The world-famous San Diego Zoo is a top attraction in San Diego. It's home to thousands of animals from over 650 species. The zoo is located within Balboa Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US, offering gardens, museums, and theaters.
The USS Midway Museum is a floating museum that showcases San Diego's military history. Visitors can tour the USS Midway aircraft carrier and learn about the life of sailors on board. For a change of pace, Old Town San Diego is the site of the first European settlement in California, and it provides a glimpse of life in the 1800s.
La Jolla Cove is a picturesque beach nestled between steep cliffs on the Pacific coast. It's a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Afterward, Torrey Pines State Reserve offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and hiking trails through cliffs and canyons.
Legoland California is a fun-filled amusement park based on the popular building blocks. With over 60 interactive rides, shows, and attractions, it's an ideal spot for families. Later, Carlsbad Village is a charming seaside town that offers local boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Temecula is a wine destination that offers over 40 wineries and vineyards. Visitors can take a guided wine tour, savor some of the region's best wines, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors on a 10-minute ride that offers spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains. At the top, there are restaurants, observation decks, and hiking trails. Later, Joshua Tree National Park is a mystical landscape of rugged rock formations, twisted Joshua Trees, and breathtaking vistas.
The Palm Springs Art Museum features a collection of contemporary art and design, Native American artifacts, and Western art. Later, Palm Canyon Drive is a vibrant street that offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Indian Canyons is a natural oasis in the Coachella Valley that offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and streams. After, Salton Sea State Recreation Area features a stunning saltwater lake with plenty of recreational activities like boating, camping, and fishing.
If you missed it the first time or enjoyed it so much you want to go back, USS Midway Museum is still a great way to spend a day. In the afternoon and evening, Gaslamp Quarter offers a vibrant downtown experience that blends Victorian architecture with modern amenities like nightlife, dining, and shopping.
Coronado Beach is a stunning beach that offers shimmering waters and picturesque views of the Pacific. Afterward, Hotel Del Coronado is a beachfront resort in a Victorian building that offers luxurious amenities, dining options, and stunning ocean views.
For this itinerary, we suggest renting a car to make the most of your time in Southern California. Expect traffic during rush hour and weekends. Parking varies, with some attractions offering free parking and others charging fees, so keep that in mind when budgeting. The total mileage for this itinerary is 335 miles, and it takes around 10 hours to drive the entire route.
If you have more time, consider adding a day to explore more of San Diego, like Seaport Village, Torrey Pines Gliderport, or Cabrillo National Monument. In Palm Springs, check out the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, Village Fest or Palm Springs Air Museum. For a lesser time commitment, skip Old Town San Diego and spend more time exploring Balboa Park.
There are two main airports for this itinerary: San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). SAN is located in central San Diego and is 3 miles from downtown. PSP is located in Palm Springs and is 2 miles from the city center.