Best Weekend Trips from San Diego

Even if you live in sunny San Diego, you’ll feel occasional urge for an out-of-town getaway. If you don't have time for a longer road trip—like San Diego to Las Vegas—there are a variety of fun and exciting options that are just a short drive away.

Tijuana, Mexico

San Diego is just about as far south as California goes. You can book a stay in Tijuana, Mexico with only a quick half-hour drive. Although this border city is popular with the cheap beer and tequila crowd, a thoughtful traveler can find the authentic village beneath all the glitzy tourist trappings. Be brave and venture beyond the most accessible layer of Tijuana along Avenida Revolución. You’ll find tree-shaded plazas, serene churches and family restaurants. Tijuana also has a burgeoning food scene that's well worth exploring, as well as an up-and-coming craft brewing trade.

Idyllwild, California

Some of the best weekend getaways take you to destinations that differ from the place you call home. That’s why a stay in the Idyllwild area deserves a spot on your vacation list. A two-hour drive takes you to this charming village in the San Jacinto Mountains. This is outdoor country—fun happens on foot, on mountain bikes or up rock cliffs. Explore your surroundings by hiking the many pine or cedar forest trails, or testing your rock climbing skills on the famous granite found at Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. The small town itself is a delight, with friendly locals, fine live music and great eateries.

Big Bear, California

Snow, ice and hot chocolate are on the menu less than three hours from San Diego's beaches when you stay in Big Bear during the winter months. Nestled in the mountains at 7,000 feet, any activity that begins with “snow” is possible here: snow skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and, of course, snowball fights! After a day in the snow, settle in with a hot drink in front of a roaring fire. And don’t count Big Bear out in summer either. It doesn't get better than sparkling Big Bear Lake for water skiing, canoeing and fishing—known to be some of the best in Southern Cal.

Palm Springs, California

Temperatures range from warm and dry to triple-digit hot in the summer, but Palm Springs is the SoCal spot for relaxation. Book your Palm Springs hotel, then get a massage, take a dip in the pool and zip around the area free on the Buzz Trolley Thursdays through Sundays. Don't miss a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating tram on the planet. It takes you 8,500 feet up into the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The tram ride is ideal in the heat of summer as you go from the sweltering desert floor to cool mountain peaks. Explore the desert in a dune buggy or an ATV when the temperatures cool down a little—both are easily rentable in town.