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Driving From Los Angeles to San Diego: Road Trip Itinerary

As a local Southern Californian, I have poured my heart into this LA to San Diego drive itinerary.  Hope you enjoy it!

Thinking about an LA to San Diego road trip?

The distance between the two cities is short but there is a lot to do in between.  After having driven this route more than 20 times and explored each single beach town, I have decided to give you my best advice on how to plan your own road trip from LA to San Diego.

The best thing is that you do not have to take vacation time to do this.  A weekend is enough to explore the best spots.

Get into the car and let’s go!

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

San Clemente Pier and Palm Trees

About This LA to San Diego Itinerary

The driving distance from LA to San Diego (Downtown to Downtown) is 120 miles.  In theory, you can travel from one place to another in two hours.  However, even though the distance sounds small, after driving this route dozens of times, I can assure you there is a world between the two big cities.  There are tons of places to visit between San Diego and Los Angeles.  My itinerary will take you through the towns of Orange and San Diego counties.  

Now, my idea is to help you discover the area on a long weekend.  You will need three days.  It is up to you if you want to do a Friday – Sunday or a Saturday – Monday outing.  In addition, I am providing an alternate itinerary.  This can help you to plan a second-weekend trip or plan a five or six days trip.

When road tripping, I like to get out of the freeways.  You are going to notice my itinerary uses a combination of coastal roads and the freeway.  Yes, driving the streets may take a little bit more time but it will help you to get a better understanding of how is life in coastal Southern California.

I have prepared this itinerary as budget-friendly as possible.  The attractions included here are mostly free.  It is up to you how much or how little you want to spend.

Dana Point Harbor

LA to San Diego Drive – Itinerary

In this section, I am going to give you specific ideas on where to stop and what to do during your road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego.  Get ready to have tons of fun!

Day 1 – Huntington Beach / Laguna Beach

Driving Time

The distance from Downtown Los Angeles to Huntington Beach is 38 miles.  The drive will take you less than an hour.

Laguna Beach is located 15 miles from Huntington Beach.  I recommend taking the Pacific Coast Highway (the famous CA-1) between cities (the freeway drive is boring). Overall, there is not much driving during this day.

Breakfast

To me, Mama’s on 39 has the best breakfast in town.  Everything I have tried there is beyond delicious.  The place is located a bit off the beach but I think it is well worth the deviation.  Caffe Caldo is located close to Mama’s and it is a good option too.

If you want to stay in the Downtown Huntington Beach area, I recommend Sugar Shack Cafe or Bluegold.

Morning

After a good breakfast, it is time to check the city’s pier.  From here, you can observe surfers and all sorts of activities on the beach.  Huntington Beach has miles of boardwalk.  This provides a good opportunity to walk around and get a good vibe of California’s beach culture.  It doesn’t get more tangible than in Huntington Beach.

If you prefer, you can ride a bike north to Bolsa Chica Beach or south to Huntington State Beach or even Newport Beach.  You can rent a bike at Jack’s Beach Concession and Rays Rentals.

Another option is to check the action on Main Street.  I love to walk around and check out the restaurants, shops, and small markets.  The International Surfing Museum is located in the area.

Read More: Best Hikes in Newport Beach

Lunch

There are so many lunch options that I do not know where to start.  Places such as North Shore Poke Co. and Sessions West Coast Deli are great.  And, of course, eating at Duke’s is a classic

Hitting Pacific City, a shopping and dining complex in front of the water, for lunch is one of my favorite things to do.  I like Simmzy’s, Bear Flag Fish, and The American Dream.

Huntington Beach seen from the pier, LA to San Diego Drive

Afternoon

You can spend the afternoon at Crystal Cove State Park.  This park has 3.2 miles of coastline, 17 hiking trails, and a historic cottage district. It is one of the largest undeveloped coastlines in the area.

The views from the trails and viewpoints are completely gorgeous.  This is a place dear and near my heart.  I cannot recommend it enough.

