Road trips are always a blast, especially if you have some fun destinations in mind where you can stop along the way and take in some beautiful views, dine on delicious food, and pretend like you’re a tourist for a day even if you’re a local.
Here’s an epic SoCal road trip we’ve put together for you that you can take on one tank of gas. It covers nine stops and 331 miles. Depending on the type of car you drive that should be close to one tank of gas — give or take a few miles. Because we all know that SoCal traffic can add some time to our travels, and because you’ll want to linger at each of these stops, you might want to break this road trip up over a weekend and stretch this out over two days. We’ve also included a link to the Google Map that lists all of the locations on this road trip so you can plan out your route.
Ready to have some fun? Off we go!
Pack up the car! We’re heading out on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. This will be a trip to remember!
Googlemaps
- Los Angeles: Griffith Park Observatory at 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
flickr/dirt in my pocket This landmark in Southern California is the perfect spot to add to your road trip. Whether you want to head out on a hiking trail in Griffith Park or spend some time exploring the observatory, this is one spot that is a must-see for locals and visitors.
- San Pedro: Sunken City at 500 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731.
flickr/indabelle Did you know there was a sunken city in SoCal? This spot is formerly home to a stretch of residential homes built in the 1920s. But in 1929 a landslide occurred and the cliffside land slipped into the ocean. Thankfully many of the homes built on the cliffs were relocated prior to the landslide with the exception of two houses that weren’t as fortunate. You can see this historic area for yourself in San Pedro.
- Long Beach: Aquarium of the Pacific at 100 Aquarium WayLong Beach, CA 90802
yelp/richard l. How about adding some sharks to your road trip?! You can check out the Shark Lagoon and other jaw-dropping ocean exhibits on a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
- Newport Beach: Balboa Island
flickr/YoTut Located in Newport Beach, Balboa Island is the perfect destination to make you feel like you’re on vacation. Spend some time strolling the boardwalk then take a ride on the Ferris Wheel to feel like a kid again.
- San Clemente: The San Clemente Pier at 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
flickr/tony hoffarth A quick stop at the San Clemente Pier is a refreshing way to breathe in the ocean air and look out in awe at the view. Such a picture-perfect spot to see on your SoCal road trip.
- Oceanside: Stratford at the Harbor at Oceanside Harbor Village, 280 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054
tripadvisor/management You’re going to need some nourishment on your road trip. Nothing hits the spot like outdoor dining on the waterfront. Grab a seat on the harbor and take in the view at this casual eatery that won’t break the bank.
- La Jolla: Torrey Pines State Beach at 12600 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
flickr/troy smith Because a SoCal road trip without sand in your toes isn’t officially a road trip. Take some time to stretch your legs and take in the marvelous view at this wonderful stop in La Jolla.
- San Diego: Balboa Park
flickr/jim nix This 1,200 acre urban park in San Diego is full of unique sights and sounds. Stroll through the Spanish Village, take a tour of the stunning architecture, grab a show at the theatre, or hike through the nature trails. The adventures at Balboa Park are absolutely endless.
- Riverside: Mission Inn Riverside at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
flickr/little koshka Whether you stop here just to tour this historic hotel, take a break for a bite to eat at one of their restaurants, or rent a room for an overnighter, this is one place in downtown Riverside that is truly unforgettable.
Wow! What a fun trip. Doesn’t this Southern California adventure look like fun!
Googlemaps
flickr/dirt in my pocket
This landmark in Southern California is the perfect spot to add to your road trip. Whether you want to head out on a hiking trail in Griffith Park or spend some time exploring the observatory, this is one spot that is a must-see for locals and visitors.
flickr/indabelle
Did you know there was a sunken city in SoCal? This spot is formerly home to a stretch of residential homes built in the 1920s. But in 1929 a landslide occurred and the cliffside land slipped into the ocean. Thankfully many of the homes built on the cliffs were relocated prior to the landslide with the exception of two houses that weren’t as fortunate. You can see this historic area for yourself in San Pedro.
yelp/richard l.
How about adding some sharks to your road trip?! You can check out the Shark Lagoon and other jaw-dropping ocean exhibits on a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
flickr/YoTut
Located in Newport Beach, Balboa Island is the perfect destination to make you feel like you’re on vacation. Spend some time strolling the boardwalk then take a ride on the Ferris Wheel to feel like a kid again.
flickr/tony hoffarth
A quick stop at the San Clemente Pier is a refreshing way to breathe in the ocean air and look out in awe at the view. Such a picture-perfect spot to see on your SoCal road trip.
tripadvisor/management
You’re going to need some nourishment on your road trip. Nothing hits the spot like outdoor dining on the waterfront. Grab a seat on the harbor and take in the view at this casual eatery that won’t break the bank.
flickr/troy smith
Because a SoCal road trip without sand in your toes isn’t officially a road trip. Take some time to stretch your legs and take in the marvelous view at this wonderful stop in La Jolla.
flickr/jim nix
This 1,200 acre urban park in San Diego is full of unique sights and sounds. Stroll through the Spanish Village, take a tour of the stunning architecture, grab a show at the theatre, or hike through the nature trails. The adventures at Balboa Park are absolutely endless.
flickr/little koshka
Whether you stop here just to tour this historic hotel, take a break for a bite to eat at one of their restaurants, or rent a room for an overnighter, this is one place in downtown Riverside that is truly unforgettable.
If you’re looking for another adventurous road trip to add to your bucket list, take a look at this tour that will take you to some breathtaking SoCal castles.
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Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037Address: 280 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054Address: 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672Address: 100 Aquarium WayLong Beach, CA 90802Address: 500 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
