San Diego seems to have it all; perfect weather, a pulsating cultural scene, and attractions galore. But it’s not just the city that will cast its spell on you. The area around San Diego has some spectacular places to explore too. If you choose the best day trip from San Diego, you will know what we’re talking about. The best day trips in San Diego include charming towns, gorgeous seafronts, whales, wineries and so much more.
What’s also great about the best day trips from San Diego is if you choose to, you can experience a different culture within a short drive. Several Mexican destinations are easily accessible from San Diego, which is hardly an hour or two’s drive away.
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San Diego Highlights Tour
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We always reiterate that before you take a trip out of the city, make sure to explore everything there is to see within it. Check out the best day trips in San Diego to zero in on something that suits your plan. We recommend the San Diego Highlights Tour as one of the best day trips in San Diego.
This full-day tour will take you to some of the major attractions in the city. Beginning downtown, you will explore some of the more well-known parts of the city. From The Hotel Del Coronado, the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, and Balboa Park, there is plenty to experience in a few hours. And that’s not all.
You’ll also take a trip to La Jolla, one of the gorgeous areas of the city. Drink in some spectacular ocean views or marvel at the residences of the wealthiest people.
- Tour duration: 7 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A
- Transportation:
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Puerto Nuevo Tour
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If you want to combine your love for lobsters with the best day trip from San Diego, then the Private Puerto Nuevo Tour should definitely feature on your itinerary. Puerto Nuevo basks in the moniker of the lobster village of Baja California. Sip on margaritas and immerse yourself in live mariachi music while you indulge in what the town claims to be the best lobsters in the world.
Located just below the USA/Mexico border, the town is a popular destination for people from both sides of the border. It is also a short drive from one of the leading resort towns of Rosarito Beach and Baja California. This party destination and food hub vibrate with energy, especially on the weekends. You’ll have enough time for shopping and craft beer tastings on tour.
What makes this one of the best day trips in San Diego is that you also get to visit other iconic destinations.
- Tour duration: 7 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: Approximately 49.5 miles or a one-hour drive
- Transportation: Luxury 6-14 air-conditioned passenger van
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La Jolla Tour
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A visit to the upscale seaside town of La Jolla is definitely one of the best day trips in San Diego. Just a few miles from the city, the La Jolla coastline offers some of the best beaches on this side of town. Expert surfers will love Windansea Beach with its powerful waves. The picturesque beach is also a popular spot for wedding shoots.
Another famous beach is La Jolla Shores, with its gentle waves and sand. You’ll also find the Birch Aquarium here. Black’s Beach is quieter and also ‘clothing optional!’
However, the highlight of visiting this side of town is La Jolla Cove. The bay is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming, so the bay has many visitors. The La Jolla Tour will probably appeal to you if you’re not up for diving into the water. This fully escorted driving tour will take you to some of the best spots in La Jolla, along with dramatic ocean views.
- Tour Duration: 3 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: A short 20-minute drive from 300 G Street, where the tour begins.
- Transportation: Air-conditioned van
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San Juan Capistrano
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Less than an hour’s drive from San Diego, you’ll find another of the best day trips in San Diego; to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. San Juan Capistrano, a city in Orange County, is one of the most interesting missions in California.
Founded by the Spanish in 1776, it became the seventh of the 21 Spanish missions in California. It was built to expand Spain’s territorial boundaries and spread Christianity to this part of the world. Unsurprisingly, within the mission, quite a few buildings showcasing Spanish Mission architecture are showcased. Think red-tiled roofs, covered patios, an adobe church, and arcade courtyards. Although many of them are in ruins, an effort to restore the mission is still underway. The mission church is the oldest building in California that is still in use. It traces its roots back to 1777 and is definitely worth visiting. You’ll find gorgeous gilded reredos behind the altar of the church, among other interesting objects from its rich past.
To explore this interesting location, we recommend the Scavenger Hunt Adventure. With this smartphone scavenger hunt, you’ll get an interesting insight into the history of San Juan Capistrano.
