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California, Travel Guides · September 26, 2023

San Diego Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

woman giving the peace sign in front of huge insect sculptures, accessible via one of the many San Diego road trips

Coming up with a list of the best San Diego road trips was easy, and that’s not just because I’ve been visiting once a year for the past decade. San Diego is so close to a bunch of interesting places. The more I go, the more I want to explore the area surrounding this gem of a SoCal city.

Being less than an hour from the Mexico border and just a couple hours from Los Angeles, there are plenty of great places to visit for a quick weekend getaway. Whether you’re in the mood to explore land, sea, or wine country, you’ll never run out of things to do in San Diego.

If you’re curious about the best road trips from San Diego, get ready because I’ve come up with a list of fun destinations. They’re organized by distance, each being a six hours or less drive time from SD.

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San Diego Road Trips

Save this list to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it as I discover more road trips in San Diego!

Escondido

travel time: ~40 minutes | get directions | best for: vineyards & art scene

Lets ease into this list of San Diego road trips. Escondido is a short drive north of San Diego, so it’s perfect for a quick day trip. It has the same gorgeous weather as SD but with even more picturesque mountain views and nature trails. It’s also home to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the California Center for the Arts, and a really cool sculpture garden in Kit Carson Park called Queen Califia’s Magical Circle.

woman walking through colorful sculptures, one of the best outdoor activities in San Diego
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
gazelle at the San Diego Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Downtown has plenty of craft breweries, restaurants, museums, and tasting rooms. If you have time, I suggest heading to the outskirts to check out the wineries in the Ramona Valley AVA and Highland Valley. Two of my favorites are Mia Marie Vineyards and Espinosa Vineyards.

view of a wine region near San Diego
Highland Valley Vineyards
woman enjoying the view while drinking wine in San Diego
View at Mia Maria Vineyards

Unique tours & experiences

  • Cruise & Booze City Brewery Tour
  • Zombie-Inspired Scavenger Hunt

Where to stay

Want to spend the night? Here’s a baller option.

Luxurious Retreat

link to book | Escondido, CA | price: ~$650/night | bedrooms: 4 | bathrooms: 3.5 | fits: 14 people | hot tub | pool

pool area with lounge chairs and palm trees
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

If you plan on visiting a couple of wineries, you’ll want to book a cool pad to hang out at afterwards. This home has the most baller pool and hot tub area with plenty of lounge chairs. There’s even a putting green!

Oceanside / Carlsbad

travel time: ~40- 50 minutes | Oceanside (get directions) or Carlsbad (get directions) | best for: beaches

Oceanside and Carlsbad are two side-by-side beach towns north of SD. They both have a quaint beachy vibe with restaurants, bars, and shops offering epic coastline views. Oceanside Pier is known for being bustling with more to do, whereas Carlsbad is quieter and has more family-friendly activities, like the Carlsbad Ranch flower fields.

woman walking on a San Diego beach
Coastline north of San Diego

When you go to Oceanside, check out Harbor Beach for its volleyball courts and fire pits. Carlsbad is known for having a great surf scene, especially at Robert Frazee Beach. Families tend to like Ponto Beach for its large stretch of sand and gentle waves.

Both areas have some great restaurants. If you want fine dining, head to Carlsbad’s 1-Michelin star Jeune et Jolie or their casual sister bar, Campfire. In Oceanside, head to southeast Asian Dija Mara or Wrench and Rodent for creative takes on sushi.

heaping mound of roast broccoli from an SD restaurant in California
Campfire restaurant in Carlsbad

Tours & experiences

  • 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour
  • Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour
  • Visit the Mission San Luis Rey Museum
  • Indoor Skydiving
  • Carlsbad Food & Wine Tour

Where to stay

I’ll take any excuse to book accommodations by the beach. Here’s an option if you want to extend your trip to Oceanside and Carlsbad.