If you are not up for walking, drive directly to the central area of Laguna Beach.  In there, you can explore Main Beach, Heisler Park, and Crescent Bay.  The town itself is full of restaurants, cafes, shops, and galleries.  Summer is the prime time to stop by the cities famous art festivals.

There are many more impressive beaches south of town.  Places such as Victoria Beach (with the famous pirate tower), Treasure Island Park, and 1000 Step Beach are some of the most sought out spots.

Read More: Incredible Hikes in Laguna Beach

Best Beaches in Laguna Beach

Dinner

Carmelita’s, Starfish, and Brussels Bistro are good options for dinner. If you are on a budget, places such as La Sirena Grill and The Stand sell yummy food.

Tips

Traffic in Los Angeles is terrible (it is one of the worst in the entire world).  You want to avoid freeways during rush hours (6:00-9:00 a.m., 4:00-7:00 p.m.).  In this road trip, since you are traveling south, you are going to be driving against traffic in the morning (those are good news).

Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach are popular vacation destinations.  You can base yourself on one of them and stay the entire weekend.  I encourage you to get to know more of these delightful beach towns.

It is possible to find free parking in Huntington Beach’s backstreets (without restrictions).  The only thing is that you may need to walk to the center.

If the lodging prices in the Laguna Beach area are too high, expand your search to San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.

The Pacific Coast Highway end (or starts) in Dana Point. Popular to contrary belief, the Pacific Coast Highway does not run through the entire Californian COast. After that terminus, you can drive from Dana Point to San Clemente using Coast Highway/El Camino Real.

Crystal Cove State Park

Day 2 – Encinitas / Torrey Pines

Driving Time

The distance from Laguna Beach to Encinitas is about 55 miles.  You have to drive 13 miles from Encinitas to Torrey Pines.

You can take the freeway to Oceanside.  Once you see signs for the city, get out and take the Historic 101 Coast Highway.  In that way, you will drive around all northern San Diego county towns.

Breakfast

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants on the way is located in San Juan Capistrano.  It is called El Campeon and they are open from 6:00 a.m.  They sell a huge variety of dishes, drinks, and sweets.  We usually stop for breakfast or when coming from San Diego (to pick up food to eat at home).

Another place that I absolutely love is Beachbreak Cafe (Oceanside).  I dream of their omelets, burritos, and coffee cake (you have to get the coffee cake).  Give this place a try and you will thanks me later.

While in Oceanside, check out the pier, one of the longest on the coast.

Morning

It is not easy to recommend only one town in northern San Diego for this itinerary.  However, I have to go with my heart here and my heart chooses Encinitas.

Often overlooked for flashier places, this is one of the places where the California beach, surfing, and relaxing vibe is more alive.  While in town, check out Moonlight Beach, the Self-Realization Fellowship Garden, and Swami’s, one of the more famous surfing spots.

Also, you can spend your time strolling the businesses along Highway 101.  There are a lot of stores selling goods made by local artisans and artists.

Lunch

Without a doubt, my favorite place in Encinitas is The Taco Stand.  It is incredible how much flavor the tacos and burritos on this place pack have.  I always go for seconds.

If you do not feel like Mexican food, the Encinitas Fish Shop, Union Kitchen, and The Bier Garden are pretty good.  Keep in mind Handel’s, a famous ice cream shop has a store in town.

Mural in Encinitas, San Diego, LA to San Diego Drive

Afternoon

After Encinitas, drive to the Torrey Pines State Reserve.  This place is home to the rarest pine in North America, rock formations, and incredible ocean views.  There are 8 trails available to visitors but most people do the 1.4 mile Razor Point Trail since it affords the best views.

It is also nice to walk along the beach and see the cliffs from a different perspective.  Again, this is a place not to miss due to its uniqueness.  This is what California is all about!

Read More: Hikes and Trails in Torrey Pines

Dinner

From Torrey Pines, it is a short drive to La Jolla Shores.  You can choose to eat at a place like Piatti, Shorehouse Kitchen, Galaxy Taco, or Brick & Bell Cafe.

Or, you can drive directly to the Village of La Jolla and pick a place such as Duke’s, Puesto, or Herringbone.