- Tour Duration: Depends on how long you’d like to stay. The tour is valid for 365 days
- Distance from nearest town/city: About an hour’s drive from San Diego. 66 miles, to be precise
- Transportation: Private car/Taxi/Train
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Tijuana City
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Known as the ‘corner of Mexico,’ a visit to the city of Tijuana is considered the best day trip from San Diego. This vibrant city has much to offer the discerning visitor. It has some of the most renowned landmarks in the world and one of the busiest borders in the world. In fact, it also ranks among the longest land borders in the world!
On the Tijuana City Guided Tour and Food Tasting, you’ll get to discover the city’s iconic sights and sample the local foods. The tour begins at the Tijuana Cultural Center with its interesting museum and botanical gardens. Other buildings of note are the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe and the El Foro Palacio Jai Alai concert hall. Apart from discovering the iconic sights of Tijuana, you will also get to enjoy craft beer, tequila tasting, and delicious churros. The tour also allows a break for shopping before you head back to San Diego.
The tour doesn’t cover a stop at Zona Norte, North America’s oldest and largest brothel. The Tijuana brothel ranks among the best red-light districts that are now tourist attractions!
- Tour Duration: 7 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: A little over an hour’s drive from San Diego
- Transportation: Air-conditioned van
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Ensenada
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If you decide to take a cruise, a stop at the city of Ensenada will most certainly feature on the itinerary. The city is Mexico’s second-largest stop for cruise ships due to its attractive harbor and waterfront. However, if you want to drive over from San Diego, it’s about two hours to Ensenada, the ‘wine capital of Mexico.’
The city is known for its duty-free shopping and seafood restaurants, among other things. From luxury spas to surfing, kayaking, and its lip-smacking gastronomy, Ensenada is undoubtedly one of the best day trips in San Diego. Apart from what the city has to offer, the outskirts of the city are also popular with nature enthusiasts and sports lovers. It has two national parks, one of which is home to the National Astronomical Observatory. If the city entices you to linger, plan a trip to America’s largest sea geyser La Bufadora a short distance from Ensenada.
- Duration of Tour: 4 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: It’s 88 miles from San Diego to Ensenada and 45 minutes from Ensenada to La Bufadora
- Transportation: Tram, bus, private vehicle
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Legoland
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If you’re traveling with kids, the best day trip from San Diego would be to Legoland, California. This theme park in Carlsbad was the first to open outside Europe. Kids will have the time of their lives marveling at the enormous Lego models and the entertaining shows.
Quite expectedly, Legoland has a lot more to offer other than the gigantic models. It has the Sea Life Aquarium, a water park, and over 60 rides, shows, and attractions aimed at kids between the ages of 2-12. The newest themed land, the LEGO Movie World, is another big hit with youngsters. For those with San Diego CityPass, visiting the park is even simpler. It features as one of the top attractions to visit with the CityPass.
- Duration of Tour: Depends on individual choices
- Distance from nearest town/city: About 30 minutes north of San Diego, approximately 30
- Transportation: Private car, taxi, bus
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Temecula
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For those looking for a quick weekend getaway, the best day trip from San Diego would be to the historic town of Temecula. The city that traces its roots to 1882 has quite a few surprises in store. The charming Old Town, with its historic buildings and alleyways, is worth a visit.
If you’re in town with kids, a visit to Pennypickle’s Workshop should be on the cards. This award-winning children’s museum has plenty to delight your little ones. Quite obviously, a visit to Temecula would be incomplete without a visit to a local winery. Take the All-inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch if you’re an oenophile. This day-long tour includes wine tasting at four of the region’s wineries. It also includes a carefully selected picnic lunch.
For the more adventurous, get a bird’s eye view of the valley from the comfort of a hot air balloon or drink in the stunning sunset on horseback. And if you want to linger on, you could also check into one of the most romantic hotels in Temecula.
- Duration of Tour: 6 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: About an hour by car
- Transportation: Spacious air-conditioned van
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Los Angeles
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If you’re in this part of the world, then Los Angeles must definitely be on your list of places to visit. However, if it isn’t already a part of your itinerary, you better add it. With the city being hardly a two-hour drive away from San Diego, for starry-eyed travelers, this is surely the best day trip from San Diego.
Los Angeles has so much to offer visitors you will probably want to extend your stay. If that’s your plan, you can choose to stay at one of the best hotels in Los Angeles. Once you’ve settled in, you plan your trip at your convenience. Choosing where and what to explore can be quite overwhelming, though. While our list of things to do in Los Angeles could give you a headstart, we recommend a day tour to maximize your time here. The LA Grand Tour is a good option.
