1. Temecula

Those who want to have a more unique experience over the weekend should stop by the town of Temecula for the chance to get views that they wouldn’t be able to achieve otherwise. In this case, visitors can take part in the town’s hot air balloon festivals so they can have an easy trip in the air with amazing views of the world below.

There are always the more common options of taking a hike in the woods, hitting some golf balls, and exploring vineyards on horseback, or you can relax at one of the town’s spas or go on one of its wine tours.

Temecula, CA

Website: Temecula

2. Borrego Springs

When visiting a town that allows you to experience the outdoors, it’s important to find a place that offers a variety of activities to take part in. In this case, Borrego Springs should be on your to-do list if you have a free weekend coming up, as activities range from hiking up mountains that provide a great view of the area to taking a look at different forms of plant life in gardens.

You could always stop by the area’s golf courses to try to improve your game, or take a look at the work that different art galleries have to offer. Lodges, diners and gift shops should also help you end the day with a nice meal and some gifts to take home to remember the trip by.

Borrego Springs

Website: Borrego Springs

3. Mount Laguna

Fitness freaks looking for a place with challenging hikes that provide fantastic views of nature should see what Mount Laguna has to offer. You can either take a hike up a variety of trails and get to glance at the number of hills of pine trees along the way, or you could take your bike up the hills if you feel like you need a bit more of a challenge.

Visitors will also be treated with tours of the area to add a little more education to the experience, and campgrounds are provided for those who want to spend the night in the woods gazing at the stars.

Mount Laguna

Website: Mount Laguna

4. Anaheim/Disneyland

If you’ve got kids who love Disney or theme parks, then you should take them to Disneyland in Anaheim so they can get the best of both worlds. This option comes with a variety of parks that offer their own unique experiences, with rides ranging from the Astro Orbitor and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to California Screamin’ and Golden Zephyr.

Disney also comes with the Hero Action Center for kids who want to meet their favorite Marvel superheroes. You can also take your kids to shows featuring Disney’s most popular characters and fireworks to end the night with a bang.

Disneyland

Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802

Website: Disneyland

5. La Jolla

Sometimes, a trip to the beach is the best way to escape the stresses of life, so stopping by La Jolla should be a priority for those looking for a break. Several trails are provided for walking along the beach, and stopping by right before sunset is an excellent choice if you feel like taking some memorable photos.

One of the places you should check out is La Jolla Cove where you get to witness majestic sunsets all year long. Seals are often seen swimming in the waters of the cove. You can go kayaking toward the coves’ lovely arches. If you want to maximize to visit to La Jolla, check out Birch Aquarium and the variety of marine wildlife that it holds. Alternatively, explore the ocean yourself from several snorkeling spots.

La Jolla

Website: La Jolla, CA

6. Mount Palomar Observatory

If you or someone you know aspires to explore outer space, checking out Mount Palomar Observatory should be at the top of your to-do list. Visitors will be provided with guides to give them tours of the vast amount of technology that scientists have used to study the stars, including the famous Hale Telescope.

Those who are into astronomy, engineering, history, or all of the above will be huge fans of this observatory, as it informs visitors on how discoveries have been made in space and how people can make their own in the future.

Mount Palomar Observatory

Address: Cleveland National Forest Administrative Office, 35899 Canfield Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060

Website: Mount Palomar Observatory

7. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a great option if you’re looking for a spot to have fun with your friends and family. Aside from taking out the beach towel and laying on the sand, you can try more active options such as paddle boarding and snorkeling. You can also take out your board and go surfing if you’re looking for new waves to conquer. Or, enjoy some whale watching on a boat.

Laguna Beach is also where artists converge as they show their works in the city’s various art galleries, museums, and art festivals. If you happen to visit in July, you should check out rare artworks at the annual Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters. However, the main draw to this location is Crystal Cove State Park, with its multiple trails and campgrounds overlooking the ocean.

Laguna Beach

Website: Laguna Beach

8. Julian

Those who want to spend a day in the mountains should see what the town of Julian has to offer for a memorable experience. In addition to numerous hiking and biking trails for exercising and photo taking, as well as lakes perfect for taking the boat out for some fishing, this town provides the chance to explore actual gold mines to feel what it was like for travelers in the 1800s.

Visitors can also take part in music festivals and grape stomps for a more unique experience, or they can learn how to make apple cider at Julian’s apple orchards. Hotels and diners are also available to end the day on a relaxing note.

