California is great for road trips—long, stretches of breathtaking highway dotted with spectacular views and a ton of fun stops along the way that range from popular hot spots to smaller, less known diamonds in the crude with a chill CA amuse all their own.

And setting up army camp in a large, bustling city is a great way to max out any Cali vacation; mix it upward by spending some time soaking up the city then hit the road for two or three days to see what adventures await—and anyone visiting scenic San Diego will certainly have their share of distinctively fun spots to explore that are just a short jaunt from the city. The following trips volition inspire any intrepid traveler visiting San Diego to go out and explore; from weekend warriors looking for a 2 (or three!) mean solar day sojourn from the urban center, to vacationers simply looking for an excuse to hit the road and caput into the CA lord's day—these super fun and eclectic spots take the goods to spice up any West Declension vacay.

Sip Wine And Unwind In Temecula

Small town temper and charm boss the SoCal precious stone that is Temecula. Famed for its abundance of vineyards, the town (besides known as Temecula Valley), has plenty to offering anyone looking to unwind and sip some vino while soaking upwards the scenery and friendly welcoming vibes. Simply there'due south also plenty of outdoor activities here, also—the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation just a short one-hour drive from San Diego.

  • Home to over 90 miles of bike trails, Temecula is a great place to explore on two wheels—whether it's a nice, relaxing ride through the picturesque town; challenging mountain biking; or scenic, easy trails through wine country, travelers will love exploring this beautiful region by bike See a Temecula bike trail map here
  • Visit a winery (or three!) and take a tour—in that location are over 40 wineries in the Temecula Valley wine region that make it easy to explore this surface area famed for its vino
  • Explore Old Town Temecula and take a step back in time; stroll the wooden boardwalks, visit one of the many boutiques and antique shops; or simply bask in the 1880s gilded west aura of the rustic buildings and storefronts
  • Make a night of information technology at the Pechanga Resort Casino while enjoying live entertainment, gaming, and a great dinner; or relax and play a quick nine while staying at the Temecula Creek Inn

Soak Up The Coastal Vibes In Dana Point

Beach bums volition rejoice in the breathtaking dazzler and coastal vibes of delightful Dana Signal, known every bit one of the state's best beaches for pond and surfing and only a short 65 miles north of San Diego. Hitting the beach, explore the harbor, enjoy the ocean breeze—Dana Point is the perfect place to soak upwardly the sun on a weekend away from San Diego.

  • Ride the waves at lovely Doheny State Beach, a spot known for its stellar surfing, or head to Capistrano Beach for some swimming so sit dorsum and relax with picturesque views of the ocean
  • Dana Point Harbor has it all—great shopping, delish restaurants, lovely lodging, and smashing activities including sailing, paddle boarding, diving, fishing, and more
  • Dana Indicate is known equally the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World—so book a tour, hire a boat, or explore from the shore in this famed year-circular spot for the best whale and dolphin watching in CA
  • Splurge on a luxe weekend with a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Embankment Resort and soak up the oceanfront views or partake in whatsoever of the resort's many activities and civilities

Small Town Stargazing In Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is just a short xc miles from San Diego, but information technology might every bit well be a world abroad. The only Cali town completely surrounded by a state park, this scenic small town jewel is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of San Diego—and a corking place to unwind and bask in CA'southward untamed dazzler.

  • Great for stargazing, Borrego Springs has fifty-fifty been designated every bit an International Dark Sky Community—then pitch a tent at beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert Land Park and soak up the stellar heaven views, or join a local stargazing party
  • Check out the local art scene at i of the boondocks's many galleries, end at the Borrego Arts Constitute for a pottery-making or watercolor class, or scope out the 130 full-sized metal Sky Art sculptures dotted throughout Galleta meadows
  • Spend the night at La Casa Del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa and soak up the natural, yet luxe, vibes right on the park'south doorstep; or stay go a gustation of the wild west at the Palm Coulee Hotel & RV Resort
  • Explore the many sights in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park such every bit the Slot Canyon or take a hike on the Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail

A Mountain Retreat In Idyllic Idyllwild

A petty over 100 miles due north of San Diego in the San Jacinto Mountains sits the scenic hamlet of Idyllwild where the small town, friendly vibes are second just to the jaw-dropping mount scenery. A great identify for hikers, bikers, and mountain climbers, Idyllwild too offers a tranquil escape for those who just desire to sit back, relax, and recharge in the pine-scented mountain air.

  • A plethora of wilderness hikes for all skill levels await outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to Idyllwild in the Mount Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Expanse, many of which tin can be accessed from the town itself
  • Lake Fulmor is another scenic spot; perfect for packing a picnic, snapping some gorgeous pics, and walking the loop trail around the beautiful lake
  • Army camp, hike, and rock climb in Idyllwild Park, a fun place to unplug and unwind
  • Take a break from the great outdoors and relax with a glass of vino at the Middleridge Winery, and so stroll through the mannerly boondocks and visit the local shops—yous may fifty-fifty take a take a chance meeting with Mayor Max, the town's beloved canine mayor; then cease the mean solar day with a succulent repast at Eating place Gastrognome

San Diego is one of the best places to visit in CA—it'due south hip, it's lively, the atmospheric condition is gorgeous, and there'southward a ton to see and do. However, those looking to mix up their San Diego sojourn with a quick road trip will find plenty to satisfy their gustation for adventure when they striking the route to one of the above getaways—the perfect manner to experience the beauty of California.

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Almost The Writer

Lisa Wright (166 Articles Published)

Lisa fell in love with travel from the first infinitesimal she always stepped foot on a plane (though it took awhile!) E'er since, she has had a passion for learning, exploring, and discovering new places, and loves the opportunity to write nearly so many amazing spots all over the world. Though she doesn't have any recent stamps on her passport, she hopes to be able to become dorsum on a plane former (very) soon. In lieu of international travel, Lisa enjoys finding little adventures everyday in her own backyard that ofttimes involve the outdoors; and 1 of her favorite places to become is the Catskills and upstate New York. She besides enjoys photography and nature is one of her favorite subjects (particularly trees!) Lisa has been lucky enough to visit Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden and hopes that there is much more travel in her future--until so, she is happy to act equally a guide to travelers everywhere who honey to larn about the world as much equally she does.

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