Known for its beautiful weather, delicious cuisine, and laid-back culture, San Diego is one of the most popular destinations not only in California but the USA. There are numerous museums and monuments for you to visit during your stay, helping to ensure that you’ll never run out of things to see or do. However, during your stay in the city, you may decide that you would like to branch out and see some other destinations that are within driving distance. San Diego is a great starting point for many road trips, no matter where you plan on going. If you would like to have a trip that you’ll never forget, check out our list of the 10 best road trips from San Diego.
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Los Angeles
- Ojai, CA
- Solvang, CA
- Las Vegas
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- Zion National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- San Francisco
1. Joshua Tree National Park
A protected area in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its rugged rock formations, cacti and desert landscapes. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, it’s the perfect destination for a road trip, as it is filled with different trails to choose from.
SIXT Pro Tip:
While Joshua Tree National Park is typically open year-round, it is usually best to visit between the months of March-May and October-November, as this is when the temperatures are the most reasonable.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 165 miles; a 3-hour drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
2. Los Angeles
Your time in California wouldn’t be complete without visiting Los Angeles, often referred to as the City of Angels. Whether you’re exploring Hollywood, hanging out in Venice Beach or going to one of the world-famous theme parks just outside the city, you’re sure to have a blast.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Los Angeles is known for having heavy traffic, so to prevent yourself from being caught in any congestion, try to avoid driving during peak hours, which are typically between 7 and 10 am and 4 and 7 pm.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 120 miles; a 2-hour 10-minute drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
3. Ojai, CA
A popular destination that is known for charming boutique hotels, recreational activities, including hiking, and local organic agriculture, Ojai is truly a city that has something for every type of traveler. It also has a variety of meditation retreats and spas, making it the perfect getaway if you want to get some rest and relaxation.
SIXT Pro Tip:
During your stay in the city, make sure to enjoy Ojai’s “pink moment”, which typically occurs for several minutes before sunset, and is when the Topa Mountains are washed with a scenic rosy glow.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 206 miles; a 3-hour 45-minute drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
4. Solvang, CA
A quaint city famous for being the Golden State’s historic Danish town, Solvang dates all the way to the early 1990s and has a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a great place to walk around and enjoy the traditional Danish architecture, and you can also visit some of the many bakeries, museums and wine-tasting rooms.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Solvang is known for having over 150 different unique boutiques that are great places to do some shopping, whether it be for souvenirs for loved ones or simply because you would like to treat yourself to something nice.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 250 miles; a 4-hour 15-minute drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
5. Las Vegas
Who wouldn’t want to take a quick road trip to Sin City? Once here, you can spend your time enjoying the nightlife, testing your luck at a casino or two and seeing some of the best entertainment and shows in the world. Plus, driving to Las Vegas will allow you to see beyond the state of California and enjoy a new destination: Nevada.
SIXT Pro Tip:
As Las Vegas is in the desert, the sun can often be quite harsh. No matter what time of the year that you’ll be visiting, make sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat along with you, in order to avoid being burned.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 335 miles; a 5-hour 15-minute drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
6. Phoenix, AZ
With its year-round sunshine, it is no wonder that Phoenix is often nicknamed the Valley of the Sun. This city is a unique mixture of modern architecture, historical sites, cacti and sandstone, making it a particularly interesting place to visit and explore.
SIXT Pro Tip:
You may want to visit the Grand Canyon during your trip to Phoenix, as it is only a few hours away by car. However, keep in mind that this visit often needs to be planned months in advance, as tickets for certain parts of the park can be limited and in high demand.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 355 miles; a 5-hour 25-minute drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
7. San Luis Obispo, CA
With its historic Spanish mission, lively city center, art galleries and craft beer tasting venues, San Luis Obispo is a fun town that is certain to keep you busy. It’s considered to be the “happiest place in America”, making it no secret why visitors flock here.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Make sure to dedicate a few hours to visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon, an impressive mansion that receives over 1 million visitors each year and that is located on a hill, providing beautiful views of the surrounding region.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 315 miles; a 5-hour 15-minute drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
8. Zion National Park
Whether you would like to go on a hike or embark on a scenic drive, Zion National Park is worth the trip. The steep red cliffs are certainly a sight to behold, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can always go on a guided horseback riding activity.
SIXT Pro Tip:
To help ensure that you are visiting during a time that has the best weather possible, head to the park in either late spring or early fall, as you can avoid both the extreme heat and cold, while still enjoying the area’s plants and wildlife.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 490 miles; a 7-hour 35-minute drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
9. Sequoia National Park
Seeing the massive, impressive trees in Sequoia National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you certainly will not want to miss out on. For a particularly scenic activity, head to the underground Crystal Cave, which has a few streams and striking rock formations.
SIXT Pro Tip:
There are several camping areas located in and around Sequoia National Park, which can be a good option for those that would like to visit the park for a few days. Make sure to book your camping spot in advance, however, as places can fill up quickly.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 330 miles; a 5-hour 35-minute drive
TOLLS: This route typically does not have any tolls.
10. San Francisco
The Golden State City has everything you could ask for, including diverse cuisine options, fun music venues, famous landmarks and steep hills that provide visitors with beautiful views.
SIXT Pro Tip:
San Francisco often has chilly weather, so make sure to pack several layers of clothing, no matter what time of the year you will be visiting.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN DIEGO: 408 miles; an 8-hour drive
TOLLS: You will likely encounter tolls in the San Francisco area, like on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on I-80 W.
