Top 10 Day Trips From San Diego California
If you spend a lot of time in the city where you live on the weekend, you need to consider what places are available outside the city, even if it requires a good drive.
There are plenty of fun activities for visitors outside of San Diego. Many beaches and parks will let you explore nature and participate in activities that require you to exercise and get a good thrill, and some centers allow you to get educated.
Indulge yourself in astronomy and find your inner space explorer. Whenever you plan to go out on the town with friends and family, check out the 11 best options for day trips from San Diego.
- Laguna Mountain
Fitness freaks looking for a challenging hiking spot with spectacular views of nature should check out what Mount Laguna offers.
You can either hike various trails and see several pine tree-lined hills along the way or take your bike up the hills if you need a little more challenge.
Visitors will also be treated to 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.
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Temecula
Those looking for a unique weekend experience should stop by downtown Temecula for views they might not be able to get to otherwise.
In this case, visitors can take part in the city’s hot air balloon festivals to take a leisurely trip in the air with amazing views of the world below.
There are always the more casual options of taking a hike in the woods, hitting some golf balls, exploring the vineyards on horseback, relaxing at the town’s spa, or going on one of its wine tours.
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Palm Springs
If you want to avoid the more active vacation options and are looking for a location that offers an opportunity to relax, then put Palm Springs on your to-do list.
The area is known for hotels with pools, spas, spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, and golf courses for those looking to improve their game.
Some hotels come with theme parks and water rides if you want to relax while your kids want a more thrilling experience. Hot springs are also nearby if you decide to take a more active time and want to relax to end the day.
- Anaheim/Disneyland
If your kids love Disney or theme parks, you should take them to Disneyland in Anaheim to get the best of both worlds.
This option comes with various parks that offer unique experiences, with rides ranging from Astro Orbiter 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 a show featuring Disney’s most popular characters and watch fireworks to end the night with a bang.
Heading the road from San Diego to Disney is a great time and makes for an easy and fun day trip! However, ensure you avoid rush hour traffic when you leave and return. You should book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and get you to the door fast!
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Joshua Tree National Park
Avid hikers looking for a harsh environment that offers more of a challenge than the average grassy trails should check out what Joshua Tree National Park offers.
Located in the desert, this place has rocky paths and mountains, making the visitors more effort to get to the top of their destination.
The park still offers great photo ops to add to your collection of environmental pictures, and visitors will also have the chance to learn about the different forms of wildlife that live in the park and how to protect them. Campgrounds are also available if you want to stay the night.
- La Jolla
Sometimes, a trip to the beach is the best way to escape the same old weekend activities, so stopping by La Jolla should be a priority for anyone looking for something new to do on the weekend.
Several trails are provided for walking along the beach, and stopping just before sunset is an excellent option if you want to take memorable photos.
If you want to add to your stay in La Jolla, you can always visit the Birch Aquarium and its diversity of marine wildlife, or you can explore the ocean at several snorkeling spots.
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Mount Palomar Observatory
If you or someone you know desires to explore outer space, then checking out the Mount Palomar Observatory should be at the top of your to-do list.
Guides will be provided to take visitors on a tour of the vast amount of technology used by scientists 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 about how space exploration has been made and how people can build their own in the future.
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Laguna Beach
When looking for a new city to visit for the weekend, one of the best types to go with is a beach. If you’re looking for a place to have fun with your friends, Laguna Beach is a great option.
In addition to taking out a beach towel and laying on the sand, you’ll be presented with more active options such as paddle boarding and snorkeling.
If you’re looking for new waves to conquer, you can always get out your board and go surfing, or if you want to take home some extra memorable photos to remember the trip, you can go boating. I can sit and do some whale watching.
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Julian
Those looking to spend a day in the mountains should check out what the town of Julian offers for an experience to remember.
In addition to numerous hiking and biking trails for exercise and photo-taking and lakes perfect for taking a boat out for some fishing, this town is home to real gold mines to give travelers a feel for what it was like in the 1800s. It provides an opportunity to find out.
For a more exclusive experience, visitors can also attend concerts and grape stomps or learn how to make apple cider at Julian’s apple orchards. Hotels and diners can also end the day on a relaxing note.
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Borrego Springs
When visiting a city that allows you to experience the outdoors, finding a place that offers various activities to participate in is essential.
Upstairs, activities provide a great view of the area, from hiking in the mountains to looking at the different forms of plant life in the gardens.
You can always stop by one of the area golf courses to improve your game or look at the work offered by the various art galleries.
The 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.
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San Juan Capistrano
One of the best ways to spend your weekend in a new way is to find a city that offers more of an educational experience than an adventure seeker. San Juan Capistrano is a great option if that’s what you’re looking for.
You can learn about Mission San Juan Capistrano and its focus on spreading the Catholic faith or helping preserve the world-famous abodes Successful field.
Visitors will also have the chance to see paint and other art forms that show the area’s history, and gift shops offer many antiques you can take home for a loved one. This location is also perfect for schools looking for class trips to take students.
San Juan Capistrano
San Diego natives looking for something new on their next free weekend should explore the many nearby cities and what they offer.
Many beaches allow you to surf the ocean, watch whales, and take beautiful sunset photos. In contrast, other locations allow you to participate in camping, hiking, hot air balloon trips, and other adventurous activities.
Many locations offer spas and hotels if you’re focused on relaxing after a long, physical day.
Consider these options the next time you need to get out of San Diego for a day, as they can provide an experience you’ll never forget.
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