Best Day Trips From San Diego

Hi Lovelies. Since traveling has been limited here in California, we have been trying to find the best day trips from San Diego. These trips can all be done in a day. However, some would be a very long day with a 2-3 hour drive in each direction. This is normal for us to do a day trip with this travel distance. It also depends on where in San Diego you are making the trip from. We live in North County so some of these adventures aren’t too terribly far. It all comes down to how long you want to travel for. I have included the travel time for each trip from Carlsbad California to help you select the best day trips from San Diego for your family.

Idyllwild

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During the winter this is a great spot to enjoy the snow without the long drive to Big Bear. They have a quaint downtown area that is nice to stop and shop in. There are plenty of spots to stop and build a snowman, and have a snowball fight. It’s one of our favorites.

Drive Time from Carlsbad – 2 hours

Salvation Mountain

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Salvation Mountain and East Jesus is one of my faves. They have a ton of cool art displays and its such a unique experience. This is my favorite funky unique destination. If you want to go a bit further you can check out Bombay Beach, but prepared it’s a bit stinky and only a few art installations now.

Drive Time from Carlsbad – 3 hours

Borrego Springs

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I am a big fan of the desert scene for photos and Borrego Springs does not disappoint. With all of their metal statues that are scattered in the desert there are plenty of spots to snap and a take a photo. Also the scenic desert and cute hotel they have as you drive in are must stop spots. Grab lunch at Carlee’s Place on your way out of town and apple pie at Julian Pie Company.

Drive Time from Carlsbad – 2 hours

Balboa Island

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Looking for the cute beach town? Check out Balboa Island and Newport Beach. I have been a regular visitor of Balboa Island since I was in High School. It’s one of my favorite spots in Southern California.

Drive Time from Carlsbad – 1 hour

Joshua Tree

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We did the Joshua Tree National Park as a day trip and I definitely want to go back. It’s a lot to do in one day and you won’t get to hike much. However, the views and couple little short walks and rock scrambles were totally worth the trip. If you are making the trek I don’t think the south east portion is worth it. The only reason I would make the drive is to get back to the 10 freeway.

Drive Time from Carlsbad – 2 hours and 40 minutes

Finally, a big tip if you have Elementary age children. National Parks has a kids pass for 4th graders called Every Kid Outdoors. It allows you into all National Parks and Waters. Sign Up for your FREE Pass HERE.