The Best Weekend Getaways From San Diego: A Local Guide

We loved living in San Diego, but during our seven years in America’s Finest City, we discovered that it’s also a great base for travel elsewhere.

I’m not talking about international travel. Los Angeles will always have the edge there as the better airport hub. I’m talking about easy weekend getaways from San Diego that don’t require a ton of pre-planning.

My local guide gets into all of our favorites from our time in San Diego, including how long it’ll take get to these places and things to do once you’ve arrived.

These are all listed by distance and drive time, as I’m assuming road trips here. Drive time can vary widely in California, but generally, the earlier you start, the better the traffic will be.

Catalina Island

Distance: 65 miles+
Drive Time: Varies

This is one of the best weekend getaways from San Diego for couples, if the ferry companies are to be believed. They call this one the “Isle of Romance.”

I’m not including the exact trip time to Catalina Island here because it really depends on where you’re starting from on your getaway. Most travelers get there on the Catalina Express, a ferry with multiple starting points.

If you depart from Dana Point in Orange County, that’s around an hour and 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. We picked up the ferry from Long Beach, about an hour and 45 minutes from San Diego.

You can plan your trip based on whatever else you’re doing on your weekend away.

Once you’re there, Catalina Island is best explored on foot or on one of the many golf carts on the island. Scoot yourself all the way to the Catalina Island Casino, a hub not for gambling but for gathering. We made that mistake so that you don’t have to!

Los Angeles

Distance: 128 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

We’ve driven up to Los Angeles quite a few times just for the day as quick trips, but spending a full weekend there is a much more enjoyable experience.

That drive time I listed up there is aspirational, by the way. It could take you three hours to get to Los Angeles with traffic. It could take you four. It depends on how good you’ve been that year.

READ MORE: If you want my top picks for San Diego day trips, I’ve got you. Julian, Temecula, and Tijuana are all easy days away from the city.

With a full weekend in Los Angeles, you can have some dedicated time on the Hollywood side of things and explore iconic sites like the Griffith Observatory and the Getty Center.

Choose one of the neighboring beach towns if the weather’s right. Santa Monica offers those quintessential beach vibes.

For family travelers planning stops at Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood, those are both full-day activities. Disneyland is also in Anaheim, a full hour’s drive to Los Angeles. You could spend a day there from San Diego, too, with less traffic.

Palm Springs

Distance: 138 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Why is Palm Springs always so hot? You can’t tell in the photo, but I’m sitting in a pool of my own sweat. If you’re thinking about visiting in the summer, just don’t. It’s regularly above 100 degrees in the summer months.

There are cheaper pools to hang out at in San Diego. 

That all said, Palm Springs is one of the most popular getaways and vacation spots near San Diego. I’d likely limit repeat visits to a single overnight as it’s just not my scene, but it’s a good option if you’re here to relax.

For more exciting times, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the Coachella Valley floor to San Jacinto Peak. This is the world’s largest rotating tram car, so you get stellar views no matter where you sit.

You can also just do as Southern Californians do and find a swim-up bar. It’s really up to you.

Big Bear Lake

Distance: 145 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

If you’re a big skier, you’ll probably just want to suck it up and drive all the way to Mammoth Lakes.

If you just want a quick trip to the snow, the trip to Big Bear Lake is a much shorter drive and one of the more popular weekend getaways near San Diego.

Note: You’ll have to drive through some winding roads to get there. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take a little something ahead of your drive so that you’re feeling your best upon arrival.

Once you’re there, it really depends on when you’re visiting as far as what’s available to you. If you’re there in the winter, hit the ski hills.

If you don’t ski (that’s me!) Magic Mountain has a pretty fun tubing hill for you to hit instead.

Big Bear Boulevard is your hub for dining and shopping if that’s more up your alley.

Summertime opens up the region’s hiking trails. There are about a dozen hiking trails for you to explore in and around Big Bear Lake. The 2.7-mile Castle Rock Trail is a popular one with great views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Malibu

Distance: 146 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

I like to make everything super casual, so our visit to Malibu was less about shopping for fancy purses and sunning my buns and more about finding old ambulances to ride in the desert.

OK, so it wasn’t a working ambulance. It was the endpoint of the popular MASH hike in Malibu Creek State Park.

Despite the lack of shade, I highly recommend this long — the shortest route is nearly five miles — but fairly easy hike to pieces of the old set.