Stylish Beach House

link to book | Carlsbad, CA | price: ~$282/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 5 people

living room of a stylish beach house
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This adorable apartment is just a 3-minute walk from Carlsbad Beach and is perfect for two couples or a family looking for a serene beach getaway. There’s a full kitchen, a BBQ, and plenty of space to eat outside, or you can head three blocks to Carlsbad Village and check out the local shops.

Temecula 

travel time: ~1 hour 40 minutes | get directions | best for: wine country

Temecula is Southern Cali’s most well-known wine region and was even voted a “Top 10 Wine Destination” by Wine Enthusiast in 2019. There are over 50 wineries ranging from small boutique spots to large mountainside estates.

Vineyard in Temecula, CA at sunset
Photo courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

Here are some of my favorite wineries to visit:

  • Akash Winery – Stunning father-son winery with a modern tasting room
  • Palumbo Family Vineyards – Intimate tasting room with sustainable wines
  • Vindemia Winery – Great wine and grounds that transport you to Europe
  • Doffo Wines – Funky motorcycle-themed winery with bold reds

Aside from wine tasting, there are tons of activities to keep you busy. Stroll through historic Old Town and check out the specialty shops, outdoor art, and historic buildings. Don’t miss The Painted Garden, a fairytale of a garden store with great plants and garden accessories.

woman walking through trees at a sculpture garden
The Painted Garden in Temecula

Tours & experiences

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride
  • Temecula’s Best Wine Tasting Tour
  • Private Sidecar Winery Tour through Temecula
  • VW Bus Wine Tour of Temecula

Where to stay

Here are options if you want to spend a few days in wine country.

Hilltop Hideaway

link to book | Riverside County, CA | price: ~$220/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 3 people | dog friendly

exterior of a tiny home in California wine country
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

If you want a romantic mountain getaway, it doesn’t get better than this cottage. It’s right next to Cougar Winery and within walking distance of vineyards. From the cottage, you can relax in the outdoor soaking bathtubs, drink wine by the fire pit, play outdoor games, or even watch the hot air balloons float by as you sip your morning coffee.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort

link to book | Temecula, CA (get directions) | price: ~$269/night | fits: 2-4 people | dog friendly

inside a hotel room
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

If you want to literally park yourself in the middle of a winery, this is where you do it. The rooms are immaculate, and each offers a view of the estate. You’ll also be within 10-15 minutes walking distance from a bunch of other wineries.

Anza Borrego Desert 

travel time: ~2 hours | get directions | best for: hiking

This may be one of my most exciting discoveries for this list of San Diego road trips. The Anza Borrego Desert is the largest state park in California stretching over 500 miles of dirt roads and wilderness. It’s famous for wildflower blooms, slotted canyons, and natural wildlife. Almost all of the park is free to hike or camp except for a few of the more popular spots, which have a $5-10 day fee.

woman taking in the views on a hike that is the perfect San Diego weekend getaway
Palm Canyon Loop Trail

If you’re looking for a hike, Palm Canyon Loop is a fun one. It’s about 3 miles round trip and takes you to a dense forest of palm trees and stream perfect for a dip on a hot day.

Another option is The Slot, which is high on my list to visit. It’s an about 2-mile hike that takes you to a slot canyon.

palm trees on a hike near San Diego
Palm Canyon Loop Trail

Want to experience something funky? Don’t miss Galleta Meadows. It’s a large animal sculpture exhibit randomly placed in a field on the side of the road. It gets windy, so be prepared for some epic photos with your hair blowing everywhere!

huge scorpion sculpture in the desert
Galletta Meadows

When you visit, check out the Salton Sea just outside the park. It’s the largest lake in California and a known birder destination.

East of the Salton Sea is a famous outdoor art installation, Salvation Mountain. It features a vibrant-colored mountain decorated with Christian-themed artwork.

Tours & experiences

  • San Andreas Fault Offroad Tour
  • Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bike Experience

Where to stay

The park is big so you may travel up to 3 hours outside of SD. Therefore you may want to turn this San Diego road trip into a multi-day excursion. Here is a dope option of where to rest your head for the night.

