“Day-Tripping” listings
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ADOBE GUADALUPE
The Guadalupe Valley, which runs from Tecate to Ensenada, is Mexico’s equivalent of California’s Napa Valley. At this winery, you can sample award-winning vintages and ride horses among the grape vines. Bring your passport. (05/2010)
79 miles southeast of San Diego • Guadalupe, Baja California, MX
646-155-2094
adobeguadalupe.com -
BORREGO SPRINGS, CA
A peaceful village completely surrounded by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs is where visitors marvel at the play of light on the hills by day and gaze at a zillion stars by night. (11/2008)
85 miles northeast of San Diego
www.borrego...chamber.com -
CORONADO, CA
Although it's just across San Diego Bay, this small beach city with an island feel is worth an overnight stay, especially at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. Quaint houses, beautiful beaches, upscale boutiques and restaurants provide the perfect getaway. (09/2008)
5 miles southwest of San Diego
619-437-8788 -
ROSARITO BEACH
Whether you're looking to party in the discos or seeking a secluded romantic getaway, the seaside town of Rosarito Beach will put you in the Mexico mood. Miles of beaches and shopping galore are just a scenic drive away. (08/2008)
40 miles south of San Diego In Baja California, Mexico
www.rosarito.org -
LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Stretching from picturesque beach coves up scenic hillsides, this relaxed town is an artist's paradise. Stop by a few galleries, and don't miss its summerlong Festival of the Arts. (07/2008)
73 miles north of San Diego
800-877-1115
www.lagunabeachinfo.com -
CATALINA ISLAND, CA
With its rugged beauty set in azure waters, Catalina calls to everyone. From the shops and restaurants in the charming town of Avalon to the wild interior-a protected natural refuge-this is the perfect place to catch island fever. (06/2008)
Ferry departs from Dana Point, 66 miles north of San Diego
www.catalinachamber.com -
LAGUNA MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA
Follow I-8 east to the scenic Sunrise Highway, which climbs to 6,000 feet above sea level. Then hike, mountain bike, camp or stargaze on this forested peak, which offers tranquility, aweinspiring views and fresh, clean air. (05/2008)
47 miles northeast of San Diego
619-473-8547
www.lmva.org -
OCEANVIEW MINE
Spend the day finding glittering stones such as quartz, aquamarine and morganite at this genuine working mine in the scenic hills of Pala. Best of all, you get to keep your finds. The mine is open every Sunday; visit the website to make a reservation. (04/2008)
52 miles north of San Diego
760-415-9143
www.digforgems.com -
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Every March, great flocks of cliff swallows return from Argentina to nest at the historic mission in this charming town on the southern coast of Orange County. Visitors will enjoy the lush valley location, historic buildings, shops, galleries and restaurants. (03/2008)
65 miles north of San Diego
www.sanjuancapistrano.net -
ANZA BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK
At more than 600,000 acres, California's largest state park encompasses 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails to provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the California Desert and its wildlife. February is the start of wildflower season. (02/2008)
85 northeast of San Diego • 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA
760-767-5311
www.parks.ca.gov -
PALM SPRINGS
This once-faded mountain-rimmed desert oasis has been regaining its luster in a big way. Reborn as a hip, casual resort town, its trendy restaurants, art galleries and boutiques are interspersed with just enough tourist kitsch to keep it real. (01/2008)
140 miles northwest of San Diego
800-347-7746
www.palm-springs.org -
TEMECULA, CA
Temecula is the heart of the region's wine country, with 28 wineries just waiting for you to sample their wares. When you've had enough viticulture, browse the quaint shops lining the Old Town's wooden boardwalk. (12/2007)
60 miles from San Diego
888-363-2852
www.temeculacvb.com
