Stunning San Diego is a simple sell. The city has a lot to do, from art galleries, street art, and museums in Downtown San Diego to its excellent portfolio of sandy beaches for the more laidback travelers. You can take areas for whale-watching cruises or red wine tasting– and if you are remaining for longer than a day or 2, you ought to absolutely prepare some field trip. San Diego is preferably situated on the southern California coast, perfect for venturing to a few of the state’s most beautiful locations and the majority of amazing destinations.
Finest Excursion from San Diego
Whether you are a nature enthusiast or choose modern art, San Diego has a journey that will be up your street. In this guide, we’ll present you to the leading competitors, from hours invested in Los Angeles to afternoons red wine tasting in the middle of rolling hills. It is safe to state that there’s lots of range. Get a pen and paper since San Diego’s field trip do not dissatisfy.
Schedule your airport transfer to your downtown San Diego hotel ahead of time for a personal carefree journey.
1. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is just the location for a part-glitzy, part-cheesy seaside experience in California. As an outing from San Diego, it is a perfect beach day location. You can settle back on many sandy beaches, head browsing, or attempt some scrumptious ice cream. There are off-beach activities, too, like theme park activities on Balboa Pier and at Balboa Enjoyable Zone.
This is a light-hearted excursion to select from San Diego. If you desire an enjoyable day out or are taking a trip with kids, it is a terrific bet. Take a look at 28 Finest Beaches in California
Range from San Diego: 1.5 hours How to arrive: Vehicle
2. Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is something quite unique. The uncommon natural lake is popular for its very high salt levels, home to just a handful of marine life types. Just the hardiest animals and plant life can hack a life in the Salton Sea. The white sands around the lake are visual adequate to draw professional photographers, not simply swimmers. In General, Salton Sea is simply the ideal uncommon excursion to contribute to your San Diego schedule.
When you have actually appreciated the lake, there is a historical town around its boundary to have a potter around. There’s likewise Rock Hill Path if you expensive a leisurely 2-mile walk with scenic lake views and prospective bird viewing.
Range from San Diego: 2 hours 40 minutes How to arrive: Vehicle
3. Tijuana
A Tijuana excursion is the supreme persuasion to go out of downtown San Diego for a day. The border city has a credibility for having lots of life and culture– the most available point of Mexico to reach on a day journey from San Diego. It is extremely popular for those wishing to squeeze a look of Mexico into their San Diego schedule. If you desire an enthusiastic day out, Tijuana is perfect.
You can roam the old town, watch fumbling occasions, or check out the Tijuana Cultural Center. You can check out separately or take an assisted trip.
Range from San Diego: 1 hour and 15 minutes or 35 minutes by cars and truck How to arrive: Shuttle bus or cars and truck
4. Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is among the outright finest locations to check out for stargazing– totally surrounded by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and a designated International Dark Sky Neighborhood. This implies that while we are including it as a ‘excursion’, you may wish to check out during the night in a somewhat more non-traditional journey. If you arrive before night, however, you ought to have a look at a few of the tracks in the state park. The Slot Canyon Path is especially popular. Clark Dry Lake is a cool area, too; it is a broken lake that appears like something right out of a Hollywood movie.
Range from San Diego: 2 hours How to arrive: Vehicle
5. Palm Springs
Possibilities are you have actually currently become aware of Palm Springs. This city is rested on– unsurprisingly– warm springs, indicating you’ll discover lots of thermal swimming pools and lavish plant life. As a city, it is likewise action-packed in a glamorous method, with tennis courts, golf courses, horseback riding, and night life galore. Palm Springs is basically a grownups’ play ground. It is the perfect location to let your hair down for a day. Learn more: 16 Finest Cities in California
As a fast side note, Palm Springs is straight in between San Diego and Joshua Tree National Forest. You can integrate the 2 with a fast stopover in Palm Springs en path to the national forest.
Range from San Diego: 2.5 hours How to arrive: Vehicle
6. Los Angeles
We will not mince our words; preferably, you ‘d have more than a day in Los Angeles; it is quickly among California’s finest cities. From amusement park to the Stroll of Popularity and Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is basically everyone’s dream location when it concerns going to California. The mega-city got its credibility from A-listers and Hollywood motion pictures, and it has a few of the very best destinations and trips the whole state deals. That stated, Los Angeles is workable on a day journey from San Diego. You’ll simply need to have a military-style schedule. You can likewise purchase an assisted excursion. By doing this, the 2-hour drive each method will not tire you out excessive.