Park staff even made it a learning experience for hikers with interpretive signage to read about what you’re looking at once you’re there.

If you are all about the fancy side of things, Malibu is even more well-known for its celebrity homes and Malibu beaches.

Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach (or likely Malibu Lagoon State Beach on your map apps) are popular hot spots for at least some influencer spotting.

Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: 163 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Joshua Tree can be a day trip from San Diego if you’re a glutton for punishment, but it’s much more enjoyable as a weekend away. This is one of the best places to go near San Diego for a pristine night sky, and you’ll only be able to do that with an overnight or two.

No matter how much time you have, prioritize a visit to Skull Rock. This is iconic Joshua Tree right here, and one of the most atmospheric short trips from San Diego.

There’s parking across the road from the rock, or you can take a 1.7-mile nature trail to get there from the Jumbo Rocks Campground.

To experience the best of the park’s surreal landscape, plan for a stroll through the Cholla Cactus Garden around magic hour. You’ll be surrounded by a dense concentration of clumping cholla.

Note: Just watch your limbs. If your sense of spatial awareness is anything like mine, you’ll want to keep things close to the chest around any cacti species.

Channel Islands National Park

Distance: 185 miles+
Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes+

Your total travel time to Channel Islands National Park depends on where you’re starting from and the island you’re targeting for your adventures. We caught a ferry from Ventura with Island Packers Cruises, but Oxnard is another option for you.

If you only have one day to spare, I highly recommend Santa Cruz Island as your island destination of choice. You’ll have the chance to look for island foxes — we saw several, and it was such an adorable thrill! — with excellent hiking to fill up a day trip to the island.

Fun fact: Camping is also an option if you want to overnight on one of the islands. Consult the National Park Service for advanced reservations.

We also spent a day on Anacapa Island, and it just wasn’t as impressive. It’s a huge nesting ground for gulls, which means a huge amount of bird excrement. It’s also loud as heck, again thanks to the birds.

Santa Rosa Island is a day trip option for the more adventurous, as that trip can run several hours each way. It wasn’t feasible for us, but if you have your sea legs, have at it.

Ventura

Distance: 191 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Our trip to Ventura was planned primarily as a stopover on our way to the Channel Islands, but I’m so glad we decided to stay a bit longer.

The coastal town is such a good time, and way more casual than some of the rest of Southern California on the way up from San Diego.

Have yourself a delicious lunch of chowder and fish sandwiches at Beach House Fish and take a stroll along the Ventura Pier. Get all impressed by the mural outside the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura.

Fun fact: Much like Prince, the site used to go by a different name, the Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura.

For the ultimate sunset, drive up to the Serra Cross viewpoint just before the sun goes down. Bonus points if you bring tacos to eat at the top, either in the grass or in your car. I won’t judge either way.

Ojai

Distance: 206 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Ojai sat on our wish list for the longest time. I just wasn’t sure what there was to do there.

Yes, I could consult social media and see that floppy hats were definitely a thing here. You all should know by now the kinds of vibes I give off here when it comes to glamour shots.

Then the pandemic hit and we were stuck inside for way too much time. A place where I didn’t have to do much at all sounded very nice indeed.

If you need more guidance than that, start with any of Ojai’s unique small businesses.

Taste olive oil samples at Ojai Olive Oil. Sip on wine in what resembles a secret garden at Majestic Oak Vineyard & Wine Tasting. Continue the party at The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room.

What? I like wine.

The point is, Ojai is one of the loveliest, most relaxing escapes you can take on a weekend from San Diego.

Goleta

Distance: 227 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Goleta is known for its farming, namely citrus and avocadoes.

If you’re a smart cookie, you’ll giddy up and go already because that means it’s also the best place within driving distance of San Diego to all the ranch life.

I’ve probably ridden a horse a handful of times in my life, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to wear a pair of boots and checkered flannel. I’m here for all of it.

I can personally recommend the Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables for some of the same. I organized a bachelorette party there and it was pretty great.

They describe themselves as a dude ranch, but all that means is that they’re a guest ranch that caters to tourists just like you.

Santa Barbara

Distance: 240 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Santa Barbara is an easy add-on to a weekend in Solvang or vice versa.

I have to admit that I absolutely love Santa Barbara. It’s a little bit fancy, which isn’t like me at all, but without any of the pretension you might feel in Northern California. 