Torrey Pines Hike

Day 3 – La Jolla / Beaches

Driving Time

Driving time will depend on where you stayed on Day 2.  If you stayed in the La Jolla area, hopping in a car may not be needed.  If you stayed somewhere else, I am assuming you will have to drive 10 to 15 miles back to La Jolla.

The longer drive would be in the late afternoon or night since it would be time to return to Los Angeles.  Make sure you keep an eye on the watch if you do not want to leave too late.

Breakfast

There are many options for breakfast this morning.  Since I have to keep it short, I would recommend eating at Sugar and Scribe Bakery, Shorehouse Kitchen, and The Cottage.  Those places are excellent choices for brunch (hey, it is the weekend).

Families enjoy feasting at Richard Walker’s Pancake House.

Morning

La Jolla is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in San Diego.  After a couple of minutes in town, you are going to understand why.  It is just a paradise full of coastal walks, sea caves, wildlife, and rock formations.

Spend the morning walking from La Jolla Cove to the tidepools area (around Nicholson Point). This route will take you through a cave full of sea lions, La Jolla Cove (where more sea lions bask in the sun), Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the Children’s Pool, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and much more.

Take some time to walk around Goldfish Point (the promontory over La Jolla Cove).  The views from there are some of the best.  For those in search of adventure, kayaking around the sea caves is one of the top-rated activities in the state.

Things to do in San Diego, must see in San Diego, san diego a list

Lunch

For lunch, you can check the places I recommended for dinner on Day 2 or breakfast on Day 3.  Other options include Burger Lounge, Cody’s, and Deli-icious.

Afternoon

Since you probably have to go back to Los Angeles in the late afternoon, I would keep the final hours of the trip simple.  Spending the rest of the day in La Jolla is a good idea.

If you want to see a bit more, you can make the short drive to Pacific Beach.  This neighborhood has a pier boardwalk (extending all the way to Mission Beach), and access to Mission Bay.  If you go, try to make some room in your stomach for the tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.  In my opinion, this place serves some of the best tacos on this side of the border.

Another option is to check Ocean Beach.  This is the hip neighborhood of San Diego (equivalent to Venice Beach in Los Angeles).  There is not a lot to do in terms of attraction but people go to enjoy the unique atmosphere.  You can continue exploring the Sunset Cliffs or Cabrillo National Monument.  Both places are great spots to watch the sunset.

Read More: Things to Do in Ocean Beach

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego

Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego

Dinner

If you need to refuel before driving from San Diego to Los Angeles, you can grab something quickly at Board & Brew, Raglan Public House, and OB Noodle House.

Tip

Hodad’s, in Ocean Beach, serves the most famous burgers in San Diego.  The line to get in is more than an hour long.  If you do want your food to go, skip the line and go directly to the counter.  A lot of people get confused and make the line even though they do not intend to sit down at the restaurant.

Mural in Ocean Beach, San Diego, LA to San Diego Drive

LA to San Diego Drive – Alternate Itinerary

This alternate Los Angeles to San Diego road trip itinerary gives you different stops for days 1 and 2.  As I mentioned, this will help you customize your trip according to your likes, plan multiple trips or extend a trip.

Day 1 – Newport Beach / Laguna Beach

Driving Time

The distance from Downtown Los Angeles to Newport Beach is 45 miles.  There are 10 miles from Newport Beach to Laguna Beach.

Breakfast

There are many good places to eat in Newport Beach but I am going with Tupelo Junction Cafe, The Broken Yolk Cafe, and Wilma’s Patio Restaurant.

Morning

Like Huntington Beach, Newport is a destination with a huge number of attractions.  For this itinerary, I would invite you to check out the Balboa Peninsula.  You can take a look at the pier, the Balboa Fun Zone, the gorgeous houses towards the end of the peninsula, and the West Jetty View Park.

Or, take the ferry (ride last a couple of minutes) to Balboa Island, a small piece of land full of mansions, boats, and canals.  If you go, you have to try a Balboa bar.

In winter, you can take a whale-watching excursion from the area.  You can find discounts for this activity on websites such as Groupon and Travel Zoo.