You can likewise reserve this two-day personal sightseeing excursion integrating Los Angeles and San Diego. Check out all the important things you can do in Los Angeles on your excursion or weekend vacation at 37 Finest Things to Do in Los Angeles– By A Regional
Range from San Diego: 2 hours How to arrive: Vehicle, train, or trip
7. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is among the most daring locations you can check out from San Diego. The spectacular island has a natural rugged appeal, with shrub-covered mountain ridges and little towns hugging the beachfront at their base. Catalina Island is 22 miles off the coast of California, indicating you’ll be capturing a ferryboat. The ferryboat leaves from Dana Point, around an hour’s drive north of San Diego.
When you reach the island, you’ll have hiking, fresh seafood dining establishments, and wildlife viewing to captivate you. Catalina Island is popular for its charm and excellent hospitality. And in a day, you’ll absolutely have the ability to get a genuine experience of the island.
Range from San Diego: 2 hours How to arrive: Ferryboat
8. Rosarito Beach
If you are searching for San Diego beaches, this sandy beach is even more than you may have at first believed to look. Throughout the Mexican border, Rosarito Beach is the perfect area for a tranquil walk on the sands. As an entire, the beach town of Rosarito is exceptional enjoyable– best understood for its footloose design of night life and enthusiastic browse culture. It does not take much to discuss why Rosarito is a popular vacation among United States travelers. However even simply on a day journey, it is a terrific beach day location. It has great diving chances, too, with a synthetic reef lying simply offshore.
Less than a 50-minute drive from San Diego, what more could you desire? You’ll integrate 2 nations in one journey and get a rejuvenating dosage of Mexican culture.
Range from San Diego: 50 minutes How to arrive: Vehicle
9. Go Whale Seeing
As far as animal encounters go, seeing a huge humpback whale surface area from the Pacific Ocean tops most experiences. For any wildlife enthusiasts, going whale watching is among the very best possible field trip from San Diego. And while you can get fortunate practically all all year, the very best duration is winter season and early spring. Many trip operators use a warranty, too, where if you do not see a whale on your trip, you get a totally free trip the next day.
Even if you do not find whales, there are guaranteed sweeteners. There are practically ensured sightings of sea lions and dolphins, which will assist you split a smile. This highly-rated trip is most likely to offer out.
Range from San Diego: N/A How to arrive: Trip
10. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is among the most stunning field trip from San Diego. If you wish to go treking for a couple of hours, the shaded oak forest at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is tempting, particularly in the early morning of a hot day. Numerous camp in this park and total over night walkings, however it’s similarly appropriate to day trippers. It isn’t simply beautiful; remain peaceful, and you can find anything from cougars to coyotes and mule deer. The park is a wonderful location for wildlife lovers.
Range from San Diego: 1 hour How to arrive: Vehicle
11. Cleveland National Park
Cleveland National Park is a dream for hikers and mountain cyclists; it even has horseback riding tracks. This area is the southernmost national park in California and stretches over a reputable 460,000 acres. Cleveland National park is likewise home to 3 range of mountains, consisting of Santa Ana, Palomar, and the Laguna Mountains– indicating lots of top walkings and difficult tracks to get your teeth into.
To get away Downtown San Diego for a day, you can’t beat the shaded tracks in Cleveland National park. The forest has all sorts of wildlife, too, consisting of mountain lions, coyotes, and mule deer. It’s a great concept to bring field glasses. Learn more: 15 Finest Walkings in California– Motivation to Get Outdoors
Range from San Diego: 1.5 hours How to arrive: Vehicle
12. San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente State Beach extends a mile long, with roomy sands and significant views that load a guaranteed wow element. If you desire a beach day, San Clemente State Beach has the area to beat the crowds on a hectic day. It is likewise simply an hour north of the city. It takes you on a rather beautiful mini trip through several Californian beach towns as the path hugs the coastline. At San Clemente State Beach, you can take pleasure in various water sports, picnic, or unwind with a book. Keep in mind to check out the close-by San Onofre State Beach also, which is a more rocky beach however backed by significant cliffs and a precious browse area.
Range from San Diego: 1 hour How to arrive: Vehicle
13. Lake Poway Recreational Location
Lake Poway is where to head for an independent fishing expedition from San Diego. You might require to employ equipment in the city if you didn’t bring yours, however the tranquility when you get here will make it worth the additional arranging. The tank is set versus a picturesque background of several little hills. When you aren’t fishing, you can finish a simple boundary walking of under 3 miles. Lake Poway is a little piece of serenity just thirty minutes far from San Diego’s town hall by cars and truck. Plus, you’ll most likely return with trout.