Majestic House

link to book | Borrego Springs, CA | price: ~$400/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2 | fits: 7 people | pool & hot tub

outdoor pool area of a California rental home
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This gorgeous house is made of rammed earth and features tons of outdoor space with plenty of overhangs, a private pool, and an in-ground spa. There’s also a full kitchen and even a separate game room.

Palm Springs

travel time: ~2 hours 15 minutes | get directions | best for: dining, architecture & art scene

Road-tripping from SD to Palm Springs is a no-brainer. I mean, what’s not to love about Palm Springs? With gorgeous weather, tons of restaurants, bars, architecture, specialty shops, hiking trails, and a curated art scene, you could easily spend an entire week exploring the area.

retro mid century modern home with a bright door

If you’re up for a hike, grab bagel sandwiches from Townie Bagels and then check out Andreas Canyon to explore a massive grove of palm trees. Or give Tahquitz Canyon a try, which leads you to a 60-foot waterfall.

woman standing in front of a famous mid century modern home in Palm Springs, a must do on your day trip to Joshua Tree
Famous mid century modern home in Palm Springs

Afterwards, rest your feet with a self-guided driving tour to explore the stunning mid century modern architecture. Whimsy Soul has a good self-guided door tour you can follow. Or if you’re visiting February or October-May, you can take a tour with Modernist Week or go to their large festival event in February.

When you’re hungry, check out some of my favorite spots like El Jefe for tacos, Rooster & the Pig for Vietnamese, or Bar Cecil for American classics.

artichokes from Bar Cecil in Palm Springs
Artichokes from Bar Cecil

Lastly, no trip to Palm Springs would be complete without a little shopping. If you’re visiting on a Thursday, downtown Palm Springs main shopping street becomes pedestrian only to host 180+ vendors at Villagefest.

But shopping any other day of the week is also a must. Simply walk down S Palm Canyon Drive and pop into shops of interest, stopping for a world-famous date shake for a treat when you need to cool down.

Marilyn Monroe statue in Palm Springs, one of the best San Diego road trips

Tours & experiences

  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
  • Modern Architecture & More Bike Tour
  • Legends & Icons of Palm Springs Tour
  • Palm Springs Indian Canyon Bike Tour
  • Palm Springs Drag Brunch
  • Private Session with Photographer

Where to stay

There are some seriously dope places to stay in Palm Springs because the Hollywood elite used to come here to escape by the pool. Here are some options to consider for your trip.

Blackhaus

link to book | Palm Springs, CA (get directions) | price: ~$330/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 2 people | dog friendly

view of a pool with mountain in the background
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This modern Palm Springs hotel is just 16 minutes from the Palm Springs Art Museum and offers a stunning view. The hotel is at the base of the San Jacintos, in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

A Place in the Sun Hotel

link to book | Palm Springs, CA (get directions) | price: ~$215/night | fits: varies | dog friendly | hot tub

pool area in Palm Springs, one of the best road trips from San Diego
Photo courtesy of A Place in the Sun Hotel

I’ll never turn down an adults-only hotel, especially in a nightlife-centric town like Palm Springs. This modern boutique hotel has a beautiful backdrop of the mountains and all the amenities you could think of. Yes, even a mini golf course.

Joshua Tree National Park

travel time: ~2 hours 45 minutes | get directions | best for: hiking

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular San Diego road trip add-on when visiting Palm Springs since it’s about 50 minutes away. The park is named for the gnarly and twisted trees that surround it. It has many hiking and camping options, such as the aptly named Skull Rock or the easily accessible Hidden Valley viewpoint.

woman walking in cactus garden at sunrise, a must do on a Joshua Tree day trip
Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park

I have a whole guide to spending the day in Joshua Tree National Park. It gets really hot there from May – October, so I recommend starting early to beat the heat and crowds. One of the most magical experiences is seeing sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden. Starting that early makes it so you can hit up most of the main attractions by lunch!

woman sitting on a ledge overlooking a viewpoint
Key Views in Joshua Tree National Park

Speaking of lunch, head to La Copine for food after exploring the park. This Yucca Valley restaurant makes excellent takes on comfort food with some healthy and fresh dishes thrown into the mix.

