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If you’re planning a road trip from San Diego and looking for ideas, here are ten fun destinations within a two-hour drive of downtown San Diego.
Julian Historic Gold Mining Town
Julian is a town in the Cuyamaca Mountains, about a two-hour drive from downtown San Diego. The city is famous for its apple pies and U-Pick apple orchards. However, due to the crowds during apple season, avoiding that time for a more relaxing road trip to Julian is best. Julian has plenty of activities year-round, such as gold mine tours, wine tasting, fishing, and hiking at Lake Cuyamaca. Don’t forget to enjoy a slice of Julian’s famous apple pie while you’re there! Visit Julian’s website.
Rosarito Beach Baja California, Mexico
Rosarito Beach is a beautiful seaside town in Baja, California, Mexico, just 30 miles south of San Diego. Despite attracting over one million visitors yearly, the city retains an air of exclusivity and is considered a hidden gem on the Gold Coast. It’s worth noting that Rosarito Beach is also home to the famous Baja Studios, where some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, like “Titanic” and “Pearl Harbor” were filmed, so you might even catch a glimpse of a movie star or two. Please note that a passport will be required to visit Rosarito Beach. Visit website.
Bernardo Winery – So Cal’s Oldest Winery
Bernardo Winery is a historic and charming destination 25 miles north of downtown San Diego. It’s a rustic haven amidst Rancho Bernardo’s suburban surroundings, with picturesque grounds and shops that can easily keep visitors engaged for several hours. The Winery is ideal for a day trip as there is so much to see and do. You can find Bernardo Winery at 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, California. Visit the Bernardo Winery website.
Desert View Tower: Iconic Roadside Attraction
The Desert View Tower is located at 3,000 feet near Jacumba. It is approximately 70 miles east of San Diego and 45 miles west of El Centro. The tower, constructed out of cut stone, stands four stories tall. Adjacent to the tower is Boulder Park, which is a collection of wind-weathered rocks that form a network of caves and walkways. Along the walkways, visitors can find unique hand-sculpted animals and faces. Desert View Tower does not have a website.
Laguna Beach Halfway Between LA and San Diego
Laguna Beach’s seven miles of stunning coastline are the main attraction for most visitors. Upon arrival, travelers are greeted by the 1930s lifeguard tower that overlooks the beach activities at Main Beach. Some seasonal events worth checking out include the Sawdust Art Festival and the Pageant of the Masters. During your visit to Laguna Beach, add 1000 Steps Beach and Crystal Cove Beach to your list of must-visit spots. Visit the Laguna Beach website.
Anza Borrego, California’s Largest State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park covers a fifth of San Diego County’s land, which means there are more than 500 miles of roads to explore. You can discover routes that go up rocky climbs or through deep sand. While some streets are paved, most require an off-road vehicle or 4×4. A must-visit attraction in the area is the welded steel sculptures of Galleta Meadows Estates—Park website.
Mount Palomar State Park: See The Stars
Mount Palomar State Park is located above the bustling suburban sprawl of San Diego city life. A visit to Palomar Mountain would not be complete without a trip to the area’s centerpiece, Palomar Observatory—one of the most extraordinary scientific marvels in the United States. Mount Palomar is only a two-hour drive from San Diego. Visit the Palomar Observatory website.
Temecula Southern California’s Napa Valley
Temecula, located near San Diego, benefits from cool coastal breezes that create an ideal climate for outdoor activities and grape cultivation. As a result, Temecula Valley has become the southern California equivalent of Napa Valley. The family-owned wineries in the area are welcoming and friendly, and each is committed to producing wines that are unique in quality and character. Visit the Temecula Valley website.
Bates Nut Farm Family Road Trip
Bates Nut Farm is open all year round and is particularly popular during the fall and Christmas. Originally, the farm was a walnut orchard, but it only grows pumpkins today. The farm boasts a large store where you can find delicious dried fruits, nuts, gifts, jams, and candies. Additionally, there is a petting zoo on site. Although Bates Nut Farm is dog-friendly, visitors should note that dogs are prohibited inside the store—Bates Nut Farm website.
Pacific Southwest Railway Campo
The train museum in Campo, California, is off the beaten track but worth visiting. The museum is situated on the grounds of the former Camp Lockett, and the camp’s gymnasium building now serves as the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum car shop. Train rides are available on weekends, taking passengers on a 12-mile round-trip journey along the old San Diego & Arizona Railway track. Campo is about 60 miles from downtown San Diego, and the travel time is around 1.5 hours. Visit website.
More Fun San Diego Day Trip Ideas
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