Wanting to explore southern California’s majestic landscape? These are the best day trips from San Diego that allow you to do just that.
Sure, there are soooo many things to do in San Diego. But, if you’ve spent a significant amount of time in the city, or just fancy a little adventure, you might be looking for an epic day trip.
That’s where I come in, friend. Read on to discover the best day trips from San Diego.
From escaping to the relaxing retreats of Laguna Beach to exploring a slice of Mexico in Tijuana, here are 22 brilliant spots to visit once you’ve toured the Gaslamp District to death.
The Best Day Trips From San Diego
Palm Springs
First up, it’s no surprise that I’m recommending nipping over to Palm Springs for the day. It’s an exceptionally alluring adventure for escaping the city and enjoying a sun-filled pool day.
The desert city is famous for its opulent spas, championship golf courses, and interior design stores along Palm Canyon Drive.
You can go from San Diego’s beaches to Palm Springs’ year-round sunny skies and breathtaking desert scenery in less than three hours. There are hiking trails aplenty in Mount San Jacinto State Park. And these are just some of the best things to do in Palm Springs.
How to Get There: Three intercity buses go between San Diego and Palm Springs daily. The fastest bus is with FlixBus US.
Average journey duration: 2 – 5 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Palm Springs Scavenger Hunt by Car Tour
Tijuana, Mexico
Despite being in another nation, Tijuana is one of the easiest day trips from San Diego. Save your cravings for delectable cuisine, authentic Mexican culture, and enthralling nightlife for Tijuana.
Avenida Revolución, also known as “La Revu,” has emerged as the centre of Tijuana’s cultural scene and is worth a visit. With their unique architecture and vivid hues, the streets are a fantastic sight on a Tijuana day trip from San Diego.
How to Get There: To get from San Diego to Tijuana quickly, cheaply, and conveniently, use the San Diego trolley, PedEast.
Average journey duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Hassle-free option: Book This Tijuana City Guided Tour with Food Tasting
Los Angeles
The city of Angels is famous for being the home of Hollywood. But there’s more to do here than just celebrity spotting. It might be a tricky city to explore in just one day, but I dare you to try.
There are plenty of Instagrammable spots in Los Angeles, as well as lots of hidden spots in LA that will rock your travels. Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail at Venice Beach and stroll along the famous Santa Monica Pier, shop on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, or go to a Taoist temple in Chinatown.
How to Get There: Greyhound operates fourteen daily buses from a terminal near Petco Park in San Diego to Downtown Los Angeles.
Average journey duration: 2 – 4 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Los Angeles Hop-on-hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Temecula
Forget Italy and France, Temecula is Southern California’s very own abundant wine country. This spot offers a variety of ways to pass the day, including wine tasting, golfing, and spa visits.
Travel inland to the Temecula Valley to explore some stunning vineyards and sip your favourite California wines, such as the classic Temecula Valley Sangiovese.
But don’t panic if wine isn’t your thing, the valley offers a wide variety of other activities, such as visiting cultural sites in Old Town.
How to Get There: San Diego to Temecula intercity buses run twice daily. The fastest is FlixBus US.
Average journey duration: 1 – 3.5 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Temecula Wine Country Wineries Tour
Anza Borrego State Park
Heading to the Anza Borrego Desert State Park will make you feel like you’ve travelled to another planet. The 600,000 acres of slot canyon mazes, rugged badlands, and miles of hiking paths make it California’s largest (and most impressive) state park.
Make sure you visit the 130 enormous metal sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda near Borrego Springs before entering the state park. These sculptures resemble the majestic dinosaurs that previously inhabited the area.
How to Get There: Take a 45-minute tram ride from Fifth Avenue Station to El Cajon Station. From there, it’s a 4-hour bus drive to Anza Borrego.
Average journey duration: 3 – 5 hours
Joshua Tree National Park
I might be slightly biased because I seriously adore this park, but a day trip to Joshua tree from San Diego is a great way to explore the Greater Palm Springs area. Joshua trees, spiky and twisted, give the harsh desert environment its name and contribute to its unique landscape.
Visit during spring to see the wildflowers blooming or in the summer for fantastic stargazing opportunities, though you can enjoy stunning hiking all year long.
Pssst… Add these fun things to do in Joshua Tree to your day trip from San Diego.
How to Get There: Take a Flixbus from San Diego to Palm Springs. Then catch the bus from Yucca Valley Transit Centre to Joshua Tree.
Average journey duration: 6.5 – 8 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Joshua Tree Self-Driving Audio Tour
Big Bear
Ninety-nine miles west of Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake entices outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers with an infinite array of adventures.
In the summer, you can zip line or enjoy water sports on the 7-mile lake, while spring and fall are best for riding or fishing.
Every snow-related sport you can think of is available in Big Bear throughout the winter, including skiing and snowboarding. It’s no wonder Big Bear is one of the best winter vacation spots in the US.
