The 5 Best San Diego Day Trips from Los Angeles

1.LA to San Diego: History, Harbor & USS Midway Magic in one day

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 24 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $254Our pick

Travel from Los Angeles to San Diego by shared vehicle, stopping at Old Town, the harbor, USS Midway, and Balboa Park. The $254 price includes the harbor cruise, Midway admission, guide, driver, gratuities, and several LA pickup points. Expect a full day with limited time at each stop.

“Great day trip. Would of like to spend more than 30 minutes in Old Town San Diego and less time in Balboa Park. Would of also like more time on the USS Midway. A lot of trafic to come back. Took us 3 hours from San Diego to LA.”

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2.LA Day Trip to Casinos, Palm Springs, San Diego, Santa Barbara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 9 to 11 hours (approx.) Top rated

Plan a private 9 to 11-hour road trip from Beverly Hills with Tallawah Limo & Tours. Choose Santa Barbara, San Diego, Palm Springs, or a casino outing, then set your own pace. A state-certified driver handles the driving, navigation, stops, and return trip for up to six people.

“I learned about Tallawah from a tourist I met who was visiting LA from Australia. He told me that they also have transportation services to nearby cities like San Diego and Palm springs, not just tourist sites around Los Angeles. This is perfect because I hate taking Uber when I don't want to drive long distances. This is the next best thing to having your own personal chauffeur. I can't do it all the time, but when I have enough friends who want to go and split the cost it's the perfect choice. My last time was in April to Palm springs and my friends and I had a blast.…”

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3.Self guided Driving Tour between LA and San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 6 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.)

Use your own car and phone to follow a self-guided coastal route from Los Angeles toward San Diego. The app narrates local stories about LAX, beach towns, the Queen Mary, surfing, oil, wildlife, and more. Download it first, then drive at your own pace with no time limit.

“Make sure your phone is charged, and down load the app before you go. It is a great experience and fun. We stopped for lunch at a excellent fish place near the ocean. We took the dogs and enjoyed walking them at some of the locations. We wanted a vacation day where we could take the dogs and this was it!”

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4.San Diego Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Travel from Los Angeles to San Diego with a private driver and your group of up to four. Visit Old Town, Coronado Island, and Balboa Park, then drive past the USS Midway and Seaport Village. Vincent is noted for punctual pickup and flexible timing. Lunch and museum admission cost extra.

“Vincent was excellent , on time to pick up & even extended the hrs to complete our other tour activities in San Diego.”

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5.private tour to San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 12 hours

Join Yulia for a private San Diego day trip from Los Angeles for up to four people. Ride in a 2017 Toyota Prius, stop at La Jolla for possible seal sightings, and visit Old Town, Balboa Park, Downtown, Seaport Village, and Coronado. The route can be adjusted to suit your interests.

“Maravilhosa . Conheci a linda cidade de San Diego. Foram oito paradas e passeio em lindos e importantes lugares da cidade. A Guia Yulia é espetacular, atenciosa, prestativa e muito educada além de saber tudo da história de San Diego. É um tour imperdível. Recomendo muito.”

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