Julian

Website: Julian, CA

9. San Juan Capistrano

One of the best ways to spend your weekend in a new way is to find a town that provides a more educational experience than a thrill-seeking one. San Juan Capistrano is a great option if that is what you’re looking for, as you can learn about Mission San Juan Capistrano and how it has focused on spreading the Catholic faith, or how it has managed to preserve the world famous swallows that occupy the area.

Visitors will also get the chance to see paints and other forms of art that show the history of the area, and the gift shops present many antiques you can take home for a loved one. This spot is also perfect for schools looking for a class trip to take students on.

San Juan Capistrano

Website: San Juan Capistrano

Road trips from San Diego

If road trips get you excited, we’ve good news for you. San Diego’s convenient location and access to scenic highways make it a great jump-off point for road trips. Check out some options below and hit the road!

10. Los Angeles

This is a coastal trip with scenic highways and lots of blue beaches to head to, including Venice Beach, Huntington Beach, San Clemente Beach, and a lot more. The trip covers 120 miles (193 kilometers), which allows you to do many things on your way. Once you reach the big city, you get to see some of the world’s biggest movie studios, including Universal. The city has its old reliables such as Grauman Chinese Theater where celebrities have their hand and footprints on its sidewalk. Close to it is the Hollywood Walk of Fame where important entertainment celebrities have their stars on the sidewalk.

11. Malibu

A road trip to Malibu covers 155 miles (250 kilometers). The drive takes about three hours if you go straight. However, with several beautiful sceneries along the way, you will find yourself making stops in certain areas. Laguna and Manhattan beaches are perfect pit stops for lunch and snacks. Once you reach Malibu, you will be able to enjoy a lot of sea, sun, and sand. This place is dominated by a long coastline that goes on for 27 miles (43 kilometers). Malibu is also known for its hip bars and clubs which you can hit during your stay here.

12. Montecito

The drive from San Diego to Montecito takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes through scenic highways and coastal avenues. This small community is located adjacent to the city of Santa Barbara and is home to ultra-rich personalities like Oprah Winfrey. Tourists tend to make their way toward Casa del Herrero, a Spanish Colonial Mansion turned into a museum. Then there is Ganna Walska Lotusland, a collection of 14 gardens of various themes where you can stroll around and learn about different plants. This affluent neighborhood sits on a hillside which gives you a pronounced view of the Pacific Ocean.

13. Death Valley

A road trip to Death Valley takes five hours and covers 355 miles (571 kilometers). It is known as the hottest place in the United States with temperatures rising to more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius). Situated between the Sierra Nevada mountain range and Las Vegas, Death Valley has several types of deserts within its area. This includes dunes, dried-up lake beds, and deserts with rock formations to view. Outside of Alaska, this is the largest national park in the United States. It is also listed in the International Dark Sky Park which means the nights here are perfect for stargazing.

14. Eastern Sierra

A five-hour drive from San Diego leads you to Eastern Sierra. Taking all of 311 miles (500 kilometers), the drive takes you through the high mountains with many natural landscapes to ponder on. This is the perfect road trip for thrill-seekers because this place is known for several activities that will pump up your adrenaline. You will find top-notch ski resorts and hiking trails. It has several camping sites where you can commune with nature. Mountain climbing is another popular activity in the Eastern Sierra. To calm your nerves and bodies, a dip in one of the hot springs should do the trick.

15. Las Vegas, Nevada

Take the road to the northeast on your way to fabulous Las Vegas! Sin City is a five-hour drive from San Diego that leads you through hills and mountains with amazing scenery. The Strip is the most popular destination in the city. It has world-class casinos and replicas of famous landmarks like the Egyptian Pyramids, Venice Canal, and Eiffel Tower. Walk around and check out the Fountains of Bellagio and Wynn Dancing Fountain. If you get hungry, try some of the restaurants owned celebrity chefs. Do make time for other Las Vegas offerings like live music shows and performances for people of all ages.

16. Ojai

Ojai is a small place but there is a good reason why it is a great spot for a road trip from San Diego. The drive takes under four hours which leads you to beautiful greenery and valley. The place has strong Spanish influences in its architecture. This is also a paradise for those who are going healthy with their diets as restaurants serving paleo and vegan options fill the area. Stores catering to the hipster lot are found all over and number thousands. If you are into hiking and communing with nature, a short trip to Los Padres National Park should be on your list.

