Road Trips from San Diego, CA
Where to drive next — curated by how much time you have and what you're in the mood for.
Total Routes
121
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
101
Under 2 hours
24 total in this range
Temecula, CA
1h 8m58.7 mi one way
Julian, CA
1h 22m57.7 mi one way
Sun City, CA
1h 28m75.7 mi one way
Anza, CA
1h 54m90.7 mi one way
San Jacinto, CA
1h 47m86.6 mi one way
Full-day getaway
28 total in this range
West Covina, CA
2h 26m125.7 mi one way
Boron, CA
3h 34m182.8 mi one way
Thermal, CA
2h 59m151.9 mi one way
North Edwards, CA
3h 46m193.6 mi one way
Los Serranos, CA
2h 5m109.8 mi one way
Weekend trip
20 total in this range
Barstow, CA
6h 45m350.7 mi one way
Vandenberg Village, CA
5h 31m277 mi one way
Coarsegold, CA
7h 15m376.1 mi one way
Visalia, CA
5h 52m303.3 mi one way
Corcoran, CA
5h 51m295 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
49 total in this range
Shackelford, CA
8h 13m430.9 mi one way
Cedar Ridge, CA
9h 18m464.6 mi one way
Arnold, CA
9h 42m482.4 mi one way
East Sonora, CA
8h 57m453.2 mi one way
Laguna, CA
9h 17m495 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Barstow, CA
6h 45m350.7 mi one way
Vandenberg Village, CA
5h 31m277 mi one way
Coarsegold, CA
7h 15m376.1 mi one way
Visalia, CA
5h 52m303.3 mi one way
Barstow, CA
6h 45m350.7 mi one way
Visalia, CA
5h 52m303.3 mi one way
Temecula, CA
1h 8m58.7 mi one way
West Covina, CA
2h 26m125.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Long daylight returns and parks begin peak bloom.
Summer
Avoid low-desert routes at midday; pick mountain destinations instead.
Fall
Cooler temps and foliage make it the underrated season here.
Winter
Desert driving is at its best — cool days, clear light.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the San Diego, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.