Most Scenic Road Trips in San Diego, United States

1. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)

Experience breathtaking ocean views along this iconic coastal route, stretching from Laguna Beach to Dana Point.

Ocean Views: Stunning Pacific Ocean vistas at every turn.
Beaches: Access to popular beaches like Laguna and Thousand Steps.
Scenic Spots: Iconic spots like Ladera Ranch Overlook and Crystal Cove State Park.

Discover hidden coves, quaint coastal towns, and beautiful parks along this scenic drive in Orange County.

Coastal Towns: Visit charming seaside towns like San Clemente, Dana Point, and Laguna Beach.
Scenic Coves: Explore secluded coves like Salt Creek Beach Park and Capistrano Bay.
Parks & Nature: Enjoy the beauty of parks such as San Onofre State Beach and Doheny State Beach.

Explore beautiful Palomar Mountain's forests, lakes, and scenic vistas on this rugged and picturesque drive.

Mountain Views: Breathtaking views of the Palomar Mountains.
Lakes & Reservoirs: Visit scenic lakes like Palomar Mountain Lake and Hidden Meadow Lake.
Wildlife & Flora: Spot wildlife and admire the diverse flora found on the mountain.

Travel through rolling hills, apple orchards, and historic gold rush towns on this scenic drive to Julian.

Historic Towns: Explore the charming Gold Rush-era town of Julian.
Apple Orchards: Visit apple orchards and sample fresh apple pies.
Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy the picturesque rolling hills and landscapes of the countryside.

Drive along coastal cliffs with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and visit historical sites like Camp Pendleton.

Coastal Cliffs: Enjoy breathtaking views from coastal cliffs.
Historical Sites: Visit historical sites such as Camp Pendleton and the historic town of Vista.
Scenic Viewpoints: Experience scenic viewpoints like Seabird Reservation and Ocean View Park.

Drive through the rugged beauty of the Cleveland National Forest and discover Mount Laguna's scenic vistas and charming village.

Mountain Vistas: Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain range.
Cleveland National Forest: Explore the diverse ecosystems of Cleveland National Forest.
Charming Village: Discover the quaint village of Mount Laguna and its local shops.

Drive through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and discover unique desert landscapes, wildlife, and sculptures.

Desert Landscapes: Explore the unique desert landscape of Anza-Borrego.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot bighorn sheep, kit foxes, and other desert wildlife.
Giant Sculptures: Marvel at the impressive Borrego Springs Galleta Meadows sculptures.

Experience beautiful vistas, historic missions, and native American culture on this scenic drive.

Historic Missions: Visit historic missions like San Luis Rey de Francia and San Diego de Alcalá.
Native American Culture: Learn about local native American culture at the Museum of Man.
Scenic Vistas: Enjoy scenic vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Drive through beautiful canyons, rolling hills, and vineyards on this scenic route from San Diego to Jamul.

Experience the majestic views of Mount Palomar, vineyards, and small towns on this picturesque drive.

Drive through the beautiful Cleveland National Forest to the summit of Volcan Mountain for panoramic views.

Mountain Vistas: Experience breathtaking panoramic mountain vistas.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot wildlife such as deer, bears, and mountain lions.
Flora & Fauna: Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the Cleveland National Forest.

Drive through rolling hills, farmland, and horse country on this scenic route from Bonsall to Oceanside.

Hills & Valleys: Drive through picturesque rolling hills and valleys.
Farmland & Horse Country: Enjoy views of farmland, horse ranches, and vineyards.
Scenic Viewpoints: Experience scenic viewpoints like the Bonsall Sky Ranch and San Luis Rey River.

Drive along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway and enjoy stunning views of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Ocean Views: Enjoy breathtaking ocean views.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Visit the scenic Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Cliffside Views: Experience dramatic cliffside views along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Drive through beautiful canyons, forests, and mountains on this scenic route from Jamul to Alpine.

Canyon Views: Enjoy stunning views of the canyons.
Forests & Mountains: Drive through beautiful forests and mountains.
Scenic Viewpoints: Experience scenic viewpoints like Lake Cuyamaca and the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Drive through rolling hills, vineyards, and canyons on this scenic route from Escondido to Lake Hodges.