Lunch

For lunch, I think True Food Kitchen, Bosscat Kitchen, and Newport Landing Restaurant would be a hit with everybody at your party.

Newport Beach

Afternoon

On my first itinerary, I included Laguna Beach and am including the city here too.  Why?  Because I believe this is the most beautiful city in Orange County and a must-see for visitors.  Therefore, you can follow my recommendations on the itinerary specified above.

If you have seen Laguna before, you can check out Dana Point and attractions such as Salt Creek Beach, Doheny State Beach, or the Dana Point Harbor (an excellent place to walk), Dana Point Marina, and Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area.

Or, you can visit San Clemente, another town with a pier, a great main street, many beaches (including San Clemente State Beach), and a relaxed vibe.

Read More: Things to Do in Dana Point

Things to Do in San Clemente

Dinner

To end the day, have a bite in Laguna Beach or San Clemente.

For Laguna, follow the recommendations outlined in the first itinerary.  In San Clemente, Vine Restaurant, Nick’s, and MRK Public are good options.

Day 2 – Oceanside / Carlsbad / Solana Beach

Driving Time

Oceanside is located 35 miles from Laguna Beach (closer to San Clemente but in Northern San Diego County).  Oceanside to Carlsbad is 3 miles and Carlsbad to Solana Beach is 14 miles.

Remember to drive from one town to another using Hwy 101.  You do not want to take the freeway (boring!) for this part of the road trip.

Breakfast

I encourage you to follow my recommendations from my first itinerary: El Campeon in San Juan Capistrano or Beachbreak Cafe in Oceanside.

Or, Cafe Topes serves the most delicious food ever!

Morning

In Oceanside, you can check the harbor, pier (and town), and Buccaneer Beach Park. Carlsbad has a beautiful village, miles of beaches, three lagoons, the Museum of Making Music, the flower fields (spring), and the Premium Outlets.

Carlsbad gets its name from the Czech spa town Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad is the German name).  In the city, you can get alkaline water from the natural springs (in the Village area).

Read More: Things to Do in Oceanside, San Diego

Lunch

Board & Brew and Shorehouse Kitchen are good lunch options.

However, the place to go is Campfire, a new concept where you feel like you are getting food cooked over a fire.

Oceanside Pier, San Diego, LA to San Diego Drive

Afternoon

If you feel like visiting one more town in San Diego County, make it Solana Beach.  This is a small place.  I bet a lot of Southern California residents do not know it even exists.

Well, come here for Fletcher Cove and the Cerros Design District.  The latter is full of galleries, stores, cafes, and even a wine tasting room.  You are not going to find the things you see at the Cedros Design District anywhere else.  This place completely surpassed my expectations and I felt like staying there the entire day.  Go and see for yourself!

Read More: Things to Do in Solana Beach, San Diego

Dinner

Solana Beach has a great selection of restaurants.  You can visit the Solana Beach Fish House, Pamplemousse Grille, and The Fish Market.

The entire town seems to hang out at Pizza Port.  The food here will not blow your mind but it is a great place to sample San Diego’s craft beer scene.

Carlsbad Village, San Diego, LA to San Diego Drive

Day 3 – La Jolla / Beaches

For Day 3, follow the suggestions given on my first itinerary.

San Diego to LA Road Trip

Of course, this drive from LA to San Diego suggestions work in reverse too.

Just keep in mind you will encounter more traffic driving from San Diego to Los Angeles than on a drive from Los Angeles to San Diego.  Going towards Los Angeles is a headache most of the time.

Also, if you are driving this itinerary on the reverse you may want to spend more time in Los Angeles than in San Diego.  I suggest visiting Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, or Koreatown.

Best Traveling Season

The weather in California is pretty benign (some of the best in the world).  Average high temperatures are 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.  That means you have road trip weather all year long.

Now, I need to tell you some things about the seasons.  Summer sounds like the logical time to visit.  However, we have a phenomenon between late May and early July called June Gloom.  During that period, a marine layer covers the coastal areas all morning.  That means you are going to have overcast skies for half day.  That may be a problem for some.