Before you make your way back to SD, stop by Pioneertown. It’s a semi-abandoned Old Western movie set/fully functioning town. While you’re there, grab a beer at the Pioneertown staple, Pappy and Harriet’s.

Pioneertown, a must visit on your day trip to Joshua Tree
Pioneertown

Tours & experiences

  • Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour
  • Half-Day Guided Hike in JTNP
  • 4-Hour Rock Climbing Trip in JTNP

Where to stay

Since Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour from Palm Springs, if you want to beat the heat and get there for sunrise it’s best to stay near the park entrance. Here are some options.

boulder2Sky

link to book | Yucca Valley, CA | price: ~$1,100/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 3 | fits: 8 people | hot tub & pool | dog friendly

pool at a swanky VRBO
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This stunning home is perfect for larger groups. It has the most envious pool and lounge chair set up. I can’t stop day dreaming of what it’d be like finishing a day at the park on one of those chaises!

Monochrome Home

link to book | Joshua Tree, CA | price: ~$230/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 4 people | dog friendly

ranch at sunset in Joshua Tree, a must-visit San Diego road trips
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This modern-aesthetic home is just 5 minutes from the park and features giant 30-foot sliding glass doors, giving you the ultimate view of the Joshua Tree sunset from the comfort of your living room.

Santa Catalina Island

travel time: ~3 ½ hours | get directions | best for: beaches & scuba diving

I have yet to make it to Santa Catalina Island, but it’s safely on my bucket list. To get there, you have to take an hour-long ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point, or you can take a helicopter from Long Beach or San Pedro.

The two main towns on the island are Two Harbors and Avalon. Two Harbors is more outdoors-focused, with hiking and scuba diving. Avalon is more low key with relaxing beach vibes. You can visit both in one day since they’re about 1 hour and 20 minutes away from each other, but keep in mind there are no Ubers, so you’ll have to rely on taxis or bus services.

Tours & experiences

  • Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon
  • 45-Minute Submarine Tour of Catalina Island
  • 2-Hour Adventure Tour on Catalina Island

Where to stay

While a day trip is technically feasible, you’ll probably want to book at least one night if you visit Santa Catalina Island as one of your San Diego road trips. Here are some cute spots.

Charming Catalina Gem

link to book | Avalon, CA | price: ~$250/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 4 people

inside a cottage on Catalina Island, one of the best San Diego road trips
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

Most accommodations will be in Avalon, like this adorable coastal gem. It’s just minutes from the beach and instantly accessible to several trails.

Gorgeous Catalina Island Condo

link to book | Avalon, CA | price: ~$586/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 4 people | hot tub

view from a condo on Catalina Island
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This condo is a bit on the pricey side, but it comes with a lot of amenities that can be hard to find on the island. For example, there’s a pool, hot tub, fitness center, and playground. You even get your own golf cart. Not to mention you’re steps away from the beach.

Los Angeles 

travel time: ~2 hours | get directions | best for: nightlife & nearby theme parks

LA is probably the most quintessential getaway on this list of San Diego road trips. I created a 4-day itinerary for visiting LA since that’s exactly how much time I think it deserves, especially if you’ve never been before. With beautiful beaches and tons of restaurants, it’s a Southern California staple you have to visit at least once.

woman giving a peace sign in front of the famous Venice Beach sign
Venice Beach in Los Angeles, CA

Start your trip with some sun by visiting Venice Beach. There’s a ton of unique boutique shops and great people watching. It’s also home to some of the most unique restaurants in LA.

Then spend a day in the Hollywood area to soak up all the magic of entertainment. Don’t miss the other hidden gems in this neighborhood, such as hiking at Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon followed by a visit to the farmers market.

view of Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park in LA

If you’re traveling with kids in tow and have a few days to spare, I suggest heading to Universal Studios or Disneyland. They’ll also get a kick out of the fossils at the La Brea Tar Pit.

