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* Last updated on March 7, 2021.

I love living in San Diego and there are plenty of things to do here, but sometimes I have the urge to venture out and explore the surrounding areas. Below is a list of day trips I've made that are all within a 2-hour drive from San Diego.

1. Oceanside (45 Minutes / 38 Miles)

If you are a foodie and love beach towns, then Oceanside is the place to be. There are so many new and exciting restaurants and bars popping up that it's hard to pick which one to go to. I would highly suggest checking out Sunset Market if you want a little taste of everything from around the world.

The farm-to-table concept is pretty popular here and many of the chefs gladly share (on their menus) where their local produce comes from. I had the pleasure of meeting Luke who is a local farmer in Oceanside with a humble background.

It’s also worth stopping by the California Surf Museum which is just blocks away from the Oceanside Pier. For a fairly small museum, there is a ton of interesting archives and collections about the history of surfing.

Surf board with a chunk bit off by a shark

2. Ramona Valley (50 Minutes / 40 Miles)

Ramona Valley is quite the hidden gem for wine connoisseurs. The San Diego Boutique Winery Ordinance recently legalized many of the mom-and-pop tasting rooms in Ramona, so it's not packed with tourists (yet). The views in Ramona Valley are gorgeous and you might even see some people horseback riding.

Adorable lambs in Ramona Valley, California

3. Old Town Temecula (1 Hour / 59 Miles)

I came across Old Town Temecula when I was trying to find a halfway point to meet with a friend. This cute little western-themed town is super picturesque and everyone there is so friendly. If you really want to get into the spirit, Temecula Stampede is the spot for line dancing and bull riding---Yee--Haw!!!

There are plenty of dining options in Old Town Temecula, but if you want to do a bit of wine tasting, the area is known for its award-winning wines.

I attended a wedding in Temecula and got to hop around the different vineyards and wineries that were all located very close to Old Town Temecula.

Sitting in front of an old abandoned Building in Old Town

4. Mission San Juan Capistrano (1 Hour / 66 Miles)

This area of Southern California is best known for its beautiful coastline and Disney parks, but if you want to explore something a bit off the beaten path, Mission San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful hidden gem.

Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange County California

It’s worth a visit if you want to learn some history about the birthplace of OC (Orange County) and it’s also a great place to take photos with the beautiful gardens and historic ruins.

The Bell Towers that were built to hold the Mission Bells

5. Laguna Beach (1 Hour 30 Minutes / 80 Miles)

San Diego has La Jolla Beach with cute seals and sea lions, but if you want to hit up another gorgeous beach, go to Laguna. The rock formations and the Mysterious Pirate Tower are a site to see. This location is definitely a day of relaxing in the sun and sand.

Mysterious Pirate Tower - PHOTO CREDIT LIANG GE

There are also plenty of nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops all along Pacific Coast Hwy. My favorite cafe to grab a light bite and dessert is Urth Caffe.

6. Balboa Island (1 Hour 30 Minutes / 86 miles)

Balboa Island is a small man-made island in Newport Beach that has the most adorable island houses. The entire island is only 2.6 miles so you can park your car and walk around and explore the local craft shops, restaurants, bakeries, and enjoy the views.

Balboa Island Boat Dock - PHOTO CREDIT: LIANG GE — Balboa Island Boat Dock - PHOTO CREDIT: **LIANG GE**

The atmosphere is super charming but be warned that parking can be a challenge. It’s best to visit during the week if you want to avoid the challenge of finding one.

ice coffee and window shopping on Balboa Island

Views of the boat docks on Balboa Island

7. Huntington Beach (1.5 Hours / 93 Miles)

If you are a dog mom (or dog dad), you will really appreciate this beach as they also have an off-leash area for your pooch. A wonderful nonprofit group runs this beach and does a fantastic job of preserving the “off-leash” status.

Handing Zooey a treat at the off-leash Huntington Dog Beach

Not only is the beach very well maintained, but so are the surrounding areas. There are a ton of dog-friendly dining options and we decided on brunch at the super pet-friendly Kimpton Shorebreak. Our pups were showered with attention and the decor here is outstanding.

A gorgeous Mural at the Pacific Hideaway inside the Kimpton

8. Rancho Los Alamitos (1 Hour 45 Minutes / 102 Miles)

Located in Long Beach, Rancho Los Alamitos, is a beautiful and peaceful property filled with a rich history. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The large trees, gorgeous gardens, and bamboo forest make you feel like you are nowhere near Long Beach. The best part is that it's not packed with tourists, so it's a calming and quiet spot.

Bamboo Forest - PHOTO CREDIT: BRIAN TROPIANO — Bamboo Forest - PHOTO CREDIT: **BRIAN TROPIANO**

I was not aware of this location until I was hired to do a photoshoot here with a local photographer and was blown away by the beauty of the gardens. I’d love to return and take part in the self-guided tour to learn more about the history.

9. Downtown LA (2 Hours / 120 Miles)

If you’re visiting Downtown Los Angeles for the first time, you’ll be surprised to find that there is more to do than visiting museums. We suggest exploring the iconic Last Bookstore and immerse yourself in one of the oldest Japan towns in the nation at Little Tokyo.

If you get hungry, you can either stick around Little Tokyo and find some Japanese cuisine or you can find an array of options at the Grand Central Market.

10. Angeles National Forest (2 Hours / 122 Miles)

Just thirty minutes from the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles, the Angeles National Forest is such a welcoming contrast of scenery and weather. This National Forest is an oasis for hikers, mountain bikers, campers, and snow seekers.

Gorgeous viewpoint at the Angeles National Forest

If you want to soak in spectacular views of Los Angeles or have a day of fun in the snow, Angeles National Forest is a beautiful escape from city life.

Kuma and Candy Enjoying the Snow at the Red Box Picnic Area

Final Thoughts

I enjoy making day trips but the one thing to keep in mind is the traffic in Southern California. I highly suggest leaving the house before 9 AM and depart from your destination after sunset to avoid the extra driving hours.

I am always looking for new things to see and do, so if you have any recommendations please let me know in the comments below.