Updated April 8, 2026
San Diego is my favorite place on earth so I’m thrilled to share all it has to offer with you.
Actual San Diego is a full two hours from Anaheim, California, but there are fun stops along the way.
Let’s take a look at all there is to see.
Oceanside
My hometown!
Look for both a pier and harbor with plenty to do at both along with so much more.
This post details everything you need to know.
Don’t miss Sea Lion Island! Here’s a peek.
Carlsbad
I walk Carlsbad 4-5 days a week! It’s a great town with the cutest village north far from the beach.
Here’s all about it.
Encinitas
Encinitas is about 90 minutes south of Disneyland. It’s a great spot to consider if you’re visiting Legoland or are en route to San Diego from Anaheim.
Park at Moonlight Beach for free and wander the entire area on foot. The beach includes a nice snack shop or you can walk to the 101 for lots of shopping and dining.
To see a good amount of this cute town, walk from Moonlight Beach to C Street and check out Dave’s Rock Garden. From it, proceed to the 101 and head south. This will take you through all the shops and restaurants. Take a right on W K Street to find the Self Realization Meditation Gardens. This is a free space to visit with amazing ocean views. There’s a restroom on site too. (Here’s a quick reel showing the gorgeous gardens.)
Take 3rd Street north all the way to Moonlight Beach to return to your car. On the way, you’ll see the famous Encinitas Boat Houses.
This reel shows highlights of Encinitas, as detailed above.
La Jolla
There’s no place like La Jolla.
This post details everything you need to know about our “jewel by the sea”.
Resources
- This post shares lots more info about San Diego, including where to stay, how to get around the zoo, etc etc.
- More day trip ideas can be found in this post.
- Looking for info on Los Angeles? Go here.
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