San Diego Day Trips

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Popular day trips include the beaches and inland towns of "North County" (as locals call the part of San Diego County north of the I-5/I-805 junction), as well as our south-of-the-border neighbor, Tijuana. All are less than an hour away.

If you have time for a longer trip, you can explore some distinct areas (all within 2 hours of the city) such as the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim; the wine country of Temecula; the gold-mining town of Julian, known for its apple pies; and the vast Anza-Borrego Desert. Whichever excursion you choose, you're in for a treat.

North County Beach Towns: Spots to Surf & Sun--The necklace of picturesque beach towns that dot the coast of San Diego County from Del Mar to Oceanside make great day-trip destinations for sun worshippers and surfers. Be forewarned: You'll be tempted to spend the night.

North County Inland: From Rancho Santa Fe to Palomar Mountain--The coastal and inland sections of North County are as different as night and day. Inland you'll find beautiful barren hills, citrus groves, and conservative ranching communities where agriculture plays an important role.

Rancho Santa Fe is about 27 miles north of downtown San Diego; from there the scenic Del Dios Highway (S6) leads to Escondido, 32 miles north of San Diego. Nearly 70 miles from the city is Palomar Mountain in the Cleveland National Forest, which spills over the border into Riverside County.