How to Get There: You can take a bus straight to the park or a train to Los Angeles and then a bus to Big Bear.
Average journey duration: 3 – 6.5 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Big Bear Walking Scavenger Hunt Tour
La Jolla
If you’re looking for a super easy day trip from San Diego, look no further than this next spot.
La Jolla, which translates as “the pearl” in Spanish, is just a short drive or rideshare northwest of downtown San Diego.
This posh beach town has many boutiques and eateries. Though you should definitely make your way to La Jolla Cove to mingle with quirky sea lions, seals, and pelicans.
Take a break from the beaches and trek along some of the best trails at Torrey Pines State National Preserve. And, Art enthusiasts take notes – head to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego or the numerous public art projects throughout the village.
How to Get There: Take the San Diego Metropolitan System bus route 30. Get off the bus at the Silverado and Herschel bus stop in the heart of La Jolla.
Average journey duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Hassle-free option: Book This La Jolla: Sea Cave Kayaking Tour
Dana Point
While a little bit more under the radar, Dana Point offers one of the best day trips from San Diego. Situated just up the coast into Orange County, this spot offers paddleboarding and total relaxation on the sandy beach.
However, Dana Point is best known for its whale watching. It has the title of “Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World” and was even the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas.
How to Get There: Travel to the San Juan Capistrano Amtrak/Metrolink station by taking the Metrolink and Amtrak. You can get off at San Clemente and then take a taxi or Uber to the beach.
Average journey duration: 1 – 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Dana Point Hiking and Harbor Kayaking Tour
Julian
Some claim that apples—and, of course, the pies that result from them—are Julian’s most valuable export, not gold. It’s understandable why people from San Diego will drive 75 minutes east to get a fresh apple pie.
That’s not all on offer at Julian, though. Tour the gold mines, where guides take you deep within the mine and tell vivid tales of the Gold Rush, enjoy hiking at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve or the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and go horseback riding at Integrity Stables.
How to Get There: The fastest option is jumping on a train and then a taxi, which takes 2 hours. The more affordable option is to go from the tram to a bus, which takes 4 hours.
Average journey duration: 2 – 4 hours
Catalina Island
Looking for a slice of paradise in Cali? Catalina Island is a must-see excursion from San Diego, located 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles.
Try your hand at jet-skiing or parasailing, and dive through unique underwater kelp forests. Or keep your feet dry and embark on the Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour, if that’s more your style.
You can also join a Taste of Catalina Food Tour, visit the Catalina Island Museum and Art Gallery, or play a round of golf.
How to Get There: Take a bus from San Diego to Long Beach and catch a ferry to Santa Catalina Island.
Average journey duration: 4 – 5.5 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Catalina Island Semi-Submarine Cruise
Carlsbad
Carlsbad is generally renowned for its excellent beaches, but there are plenty of other things to do that will tempt you to spend a day or two in the area.
Legoland and the Carlsbad Flower Fields are primary reasons to visit, especially if you’re travelling with little ones. Additionally, Carlsbad is home to three magnificent lagoons that provide excellent wildlife viewing, hiking paths, and kayaking possibilities.
How to Get There: San Diego and Carlsbad are exclusively connected by the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, and three trains run this line daily.
Average journey duration: 1 – 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Carlsbad Village Local Food Tour
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Anyone that knows me will know that I will never pass up a wine-tasting tour. So it makes perfect sense that I recommend stepping out of the US for a brief day trip to Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine-growing region.
Although Baja California has long drawn food and wine connoisseurs, new creative chefs and winemakers have pushed it into the upper echelons of gourmet delicacies.
Along with excellent wine tasting, classy vineyards dot the mesmerising landscape and bring classic western films to mind. You won’t feel bored on this San Diego to Mexico day trip, that’s for sure.
How to Get There: Take the Greyhound bus from San Diego to Tijuana. Then take the connecting bus from Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe.
Average journey duration: 5 – 6 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour
Laguna Beach
With 7 miles of supple golden sand tucked between the Pacific Ocean and striking inland valleys, Laguna Beach is the undisputed coastal hotspot in Southern California.
It’s also an art lover’s dream, with multiple art galleries, exhibitions, murals on lampposts and stores, and street art on every corner. Think of it as the Miami of the west.
At the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve, fans of water sports can spend many hours learning to paddleboard, snorkel, or surf. You can also go whale watching at Newport Beach.
How to Get There: Laguna Beach is only a short rail journey from San Diego. The closest train station is in San Juan Capistrano, at 26701 Verdugo Street.
Average journey duration: 1 – 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Newport Beach Whale Watching Cruise
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Sitting in the eastern part os San Diego county, the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo is a frequent destination for anyone who craves a safari but can’t just jet off to the Serengeti.
