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June 10‑13, 2025 California Coast Road Trip

Viewed by 72 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles & Drive to San Diego

Morning: Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 10 am, collect your rental car and grab a quick coffee before heading south.

Afternoon: Cruise down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at the Santa Monica Pier for a stroll and a bite to eat, then continue on I‑5 toward San Diego.

Evening: Check into your San Diego hotel, unwind with a walk along the Embarcadero, and enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

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Day 2: San Diego Highlights

Morning: Start with a visit to the world‑renowned San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, exploring the diverse animal exhibits.

Afternoon: Wander through Balboa Park itself, visiting a couple of museums and the beautiful gardens.

Evening: Dine in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, then catch a sunset from Coronado Beach.

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Day 3: Coastal and Naval History

Morning: Relax at La Jolla Cove**, watching sea lions and enjoying the coastal views.

Afternoon: Head to the USS Midway Museum for an interactive tour of the historic aircraft carrier.

Evening: Return to downtown San Diego for a casual dinner in Little Italy and a leisurely walk along the harbor.

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Day 4: Return to Los Angeles

Morning: Depart San Diego and drive back north, stopping at the Mission San Juan Capistrano for a quick historic glimpse.

Afternoon: Arrive in Los Angeles and visit the Getty Center, admiring art and city vistas.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a visit to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic night views of the city before heading home.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Los Angeles International Airport (arrival) – 1 hr – $0
  • Santa Monica Pier – 1.5 hr – $0
  • San Diego Zoo – 4 hr – $65
  • Balboa Park (museums & gardens) – 3 hr – $15
  • Gaslamp Quarter – 2 hr – $0
  • Coronado Beach – 1.5 hr – $0
  • La Jolla Cove – 2 hr – $0
  • USS Midway Museum – 2 hr – $26
  • Mission San Juan Capistrano – 1 hr – $10
  • Getty Center – 3 hr – $25
  • Griffith Observatory – 2 hr – $0
  • Rental Car (4 days) – – $200
  • Gas & Parking – – $100
  • Meals (4 days) – – $120
  • Total Estimated Cost: $586

Tips

If you’d like more time to explore the coast, consider adding an extra day in Santa Barbara or extending your stay in San Diego to visit nearby attractions such as Torrey Pines State Reserve. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory, focusing solely on the San Diego highlights and making the return drive directly to LAX.

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