Are you ready for your next adventure? Highlights: World-class skiing, snow, and winter sports; spectacular hiking, fishing, and outdoor activities in spring and summer. Valle is spread out Everything in Valle is pretty spread out, and most places are about a 15-2o minute drive from each other. It whisks you from the desert floor to a mountain summit almost 9,000 feet high, in only 10 minutes. One of the best things to do in Palm Springs on a day trip is to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest aerial tramway in the world. 25 Best Weekend Getaways from San Diego Hence, despite what many online lists say, we are not a day trip from San Diego, well, because were in city limits. There's a huge lake, of course, along with hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Its an opportunity to experience the unforgettable culture of the land of Mexico. Because of traffic, many opt for the roughly 3-hour train journey. The antiquities collection found in the museums here dates from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire, a span of approximately 7,000 years. The Ojai Valley Inn is a true destination resort and a wonderful place to stay for a getaway. It also averages about 350 days of sunshine per year. Ensenada offers many activities, from sunbathing on the beach to surfing about two hours from San Diego by car. With so many hotels to choose from, you can pretend youre in Italy at The Venetian or in Egypt at the Luxor Hotel. The Joshua Tree Inn is a seriously eclectic hacienda-style boutique hotel located right in the heart of the little town outside the park. You can even take an Uber to Hollywood to see tourist attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame or well-known museums like LACMA or La Brea Tar Pits both family-friendly options. Combine this with 315 days of sunshine and youll never want to leave. Set in Pacific Palisades, about 20 minutes away (without traffic) from Getty Center, visiting the Getty Villa is like stepping back in time to a first-century Roman Villa. 7 Best Mexico Tours from San Diego (The Perfect Day Trip!) This historic town is tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley. Shopping & Dining Go on a desert hike Desert Getaway Palm Springs Where to Stay in Palm Springs Palm Springs is famous for its beautiful restored motels and charming hotels. two.parentNode.insertBefore(twenty, two); Best visited during the winter and early spring (between December and March), the AAA four-diamond The Inn at Death Valley resort hotel first opened in 1927 and was a favorite destination for Old Hollywood celebrities. Then browse in the Museum Store and perhaps buy an art print of your favorite painting. One of the biggest questions Ive had from friends interesting in visiting is how to get there and how to get around. $78.00. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible. My daughter has always loved the La Brea Tar Pits because you can see tar pits onsite and visit the museum to observe scientists at work still deciphering the bones meanings. It is a resort town known for its beautiful beaches and nightlife. A couple of days or a three-day weekend will offer a refreshing change and the chance to experience a new locale or return to a favorite destination. You can find 1,750 acres of natural beauty, including the Torrey Pine, a rare tree endemic to the region. This means you potentially have 52 weekend getaways! It is a long journey, and weve done it for the day many times, but taking the train can be easier than driving during rush hour. You can hang out with the locals in Downtown Vegas or have an outdoor adventure atRed Rock CanyonorValley of Fire. Rtno Sentri, Cuauhtemoc, 22010 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico. Read our full disclosurefor more info. The downtown area of LA is thriving it's full of street after street of new restaurants, and early-20th-century building after building converted into luxury loft apartments or upscale shopping. The tram travels two-and-a-half miles up the mountain to Mt. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Rosarito Lovers of art, architecture, and beautiful gardens will be in nirvana at J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. About an hour east, Joshua Tree National Park offers spectacular rock formations, starry skies, and campgrounds. Big Bear Lake is Southern Californias largest recreation lake and provides a beautiful backdrop for a weekend getaway. If youre visiting in a single day, Genie+ Lightning or Individual Lightning Lane will be a worthwhile ticket upgrade. Mexico Vacations From San Diego | USA Today But you dont need to get into a day trip mentality and gear up for a long road trip. All Rights Reserved. 23 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California. Its an effortless excursion that I can tell you all about, obviously. In the winter, it's all about snow, and Mammoth gets a lot of it. Don't miss a climb up the Coit Tower, a walk through Chinatown, and a visit to the Legion of Honor museum in Golden Gate Park. Distance from San Diego: 30 minutes | Google Maps | Website | Top Suggested Tour Lying just a quick drive or rideshare northwest of downtown San Diego, La Jolla - Spanish for "the jewel" - truly is the jewel of San Diego. Myths and legends are attached to this ocean liner. Most visiting families wind up in Carlsbad because its where LEGOLAND California is located. The quieter beaches are pretty, and in spring, you should visit The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. About 90 miles northeast of San Diego, Borrego Springs lies in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park the only California town completely surrounded by a state park. Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown offer a wide range of restaurants, from casual to upscale, and shows in lounges, showrooms, and concert halls. Valle (as locals call it) is known as the Napa of Mexico and for good reason! Many of them follow the famous mid-century modern design that Palm Springs is known for. You can kayak, camp, hike, scuba dive, snorkel, and more! Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Ojai, CA, Highlights: World-class city with the best shopping, dining, and culture; many neighborhoods and areas to explore. Arriving from San Diego, youll enter on Panamint Valley Road and soon encounter the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Skip the crazy car line walking across the border is typically faster than driving, especially on your way back into the US. Its just a short drive of about 30-40 minutes to reach the sunny resort town of Carlsbad from downtown San Diego without traffic, depending on where youre going. Mr. Wrigley made sure his house had the best views on his island, and guests now benefit with sweeping postcard views of Avalon (the island's main town); the Pacific; and on clear days, the coast of Southern California, 26 miles away. Palm Springs makes for a long day trip from San Diego (its better to stay overnight then follow it with a trip to Joshua Tree National Park), but many people do it. From campsites near the shore to motels, hotels, and resorts, youll find the ideal place to stay for your getaway. By Patricia Doherty Updated on April 11, 2023 Photo: Getty Images Even those who live in. She helps people plan and save money on Southern California vacations. Dont leave without visiting the Tijuana Cultural Center for the museum and cultural exhibitions. During the winter, it's also an excellent option, with easy access to local ski resorts. Were Esther & Jacob. When you need a break, stroll through the immaculately manicured gardens. What is the best weekend getaway youve been on? Theres also a guide for LGBTQ visitors and residents, which makes finding entertainment and lodging easy. You'll find a cool, New Age town, filled with unique shops, antique stores, art galleries, and various types of healers. Now add a great wine scene and youre good to go. San Diego To Mexico: The Ultimate Guide - Tour By Mexico You can even bring your bike on some of the lifts, enabling you to get hours-long downhill runs. Highlights: Local guide, sample street food, walk and interact with locals, great for first time visitors. Be prepared to negotiate for the best price and children and adults asking you for money. Some say she is haunted. Pay attention to what the special exhibit is on the day of your visit. During the summer season, usually from May through October, the resorts cater to hikers and bikers, operating some chairlifts to get people to higher elevations. // Leave this part as-is; 21 Ultimate Road Trips from San Diego The park entrance is only 30 minutes from Palm Springs, and many of the park's highlights are accessible to visitors who drive. Its seven miles beach offers more coves, tide pools, and little caves to explore, in addition to plenty of space for sunbathing. Its a particularly popular day trip from San Diego during the spring wildflower season check out their interactive wildflower map. More: The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip (Hwy 1), 2510 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, map, Distance: 422 mi / 6 hrs 25 min (map)Things You Cant Miss: Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Mountain, Devils Postpile National Monument MonumentWhat to Eat: Toomeys, The Stove Restaurant, Johns Pizza WorksWhere to Stay: The Westin Monache Resort (luxury), Tamarack Lodge (mid-range), Sierra Lodge (budget). You can visit vineyards and take a wine tasting tour. There are 25 lifts taking you to 175 runs, the longest of which is three miles. The Queen Mary has a colorful past as a WWII troopship turned luxury cruise liner in the 1950s. 17. Mammoth is also a great place to visit for a summer getaway. Some businesses shut down as well. Stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to purchase your pass, view the exhibits, and chat with a park ranger for any information you need. Tijuana is the largest city in Baja, California, one of Mexicos 32 states. A trip to Solvang is also a good day trip destination during a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara. Visitors get two national parks right next to each other, as Kings Canyon National Park is adjacent to Sequoia. Pechanga Casino is also a destination in itself between its more than 5000 slot machines, 4.5-acre pool deck, fantastic spa, and an enormous buffet. However if youre going for budget, this is the way to go! WordPress Check out their fully stocked concessions stand. Riverside may seem like an unusual weekend getaway destination, as it doesn't have a reputation for resorts, but a stay at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is worth the trip alone. Over at P&P we love sharing to instagrammable spots, unique eateries, style tips, travel itineraries and more! 