San Diego sits at one of the best road trip crossroads in the country. Within a few hours’ drive you can reach deserts, mountains, wine country, beaches, and even another country. Here are the road trips every San Diegan should take at least once.
Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles
Skip the I-5 and take the PCH instead. It adds time but the views are absolutely worth it — Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport, and Huntington Beach all make for perfect pit stops. Grab fish tacos in San Clemente, watch surfers in Huntington, and arrive in LA having actually enjoyed the drive.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Just 90 minutes east of San Diego, Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park and it’s absolutely otherworldly. The Borrego Springs sculptures — massive metal art installations scattered across the desert — are reason enough to visit. In spring, the desert wildflower bloom is one of the most spectacular natural events in the state. Stay at La Casa del Zorro for a touch of desert luxury.
Julian
This tiny mountain town about an hour east of San Diego is famous for one thing: apple pie. And it lives up to the hype. Mom’s Pie House and Julian Pie Company have been battling it out for decades, and honestly, you should try both. Beyond pie, Julian has great hiking at Volcan Mountain, gold mine tours, and some of the best cider you’ll ever taste.
Baja California, Mexico
Cross the border into Tijuana or drive down to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe for Mexico’s answer to Napa Valley. The food scene in Baja is world-class — from street tacos in TJ to fine dining in the wine valley. The drive along the coast to Ensenada is beautiful, and the toll road (cuota) makes it easy and safe.
