If you live in San Diego or are visiting this beautiful coastal city, you’re in luck. Road Trips From San Diego is perfectly situated to be the starting point for some incredible road trips. Whether you’ve got a few days or a whole week to spare, there are fantastic destinations just a few hours’ drive away. Here are four of the best Road Trips From San Diego that you can take by car for unforgettable weekend getaways or longer vacations.
Road Trips From San Diego to Relax in Palm Springs
One of the most popular weekend road trips from San Diego is to Palm Springs. This desert oasis is about two and a half hours by car from San Diego, making it an easy and convenient getaway.
Spend your days in Palm Springs soaking up the sun by the pool, playing golf on championship courses, exploring the hiking trails, or indulging in spa treatments.
Don’t miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes you on a 10-minute ride up a steep cliff, offering spectacular views. With fabulous mid-century modern architecture and a buzzing food and cocktail scene, Palm Springs is one of the best road trips from San Diego when you need a refreshing change of scenery.
Read More – Best Beaches in Southern California for Fun With Family
Venture Up the Coast on a Road Trip From San Diego to Santa Barbara
For gorgeous beaches, wine tasting, and plenty of small-town charm, one of the weekend road trips from San Diego up the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara is a fantastic choice.
The drive takes just under three hours, bringing you to what’s known as the “American Riviera.” Santa Barbara is all about laidback luxury, from the top-rated restaurants to the high-end boutiques. Of course, the biggest draw is the area’s stunning beaches. You can surf, kayak, go whale watching, or just relax on the soft sand.
In addition to the vibrant downtown and waterfront areas, head inland to visit Santa Barbara’s world-class wine country. Don’t miss touring vineyards and tasting rooms scattered throughout the valley.
Experience Big Sur on a Road Trip From San Diego Up Highway 1
For jaw-dropping ocean views and the chance to explore one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, embark on the classic Highway 1 road trip from San Diego to Big Sur.
The drive takes around five hours as you cruise along the twisting cliffside roads and over bridges spanning the Pacific. Once you reach Big Sur, you’ll be blown away by the dramatic meeting of land and sea, with mountains plunging into the waves below.
Hike through grassy meadows and towering redwoods in Julia Pfeiffer Burns or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Stay in a rustic cabin or pitch a tent beneath the stars. Stop to watch the sunset at the oft-photographed Bixby Bridge before heading south back to San Diego.
Venture Into the Desert on a Road Trip From San Diego to Joshua Tree
Looking for weekend road trips from San Diego that will make you feel miles away from civilization? Joshua Tree National Park fits the bill. This is one of the best road trips from San Diego by car.
Located about two and a half to three hours by car from San Diego, Joshua Tree will wow you with its otherworldly landscape of rugged granite monoliths and spiky Joshua trees. The park is a favorite for rock climbing, hiking among the boulders, and astrophotography under the darkest night skies you’ve ever seen.
Be sure to stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden and Keys View lookout. Camp outdoors or stay at a laidback desert motel with a pool. With its artsy vibe and cool bohemian bars and cafes, the town of Joshua Tree also makes a delightful home base.