If you’re interested in seeing Santa Barbara for yourself, use my Santa Barbara guide to help you plot out your trip.

If you’re not ready to leave just yet, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, and the dining along State Street are all worth your attention.

Santa Ynez Valley

Distance: 248 miles
Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

The scenic Central Coast may already be on your agenda if you’re checking out Solvang, the best town in the valley, but you could spend a full weekend exploring the rest.

The valley also consists of Ballard, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Buellton. If you’re a fan of Sideways, you’ll want to eat some steaks at The Hitching Post II.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’ll want to try the wines in the region. This is a hub for California wine and dining.

Solvang

Distance: 251 miles
Drive Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Delightful Solvang is known as being one of those towns that is supposed to remind you of Europe.

I think it does a better job with its Danish-style architecture than New Glarus does on the “Little Switzerland” thing, but you’ll just have to visit to see for yourself.

Solvang is as cute as it sounds. Plan your trip with my guide to Solvang. I include tips on where to find the best aebleskiver, their Danish pancake balls, and how to continue eating like a viking from there.

Death Valley National Park

Distance: 294 miles
Drive Time: 5 hours

Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth. In fact, it still boasts the hottest air temperature ever recorded: 134.1 degrees on July 10, 1913.

That means this San Diego getaway is ideal in the winter months, so you’ll need to time your visit right if you’re interested.

If you’re not sure where to start with your Death Valley trip, including the best hikes in the park, check out my Death Valley guide.

Dante’s View, the Devil’s Golf Course, and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, should make your shortlist. The diversity of landscapes here makes this one a great option for traveling families, especially if you’re blessed with kids who love to hike.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Distance: 325 miles
Drive Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

California doesn’t have a shortage of incredible national parks, but this is the one with the enormous trees.

I have a detailed three-day guide to Sequoia and neighboring Kings Canyon that goes into our favorite trails and tree spots from our trip there. If you don’t have time for long weekend trips, spend a day in each park.

On the Sequoia side, General Sherman, the Big Trees Trail, and Moro Rock were our highlights. The nearly nine-mile hike to Mist Falls in Kings Canyon was our favorite overall experience.

San Luis Obispo

Distance: 312 miles
Drive Time: 5 hours 50 minutes

San Luis Obispo, or SLO, is known for something that is just as weird in person as it sounds: Bubblegum Alley.

 It’s 15 feet high and 70 feet long. That’s a lot.

You can do better, though.

See panoramic views of the city from the top of Bishop Peak or learn about the area’s history at the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Leave the gum behind for downtown SLO’s boutique shops and wine-tasting rooms.

If you’re there on a Thursday rather than a weekend, they have an excellent farmers market. It’s a nighttime market, too, which you won’t get in San Diego.

READ MORE: SLO is a stop on my multi-day road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Check it out!

Nearby Avila Beach is also worth your time for expansive views of San Luis Obispo Bay. The Ontario Ridge Trail that starts there is one of our favorite California hikes.

Paso Robles

Distance: 312 miles
Drive Time: 5 hours 50 minutes

We’ve been to Paso Robles a few times now as a stopover for travel north to spots like Pinnacles National Park, but it’s never a sacrifice.

Paso Robles, or just Paso, is known for a world-class winery scene that’s much more casual than what you’ll get in and around Napa Valley.

Tablas Creek Vineyard is our favorite overall winery, but Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden comes with a side of art on top of delicious wine.

The Paso Hot Springs are a fun option if you’re not here when it’s super hot. We haven’t timed visits there to prioritize the hot springs, though. It’s always been about the wine.

Las Vegas

Distance: 326 miles
Drive Time:  5 hours 45 minutes

Las Vegas is one of those places I don’t even really like, but somehow I’ve been there more than almost any other city in the United States.

I’m a much bigger fan of Reno, but that’s just too far from San Diego if you’re planning a weekend away.

I’ll give Las Vegas one thing. The food scene is great. Head to Best Friend to see what I mean. I’m a fan of The Neon Museum, too, essentially a graveyard of old Vegas signage. Book your tickets ahead of time for that, as it’s a popular tour.

I generally like going to Las Vegas with a plan, whether that’s a show or reservations for good eateries. Vague travel to Vegas usually spells trouble.

