The Perfect San Diego Road Trip
A Stop-by-Stop Guide to Exploring San Diego
One of the best parts of visiting San Diego is how much you can experience in just a few days without spending all your time in the car. From coastal communities and cultural districts to museums, beaches and historic landmarks, every stop feels completely different while still being connected by scenic, easy drives.
During her latest visit, @dominicanabroad mapped out the perfect San Diego road-trip itinerary, showing how travelers can experience multiple sides of the destination without having to compromise. One moment you’re exploring colorful murals and local coffee shops, the next you’re watching the waves roll in along the coast.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or extending your Southern California road trip, this route makes it easy to experience San Diego at your own pace
Where to Stay
Town and Country San Diego
Where: 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108
Centrally located in Mission Valley and close to San Diego’s major freeways, Town and Country Resort makes an ideal home base for a San Diego road trip. The resort offers easy access to the coast, cultural neighborhoods, museums and historic landmarks featured throughout this itinerary. With multiple restaurants, spacious accommodations, a luxurious pool and a central location, it’s the perfect place to recharge between adventures.
Where to Stop
Barrio Logan + Chicano Park
Barrio Logan + Chicano Park
Where to Park: Parking is available throughout the neighborhood near Logan Avenue and around Chicano Park.
Start the road trip in Barrio Logan, one of San Diego’s most vibrant cultural neighborhoods. During her visit, @dominicanabroad explored the massive murals of Chicano Park before stopping into local favorites including ArtHub Makers and Choose Thy Poison. This stop combines art, culture, shopping and local food, all within a highly walkable area.
Add-On Experience: Stop by Mujeres Brew House for a pint of locally crafted beer. This woman-owned brewery has become a neighborhood favorite, blending community, culture and craft brewing in one welcoming space.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Where to Park: Visitors can park in lots throughout Balboa Park or use the Inspiration Point parking area with free tram access into the park.
Next, @dominicanabroad headed to Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, artist studios and some of the city’s most iconic architecture. Her itinerary included stops at Michi Michi Bakery, Mingei International Museum, Timken Museum of Art, San Diego Museum of Art and Spanish Village Art Center. Whether you spend an hour or an entire afternoon here, Balboa Park makes it easy to experience art, culture and local creativity all in one stop.
Add-On Experience: While exploring Balboa Park, make time for a visit to San Diego Zoo. Home to pandas, giraffes, hippos and thousands of animals from around the world, the zoo is one of San Diego’s most iconic attractions.
La Jolla
La Jolla
Where to Park: Street parking and paid lots are available throughout La Jolla, especially near Prospect Street, Coast Boulevard and La Jolla Cove.
For scenic coastal views, @dominicanabroad continued north to La Jolla, where oceanfront drives and walking paths offer some of the most treasured scenery in San Diego. Stops along the route included Ellen Browning Scripps Park for sea lion sightings, Children's Pool La Jolla for harbor seals, Windansea Beach for coastal views and Coast Walk Trail for a scenic oceanside stroll. This stretch of the itinerary is proof that you don’t have to drive far to completely change the pace of your trip.
Add-On Experience: Experience San Diego’s surf culture firsthand with a lesson from Everyday California or Surf Diva. A guided surf experience is a fun way to get out on the water while taking in La Jolla’s scenic shoreline.
Old Town
Old Town
Where to Park: Free parking lots are available throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park; street parking is also available.
Wrap up the road trip in Old Town, where San Diego’s history comes to life through preserved buildings, local shops, museums and restaurants. @dominicanabroad explored the historic district by foot, highlighting how easy it is to spend an afternoon wandering through artisan markets, courtyards and cultural landmarks without needing to rush from stop to stop. It’s the perfect final stop for travelers looking to experience another side of San Diego before heading home, or continuing the road trip.
Add-On Experience: Hop aboard Old Town Trolley Tours, the hop-on, hop- off experience makes it easy to explore even more of the city.