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The San Diego Zoo
Located in Balboa Park, the zoo is one of the city’s biggest attractions. Each year it welcomes over five million visitors. Each person is excited to explore the 100 acres of exhibits and habitats.
The San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals. It also has an extensive botanical collection with over 700,000 plants.
No matter what time of the year you visit, there’s plenty to do at the zoo. From taking guided tours to witnessing impressive animal shows and encounters.
If you’re looking for a great way to spend the day outdoors, a visit to the San Diego Zoo is perfect for the whole family, or even by yourself.
Tip: excited to go to the zoo but not looking forward to paying the full price? Find out how you can get San Diego Zoo tickets at a discounted price.
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Beer tasting on the Hops Highway
Hops Highway is located about 35 miles north of downtown San Diego. This stretch of road is home to dozens of craft beer breweries and taprooms. Every beer lover’s dream.
If you are unclear about where to start your beer journey, don’t worry. Check out this list dedicated to all the San Diego craft beer breweries.
Just be sure that before you embark on your craft brewery tour you have a designated sober driver. Or make sure to go as part of a tour so that they can drive you around.
If you like craft beer have a look at our guide to the best breweries in New York and be inspired for another trip.
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Wine tasting in Temecula
Is beer drinking not your thing? No stress, I have you covered. Just drive about 60 miles north of San Diego and you’ll hit Temecula. A smaller city that is known for its wonderful wine, marvelous vineyards, and fun-packed wine tours.
With over 30 wineries that are easily accessible, sampling wines of Temecula makes for a great day trip from San Diego. However, for those that are less interested in wine, Temecula has more to offer.
There are fine golf courses, outdoor activities, and Old Town Temecula – the historic center of town. You will find an abundance of restaurants, shops, and cute antique deals here. It is definitely worth spending some of your day here.
Check out this Temecula all-inclusive wine tasting tour and lunch!
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Julian Mountain
The tree-covered mountain town of Julian is known for its gold panning and apple picking. Located 60 miles northeast of San Diego, this town allows you to get a taste of the rural, mountain lifestyle.
Once a mining town, you can now roam the small village center and enjoy its shops and surroundings. Those looking to do something active can enjoy a stunning hike or horseback ride in the mountains.
Before your day comes to an end, don’t forget to pick up some famous Julian apple pie.
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Hike in the Anza Borrego Desert
Looking for some peace and quiet in the middle of nowhere? The Anza Borrego Desert is a great escape from the city. As it’s California’s largest park, there are tons of beautiful hiking trails for you to explore.
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is also known for its stargazing. Come at nighttime and you have stunning views for stargazing, some of the most stunning views of the stars. The park is an official night sky community, meaning that the park and village actively work together to protect dark night skies over the southern California desert.
More about California’s green spaces and the must-see west coast national parks here!
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Palomar Mountain
At 6,142 feet, it is one of the highest places in San Diego County. A scenic 70-mile drive will take you from downtown San Diego to the summit. Here you will find forests, meadows, hiking trails, fishing spots, and beautiful picnic areas.
It is also home to the Palomar Observatory which hosts the giant 200-inch Hale telescope. You can take a tour of the magnificent dome and learn how the telescope was created and built.
If you like mountains, don’t forget to read our guide to the highest, longest, and most beautiful Mountain ranges in the US.
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La Jolla Shores Beach
Wanting to spend a day at the beach? Floating around in the water and bathing in the sun? Then La Jolla Shores Beach is the perfect place for you, and it’s named one of the best beach towns in California. It’s the largest stretch of flat sand we have, which means there is plenty of space for everyone, even on crowded days.
The ocean here is typically excellent for swimming. But those looking for more action can find it on the north side, where surfing is allowed. It’s one of the best places to take surf lessons in San Diego. The way the reef is formed causes waves to break in a gentle manner.
La Jolla Shores Beach is a must-visit place for those visiting San Diego and also an unmissable stop if you are going on Highway 101 road trip.
Book your surf adventure here: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson
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Mount Laguna
Located right off the Sunrise Highway, roughly an hour’s drive east from San Diego’s city center, is Mount Laguna. An ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.
With countless hiking trails, for both beginners and the more experienced, the spectacular landscapes make it a real treat.
If you happen to visit during the winter months, be aware that the area does get snowfall a couple of times a year. When it does snow, you are able to ski, go sledding, and hold a snowball fight.
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Tijuana, Mexico
This Mexican town is located just over the border and only a 30-minute drive from downtown San Diego. As such Tijuana, Mexico, is a great place to consider when looking for a San Diego day trip idea.
Visiting Tijuana is a great opportunity to experience the country’s culture and the delicious Mexican food. You can expect to find quaint shops selling souvenirs and street vendors lining the boulevards. Be prepared to “negotiate” for the best price and don’t be shocked when children and adults ask you for a dollar or two.
While exploring and sightseeing Tijuana make sure to stop at the Tijuana Cultural Center. It is both an art museum and a cultural exhibition area. Avenida Revolucion is also worth a visit, as is the tourist center of the area.
Check prices: From San Diego to Tijuana City Guided Tour and Food Tasting
Final thoughts on the best San Diego day trips
Another option we didn’t mention before is going for a day trip to Malibu, it’s only 2 hours and 45 minutes away. If you decided to go here are our tips on what to do in Malibu.
Do you want to keep exploring California’s coast? Then have a look at our guide to things to do in Pismo Beach, and add it to your travel list. Or have a break from the beach and go discover what to do in Fresno, which is only 5 hours away from San Diego.
So, that concludes the list of my favorite places around San Diego for a day trip. Even though it’s not your average city, whether you are a local or a tourist, you might get the urge for a change in scenery.
And who could blame you when surrounding the city there are historic towns, vineyards, nature escapes, and an opportunity to easily get another stamp on your passport.
I’ve tried to include activities suited to a wide range of tastes, budgets, and interests. Now there is only one thing left to do and that is to book your next trip to San Diego.
Looking for more travel tips to the United States? Read our guides to USA here!
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Image credits:
Image 1 by Daniel Guerra, Image 2 by Jessica Weiller, Image 3 by Kelsey Chance, Image 4 by Ethan Dow, Image 5 by Casey Horner, Image 6 by Gautam Krishnan, Image 7 by MontyLov, all on Unsplash.