Range from San Diego: 40 minutes How to arrive: Vehicle
14. Volcan Mountain Wilderness Area
Volcan Mountain Wilderness Area is a sensational 2,900 acres of conifer forest with a mountain peak. Volcan Mountain has excellent native significance, and it is beneficial finding out about the culture and history behind the mountain before going to simply to make your treking much more unique. The very best walking is a 5-mile big salami that takes you ideal to Volcan Mountain’s top. However if that sounds a bit much, there’s likewise a 3.2-mile mid-summit walking you can choose. Both have spectacular views over the protect and are dazzling for nature enthusiasts and those desiring a physical fitness difficulty with stunning views.
Range from San Diego: 1.5 hours How to arrive: Vehicle
15. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is sea lion paradise. This rocky outcrop is located simply north of the town hall, making La Jolla Cove among the quickest field trip from San Diego. Nevertheless, La Jolla Cove deserves designating a couple of hours or more, as these animals can keep you amused for ages.
La Jolla Cove is a small stretch of beach that sunbathers show the substantial animals– sunbathing or walloping their method along the sands. You should not touch them, and the resident lifeguards are very stringent on imposing regard for the animals. At La Jolla Cove, sea lions rule supreme. What’s not to enjoy about this very enjoyable setup?
Range from San Diego: 20 minutes How to arrive: Vehicle
16. Julian Pie Business
This is among the whackiest field trip from San Diego. The Julian Pie Business is simply over an hour’s drive inland from the city and is most understood for its scrumptious apple pie. For excellent old-fashioned American food, this area deserves the mini trip. You’ll be enjoying your pie in a diner-style café. Seriously, if you are a food lover, it is well worth a check out. You might even stockpile on takeaway pies as mementos. On your method back, think about stopping at one of the beautiful areas you drive previous. These consist of the wineries in the San Diego Nation Estate area and Cedar Creek Falls.
Range from San Diego: 1 hour 15 minutes How to arrive: cars and truck
17. White Wine Tasting Trip
Going red wine tasting is an interactive excursion option to enliven your San Diego schedule. You can in fact drive to the majority of the vineyards, which lie simply a brief drive beyond the town hall. Nevertheless, for apparent factors, there are directed trips that consist of shuttle bus services– a better concept and reputable service in the San Diego tourist market.
Among the leading red wine locations near San Diego is Temecula Valley. The valley has more than 45 various wineries to pick in between, and it’s understood for its Rhone and cabernet sauvignons. Its warm environment needs these better-adapted grape ranges. Nevertheless, Temecula Valley still has more than 24 grape ranges flourishing in its hills.
This personal red wine tasting side cars and truck trip is a special method to check out San Diego while tasting white wines at various places.
Range from San Diego: Roughly 1 hour How to arrive: Trip
18. Disneyland
Are you all set for among the most enjoyable activities near San Diego? Disneyland is simply 1.5 hours north of San Diego and is a terrific excursion for the entire household.
Starting an outing from San Diego to Disneyland uses a wonderful escape into a world of marvel and enjoyment. Simply a brief drive north, Disneyland, called “The Happiest Put On Earth,” is the ideal location for households, pals, and Disney fanatics alike. From the thrilling experiences in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Big Thunder Mountain Railway to the whimsical trips in Fantasyland, there’s something for everybody.
Plus, with year-round sunlight and the benefit of distance, San Diego locals can spontaneously choose to check out the captivating worlds of Disneyland for a day without the requirement for comprehensive preparation. It’s the perfect fast vacation that guarantees a life time of memories and a much-needed dosage of happiness and home entertainment.
Range from San Diego: 1 hour 45 minutes How to arrive: Vehicle
19. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is among the most popular field trip from San Diego and– truthfully– anywhere else close-by in California. Laguna Beach is famous for its boho ambiance and stunning shoreline. For flashy individuals in a picturesque setting, Laguna Beach ticks every box. Checking out is an experience in itself, even simply for a day. You can maximize excellent browse by leasing a board, investing a day on a gorgeous beach, or treking while appreciating Pacific Ocean views. Laguna Beach is among the most popular put on the California shoreline, which is an extraordinary task in itself. For a ‘taking place’ beach day, it is a best day out.
Range from San Diego: How to arrive:
20. Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve
Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve is a picturesque tank surrounded by around 13,000 acres of secured land. Nature enthusiasts will love this reserve, particularly with all the bird-watching chances. In winter season, you can get fortunate and area bald and golden eagles. While, as a somewhat more uncommon animal encounter, you can likewise see kangaroo rats throughout the year if you look thoroughly enough. Kangaroo rats appear like little gerbils and are a few of the prettiest animals you can see. They are nighttime and extremely smart when it concerns seeing could-be-predators close by. However if you spend time Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve a little later, you might get fortunate with sightings. Otherwise, simply lap up the waterside views and bring some bird-watching field glasses.