Beginning at the highly popular Sunset Boulevard, the tour covers Santa Monica Pier, an outdoor Farmer’s market, Griffith Observatory, and many other iconic spots in the city.
- Duration of Tour: 7 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: Approximately 2 hours if driving from San Diego
- Transportation: You can reach Los Angeles by private car, bus, or train. For the tour, you’ll be on an open bus
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San Salvador Boat Tour
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Take a step back in time aboard a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship, the San Salvador, to get an insight into seafaring. For history buffs, this is the best day trip from San Diego as you get to sail away on a wooden galleon ship. While aboard the ship, you will hear many fascinating tales about the crew of the ship that arrived in San Diego on September 28, 1542. You’ll also get to admire some great views of the surroundings. And yes, you can take that perfect selfie while on deck.
Another plus point about taking the San Salvador Tour is visiting the Maritime Museum of San Diego. There are plenty of interesting exhibits to hold your attention at the museum. You’ll get to see one of the world’s oldest active ships, too, the Star of India and the H.M.S Surprise. It will definitely be a day well spent out on the water.
- Duration of Tour: 4 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: N/A
- Transportation: Classic ship
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Guadalupe Valley: Complete Wine Route
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It goes without saying that oenophiles visiting this part of the world would have already chalked out a wine route. However, the Guadalupe Valley is an excellent destination if you are still in doubt. It’s less than two hours away from San Diego, which makes it one of the best day trips in San Diego. Part of the Ensenada Municipality in Baja California, the valley is highly popular for wine and Baja Med cuisine. The valley’s altitude and microclimate make it ideal for winemaking. Every year in August, the Wine Harvest Festival is held in Guadalupe Valley and Ensenada. There is also an annual Food and Wind festival in October.
To get the best out of your wine-tasting experience, the Guadalupe Valley Complete Wine Route is a good way to go. This full-day tour includes breakfast and lunch and a visit to three vineyards. You’ll learn about the processes that go into making good wine and get insight into the local culture.
- Duration of Tour: 9 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Approximately 85.9 miles
- Transportation: Air-conditioned van
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Whale Watching
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Who doesn’t like marveling at whales in their natural habitat, especially when you can get as close as possible? During the whale migration season, the best day trip from San Diego is to go on a boating expedition to see these majestic creatures. About 20,000 gray whales migrate along the coast of San Diego between the months of December and April. This area offers whales the ideal breeding grounds. As such, most of the tours focus on blue whale and gray whale sightings.
The Whale Watching Tour takes about 3.5 hours. On this particular tour, you can enjoy the San Diego coast from a two-story whale-watching yacht that offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. One thing to note is that there is no snack bar available onboard, so you’ll have to carry your own.
- Duration of Tour: 3.5 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: N/A
- Transportation: Two-story yacht
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Joshua Tree National Park
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Outdoor enthusiasts will love Joshua Tree National Park with its two distinct ecosystems. It’s the place where the Mojave and Colorado come together to create a unique landscape. A visit here will leave you in awe as you will witness the contrast between the two deserts from close quarters. Named after the Joshua trees that grow here, the park is about a three-hour drive from San Diego.
Initially declared a national monument in 1936, the area was later designated as a national park in 1994. While it may not be as beguiling as the most amazing national parks on earth, a trip here is worth your time.
If you do decide to visit the park, we recommend the Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour. You’ll get to explore some of the best locations within the park from the comfort of a climate-controlled van. As part of the tour, you will also get to stop at the Park Visitor Center for souvenirs or take a nature walk in Hidden Valley and Keys View.
- Duration of Tour: 4.5 hours
- Distance from nearest town/city: A little less than three hours from San Diego. Approximately 160 miles
- Transportation: Climate-controlled van or 4×4
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Just So You Know
- As the first Spanish settlement in California, San Diego was the first area of California to be inhabited by Europeans.
- Spread over 1,800 acres and with more than 3,500 animals; the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the largest zoos in the world.
- The Whaley House Museum may not be one of the most haunted places in the world, but is touted as the ‘country’s most haunted house.’
