Road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego
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ITINERARY
3h 0m128 miles16 stops
1
LifeRush Adventures- Malibu
LifeRush Adventures was founded by experienced mountain biker Jason Racca. His mission is to provide an exhilarating electric mountain experience for beginners and experienced riders alike. Experience many of Southern California's breathtaking trails or catch a city tour to famous Hollywood landmarks on electric bikes. You will be equipped with electric mountain bikes and all the gear you need.
2
Exposition Park
3
Zippy Shuttle
Private van transport. TOURS of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beach areas or anything of your choice. You can stay as long as you want at any of the locations. We pick up Curbside at LAX. Child safety seats are complimentary.
4
Gloria Molina Grand Park
5
Arlington Garden in Pasadena
Arlington Garden is a community-built climate-appropriate habitat garden offering learning inspiration and enjoyment for all.
6
Vincent Price Art Museum
7
Anaheim Convention Center
8
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
With a visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, guests can tour the most modern presidential museum in the country to learn about Richard Nixon the man, his life, and his presidency. The twenty-eight-year-old presidential museum went through a complete renovation less than two years ago. The all-new museum features nearly 70 new major exhibits, 30 unique multi-media experiences, 11 original films, 12 custom digital interactives, 10 curated archival film sequences, more than 600 photographs, 8,000 square feet of wall murals and more than 300 artifacts. There is so much history in itself at the Nixon Library. Enjoy tours of Richard Nixon's original birthplace and boyhood home, walk through the presidential helicopter that flew four Presidents, take in the splendor of the White House East Room and pay respects at the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon.
9
Yorba Regional Park
10
Roger's Gardens
11
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
12
The Shops At Mission Viejo
Among the 150 stores and restaurants at The Shops at Mission Viejo, this indoor mall features Nordstrom, Dick's Sporting Goods, Macy's, Apple, lululemon, Williams Sonoma, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Sephora, P.F. Chang's China Bistro and The Cheesecake Factory. The Shops at Mission Viejo serves many nearby communities such as Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, San Juan Capistrano and the city of Mission Viejo.
13
Westfield UTC
The premier shopping center in the area that offers 160 shops, three beauty salons, an ice skating rink and video entertainment center.
14
Belmont Park
Since opening in 1925, Belmont Park, San Diego's iconic beachfront boardwalk, has offered year-round fun for generations of guests. Here you'll find beachfront shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for visitors of all ages. On this page, you'll find the info you need to plan your visit, whether it's a day filled with adventure-packed activities for the whole family or a laid-back beachfront dining experience and drinks with friends.
15
Mission Beach Boardwalk
Running parallel to Mission Beach, this 2.3-mile boardwalk is a young and bustling area, lined with cool shops, bars, and restaurants. You can do the scenic oceanfront walk towards Pacific Beach, as cyclists and skaters whizz past you. It's also where you can find the historic Belmont Park, where you can ride both old-school and modern amusement rides, climb a rock wall, play laser tag, and more. Parking can be tricky; travelers recommend taking public transport here. Otherwise, a bike tour is a great option to cover the area's best highlights, which includes both the boardwalk and Mission Bay Park. – Tripadvisor
16
Ocean Beach
This beach in San Diego is a popular spot for its sun, sand, and surf. Other than its lively surfing scene, you can bring your furry friends to the dog-friendly beach, or take a stroll along the pier to watch the waves and try your hand at fishing—it's one of the only places in San Diego where you can fish without a license. During low tide, head down to the tide pools and see what creatures you can spot, or check out the cool shops along Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street. Explore Ocean Beach and other spots on a beach tour in San Diego, hop on a whale-watching tour, or drive through the neighborhood on a go-car adventure. – Tripadvisor
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Los Angeles to San Diego
1
Start:LifeRush Adventures- Malibu
Malibu, California·
5.0
(99) review
LifeRush Adventures was founded by experienced mountain biker Jason Racca. His mission is to provide an exhilarating electric mountain experience for beginners and experienced riders alike. Experience many of Southern California's breathtaking trails or catch a city tour to famous Hollywood landmarks on electric bikes. You will be equipped with electric mountain bikes and all the gear you need.
2
Start:Exposition Park
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(96) review
701 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037-1260
3
Start:Zippy Shuttle
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(98) review
Private van transport. TOURS of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beach areas or anything of your choice. You can stay as long as you want at any of the locations. We pick up Curbside at LAX. Child safety seats are complimentary.
4
Start:Gloria Molina Grand Park
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(98) review
227 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3201
5
Start:Arlington Garden in Pasadena
Pasadena, California·
4.5
(91) review
Arlington Garden is a community-built climate-appropriate habitat garden offering learning inspiration and enjoyment for all.
