Gear Up for National Road Trip Day in San Diego, Where Beaches, Mountains and Desert Meet
National Road Trip Day on May 22 marks the start of the summer travel season. Travelers looking for a unique and scenic journey will find one in San Diego, where a day trip can begin in the mountains, continue past desert landscapes in the afternoon, and end with a walk on the beach at sunset.
With the Laguna Mountains and the edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park less than two hours from downtown San Diego, the route moves from city streets into historic mining towns, then traces the desert’s edge from higher elevations before looping back west to the Pacific Ocean. The drive offers travelers a compact journey through three distinct geographic zones, showcasing Southern California’s varied terrain.
We curated the perfect itinerary highlighting top scenic stops and overlooks, where to eat along the way, and shops to visit for fun souvenirs and gifts:
- Morning: Gateway to the Backcountry
From central San Diego, head east to Ramona, a rustic town known for its charming main street, wineries, hiking trails, and a beloved diner famous for over-sized cinnamon rolls. Take California State Route 67, which snakes through boulder-dotted canyons and past Iron Mountain. - Mid-Morning: Explore the Mountain Towns of Santa Ysabel and Julian
Continue east into San Diego’s mountain towns of Santa Ysabel and Julian, which sit at higher elevations and offer cooler temps in the winter and spring, and more seasonal contrast to coastal San Diego. Stop in Santa Ysabel for fresh-baked bread and boutique shopping before continuing to Julian, a historic mining town famous for its apple orchards, homemade pie, cider tastings, and family-friendly attractions like gold panning and local museums. - Afternoon: Desert Vistas
From Julian, take California State Route 79 to admire San Diego’s desert landscapes from a variety of lookout points. Desert View Park offers sweeping views of the mountains and valleys bordering Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California. Continue south to the Sunrise Highway, a scenic roadway that winds through the Laguna Mountains and Cleveland National Forest at elevations of 5,000 to 6,000 feet, and stop at Storm Canyon Overlook for another panoramic view of the Anza-Borrego Desert. As the route descends toward the community of Pine Valley, the Sunrise Highway connects with Interstate 8 West for the return drive to San Diego. - Evening: Toes in the Sand
With the mountains in the rear view, cruise west on Interstate 8 until the very end, where the freeway flows into Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and leads to the bohemian seaside community of Ocean Beach. Celebrate the end of your day trip adventure with a walk on the sand or a quick refreshing swim. Head over to Newport Avenue, the community’s main drag, for dinner or drinks and to catch the sunset. Mission Beach and the iconic Belmont Park are just north of Ocean Beach and offer a lively alternative to wrap up the evening. With a classic boardwalk, amusement park attractions and plenty of seaside dining options, Belmont Park is a great spot to relax and toast to the day’s end at the beach. - City & Coastal Alternative: Take in the Sights Along San Diego’s 59-Mile Scenic Drive
San Diego's 59-mile scenic drive loops its way through the city's charming neighborhoods and reveals our unique attractions and natural wonders. Starting at the Embarcadero, the drive has 22 stops as it continues north into Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument, winds through Ocean Beach’s laid-back streets and on to Mission Bay’s expansive waterfront recreation areas. From there, it rises to Mount Soledad for one of the city’s best 360-degree viewpoints, before passing through La Jolla’s coastal cliffs and coves, and down into the energetic boardwalk scene of Pacific Beach.
The route then shifts inland to Old Town, showcasing the city’s early heritage, before moving through Hillcrest into Balboa Park — San Diego’s cultural heart filled with museums, gardens, historic architecture, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The drive concludes back downtown at the waterfront, including Seaport Village and the USS Midway Museum, and ends in the lively Gaslamp Quarter, blending historic roots with modern dining, nightlife and entertainment.
Whether travelers are looking for a coastal sunset drive, such as along the famous Highway 101, a mountain escape, or a desert day trip, San Diego offers a road trip experience that combines variety and signature California scenery in a single destination.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY
(SDTA) is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation composed of more than 1,000 member organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry. SDTA members include tourism-related entities in such categories as lodging, dining, arts, attractions, shopping, and transportation, among others, as well as other companies indirectly involved in tourism. Visit sandiego.org to learn more.
The majority of funding received by the San Diego Tourism Authority is derived from San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds. Lodging business in the District raise these funds through self-assessments for the purpose of promoting tourism in the San Diego region.