Day Trips Around San Diego

One of the many reasons San Diego is such a great place to live is because of the diverse and exciting day trips or weekend locales nearby. With more and more places opening up for us to visit in Southern California, this is a good time to list out some of our favorites all within a few hours’ drive or closer!

Galleta Meadows Sculptures Drive approximately 90 miles from San Diego and you’ll land in a giant metal sculpture park of more than 130 massive, oversized metal creatures like a woolly mammoth, a scorpion, a cricket and lots more crazy creatures.

Julian From beautiful hikes to the sweet smell of apple pie, Julian is a local favorite where you can really enjoy all four seasons. Founded during gold mining days in the late 1800s, it became a farming town. Today you can visit museums, go apple picking in the fall, drink fresh apple cider and visit some of its local orchards for other fun seasonal activities.

Spanish Missions Between 1769 and 1823 the Spanish constructed 21 missions throughout California, and three are within a day’s drive including Mission San Luis Ray, Mission San Diego de Alcala and Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange County. Be sure to call or look up their hours before you head out because they are operating on a limited schedule.

Idyllwild Located high up in the scenic San Jacinto mountains is the little town of Idyllwild. Noticeably cooler because if its elevation, it oozes with small town charm and quaint shops, art boutiques, rock climbing, mountain biking trails, cabins for overnight adventures and restaurants.

Joshua Tree National Park Representing both the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert, nothing beats the beautifully wind sculpted rock formations and Joshua trees throughout the expansive park. Visitors can spend the day or camp overnight and enjoy incredible star gazing.

If you are continuing your search for a new home, please know Cornerstone Communities is still building homes throughout the county of San Diego and Temecula. To see our homes, we are offering virtual tours on our website, you can chat with us online or we can schedule a private in-person appointment with you.

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