6
Start:Vincent Price Art Museum
Monterey Park, California·
4.5
(8) review
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, CA 91754-6001
7
Start:Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California·
4.5
(976) review
800 W Katella Ave Suite 600, Anaheim, CA 92802-3496
8
Start:Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Yorba Linda, California·
4.5
(970) review
With a visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, guests can tour the most modern presidential museum in the country to learn about Richard Nixon the man, his life, and his presidency. The twenty-eight-year-old presidential museum went through a complete renovation less than two years ago. The all-new museum features nearly 70 new major exhibits, 30 unique multi-media experiences, 11 original films, 12 custom digital interactives, 10 curated archival film sequences, more than 600 photographs, 8,000 square feet of wall murals and more than 300 artifacts. There is so much history in itself at the Nixon Library. Enjoy tours of Richard Nixon's original birthplace and boyhood home, walk through the presidential helicopter that flew four Presidents, take in the splendor of the White House East Room and pay respects at the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon.
9
Start:Yorba Regional Park
Anaheim, California·
4.5
(97) review
7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807-2444
10
Start:Roger's Gardens
Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, California·
4.5
(98) review
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, CA 92625-1195
11
Start:Strawberry Farms Golf Club
Irvine, California·
4.0
(99) review
11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612-2300
12
Start:The Shops At Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo, California·
4.5
(93) review
Among the 150 stores and restaurants at The Shops at Mission Viejo, this indoor mall features Nordstrom, Dick's Sporting Goods, Macy's, Apple, lululemon, Williams Sonoma, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Sephora, P.F. Chang's China Bistro and The Cheesecake Factory. The Shops at Mission Viejo serves many nearby communities such as Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, San Juan Capistrano and the city of Mission Viejo.
13
Start:Westfield UTC
La Jolla, San Diego, California·
4.0
(93) review
The premier shopping center in the area that offers 160 shops, three beauty salons, an ice skating rink and video entertainment center.
14
Start:Belmont Park
San Diego, California·
4.0
(874) review
Since opening in 1925, Belmont Park, San Diego's iconic beachfront boardwalk, has offered year-round fun for generations of guests. Here you'll find beachfront shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for visitors of all ages. On this page, you'll find the info you need to plan your visit, whether it's a day filled with adventure-packed activities for the whole family or a laid-back beachfront dining experience and drinks with friends.
15
Start:Mission Beach Boardwalk
San Diego, California·
4.5
(792) review
Running parallel to Mission Beach, this 2.3-mile boardwalk is a young and bustling area, lined with cool shops, bars, and restaurants. You can do the scenic oceanfront walk towards Pacific Beach, as cyclists and skaters whizz past you. It's also where you can find the historic Belmont Park, where you can ride both old-school and modern amusement rides, climb a rock wall, play laser tag, and more. Parking can be tricky; travelers recommend taking public transport here. Otherwise, a bike tour is a great option to cover the area's best highlights, which includes both the boardwalk and Mission Bay Park. – Tripadvisor
16
Start:Ocean Beach
San Diego, California·
4.0
(865) review
This beach in San Diego is a popular spot for its sun, sand, and surf. Other than its lively surfing scene, you can bring your furry friends to the dog-friendly beach, or take a stroll along the pier to watch the waves and try your hand at fishing—it's one of the only places in San Diego where you can fish without a license. During low tide, head down to the tide pools and see what creatures you can spot, or check out the cool shops along Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street. Explore Ocean Beach and other spots on a beach tour in San Diego, hop on a whale-watching tour, or drive through the neighborhood on a go-car adventure. – Tripadvisor
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Los Angeles and San Diego?
The distance is 128 miles
What's the travel time between Los Angeles and San Diego?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 3h 0m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Los Angeles and San Diego?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to San Diego?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to San Diego
What’s the weather like in San Diego?
The weather in San Diego is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in San Diego in January
Weather in San Diego in February
Weather in San Diego in March
Weather in San Diego in April
Weather in San Diego in May
Weather in San Diego in June
Weather in San Diego in July
Weather in San Diego in August
Weather in San Diego in September
Weather in San Diego in October
Weather in San Diego in November
Weather in San Diego in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in San Diego?
Plan your dream San Diego trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in San Diego
A 2-day itinerary in San Diego
A 3-day itinerary in San Diego
A 4-day itinerary in San Diego
A 5-day itinerary in San Diego
A 6-day itinerary in San Diego
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Los Angeles?
We have a lot of great trip options for Los Angeles! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you