17. Napa

A nine-hour drive north of San Francisco will take you to Napa. Welcome to wine country where some of the best vineyards in the world are found. Your love for wine will dictate the amount of time you will spend here. Both Napa and the neighboring city, Sonoma, are home to 1,200 wineries of different sizes. Immerse yourself in wine samplings and vineyard tours during your stay here. Indulge yourself in various cuisines while having wine pairings for your food. The best time to schedule a road trip from San Diego is during spring, summer, and fall because these are the seasons when the best grapes are produced.

18. Sedona, Arizona

A seven-hour trip along the border of Mexico to the east brings you to desert town Sedona, Arizona. This place is filled with rock formations, red rocks, cliffs, deserts, buttes created from erosion, and forests filled with pine trees. Sedona’s Main Street is like a small town in the middle of the desert. It is dotted with cute and quaint shops selling various products like clothing, crystals, Native American trinkets such as jewelry, and aura photography. Pay a visit to the biggest sandstone in town, Devil’s Bridge. This is one of the most popular destinations in Sedona so expect a crowd and try to arrive early.

19. Redwood National & State Parks

A road trip from San Diego takes all of 13 hours but the long drive is worth every minute of it. Redwood National & State Parks straddles the border of California and Oregon and has the tallest trees in the state. Taking the I-5 is the shortest route and will have you passing through Los Angeles and San Francisco. These parks are loaded with hiking trails and pathways for biking. The number one attraction you will see here is the centuries-old redwood trees. The world’s tallest tree, Hyperion, is found within the park and stands at 379.1 feet (115.5 meters) from the ground.

20. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is a small city with so much charm. The trip from San Diego takes at least six hours without any stops. It has a small-town feel that you will appreciate as it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of big city living. One of its biggest tourists draws is Saguaro National Park where cacti dominate the desert. Within its land is Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. This place has a small zoo inhabited by a thousand species of plants and 200 animals. Take some photos of the beautiful architecture of Cathedral of Saint Augustine and San Xavier del Bac Catholic Mission right in the heart of town.

21. San Francisco

San Francisco will always be an attractive road trip destination from anywhere in the country. From San Diego, it takes eight hours and thirty minutes to get there non-stop. The drive is a scenic one with the coasts of Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Carmel, and Big Sur along the way. Once you reach the city by the bay, you will get to enjoy its lovely sites and the waters that surround it. Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge are two of its prominent destinations. You can take a ride on its famed cable car then learn about prison life in Alcatraz.

22. Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana, Mexico is only a 20-minute drive from San Diego. This means you can have a base in San Diego and pay the city a quick visit. You can start your tour by dropping by Tijuana Cultural Center where you can find an impressive exhibit of fine arts, botanical gardens, performance art shows, and an IMAX theater. Mercado Hidalgo is a market that sells handicrafts, housewares, fresh vegetables, meats, cheese, and Mexican street food. Take a few moments to relax at El Hidalgo Expendio de Café. Recommended here is their Mexican Mocha coffee. The short drive makes Tijuana an ideal place for a road trip.

23. Carlsbad

A short 35-mile (56 kilometers) drive north of San Diego takes you to the small beach town of Carlsbad. The city is famous for its coastal waters that stretches to more than 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) of white sand beaches. Among these beaches, Carlsbad State Beach packs the most tourists of all ages. Families, couples, solo travelers, and friends have several water activities to choose from. Kayaking, windsurfing, and diving are on top of everybody’s lists. The Carlsbad Seawall runs along the state beach shores providing a safe path for trekking and cycling. Nearby are some of the best restaurants and cafes where you can rest and fill your tummies.

24. Pasadena

The road trip to Pasadena takes only two hours on the I-5. It is famous for the Rose Parade and the annual Rose Bowl Game, a New Year’s Day college football match-up. It has a wide collection of top-notch museums, world-class architecture, shopping malls, and restaurants. The Gamble House is a historic landmark focused on showing architecture as a form of art. Norton Simon Museum has extensive displays of the works of revered artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A touch of history awaits you when you walk through the Old Pasadena District, a neighborhood made of 22 blocks filled with fully restored and maintained buildings.