During winter, the days are short. Sunset is around 5:00 p.m.

Having said all that, I believe the best travel seasons are spring and fall.  If you are a local, seasonality may not be a factor.

Ocean Beach Pier, San Diego

Beach Town Gear

As I spend a lot of time on beach towns, I have my gear packed and ready to throw in the car.  Here is an idea of what I take on a Los Angeles to San Diego drive.

Cottage in Oceanside

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Los Angeles to San Diego?

The distance between the two cities is 120 miles if we use as references Downtown Los Angeles and Downtown San Diego.  Keep in mind the actual distance will depend on where you start and end the road trip.  Los Angeles and San Diego Counties are big.  

What is the driving time between Los Angeles and San Diego?

It should take you about two hours to drive from one city to the other without stopping. Again, this depends on factors such as starting and ending points, day of the week, time of the day, etc.  The drive can take more than 3 hours if you do not plan carefully. Ten to fifteen miles in an LA freeway can take an hour to complete.

Is the drive from LA to San Diego scenic?

I would not say that the complete drive is scenic but there are parts that are more scenic than others.  But, these scenic stretches are located along the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1, Seal Beach to Dana Point) and Coast Highway (Hwy 101, Oceanside to La Jolla). 

What is the best time to drive from Los Angeles to San Diego?

During the week, you have to avoid non-peak hours.  During the weekend, I will avoid the afternoons.  Traffic will be heavier on Sunday than on Saturday.

What is the best way to get to San Diego from Los Angeles?

If you want the LA to SD drive to be as fast as possible, you will take I-405 and I-5.  Nevertheless, taking the back road or the path less traveled is what makes a road trip fun.  I will suggest leaving the freeways as much as possible. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway or Coast Highway.

More Road Trips

If you want to explore more of California’s Coast, I recommend taking a look at my 5-day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary.  It gives you a lot of details about how to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco (or vice versa) through some of the most scenic roads in the state.

I have an article on how to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco through an inland route.

If you are based in San Diego, you may be interested in this article delineating some interesting road trips from San Diego.

I love Santa Barbara.  Because of that, I have an article describing road trip options between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Of course, I have put together the Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip.

I hope you have enjoyed this driving from LA to San Diego itinerary.  I had tons of fun writing it.  I even feel like hitting the road right now.  If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out.

More of Los Angeles

More of San Diego

What do you like the most about this LA to San Diego Drive?  What are your recommendations?

If you enjoyed this article, remember to share!

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Thinking about a Los Angeles to San Diego road trip? The distance between the two cities is short but there is lot to do in between. After having driven this route more than 20 times, I have decided to give you my best advice on how to plan your own road trip. We will explore towns like Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Encinitas and La Jolla. Get into the car and let’s go! #LA #SanDiego #California #roadtrip #SouthernCalifornia

Thinking about a Los Angeles to San Diego road trip? The distance between the two cities is short but there is lot to do in between. After having driven this route more than 20 times, I have decided to give you my best advice on how to plan your own road trip. We will explore towns like Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Encinitas and La Jolla. Get into the car and let’s go! #LA #SanDiego #California #roadtrip #SouthernCalifornia

