Known for the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and the Gaslamp District – the city of San Diego is known to be a wonderful place to visit. But sometimes you just want get out of the city and away from the hustle and bustle. So why not take a day trip or two just outside of San Diego for something different to make your San Diego vacation the best? And even if you live in San Diego, it never hurts to venture out of your neighborhood, right?
Coronado Island
Head over the Coronado Bridge – the most striking bridge in San Diego that stretches from the mainland – and you’ll reach Coronado Island. It feels like you’re miles away, but it’s just a few miles from Downtown San Diego. Here you can walk quaint streets, shop in unique stores, grab a bite to eat at any of the myriad of restaurants, or visit the famed Hotel del Coronado.
The Hotel del Coronado is considered the Victorian masterpiece that is the centerpiece of Coronado Island. Attend surfing classes and beach rentals, get cozy around a fire pit and roast delicious s’mores with packages available for couples, families and locals. Bikes for all ages, surreys and deuce coupes are also available for rent. The recreation department offers the Coronado on Wheels Bike Tour, a two-hour guided tour of historic Coronado. The Del’s fitness instructors teach fitness classes like beach boot camp and yoga on the beach. Kidtopia camp includes bonfires, seashore scavenger hunts, sandcastle competitions and more. The legendary hotel is located on 28 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island, was built in 1899 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. It is rated one of the top 10 hotels in the world by USA Today.
Frank L. Baum, the famous author of America’s classic Wizard of Oz series, wrote some of his Oz books during his winter stays at the hotel. Some Like It Hot, a famous film starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, was also partly filmed here.
Joshua Tree National Park
If you like the desert, beautiful scenery and just being in a place where you can gather your thoughts, head to Joshua Tree National Park. Declared a U.S. National Park in 1994 when the U.S. Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act, it had previously been a U.S. National Monument since 1936. Joshua Tree National Park offers nearly 800,000 acres where two deserts, two large ecosystems primarily determined by elevation, come together in the park. No matter what adventure you seek in Joshua Tree, there is everything from nature trails to hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, wildflower viewing, birding, stargazing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more.
Julian
Another great place to take a day trip to from San Diego is to the city of Julian. The best time to go is in the fall when apple picking and everything apple-related abounds. But you can go any time of year and enjoy this Western-like town. Apple picking season typically begins in September and continues through October or until the orchard runs out of apples for the year. Besides apple picking, you can shop in unique boutiques, enjoy lush parks, and stop by delicious places to eat. November is also a favorite time to visit, when the changing leaves show off their vibrant colors and there’s crispness to the air. The Julian Cider Mill offers free samples of apple cider, or you can purchase a full cup for just a buck. Pick up a tasty souvenir of honey, nuts, dried fruits, candies, apple butter or jam while you’re there. There are a number of pie shops throughout the town offering —what else — scrumptious pies to take home or eat while there.
More Julian Area Fun
Work off those calories afterward by hiking through the numerous trails that surround the town. Lake Cuyamaca is a 10-minute drive south of Julian’s downtown on Highway 79 where you can walk the 3.5 mile trail surrounding the lake, or rent a paddle boat to enjoy the view from the water. Fishing gear and campsites are available to rent, too. More family fun is 3 miles west of downtown Julian at the Julian Mining Co. Although Julian is an easy day trip location for San Diego residents, you may want to consider staying overnight. Book a room at Julian Lodge, which has larger rooms or at Tucker Peak Lodge, a B&B that welcomes children and offers two family suites.
The drive to Julian takes only about an hour and a half from downtown San Diego via Highway 78, which passes wineries and apple orchards. Alternatively, take Highway 79 past Lake Cuyamaca.
When you tire of big city life, head out of San Diego for a fun day trip to the desert at Joshua Tree Park, or over the Coronado Bridge to Coronado Island, or to the quaint town of Julian for something different during your temporary stay in San Diego.
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