Tours & experiences

  • Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA Tour
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  • Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour
  • Private Luxurious Tour of Los Angeles

Where to stay

I love staying near the Hollywood or Silver Lake neighborhoods because I find them more centrally located, but stay in Venice if you want a true beach vacation!

Modern Silver Lake Home

link to book | Los Angeles, CA | price: ~$640/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2 | fits: 5 people | dog friendly

bright condo in LA, one of the best San Diego road trips
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This sleek modern home is the perfect stay if you’re looking for a more residential feel but still want to be close to spots like Hollywood Boulevard or Echo Park Lake.

Lux Condo

link to book | Los Angeles, CA | price: ~$220/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 4 people | dog friendly | hot tub

inside an LA condo, a must stay during San Diego road trips
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This trendy condo is great if you want to be minutes from downtown LA while still basking in swanky condo amenities like the hot tub, pool, full gym, full kitchen, and washer and dryer.

Santa Barbara

travel time: ~3 ½ hours | get directions | best for: beaching and wine tasting

I love Santa Barbara. From its scenic mountain and ocean views to the whitewashed buildings and variety of outdoor activities, it’s basically an adult playground. I wrote an itinerary on how to spend 3 days in Santa Barbara, which is almost enough time to fit it all in.

paved bike path along the ocean, a must do on any Santa Barbara itinerary
Bike trail along Santa Barbara beach

One spot I mentioned, but didn’t have time to visit is the Yvez Valley. It’s part of the larger Central Coast wine region known for growing pinot noir and Rhône varietals. Most of the vineyards are about a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, but you explore dozens of tasting rooms from downtown by following the Urban Wine Trail.

The Chromatic Gate art piece, a must do on your Santa Barbara itinerary
Chromatic Gate sculpture in Santa Barbara

Pro tip: If you’re able to, I highly recommend making your way to Channel Islands National Park while you’re in Santa Barbara. You can get to it via boat with Island Packers or a private tour.

Tours & experiences

  • Small-Group Santa Barbara Wine Tour
  • Santa Barbara Vineyard Tour by E-Bike
  • Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour
  • Santa Barbara Parasail

Where to stay

I love staying right downtown so I can walk to all the Santa Barbara attractions, but I have options if you’d prefer a more secluded escape.

Drift Santa Barbara

link to book | Santa Barbara, CA (get directions) | price: ~$250/night | fits: varies

Drift Santa Barbara hotel

I stayed at Drift the last time I went to Santa Barbara, and I loved the impeccably styled rooms and cozy beds. It’s located in the historic downtown so you’re within walking distance of restaurants and a short drive from the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Ritz-Carlton

link to book | Santa Barbara, CA (get directions) | price: ~$599/night | fits: varies | dog friendly

view of The Ritz-Carlton in Santa Barbara, CA
Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton

If you’re craving to see how the other half lives, it doesn’t get more luxurious than staying at the Ritz. With meticulous detail, upscale service, and tons of amenities, it’s definitely on my bucket list.

San Luis Obispo

travel time: ~5 hours | get directions | best for: outdoor activities & beaches

I love San Luis Obispo because it’s a great walking town and full of things to do, like ride the waves at Pismo Beach, walk along the Bob Jones Trail, or take advantage of the many delicious restaurants. So it’d be one of my top choices for San Diego road trips.

exterior of the SLO mission,, one of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo
Mission in San Luis Obispo

I didn’t make it to Morro Bay the last time I went, but it’s definitely at the top of my list for next time. It’s a small coastal town known for picturesque haystacks and killer oysters (note: killer as in tasty, not vicious).

Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach

Tours & experiences

  • Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay
  • Semi-Private Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour
  • 3-Hour Kayaking and Hiking California’s Central Coast

Where to stay

SLO has a cute downtown walking area, so stay close by to be near all the shops and restaurants! However, if you want to stay closer to the coastline, stay near Pismo Beach.