Range from San Diego: 1 hour and 40 minutes How to arrive: Vehicle
21. Objective San Juan Capistrano
Objective San Juan Capistrano is a remarkable museum to check out and is embeded in an old Spanish chapel. The San Juan Capistrano ‘objective’ was established in 1776 as a method for Spanish inhabitants to connect to the neighborhood and preach about Catholicism. You can find out more about this early religious beliefs preaching through various displays, along with capture the bell ringing, which happens every day in honor of Saint Junipero Serra. Objective San Juan Capistrano is ideal for anybody thinking about religious beliefs, the colonial effect in the United States, and the history around San Diego’s area.
Range from San Diego: 1.5 hours How to arrive: Vehicle or train
22. Joshua Tree National Forest
Joshua Tree National forest is among the most traditional field trip from San Diego. There is absolutely nothing incorrect with getting on the traveler path periodically. Which is particularly the case when it concerns Joshua Tree National Forest. The park covers almost 800,000 acres and brings in over 3 million visitors annual, mainly thanks to its unusual name trees. The Joshua Tree is a twisted, bristly tree with green spiky contends completion of its branches. It appears like a large cactus, an outright novelty that brings in professional photographers and non-photographers alike to raise their electronic cameras.
Aside from its trees, the national forest has lots of excellent hiking tracks. Hidden Valley Nature Path and Mastodon Peak are firm favorites.
Range from San Diego: 3 hours and 15 minutes How to arrive: Vehicle
23. San Jacinto Mountains
Do you like to mountain bicycle or go rock climbing? The San Jacinto Mountains are where to head on your selected one-day adventure from San Diego. The range of mountains is simply east of Los Angeles– northeast of San Diego. A fast Google raises lots of bike tracks online, and you can either bring your own or employ one in San Diego. The mountains are likewise dreamy for climbers. The granite peaks neglect spectacular meadows and forested valleys. You’ll be well rewarded with any top climbs up, and there are lots of technical obstacles for more skilled climbers.
Naturally, there is likewise San Jacinto State Park itself. This is the greatest peak in the range of mountains and sits at 10,834 feet. It is just ideal for the most innovative hikers however a dazzling difficulty for those with appropriate experience.
Range from San Diego: 3 hours How to arrive: Vehicle
Excursion from San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
Are you all set to examine the Frequently asked questions behind the ideal field trip from San Diego? That additional expert details can change your journey– so it’s well worth scanning over these leading 4 concerns. Who understands what might simply provide you that additional little motivation? Here are the leading Frequently asked questions for preparing field trip in San Diego.
Can you do an outing from San Diego to Mexico?
Yes, you definitely can. San Diego is located right on the US/Mexico border, near the border city of Tijuana. Tijuana is quickly available on a day journey from San Diego, indicating you can nip throughout a various nation for a day. Tijuana is excellent for beaches, Mexican food, and cultural experiences like viewing fumbling.
Can you do an outing to Tijuana from San Diego?
Yes, you can quickly arrange an outing to Tijuana from San Diego. Numerous trips take travelers throughout the border for a day, or you might head on an independent excursion by leasing a vehicle. Tijuana is exceptional enjoyable and the ideal addition to a remain in San Diego. Discuss optimizing your time!
Can you do an outing from San Diego to Los Angeles?
Certainly, you can take an outing to Los Angeles from San Diego in simply 2 hours by cars and truck or 3 hours by train. You can likewise reserve arranged trips, which is exceptional if you wish to get taken around the primary sights with very little effort. Los Angeles is clearly extremely renowned. It is among the very best field trip from San Diego if you desire a motivating vacation.
What is the very best Mexican town near San Diego?
Tijuana is the most frequently gone to Mexican location from San Diego. Nevertheless, we recommend going to Rosarito. Rosarito is a bright resort town on the Baja Californian peninsula with a gorgeous beach and extreme adequate night life to draw routine United States visitors. It is a browsing hotspot and is likewise dazzling for diving, with a previous Navy ship developing an extraordinary synthetic reef simply offshore.
Why We Love Nowadays Trips From San Diego
As you can see, you are very ruined for option when it concerns field trip from San Diego. The city is ideal for spreading your wings and experiencing more of California, and what much better method to maximize your vacation? San Diego field trip are a dazzling concept. And if you remain longer than 2 days, you absolutely have time for a minimum of among the journeys on this list.
Are you searching for more San Diego motivation? You remain in the ideal location. Keep in mind to take a look at our Where to remain in San Diego guide and supreme California trip schedule. San Diego has much to find out about and is a perfect launchpad for much more experiences. Maximize your journey.