autoeurope

Where can you visit that has great weather, authentic tacos, beautiful nature hikes, the ocean and laid back people? Maybe you are thinking Mexico, but there is somewhere within the United State you can experience all of these things, in sunny San Diego, California. There are so many things to do and experience in and around San Diego. The best way to get around on one of your day trips from San Diego is renting a car from the San Diego airport (search rates here and here). This allows you to be mobile, as the public transportation options are a bit limited.

Temecula

Temecula is about a 1 hour drive from San Diego, but allows you to experience wine country without having to head up to Northern California. You can easily head to a winery and experience some fine wine, or if you aren’t much of a drinker there are other activities as well. Spend some time hitting golf balls from one of the many courses, shop around in old town, or take an exciting hot air balloon ride to see the vineyards from up above!

Carlsbad

Legoland, beaches, flower fields, a music museum, and amazing food are just a few of the exciting things found in Carlsbad, California. Legoland is an amusement park made entirely out of legos! This is definitely an exciting trip if you have children. The beaches are the main known attraction in Carlsbad with the most famous being Carlsbad State Beach, also known as Tamarack Beach. Different activities you can partake in include surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and even scuba diving is offered here. For a different activity in Carlsbad you can head to the Museum of Making Music, for a different museum experience than the norm. Depending on the traffic it can take 30-45 minutes to get to Carlsbad from San Diego, but with so many activities it is definitely worth it.

Historical Mission Trip

For a historical trip just 45 minutes outside of San Diego, head to one of the oldest missions dating back to 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. There are multiple large structures including a complex laundry system, a bathing area, colonnades, old soldier’s barracks and a museum as well. This is a great option if you have children and want to teach them about the history of California, or if you are simply a history buff yourself.

Disneyland

Almost everyone in the world knows what Disneyland is, and if you are visiting San Diego this is only a 2 hour drive away in Anaheim. There are two different huge parks, Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom and California Adventure. There is something for people of all ages. Young children will enjoy rides in Fantasy World such as Peter Pan, or at Paradise Pier in California Adventure. Older children or even adults will enjoy Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Be sure to stick around after 9pm for the incredible fireworks show.

Go across the border, or head a bit north to L.A!

Be daring and take a 30 minute trip to the south, head into Mexico! Grab some fantastic tacos and see a completely different culture. Another option if you do not have a passport is to either grab some tacos in San Diego itself, or drive 2 hours to Los Angeles. Either way you will be sure to have an adventure.

There is so much to do in San Diego, but also for day trips from San Diego. Whether you are young or old, have children, are traveling solo or as a couple. If you want to visit a theme park, experience gorgeous nature, eat incredible food, or experience a new country ... San Diego has it all, within reach for a quick day trip to adventure!