The Butler Hotel

link to book | San Luis Obispo, CA | price: ~$300/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 2 people | dog friendly

inside a luxe hotel you should stay at during any San Diego road trips
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This modern hotel is housed in a newly renovated 1950s industrial building and features stunning architecture smack dab in the center of downtown SLO. With patina concrete floors, rusting steel panels, stunning artwork, and impeccable style, it’s easy to get lost roaming the halls.

Rural Ranch Getaway

link to book | San Luis Obispo County, CA | price: ~$250/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 3 people

bedroom of a ranch
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This rural getaway is perfect if you want to get away from the crowds. It has a secluded vibe while still being a short drive from downtown SLO and nearby Avila Beach.

Paso Robles

travel time: ~5 hours | get directions | best for: wine tasting

Paso Robles is another must-visit wine region on the Central Coast, especially if you like heat-loving grapes like cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel. Downtown Paso Robles is small, so it won’t take long to explore and you can focus on visiting wineries.

Paso Robles wine country, one of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo
View of Paso Robles Wine Country

If I have time between winery visits, I head straight to Tin City, a collection of repurposed industrial buildings with craft breweries, wineries, and restaurants. There’s also a whimsical outdoor light installation called Sensorio in Paso Robles that’s totally unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Sensorio light installation in Paso Robles
Sensorio

Tours & experiences

  • Paso Robles Winery Tour with Picnic
  • All-Inclusive Paso Robles Wine Tour
  • Semi-Private “Hop-On Hop-Off” Wine Tasting Tour

Where to stay

Make sure you’re near the wineries so you can fit as many into you trip as possible!

Adorable Cottage

link to book | Paso Robles, CA | price: ~$290/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 4 people | dog friendly

outside back patio of a cottage
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This cottage is great if you’re traveling with your fur babies since there’s plenty of room for them to get comfortable while still putting you just a short drive away from several wineries and restaurants. If you need a night in, you can make use of the gas grill and dine under the twinkling patio lights.

The 805 Bungalow

link to book | Paso Robles, CA | price: ~$250/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 4 people

bungalow exterior
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This modern bungalow is centered downtown, super close to tons of restaurants, bars, and the city’s central park. In the evenings, you can break out the board games or sip your wine in the backyard and listen to the live music from The Pour House across the park.

Las Vegas 

travel time: ~5 hours | get directions | best for: gambling & nightlife

Believe it or not, I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but my partner goes multiple times a year. It’s notorious for rambunctious nightlife, gambling, and entertainment which usually isn’t my scene, but I have always wanted to visit for the food.

According to my partner, Lotus of Siam is the best restaurant. Ester’s Kitchen is another awesome spot just off the strip. For an after-dinner show, he recommends the Penn & Teller magic show. He also said there are a ton of Cirque du Soleil options worth seeing.

If you want to try your hand at gambling but don’t want to break the bank, go to Treasure Island or The Flamingo. Want to class it up? Go to the ARIA or The Wynn. If you’re a serious poker player like my partner, go to The Bellagio, made famous by the movie Ocean’s 11. Bonus: All poker rooms in Vegas are smoke free.

When you’re ready to escape the strip, go to Red Rock Canyon for some hiking. It’s a trek, but you’re also within driving distance of the Grand Canyon if that’s a bucket list adventure for you.

If you’d prefer to keep closer to Vegas, head to Seven Magic Mountains if you want some great photos for the ‘gram. This cool art installation has seven rock columns painted vibrant colors. If you love interactive art exhibits, make sure to check out The Sphere when you get back to the strip.

Tours & experiences

  • Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight
  • Las Vegas Dunes Tour by ATV
  • Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam

Where to stay

Here are two options at different price points.

ARIA Resort & CaSino

link to book | Las Vegas, NV (get directions) | price: $250+ | fits: varies | dog friendly

Aria Hotel, one of the best San Diego road trips
Photo courtesy of ARIA Resort & Casino

I feel like the “go big or go home” mentality is kind of essential if you’re going to visit Vegas. However, you don’t necessarily have to ball out at a place like The Venetian or The Wynn. ARIA is the perfect balance of swank, but not as expensive as some of the other high-rolling places. It’s where my partner always stays.