Given its size, the zoo is the ideal destination for animal lovers because it provides safari-style rides in open jeeps where you travel through some of the animals’ enclosures. You can spot the prideful bald eagle and even the elusive African rhino here.
How to Get There: The line 354 bus is the best method to travel from San Diego to San Diego Safari Park without a car.
Average journey duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Ticket
Lake Poway
Pack a picnic and get ready to enjoy the adventures on offer at The Lake Poway Recreational Area, located just 35 minutes from downtown San Diego.
Outdoor enthusiasts will want to explore the wonderful lake in a paddle, rowing, or motor boat (all of which can be rented on site). There are three hiking trails, all excellent for cycling and horseback riding. Or, for a change of pace, head to the archery range.
How to Get There: Take a bus to Lake Poway – it’s affordable and fast.
Average journey duration: 1 hour
Palomar Observatory
If you’re a little bit of a nerd (guilty), the Mount Palomar Observatory should be at the top of your bucket list. This observatory has long been at the forefront of astronomical research and is home to the 200-inch Hale Telescope, one of the largest operational telescopes in the world.
Head here for an epic guided tour of the entire facility, and live out your astronomical dreams. The site features a visitors’ centre, an informative museum, and a gift shop.
Oh, and remember to pack a picnic, as there’s a gorgeous picnic area where you can enjoy your meal.
How to Get There: The best and cheapest option is to take a bus and then a taxi to Cleveland National Forest.
Average journey duration: 2 – 3 hours
Disneyland
Here’s one for families or big kids alike. One of the most popular day-trip locations from San Diego is Disneyland in Anaheim.
Prepare for a day of intense rides, or instead you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the park from the Disneyland Monorail or hop on a horse-drawn carriage with Main Street Vehicles.
Tougher adventurers will want to head directly to Hyperspace Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The nightly fireworks displays are a must-see throughout any trip and are a cracking highlight — pun intended.
How to Get There: Train travel to Anaheim station takes about two hours. You can then take a cab or Uber to the park.
Average journey duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Salton Sea
Next up: Salton Sea. This is a sizable inland saltwater lake near the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.
This is a haven for lovers of the great outdoors – you can trek the Rock Hill Trail to the observation tower for expansive views of the ocean. Jet-skiing, fishing, boating, water-skiing, hiking, and bird-watching are popular activities people enjoy at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area.
How to Get There: A bus is the best way to get to the Salton Basin along route 891.
Average journey duration: 5.5 to 6 hours
Rosarito Beach
You can quickly cross the border into Baja, Mexico for a complete change of scenery and take advantage of Rosarito Beach’s buzzing attractions.
Anyone who wants to enjoy the beach, surf, ATV, or dive will adore this sunny resort town. However, Rosarito offers more than just the beach. When night falls, the town comes alive with epic bars, restaurants, and clubs.
A burgeoning artistic community is also rife here, and there are numerous art galleries. You can also purchase locally made artisan blankets, jewellery, leather goods, and other items from this Mexican coastal city.
How to Get There: Take the tram to San Ysidro Station from Fifth Avenue Station.
Average journey duration: 40 minutes – 1 hour
San Clemente
Known as the Spanish Village by the Sea, it’s no wonder that San Clemente is such a gorgeous San Diego day trip. You could easily spend a whole day here with restaurants, coffee shops, and miles of beaches all clustered around the famous San Clemente Pier.
Looking to hit the waves? San Clemente State Beach features excellent options for all surfing skill levels. But if you’re looking for a less-travelled-to location, check out San Onofre State Beach.
Nothing compares to watching the sunset over the beach from the San Clemente Pier after a day of surfing or exploring.
How to Get There: A tram from San Diego is the fastest and cheapest way to get to San Clemente.
Average journey duration: 1 – 2.5 hours
Idyllwild
Calling all nature lovers – the small village of Idyllwild sits nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, jam-packed with hiking paths and plenty of wildlife. It’s further away, but well doable as part of a day trip if you wake up early (I’m talking about 3/4am kinda early).
If you’re in the mood for something a little bit more thrilling, there are several excellent mountain biking trails and challenging rock climbing routes at the likes of Suicide Rock and Tahquitz Peak.
Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little bit more culture-based, the Art Alliance Idyllwild provides a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries, studios, and shows. You’ll find me there.
How to Get There: The fastest option is to leave San Diego by train to Fullerton and switch to a bus. However, the cheapest way is to take the bus the whole way.
Average journey duration: 5.5 – 6 hours
Practical Tips for Easy Day Trips From San Diego
- Take advantage of the public transportation options – this makes it incredibly cheap and easy to take day trips from San Diego.
- Day trips speed by and fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants trips can go terribly wrong. Plan your activities and itinerary ahead of time to ensure you manage to see everything on your list.
- Pack light! Avoid carrying heavy bags for a day trip. Read my review on the best packing cubes to make your life easier.
Map of Day Tours From San Diego
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