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Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are two ski areas covered under one lift ticket. Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Olympics and is a favorite of many professional skiers. The fifth-largest ski area in North America has a fun party atmosphere is Heavenly Mountain Resort, which has plenty of terrain and is the. Read More: Drive Around Lake Tahoe Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge By Luda from Adventures with Luda If you’re traveling to San Francisco and looking for a fun (and adventurous) activity, rent a bike and get to pedaling across the Golden Gate Bridge! I recommend this for three main reasons: you’ll see amazing views of the San Francisco bay, work off some calories (psst - Japantown has some pretty great restaurants!), and you can explore other cities. There are plenty of places to rent a bike, but I recommend picking a company in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood since it’s closest to the Bridge. The 20-minute bike ride over to the starting point will take you through some fairly flat streets, and you can stop near Crissy Field if you’d like to take a few photos of the waterfront. When biking across the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s important to note that there are two sidewalks: one is for pedestrians, and the other is for bikers. If you don’t know which one to take, just take a look at where everyone else is going or ask one of the employees at the concession stand. If you’re flexible on timing, you can bike all the way across the bridge and explore the neighboring town of Tiburon. This cozy little town is famous for its quirky boutiques, grassy parks, and scenic waterfront. If you plan to make the trip to Tiburon, ask the bike rental employee for a bicycle lock, as there are plenty of bicycle “parking” near the waterfront. Read More: Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Book a Spot at the Sonoma Wine Trolley By Taima from Poor in a Private Plane If you are looking for a unique way to discover Sonoma then check out the Sonoma Wine Trolley. The tour begins in downtown Sonoma which is a great place to grab a bite before starting your wine adventure. Grab a bite at Sunflower Cafe and then make your way to Sonoma Plaza where you will board your wheels for the day. The wine trolley is a replica of a vintage California Street Cable Car used in San Francisco in the early 1900s. It’s an excellent way to experience Sonoma Valley in the open air trolley. The tour will take you to four different wineries with a stop for lunch. At one of the wineries you will be served a picnic lunch catered by The Girl and The Fig, one of the best restaurants in Sonoma. Once you have visited all four wineries the tour will drop you back off at Sonoma Plaza where you will have your pick of places to have dinner before turning in for the night. Whether it is your first time visiting Sonoma or you’re looking for a new way to experience Sonoma, the Sonoma Wine Trolley is a truly unique and fun experience. Photo by Taima Taste Craft Beer at the Russian River Brewery By Derek from Robe Trotting Napa and Sonoma valleys are rightly world-renowned for the vineyards, but one of my favorite stops in Sonoma valley was actually one of the best craft breweries in the world. Russian River Brewing Company has become world-famous for its Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger IPAs, hailed by many aficionados as the best beers in the world (Pliny the Younger is brewed once a year and is an especially hot ticket to enjoy). But they offer more than just IPAs, as their sours (named Consecration, Supplication, and Temptation) are world-class. Russian River now offers two locations in Sonoma Valley, including their original taproom in Santa Rosa and a new brewery and brewpub in Windsor. The Santa Rosa location can get packed in evenings, but they offer excellent pizzas and wings to pair with the beers. The Windsor location has a little less traffic and offers a broader menu, plus you can take a tour of their brewery. Visit the Mystery Spot By Rosie from Popcuria The Mystery Spot is a fun and quirky addition to any California trip and a great activity for all ages. This classic roadside attraction is now a California Historical Landmark and worth a stop on any drive up Highway One. Tucked away in the redwoods just outside of Santa Cruz, CA, the Mystery Spot is home to strange gravitational anomalies that will make you question your own eyes. Take the Mystery Spot’s guided tour and experience this supernatural phenomenon for yourself. Your tour will take you on a whimsical walk through the redwoods where the basics of physics do not seem to apply. Within the confines of the Mystery Spot, balls roll up hill instead of down and your friends and family appear taller and shorter than in real life. Take Instagram-worthy shots of your friends leaning off tables at unnatural angles inside the Spot’s topsy-turvy house. Snag the Mystery Spot’s bumper sticker at the end of your tour to commemorate your time at this iconic roadside pitstop. Read More: Santa Cruz Boardwalk in Pictures Hold a Baby Goat and Eat Cheese By Constance from Adventures of Panda Bear Harley Farms in Pescadero, CA is goat dairy farm located off of the northern California coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. The farm has a variety of animals including chickens, a donkey, guardian llamas, Anatolian shepards, and of course, goats. All of the animals on the farm are working animals, the goats, in particular, provide milk for goat cheese. The farm’s dairy produces a variety of award-winning goat cheeses ranging from plain to cranberry walnut and garden chive, and more. The cheeses alone are well worth the visit! The best thing about visiting Harley Goat Farms is their baby goats. Take a farm tour during the spring months after the baby goats, or “kids” as they’re called, are born. Then, you’ll be able to see and hold a baby goat! The farm tour is also super informative and you’ll learn a lot about how to hold a baby goat, the farm’s operations, animals, and their cheese. The highlight of it all are definitely the baby goats, they are too cute! Stop by a Hot Spring By Athul from Our Backpack Tales Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Glass Mountain Ridge in California is the Crowley Hot Springs also known as Wild Willy's Hot Springs. You can reach the trail close to US 395 by taking the Benton Crossing Road. The Crowley Hot Springs are open 24 hours a day and it is absolutely free. From the parking lot, you can see an elevated wooden walkway. A short walk of around 0.32 km through the beautiful backdrop of mountains is an amazing experience. The walkway slopes slightly downward and ends almost abruptly by the pools. It is about 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, and you can easily take a dip in it! This hot spring contains one small and one large pool. The temperature in these pools can vary from 95 to 105 degrees. The bigger pool can accommodate a dozen of people but the small pool can accommodate some. The area surrounding the pool is stunning with mountains and grasslands in the backdrop. There are few option for camping in the surrounding area. These hot springs are in a fragile ecosystem so all should follow leave no trace behind policy to keep them clean. Things to Do in California - Central California Here are some of the things you can do around California’s Central area. If you ask me, this is one of the most thrilling parts of the state. Drive Around Big Sur By Dhara from It's Not About the Miles Driving the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Ragged Point should be high on your list of things to do in California. Considered one of the most scenic coastlines on the planet, the drive gives you the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Central California coastline. Just a little over 75 miles in length, Highway One hugs the water for most of this route. Where it does not, for short stretches, you will drive through towering redwoods or bucolic countryside. There are numerous pullouts where you can park and enjoy the views at leisure, and take lots of photos. Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Redondo Beach Pier, SunsetRedondo Beach Pier: Things to Do, See and Eat

