Sometimes you just want to get away—hop in the car, hit the highway, and leave everything behind (don’t worry, it’s just for a day or two). But as tempting as the open road sounds, it helps to have a plan. Consider distance, for one. Does a meandering cruise up the coast sound relaxing?
Or would you rather focus on the destination and not so much the journey? And how about the vibe? Is quaint and romantic what you’re hoping for, or is outdoor adventure more your thing?
We can help with that.
San Diego Magazine’s annual Road Trip Guide is your roadmap for success, and these destinations are some of our top picks for a quick trip, a weekend getaway, or an (almost) permanent vacation.
Load up the trunk, rev the engine, and let’s hit the road.
Ventura County Coast
175 miles / 2 hours, 40 minutes from San Diego
In search of a seaside getaway that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the Ventura County Coast. This family-friendly gem just north of Los Angeles encompasses the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, and Port Hueneme—all exceptional destinations filled with outdoor adventure and laid back beach town vibes.
The Ventura County Coast is known for gorgeous (and uncrowded) beaches with ample surf spots, opportunities for shopping ranging from premium outlets to local boutiques and thrift shops, and amazing eats throughout. And if nature is calling, visit nearby Channel Islands National Park and say hello to the adorable island foxes.
Oxnard
185 miles / 2 hours, 57 minutes from San Diego
Take a road trip north to Oxnard, a coastal city just beyond Malibu, where Highway 101 meets Pacific Coast Highway. A beat apart from city life, enjoy pristine beaches minus the crowds, ample opportunities to surf, kayak, and sail, and a bevy of popup markets—and don’t forget Oxnard is home to Dallas Cowboys Training Camp and the world headquarters for Drum Workshop. The city is also home to a thriving international food scene that includes its own “taco trail,” where diners can try the classics and new twists on traditional favorites. The city even has an official drink: the Oxnard Fresa Fizz, inspired by its vibrant agricultural legacy (Oxnard is the largest producer of strawberries).
Fun fact: Oxnard, aka “Boxnard,” is a hub for professional boxers and up-and-comers from around the country and is home to a major tournament that draws hundreds of competitors each year.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
443 miles / 7 hours, 3 minutes from San Diego
This idyllic European-style village off scenic Highway 1 is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Its eclectic charm is rooted in its history as an artist colony, and is most well-known for its fairytale cottages and secret passageways. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a foodie favorite, too. The village boasts more than 60 restaurants and 18 wine tasting rooms. Follow the Carmel Wine Walk mobile guide accessible for free on your smartphone. And don’t miss the sixth annual Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week from June 5 to June 13. Expect immersive experiences, curated menus, epicurean events in scenic and whimsical locations, and special offers at more than 30 restaurants.
Fun fact: Dirty Harry actor Clint Eastwood was mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea from 1986 to 1988.
Worth the Detour
Veer off the beaten path for these quirky finds.
Balboa Island
Stop in Newport Beach and take the ferry to this man-made island filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Balboa Island is known for its signature frozen bananas, so don’t miss out on the chance to cool off with this frosty treat.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Large, colorful dinos are the main attraction at this roadside gem. Snap a photo with the iconic Dinny the Dinosaur or his buddy Mr. Rex.
The Museum of Neon Art
This 44-year-old tribute to neon signage in Glendale is the only one of its kind in the country. It features signs from around Los Angeles, plus kinetic and contemporary art pieces.
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
In the last several years, there’s been a surge in FDA approvals for what’s known as oral oncolytics. Oral oncolytics are targeted cancer therapies that come in tablet, capsule or liquid form that patients can take at home, rather than in an infusion clinic. Scripps physicians have seen exponential growth using this approach, with patients citing convenience as a major quality-of-life enhancement in their cancer treatment. This approach also allows treatments to be customized based on specific genetic mutations and a patient’s unique disease biology. Find out more about oral oncolytics here.
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Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty practice specializing in urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.
Unio’s Radiation Oncology team—Dr. Donald B. Fuller, Dr. Tahir Ijaz, Dr. Reza Shirazi, and Dr. Siavosh Vakilian—combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to personalized cancer care. The RO team treats cancerous and non-cancerous conditions using precision therapies including SBRT, IGRT, and the CyberKnife® S7 System, the only system of its kind in Southern California. Their expertise spans prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and central nervous system cancers, as well as low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis.
In 2026, Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Vakilian were recognized as San Diego Top Doctors, joining Dr. Fuller and Dr. Ijaz, who have previously received this distinction.
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Fertility Center
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Susanna Park, MD; Sandy Chuan, MD; Brooke Friedman, MD; Said Daneshmand, MD; Valerie Flores, MD; Bryn Willson, MD
At San Diego Fertility Center, parenthood starts with personalized, cutting-edge care. Nationally recognized physicians offer individualized plans spanning IVF, PGT, egg donation, surrogacy, Gentle IVF, fertility preservation, and LGBTQ+ family building. Newsweek ranked them among America’s Best Fertility Clinics in 2026: top 6% of 450+ clinics nationwide, and best in San Diego.
“Remind yourself you are not alone! You don’t have to have all the answers before you walk through the door,” says Dr. Friedman. “Our job is to listen, explain your options, and guide you toward what makes sense for you. Because fertility care isn’t one-size-fits-all — and building your family should feel like your journey, supported every step of the way.”
Faces of Healthcare 2026: North County Cardiovascular Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At NCCS, both doctors take a personal, traditional approach to cardiovascular care. Patients speak directly with their physicians and build lasting relationships with doctors who know them.
“We became doctors to care for patients, not to run a business,” says Dr. Kabra, who trained in England and the United States and leads the practice’s office-based cardiac care. Dr. Rajamanickam, an interventional cardiologist trained under renowned Dr. Samin Sharma, shares the same philosophy.
Guided by evidence-based medicine, they tailor care to each patient’s unique history, physiology, lifestyle and goals. Both are respected, well-reviewed physicians and four-time Top Doctors.
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3142 Vista Way, Suite 206, Oceanside, CA 92056 760-224-7776
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups, At Neighborhood Healthcare, patients receive whole-person care, giving them access to the resources they need to live their best lives—whether that’s primary care, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, lab services, or pharmacy needs.
Neighborhood Healthcare is a private, non-profit community health organization in San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Primary Care Physician James H. Schultz, MD goes above and beyond in serving people with high integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. Alongside the entire Neighborhood Healthcare staff, he works to improve the health and happiness of the community, regardless of situation or circumstance.