HORSESHOE Las Vegas

link to book | Las Vegas, CA (get directions) | price: $140+ | fits: varies

The Hoseshoe in Las Vegas
Photo courtesy of Horseshoe Las Vegas

If you’re not looking to spend an arm and a leg to visit the strip, The Horseshoe (previously Bally’s) is an excellent resort at a super approachable price point. You’ll be right in the heart of the strip, but you won’t ever have to leave with the onsite dining, casino, pool, fitness center, and shows.

Phoenix / Scottsdale

travel time: ~5 ½ hours | Phoenix directions & Scottsdale directions | best for: restaurants & hiking

I regularly head south to Arizona during the particularly dreary PNW winters, both because tickets are so cheap and because there’s so much to do. Since I go so often, I devised a solid itinerary for what to do if you only have one day in Phoenix or a weekend in Scottsdale. Lucky for you, this is one of the best San Diego road trips so you’ll be closer and have more time to explore.

a woman laughing with hot air balloons in the background during a weekend trip to Scottsdale
Hot air balloons in Scottsdale

If you’ve never been, Phoenix and Scottsdale are two huge side-by-side cities rich with everything from hiking trails to award-winning restaurants, resorts, tasting rooms, and breweries. It’s easy to bounce between the two, so I’ve compiled a list of unique restaurants in Scottsdale so you don’t have to waste precious time searching for true gems.

woman in a dress walking in grass with Superstition Mountains and cactus in the background
Lost Dutchman Hike near Phoenix

Tours & experiences

  • Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Adventure
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale
  • 2-Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours
  • Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix

Where to stay

Scottsdale especially is known for swank resorts. Here’s my favorite.

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

link to book | Scottsdale, AZ | price: $400+ | fits: varies | dog friendly

pool area with fountain and fire pit

I wrote a long spiel in my weekend guide to Scottsdale on how the Omni was one of the best resorts I’ve ever stayed at. Located north of downtown Scottsdale in Paradise Valley, you’ll have an unparalleled view of Camelback Mountain, not to mention numerous restaurants, three pools, a spa, two boutiques, and endless activities all day long. This property along makes Arizona one of the best San Diego road trips.

Valle de Guadalupe 

travel time: ~2 hours over the Mexican border | get directions | best for: wine tasting

While not technically the farthest in distance from San Diego, I saved Valle de Guadalupe for last because it involves driving through Mexico. I haven’t made it here yet, but it’s the highest on my San Diego road trips bucket list. I may or may not already have a spreadsheet dedicated to planning my first visit.

Valle de Guadalupe is located in Baja, California, Mexico, and has been dubbed “Mexico’s Napa.” It’s where over 90% of all wine in Mexico is made. There are over 100 wineries spread across the peninsula ranging from boutique estate wineries like Las Nubes to award-winning premium wineries like Monte Xanic.

Tours & experiences

  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting
  • ATV Off-Road Winery Adventure in Valle de Guadalupe
  • Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour

Where to stay

There are a ton of beautiful hotels to stay near vineyards. Here’s an option off the beaten path.

Wine Country Loft

link to book | Valle de Guadalupe, MX | price: ~$270/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 2 | fits: 6 people

exterior of a wine country cottage
Photo courtesy of listing on VRBO

This adorable loft is situated in the middle of a working winery. It features massive windows to let in natural light and has a private patio equipped with a fire pit, grill, hammock, and epic mountain views.

More to do in San Diego

Whew, and that’s a wrap on all the best San Diego road trips. After you’re done plotting your next getaway, check out my guides for exploring more of San Diego proper.

  • San Diego 3-Day Itinerary
  • San Diego’s Best Restaurants
  • Fun Outdoor Activities in San Diego
  • The Ultimate San Diego to San Francisco Road Trip

In: California, Travel Guides

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