25. Palm Springs

The trip to Palm Springs takes around two hours. The views you will get along the way are majestic and the roads are so quiet with not much traffic. Palm Springs has weather conditions that rival that of San Diego’s. Bright days are what is in store for you once you make the trip here. Palm Springs is a quiet and peaceful desert city which gives you a lot of opportunities to relax, detox, and unwind. A popular tourist activity is to get on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tram takes you on a trip from Coachella Valley to San Jacinto Peak. The tram ride provides you amazing views of cliffs and valleys in the region.

Weekend trips from San Diego

Do you have a whole weekend to spare after having explored San Diego’s best offerings? Then, check out these weekend trip destinations that you can visit for a refreshing experience!

26. Joshua Tree National Park

One weekend might not be enough to explore all of Joshua Tree National Park, set where the low Colorado Desert meets the Mojave Desert. This rare character resulted in incredible desert flora, beautiful palm trees, and oddball trees. The place is also home to a variety of animals. It even features ruins from gold-mining activities and rugged mountains with more than 8,000 routes to climb. Spend the day soaking up the views of Mount Gorgonio and Mount San Jacinto from Keys View, and let unobstructed vistas of the stars entertain you at night. The park is about a three-hour drive from San Diego.

27. Catalina Island

What things do you expect of an island getaway? Scuba diving, beach recreation activities, snorkeling, or fishing? All these and more abound on the beautiful Catalina Island, only a two-hour drive from San Diego. Lots of accommodations on the island are luxurious and feature gorgeous views of the amazing surroundings, including the harbor. The gastronomic experience here is superb, and if you are traveling in October, you shouldn’t miss Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.

28. Idyllwild

If you ever find yourself in San Diego in summer, then the best ways to have a beautiful weekend reside in Idyllwild, a mountain resort in San Jacinto. Hiking is at its best here, with many miles of trails suitable for all skill levels. You will also find numerous cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and upscale shops lining the location’s few streets. Some favorite attractions in this place include Lake Fulmor, Middle Ridge Winery, and Mount San Jacinto State Park, and there are a handful of luxury hotels to stay in as well. Idyllwild is about a two-hour drive from San Diego.

29. Newport Beach

Newport Beach, a two-hour drive away from San Diego, features a weekend full of recreation options for individuals of all tastes with its 8-mile (12.9-kilometer) coastline. Bask in the beauty of the scenery while unwinding at Corona del Mar Beach, or uncover the incredible bluffs, coves, canyons, and trails in Crystal Cove State Park. If you want to enjoy the best surfing experience in the state, The Wedge is an ideal spot, while Balboa Pier is known for fishing activities. And within the town, there are upscale restaurants, shopping malls, and everything else you need for a superb vacation.

30. Big Bear Lake

If you’re planning a weekend of exciting outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and more, then look no further than Big Bear Lake. Strategically perched in San Bernardino National Forest in the heart of Southern California, it is known for its 7-mile (11.3-kilometer) lake, where you can rent watercraft equipment and have a blast throughout the summer, as well as Bear Mountain and Snow Summit for winter fun. This four-season resort, only a three-hour drive from San Diego, is also famous for its year-round attractions, including Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, fireworks, and fishing tournaments.

31. Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island, 175 miles (281.6 kilometers) from San Diego, is one of the most visited among the five islands that make up Channel Islands National Park—for many reasons. Aside from the beaches and ocean waters, perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, diving, swimming, and more, this location features several hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as many camping spots. Enjoy picnicking at Scorpion Anchorage, hike the trails of Scorpion Valley, camp and explore the thick forest around Scorpion Beach, and have the best weekend trip yet.

32. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a vibrant city, known for its Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings, constructed after most of the town was destroyed by the 1925 earthquake. These are complemented by a beautiful mountain backdrop and a palm-lined oceanfront. Another exciting thing about this town is that most of its attractions, including a zoo, museums, and shopping malls, are close to one another. Hike the many trails, enjoy some revitalizing moments by the beach, see humpback whales in the ocean, and do much more. This perfect weekend getaway destination is about a four-hour drive from San Diego.

Embark on an adventure from San Diego

Warm and sunny San Diego in California makes for a fulfilling holiday destination with its beaches, museums, and galleries. However, if you have more time on your hands and are craving to discover what lies beyond this bustling city, don’t think twice and hit the road! San Diego serves as a great base for quick trips to nearby destinations. Use this list as a guide to decide where you’re heading next!