Day Trips From San Diego
CATALINA ISLAND
ROSARITO MEXICO
DANA POINT HARBOR
Dana Point is a unique destination that stands out from its neighbors in Orange County. Their unpolluted beaches, trails stretching from the Harbor to the Headlands, surfing and maritime history, whale watching, and thriving businesses make this coastal paradise an exceptional place to visit. From outdoor activities to a diverse range of shops, services, and hotels, They are the top choice for a bucket list destination in Southern California. As the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World™,” tourists can easily access the 2,500-boat and yacht slip marina in Dana Point Harbor for daily tours. Located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, our location offers a wide range of activities including sunset wine cruises, luxury spas, surfing, and ocean-view golfing. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are options for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, “pirate ship” adventures, beach and aerial yoga classes, and deep-sea fishing. Their rich heritage dates back to the early 1800s when the Acjachemen people, also known as the Juaneño Indians, called this place home. Over time, Spanish explorers and American settlers have left their mark on this charming community, which was first established as Capistrano Beach in the 1920s.
Named after Richard Henry Dana Jr, who was captivated by its beauty and wrote about it in his book “Two Years Before the Mast,” Dana Point has always been a source of wonder and inspiration. As Richard Dana himself once said, it is “the only romantic spot on the coast,” and we couldn’t agree more! Located in the heart of Orange County, Dana Point is easily accessible from both San Diego and Los Angeles, with John Wayne Airport just a short distance away. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring the beauty of the Southern California coast!
Dana Point Harbor
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BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN
One of the best things about San Diego is that there’s tons to do and plenty of warmth and sunshine all year round. Some would say that the one thing that San Diego lacks is snow…but luckily for us, there are several ski resorts just about a two-hour drive away. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day trip or an exciting weekend getaway head to Big Bear Mountain, a small town 7,000 feet above sea level in the San Bernardino Mountains. The top winter activities of course are skiing and snowboarding. Home to Bear Mountain, Southern California’s highest lift-served peak sits at 8,805 feet. With the only half-pipes in Southern Cal and its famous trendsetting terrain parks, Bear Mountain offers a youthful and core environment. Snow Summit is Bear Mountains’ sister resort. The resorts are about two miles apart and are connected via a free inter-mountain express shuttle service. We may not have snow in San Diego, but thankfully, it’s only a short drive away.
Big Bear Mountain
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PIONEERTOWN
Just a 2 1/2 hour ride away, Northeast of Palm Springs is Pioneertown. In 1946, Pioneertown was founded by Dick Curtis with the vision of a “Living Breathing Movie Set”. Curtis, along with seventeen other investors including Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, The Sons Of The Pioneers, Russell Hayden, Frank McDonald, Tommy Carr, Terry Frost, and Bud Abbott, each contributed $500 to incorporate the company. The company then acquired 32,000 acres of land, which was later known as Pioneertown.
Today, Mane Street in Pioneertown still maintains its old-west charm and appearance. It has been recognized by the State Department of Parks & Recreation as a Historical Resource. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the sights any day of the week, but the town truly comes to life on weekends. Mane Street is home to a variety of retail stores, including a General Mercantile/Local Art Studio, Pottery Shop, Goat Soap Shop, and Custom Leather & Saddle Shop. There are also several false fronts in town, such as the Bank, Bath House, Likker Barn, Jail, Jack Cass Saloon, and Mining Co. These make for great photo opportunities and are a fun distraction from the hustle and bustle of the city. On some summer weekends, visitors can even witness a staged gunfight on Mane Street.