Comments

  1. Jill says

    Not being a local, I’ve only done this drive once and I was in a bit of a hurry to visit family. But I hope to make this drive again this spring at a more leisurely pace so I appreciate all your tips. Bookmarking for future use.

    Reply

  2. Linda says

    I drove from L.A. to San Diego years ago and I never thought about making it a 3-day trip. I can see that I missed seeing a lot of southern California when I lived there. I love how you created an alternate itinerary.

    Reply

  3. La Vida is Belle says

    Love all the suggestions! I have done this road trip so many times since we live in San Diego, but have not made many stops…so I feel like following your tips one of these weekends, and love all the food suggestions! Thank you for sharing 🙂

    Reply

  4. Emma says

    I’ve been to both LA and San Diego. I love them both, they’re great cities. But never driven between the two. Now there’s an idea. Great itineraries. Thanks for sharing. Looks like a lot of fun and who doesn’t love Southern California?!

    Reply

  5. Jewels says

    California is so beautiful! I definitely want to explore it more. This itinerary is so useful! I’m keeping it close by!

    Reply

  6. Chris says

    As a San Diego native, I can attest to this great itinerary! Some of my favorite spots are here. I also love Solace in Encinitas and Campfire in Carlsbad for dinner. And catch some live music at the Roxy right on the 101 in downtown Encinitas. This bar is a local favorite for 40 years or more and has music most nights!

    Reply

  7. Megan Indoe says

    There are so many great selections here! You have mentioned one of my favorites! Crystal Cove! We are actually going there today for lunch at the Beachcomber restaurant, another favorite!! Great itinerary!

    Reply

  8. Izzy says

    What a wealth of information! For Christmas this year, my fiance and I did a road trip from San Jose to San Diego by way of the PCH and I WISH we had this guide on hand. Most of the places you listed were locations we briefly skimmed over but I’m already planning a San Diego trip in March now and taking advantage of all these suggestions!

    Reply

  9. Diego says

    Very interesting. I have a similar situation and it is that I have been many times around San Diego but have never been here

    Reply

  10. Tina Chandra says

    This is the most beautiful places list I ever seen on the internet saving it for the future. thanks for sharing this

    Reply

  12. Charlene says

    Planning a trip flying into LA driving to San Diego and back! This is a great guide and we are using it to layout our plan! Will let you know how our trip goes at the end of the summer! Thank you!!

    Reply

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