Driving from LA to San Diego: discover SoCal’s coastline

Dreaming of an epic Californian road trip but don’t have time to travel the whole state? This 120-mile journey from Los Angeles to San Diego takes you on a winding road through breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. You’ll stop at some of Southern California’s most exciting and beautiful spots — many of them famous locations from the best road trip movies. The drive is short, but make it last a few days to uncover all the highlights of the sun-kissed Pacific Coast Highway.

How long will this road trip take?

The 120-mile drive only takes a few hours, but stretching it to two or three days turns it into an unforgettable adventure. Plan some overnight stays, time to take in the views and explore landmarks, and a few activities along the route.

What are the highlights?

Tours and trails, charming villages, and many chances to get out on the water. The sunsets are incredible, especially from the aptly named Sunset Cliffs.

What are the main attractions along the way?

Richard Nixon Presidential Library, theme parks, Orange County beaches, whale watching, historical towns, the USS Midway, and La Jolla Natural Park.

Whether you're a foodie, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, there's something for everyone along this route. So grab your Ray-Bans, hit play on your favorite playlist, and hit the road.

Los Angeles: Space observatories, theme parks, and a presidential library

Kicking off in LA, plan a visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, located in Yorba Linda. This impressive library showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that provide an unprecedented insight into the life and legacy of Nixon, the 37th President of the United States and one of the most controversial figures in American politics. A highlight of the museum is the chance to explore the Oval Office as it was in the 1970s, complete with original furnishings and decor. Visitors can also discover the presidential helicopter, Marine One, and view Richard Nixon's birthplace.

Finally, no sojourn to the City of Angels is complete without a VIP experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. This theme park gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look into the world's largest working film studio and an opportunity to see firsthand how movies and TV shows are produced. Go behind the scenes on a VIP tour of the world-famous property department and the colossal props warehouse. With unlimited access to all the rides and attractions, beat the lines and feel like a Hollywood insider as you take on the park by a special trolley and disembark at areas not usually open to the public.

Griffith Observatory is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles. This magnificent observatory holds a vast wealth of knowledge, from movie history, modern architecture, and science to the story of Los Angeles. Begin your visit at the central rotunda, adorned with overhead murals inspired by Greek myth. Get an up-close look at inventor Nikola Tesla’s 50,000-volt Tesla Coil and grasp how the solar system operates before taking a peek at sunspots through a telescope. The 12-inch Zeiss telescope will give you a one-of-a-kind look at the cosmos.

Orange County: Coastal landmarks, kayaking, and fascinating histories

Discover the allure of Orange County, a beach town with a laid-back vibe and a deep-rooted surf culture that sets it apart from LA’s flashy and glamorous reputation. This suburban haven is a paradise for shoppers — especially those who love the convenience of plentiful parking spots — but when it comes to attractions, OC boasts two biggies: pristine beaches and the magic of Disneyland.

A highlights tour of Orange County is a must for anyone who wants to experience the showstoppers of this gorgeous part of Southern California. Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, the Balboa Island Ferry crossing, and Dana Point are just a few of the top spots on the itinerary. Dana Point Harbor is perfect for watersports enthusiasts who love diving, parasailing, and paddleboarding. But why not take it up a notch and delve deeper into the area's history on a guided kayak tour, followed by a hike in the blufftop trails of the Dana Point Headlands?

San Juan Capistrano, a prominent city in California's past, is a destination that should be on every history buff's itinerary. Step back in time and visit the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of the oldest and most significant missions in the state. Take a leisurely stroll through the Los Rios Street Historic District, the oldest continually occupied neighborhood in California, and delight in the charm of buildings made from adobe, gardens, and fountains that date back to the 18th century. But exploring San Juan Capistrano doesn't have to be purely observational. Set off on a two-and-a-half-hour interactive and educational scavenger hunt, confronting exciting challenges and fascinating historical facts as you use your phone as a guide.

Newport Beach: Whale watching, surfing, and island escapes

Located along the Pacific coastline, Newport Beach is a prime destination for those seeking outdoor adventure. Head out to sea on a whale-spotting excursion to get an up-close view of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Or if that’s not your speed, why not hit the waves and try your hand at surfing? Known for its consistent swells, Newport Beach has been a popular surf spot for decades. If you prefer something even more easygoing, amble along the boardwalk or simply relax on the postcard-perfect beach. Just off the coast, Catalina Island is steeped in rich history. Hop on the ferry from Newport Beach to check out the Catalina Island Casino, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, and other natural treasures.

Solana Beach: E-bike tours and surfing

Solana Beach, located along the jaw-droppingly pretty coast just north of San Diego, is a chill beach town that’s equal parts glitz and eclecticism. With its mellow small-town feel, Solana Beach is the perfect destination for those looking to unwind and embrace a slower pace of life. Consider a guided electric bike tour or rent a fat scooter to cruise to Torrey Pines with a stop at the Del Mar Racetrack, or head up the coast toward the Harbaugh Seaside Trails, Cardiff, Swami's Beach, and downtown Encinitas. Want to stay local? Stick around Solana Beach and learn to surf with a local instructor.

San Clemente and Sunset Cliffs: A Spanish village and National Parks

San Clemente’s slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." It does what it says on the sign. This oceanfront paradise marries old-world Spanish architecture with a classically Californian vibe. Don't miss the Casa Romantica Cultural Center, an enchanting historical mansion constructed in 1927 by Ole Hanson, the town’s founder. Stroll along the Avenida Del Mar, packed with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving stellar SoCal cuisine. The weekly farmers’ market buzzes with locals buying fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal goods. And for nature enthusiasts, the Sunset Cliffs National Park is a must-see destination, with 68 acres of magnificent coastline and trails that connect to the Point Loma Ecological Reserve. And let's not forget the dazzling beaches, including the popular San Clemente State Beach, which is ideal for surfing, sunbathing, and swimming. Other noteworthy beaches include T-Street Beach, North Beach, and Calafia Beach.

San Diego: Historical towns and maritime museums

San Diego, the southernmost city on California’s coast, has much to offer to visitors seeking a diverse mix of history, culture, and wild beauty. Its colorful Old Town is teeming with vestiges of San Diego’s Mexican origins, with galleries, shops, restaurants, and live performances buzzing through the day. Get a glimpse of life in the 1800s by visiting some of the oldest buildings in San Diego, like the Whaley House Museum. The museum is said to be one of the most haunted places in America, a boon for history buffs and ghost hunters alike. Want to combine all the highlights? A spot on the quirky Old Town tales, tacos, and tequila walking tour should do the trick.

For nature lovers, the highlights of San Diego’s beloved 1,200-acre Balboa Park can be seen on a guided walking tour that takes you to the Botanical Building, the Spanish Village Art Center, the California Tower, and much more. Or head to La Jolla, hailed as one of the world’s top beach destinations. Snorkel in its crystalline waters or kayak through its sea caves and look back at the stunning coastline from the ocean. Cap off your day at "The Village," an upscale dining and shopping district, and raise a glass to your epic Southern California road trip.

On the waterfront just off the Embarcadero, it’s impossible to miss the USS Midway, the longest-serving naval aircraft carrier in US history. Now a museum, the massive ship features over 60 exhibits and displays, including tours through the engine room, galley, and sleeping quarters that give you a glimpse of life as a sailor aboard this legendary vessel. Guests can even sit in the cockpit of a real fighter jet and feel what it is like to fly one in a high-tech simulator.

Read more

• Must-dos in San Diego
• Southern California’s hidden gems
• California’s epic outdoor adventure experiences

Produced in partnership with Visit California

LA to San Diego: the best experiences en route