Phoenix, Arizona

Distance: 355 miles
Drive Time: 5 hours 25 minutes

I much prefer California road trips from San Diego, but there’s enough to do in Phoenix for a weekend away that I’ll include it as an option.

My weekend guide to Phoenix has the goods on how we’d spend our time there. A few highlights include the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park, the Musical Instrument Museum, and the Heard Museum.

Pizza lovers will want to taste-test Pizzeria Bianco. It’s appeared on a number of best-of lists over the years. I liked it a lot, but the prices are high.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Distance: 364 miles
Drive Time: 5 hours 35 minutes

Scottsdale is like a more charming version of Phoenix.

Actually, it doesn’t really resemble Phoenix at all. That might be why many travelers prefer it.

It’s easy to add to a long weekend in Phoenix, or you can just spend a full weekend in Scottsdale. I’ve done both.

Highlights for me include Taliesin West, a National Historic Landmark and winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, and Old Town Scottsdale. Old Town is where you’ll find the wine-tasting rooms in town.

This isn’t Napa or Sonoma, but they’re doing their best.

Tucson, Arizona

Distance: 406 miles
Drive Time: 6 hours

Tucson is dusty as heck, but I suppose that’s the point. You’re in the desert here.

With a weekend in Tucson, you can dine at the Cup Cafe, a hotel known for housing John Dillinger, and visit the Mission San Xavier del Bac. Get to know the local ecosystem at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

For those traveling with kids or nerds — we’re talking about ourselves! — the Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest museums of its kind in the country.

If you’re here for a long weekend, spend some time meeting the giant cacti of Saguaro National Park. The park is just half an hour from Tucson, so it’s easy to fit in on a shorter trip, too.

Check out my guide to making that happen, with tips on both sides of the park for your San Diego weekend trip.

Mammoth Lakes

Distance: 408 miles
Drive Time: 6 hours 45 minutes

I don’t ski, but I hear the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area boasts some excellent skiing. I mean, Brian always looks tired once he’s done up there, so I imagine his time was well-spent.

What I like to do is snow tubing, and I must say the tubing in Mammoth is pretty special.

It’s my favorite tubing experience thus far, actually, because you get to ride that little magic carpet up the hill and do very little work otherwise.

The drive sounds intense, but we’ve done it on multiple occasions for long ski weekends. You can do it, too.

Just bring your snow chains for winter travel when you consider the best places to visit near San Diego in the winter months. They don’t mess around with enforcement of them in the mountains, and it’s for your own good.

More Weekend Getaways From San Diego

We’ve ticked off a lot of adventures, but there are still a few we left on the table as far as overnight trips from San Diego.

Here are a few more ideas for road trip ideas from San Diego:

• Ensenada (88 miles/2 hours): This town in Mexico is close enough for a day trip, but the time you could spend at the border makes this a more suitable weekend away.
• Santa Clarita (159 miles/3 hours): Santa Clarita is popular for family trips thanks to Six Flags Magic Mountain, but it’s a great hiking and biking destination, too.
• Lompoc (272 miles/4 hours 50 minutes): This town in Santa Barbara County is known for its own wine country and historic La Purisima Mission State Park.
• Valley of Fire State Park (380 miles/6 hours): This Nevada park has eluded us despite all of our travel to Las Vegas. Don’t make the same mistake.

Staying in San Diego is great, too.

We’ve had quite a few staycations in San Diego proper in times when it was too hard to think about getting away. When you do want some adventure, it’s well-situated for it, as there are so many stellar places to visit from San Diego.

The more days you add to your road trip, the better things can get. You could be up in San Francisco in less than nine hours with SO many fun stops along the way.

You know that already, though.

If you’re based in San Diego, the best part is that you get to return to one of the best cities in the country at the end of your trip.

I know we miss it after leaving.

Lingering in San Diego? Check out these guides:

• A Guide to the Best San Diego Area Waterfalls
• Visit Julian for Mountains and Apple Pie
• How to Spend the Day in La Jolla
• The Only San Diego Bucket List You’ll Need
• A Guide to My Favorite San Diego Areas

Planning more California travel? Here are some ideas:

• See the Best of Carlsbad, California
• Visiting Sonoma When You’re on a Budget
• Temecula is San Diego’s Best Wine Country
• Visiting Ramona? Check Out Goat Yoga!
• Top Things to Do in Sonoma (More Than Wine!)

Want to see more?