Road Trip
San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA Road Trip — Best Stops Along the Way
The best attractions, restaurants, and scenic stops between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA. 120 mi, approximately 1 hour 59 mins of driving. Real drive times, real ratings, real photos.
120 mi · 1 hour 59 mins drive · 12 stops found
12 stops along the way
Pretend City Children's Museum
Irvine, CA 92618
Lion Fountain
Irvine, CA 92618
Irvine Spectrum Center Carousel
Irvine, CA 92618
Pirate Tower
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Lake Forest Heritage Hill Historic Park
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Parasol Park (Private Park)
Irvine, CA 92618
Great Park
Irvine, CA 92618
Crystal Cove State Park
USA
Crystal Cove State Park Tunnel
CA 92651, USA
Top of the World
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Temple of the Forbidden Eye
31 Royal Street, Anaheim
Pixar Pier
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim
Where to stay:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA?
The drive from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is 120 mi, taking approximately 1 hour 59 mins without stops. With stops for food, gas, and sightseeing, plan for a full day.
What are the best stops between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
The best stops include scenic overlooks, state parks, historic towns, and local restaurants along the route. Check the stop cards above for top-rated options with real drive times and ratings from Google.
Is the San Diego to Los Angeles drive scenic?
Yes. The route between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA passes through several interesting areas. The stops listed above highlight the best scenic, cultural, and food destinations along the way.
Should I make the San Diego to Los Angeles trip a road trip or just drive straight through?
We recommend making it a road trip. The stops between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA are worth the detour. Most add less than 30 minutes to your total drive and offer experiences you won't find at highway rest stops.
Don't know where to go?
Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.
Surprise me