Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by Laura
Photo credit: ShutterstockWhile San Diego is home to 70 miles of stunning shoreline and some of the best surfing beaches in the world, it’s also a great jumping-off point to visit the best of Southern California—and beyond. Here are the most amazing road trips from San Diego.
Fabulous Road Trips from San Diego
Catalina Island
65 miles / 1 hr. 15 min., plus ferry
It’s just a short drive then a ferry ride to Catalina Island. From San Diego, take the 5 Freeway north to Pacific Coast Highway and head west to Dana Point, where a scenic ferry will transport you to this island paradise. Catalina is one of California’s eight channel islands and is known for spectacular wildlife viewing, incredible dive spots, and outdoor recreation like ziplining, glass-bottom boating, and hiking. The hour-long ferry ride is also an adventure: Keep an eye out for dolphins or even a whale. >>Recommended hotels on Catalina Island
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
84 miles / 1 hr. 50 min.
You’ll need your passport to take advantage of the proximity to the Mexican border. Drive down the Baja Peninsula to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. First, bypass the busy Tijuana crossing and head east to Tecate. From there, you can pick up Highway 3 to get to Valle de Guadalupe. While most associate Mexico with cerveza, tequila, and mezcal, the coastal Baja soil is surprisingly well suited for wine making. Most of the region’s wineries, hotels, and restaurants are along Highway 3, known locally as “la Ruta del Vino.” Visit vineyards and tasting rooms and sample Malbec, Grenache, Syrah, and Tempranillo varietals, then check out chef-driven restaurants that elevate Mexican food to new levels.
Palm Springs
126 miles / 2 hrs.
From San Diego, take I-15 N and I-10 E to CA-111 and, with smooth traffic, you’ll reach Palm Springs in approximately two hours. Thanks to all its stylish hotels, vintage boutiques, golf courses, and luxurious spas, this resort city has long attracted a posh crowd. But there’s more to do than indulging when you’re in Palm Springs. Adventure-seekers will also get a thrill. Take a tram through Chino Canyon, rent an ATV and cruise through the desert plains, go horseback riding through the palm trees, or hike Mount Jacinto for incredible vistas. >> Recommended hotels in Palm Springs
Santa Barbara
134 miles / 2 hrs. 15 min.
Take a scenic drive north from San Diego along the coast, following I-5 N, CA-73 N, and I-405 N to beautiful Santa Barbara. This gem of a city along California’s coast is the ideal road trip destination for travelers seeking a small town with worldly charms. Come for the palm tree-lined streets, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, botanical gardens, and picture-perfect beaches; stay for the world-class food-and-wine scene. >> Recommended hotels in Santa Barbara
Big Bear Lake
145 miles / 3 hrs.
From San Diego, take I-15 N and I-215 N to CA-330 N in San Bernardino. In just three hours, you’ll reach Big Bear Lake in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. It’s a four-season resort town, so you’re guaranteed to have fantastic outdoor adventures any time of the year. Think excellent fishing, hiking, and mountain biking when the weather is warm, plus snowboarding and skiing in winter. There’s also an attractive downtown with shops and restaurants open year-round.
Related:
- The Best Hotel Pools in San Diego
- The Best Hotels in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
- Can You Drive a Rental Car into Mexico?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I document pre-existing damage to the rental car?
Take all necessary documentation with you, including photos. You can ask the agent for assistance if the damage is not obvious. You may need to pay extra for an inspection if there is any damage.
Are there automatic transmissions in Europe for rental cars?
Yes. The reason rental agencies won't rent vehicles without an auto transmission is that they are expensive to repair if you drive them around. It would cost too much to replace all of those parts each time you drove off with scratches on the bodywork.
Rent a car in Europe with an automatic transmission.
Can my car policy cover me for renting cars in foreign countries
Insurance companies are increasingly covering rentals in other countries as their overall policy coverage. If you rent a car through Hertz Europe, for example, you might be covered for any damage or losses that occur while the vehicle is being rented. Mexico is no different. You may also be eligible for waivers from liability or collision damages. These policies are available to you through your agent.
What documents is required to drive around Europe?
All the necessary documentation must be available for each country that you visit. This includes passports, visa requirements as well as customs clearance and tax information.
Also, copies of your passport, driving record, and insurance policy are required. It will be necessary to have your insurance policy cover you when driving in Europe.
In some countries you might also need proof of ownership. This includes registration papers or a bill of sale.
Some countries require that drivers have a valid driver's licence from their home country.
Statistics
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
- If you're a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
External Links
alamo.com
- Cheap Car Rental in the U.S., Latin America & More - Alamo Rent a Car
- Alamo Insiders – Alamo rent a car
avis.com
kayak.com
enterprise.com
How To
What to consider when booking a rental car
What are the things you should consider before renting a car?
The following points must be considered if you want to book a rental car:
- There are many options for cars: small, medium, large and minivans.
- Prices vary depending on the vehicle. For small vehicles and compact cars, it starts at $15 per hour. Larger vehicles will cost more.
- Additional charges, such as mileage fees, will be added to the daily rental price.
- If you rent out your vehicle, you will be charged extra fees.
- Renting a car lets you travel at any hour of your choosing. This option has its limitations. You cannot rent your car during rush hour.
- You should ensure that the car you choose is within your budget. Make sure the car has air conditioning. This is especially useful during hot weather.
- You should reserve a car that you require well in advance if you have a particular type of vehicle. It is not uncommon for people to realize they need a car at the last minute.
- Safety features come standard in all rental cars. However, carrying a first aid kit and a blanket in an emergency is still advisable.
- You might consider adding a collision damages waiver to your rental. It is optional but it can save you money on your insurance.
- Special needs can be requested during your booking process and upon your arrival, if you have any special needs.
- Take your luggage and your ID with you to the airport.
- While driving, make sure you stay alert. Concentrate on your driving and avoid distractions.
- If you are involved in an auto accident, immediately contact the police.
- You must turn the car in after you are done with it. You will be fined if you do not.
https://rentacar24.org/rent-a-car-europe/the-best-road-trips-from-san-diego/
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