Things to Do

Day Trips in San Diego

Julian, Anza-Borrego, Temecula, the COASTER north, and crossing the border without guessing.

5 ranked lists · 43 places and things, each one checked directly against Google and Yelp · how we verify

The Oceanside coast near the northern end of the COASTER line

Ride the 8-station COASTER corridor, find the 4 stops that open into walkable beach towns, and build a 2-stop day that protects the train home.

Updated Aug 2Read →

Eroded badlands stretching across Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

7 STOPS

Day Trips

The Anza-Borrego Day Trip, Planned for the Cool Months: 7 Stops

The Slot at first light, a ranger briefing, Palm Canyon to the viewpoint over the fan palms, lunch indoors, 130 sculptures on the valley floor, and a sky with nothing in it.

Updated Jul 27Read →

Rows of vines on rolling hills in Temecula Valley wine country at golden hour

7 STOPS

Day Trips

The Temecula Wine Country Day Trip: 7 Stops to Choose From

Leoness on the quiet trail, almond sparkling in the gardens at Wilson Creek, a sunrise balloon over the vineyards, Malbec and motorcycles at Doffo, and Old Town for the drive home.

Updated Jul 27Read →

Pedestrians approaching the San Ysidro border crossing between San Diego and Tijuana

9 ROUTES

Day Trips

How to Cross the Border: The San Ysidro & CBX Guide

How to cross from San Diego to Tijuana without guessing — PedEast, CBX, documents, the Blue Line, Ready Lane, SENTRI, live waits, and the car-insurance rule.

Updated Jul 27Read →

Historic Main Street in Julian beneath pine-covered mountains

8 STOPS

Day Trips

The Julian Day Trip, Planned Properly: 8 Stops Worth the Drive

Sunrise on Volcan Mountain, an hour underground at the Eagle Mine, Dutch apple on Main Street, a reserved wolf tour, and the long way home through Cuyamaca.

Updated Jul 24Read →