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, map, Distance: 218 mi / 3 hrs 25 min (map)Things You Cant Miss: Shoreline Park, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns WharfWhat to Eat: Yoichis, Brophy Bros, CarusosWhere to Stay: Hotel California (luxury), Hilton Garden Inn (mid-range), Castillo Inn at the Beach (budget). Hi. Pick fresh produce, depending on the time of year, or tour a local farm to get ideas for your own home garden. Highlights: Rural agricultural area with a historic luxe resort filled with on-property activities, a great food scene using local produce and products. You're nestled in the forest, with vintage (but nicely appointed) cabin accommodations. Technically, no. It's the lowest point in the United States and one of the lowest places on Earth. Learn how your comment data is processed. Laguna Beach is a seaside town well-known for its hip boutiques, casual vibe, and off-beach activities like hiking and biking. Hike one of the many trails throughout the valley, or enjoy the views as you drive through the park. When the time feels right for a quick vacation, consider one of our ideal weekend getaways from San Diego. Be sure to have dinner at Mervyn's, their retro restaurant and supper club. When you decide it's time to get away from the warm weather and beautiful beaches of San Diego, the surrounding region provides an almost endless array of places to visit. This is not a trip away from San Diego but rather a half-day trip out on the oceanthat is almost mandatory for those visiting San Diego. Open in Google Maps. Highlights: Cheap beach vacation, great food especially fresh seafood, a popular fishing spot with frequent charter boats. This might have been my favorite stop mainly because of their amazing wine and food. Palomar in the northern part of San Diego County, less than two hours from downtown. Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. At Dana Point Harbor, youll find shopping, waterfront dining, fishing and whale-watching excursions, kayaking, and boat rentals. Dont leave the Palm Springs area either without having a famous date shake at Shields or elsewhere. Or, choose the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa and enjoy its wellness center, pool, spa, private beach, and lakeview dining. A few days away from the routine is healthy, and there are many great places to see within a short distance from the city. The reason why I want to point this out is that you should visit La Jolla. Joining a tour or arranging transportation makes wine tasting safer and more fun. But it is still my favorite spot in Valle because of how unique and fresh the food tastes. s.Stay22 = s.Stay22 || {}; In addition to President Nixons papers and tapes, the museum is dedicated to education. Just plan for ample time to return to the train station. Highlights: Mountain resort with world-class skiing and snowboarding; great mountain biking, boating, and hiking in spring and summer. What are your favorite San Diego day trips? twenty = t.createElement(a); For a brief overview however, you have a couple of options . Temecula is known for its early morning sunrise breakfast tours and sunset tours. With its beautiful beaches, such as Coronado Island, and a vibrant downtown area in the Gaslamp Quarter, there is plenty to explore. With Mexico being right across the border, it makes a short weekend trip to Valle de Guadalupe feasible. One Day Mexico Tour - Leaving from San Diego - Baja Border Tours Tijuana Local Walking Tour from San Diego 2023 Berkeley has an eclectic downtown area and lots of great dining options. About a five-hour drive north of San Diego, Death Valley National Park is truly an escape from the beach and city. San Diego Gaslamp Downtown Walking Tour. This article has great tips and specifics. It has been designated an International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark-Sky Association, attracting stargazers to various events throughout the year. In the winter, you can ski, snowshoe, or go sledding. Its also in the Santa Barbara County wine country. Welcome to Baja California Enjoy a two-nation vacation A trip to San Diego means easy access to international travel with the Mexican border just 17 miles from downtown. Now there are a few ways you can get to Valle de Guadalupe once you reached San Diego. San Diego may be known as Americas finest city, but day trips from San Diego will prove that there are plenty of other sights to behold. A majority of this travel time is by boat though, so make sure you don't get seasick easily. It's only about 30 minutes away and should cost about $30 per cab (not per person). She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. The desert resort destination was once a popular hang-out for movie stars and is famous for Mid-Century architecture and leisure activities like golf and tennis. It is San Juan Capistranos old town with historic buildings, antiques, quaint shops, and enticing eateries. A 30-minute drive south of San Diego, Tijuana is the closest escape across the border. aid: sandiegoexplorer", // your partner ID for tracking, keep quotes Here are some of our top picks on where to stay in Palm Springs: Horseback riding, hot-air ballooning, golf, fishing, or hiking are also available. You'll enjoy beautiful sights, meet some welcoming people and taste A LOT of delicious Mexican treats along the way. Stay in one of the many campgrounds, at the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley, or at the historic Inn at Death Valley. You can visit during the winter, but there are no ski resorts in the area, and the mountain roads can be difficult to drive on in the snow. Instead of staying in San Francisco, make Berkeley and the iconic Claremont Club & Spa - A Fairmont Hotel your home base. It is only about a 75-minute drive from downtown San Diego. Here, you'll find about 1,250 square miles of raw desert landscape, with beautiful campgrounds and hiking trails. Beverly Hills is also nearby. Time Your Border Crossing The Valle de Guadalupe is close to San Diego, but crossing back into the US often involves long lines and hefty wait times. While it may be difficult to tear yourself away from our sparkling beaches and famous attractions, the best day trips from San Diego include theme parks, cultural activities, historical sites, and even jaunts south of the border in just one or two hours away from downtown. Keep your eye out for the island wildlife too. Nature lovers will love exploring the environs on one of the many hiking trails at Cuyamaca Rancho state park or Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. It also offers boutiques, restaurants, galleries, cafes, and outlet stores. I would highly recommend going for lunch instead of dinner, as there is a lot to do on the property. How do I know this? The winter Sawdust Arts Festival is the closest thing SoCal has to a European Christmas market, with over 180 vendors selling their wares and plenty of food options. Pack your hiking boots and your snowshoes because you just never know. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. It provides insight into the workings of a corrupt president and those around him. We have advice on how to buy Disneyland discount tickets and a guide to Disneyland Resort with even more tips for how to spend your day there. Catalina Island is filled with small hotels, great restaurants, and a range of outdoor activities. When you get hungry, head down to the city's Funk Zone, a former industrial warehouse area now filled with hip restaurants and art galleries. We always thought Vegas was just the glitz and glamour of the strip, before we lived there, but theres much more to explore than just the strip. Museum Tickets & Passes. Check out these 14 fun weekend getaways from San Diego! I'm Giulia, the founder of Palm Trees and Pellegrino- the ultimate destination for traveling fashionably. Catalina Island was once a private island owned by the Wrigley family (Wrigley as in the chewing gum), and their mansion is now a luxury boutique bed-and-breakfast called Mt Ada. In between Rosarito and Ensenada is another town called Puerto Nuevo which is worth a stop for the famous Puerto Nuevo-style lobster. The architecturally fascinating property has been welcoming guests for more than 100 years and is right in the heart of the city. These day trip destinations also make perfect weekend getaways, but wedecided to separate them out based on travel time. We are ATLiens who explore a new city every year. The drive from San Diego to Los Angeles should take around 2.5 hours without traffic. Get San Diego local news, weather . 18 Favorite Weekend Getaways from San Diego - Explore Now Or Never Mexico Tours from San Diego - San Diego Recommendations | Viator.com The Best Weekend Getaways Near San Diego This Fall 11 Top-Rated Day Trips from San Diego This is an incredible day trip through one of the most exciting cities in Mexico. 156 reviews 141 helpful votes Day Trips to Mexico? If youre planning to go in a bit larger of a group, or want to stay the entire weekend, I would recommend hiring a private driver. San Diego is just a short drive from several destinations that make for perfect weekend getaways. Ensenada is a hop, skip, and jump away from San Diego, making it the perfect beach town for a weekend road trip in Baja California. The small town of Lake Arrowhead has a nice selection of hotels, restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico: Weekend Getaway from San Diego Grab a coffee at their coffee shop after lunch, visit the goats and pigs, sit in one of their big barrels, or enjoy a conversation by the fire pits. The best day trips from San Diego - Lonely Planet - Lonely Planet In the last few years, the hotel has been totally re-imagined as an ultra-luxury boutique hotel. The city's downtown area, focused around State Street, offers visitors a melange of locally owned shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The Borrego Art Institute includes a gallery, pottery studio, workshop, and childrens programs, and provides classes, shows, and community events. ), each diner is treated to an 18-course meal with pairingsanything from bone-marrow-stuffed potato to dishes made with locally caught box . If you are going in a larger group, I would recommend making reservations (especially on the weekends). Hi there! For a change of scenery, opt for a city vacation in downtown Los Angeles, a drive of less than three hours from San Diego. Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the US and a great destination for all types of travelers. Were currently in Las Vegas. Anytime you leave the country, you should know the amount of duty-free exemption allowed. The Temecula Valley is filled with golf courses and now also many hotel options. Road Trips. Santa Barbara is an easy four-hour drive up the coast from San Diego and is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. So lets hop into a suggested itinerary for your trip to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do at Lake Arrowhead, CA, Highlights: Rural region with new golf courses, accommodations, delicious farm-to-table dining, cool old-school downtown Old Town area. Puesto at the Headquarters Seaport Village San Diego, Baby Sharks! To extend your getaway, you can drive down Highway 74, known as the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway, which connects Idyllwild with Palm Desert, near Palm Springs. The Cabanas at CuatroCuatros is perfect if youre looking for a more unique experience. Surrounded by mountains that still see snow, youre able to see both extremes from one point. Natural wonders, like the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park, are easily accessible, as are urban adventures like exploring the exploding food scene of DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles). On your way to Borrego Springs, you will pass by Galetta Meadows Sculptures, real-life creations of artist and welder Ricardo Breceda.