Three of our favorite summer destinations are just a car ride away Gone are the days of stuffing a backpack with snacks and whatever’s clean, hopping in the car, and following the open road with nothing but our hearts and a printed-out sheet of Mountain Dew-stained Mapquest directions as our guide. Now that we’re adultier […]
Three of our favorite summer destinations are just a car ride away
Gone are the days of stuffing a backpack with snacks and whatever’s clean, hopping in the car, and following the open road with nothing but our hearts and a printed-out sheet of Mountain Dew-stained Mapquest directions as our guide. Now that we’re adultier adults, we plan.
The great state of California is filled with highways and byways that lead to the destination you’ve been dreaming of—even if you’re not quite sure what that is yet. Don’t worry, we can help with that. Consider distance, for one. A long leisurely drive up the coast sounds relaxing, adventurous, even romantic—unless you’re riding in an SUV filled with kids asking the age-old question: “Are we there yet?”
Our 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 a stretched-out summer sojourn.
Load up the trunk, rev the engine, and let’s hit the road.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Let sparks fly in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This idyllic village off Pacific Coast Highway along the Central Coast has been rated the third best city for romance in the world (after only Venice and Paris) by Travel & Leisure. After a picturesque drive along Carmel’s Scenic Road, you’ll be treated to one-of-a-kind experiences, cozy stays, and amazing food (there are more than 60 restaurants in the one-square-mile village). And don’t miss the eclectic art, shopping, and live theater—all within walking distance. Wine lovers will appreciate Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 18 wineries and tasting rooms, plus a self-guided wine walk mobile guide accessible for free on your smartphone.
Conejo Valley
In search of an inland adventure? Look no further than the Conejo Valley. Around 3 ½ hours from San Diego and just a short drive from LA, this hidden retreat offers the ideal mix of outdoor beauty and relaxation—without the crowds. Hikers and bikers will appreciate the region’s scenic trails along rolling hills, breathtaking views of the sweeping valley, and fresh air. After a day on the trails, taste your way through the Conejo Valley’s diverse dining scene. Keep an eye out for special events during your stay, like fun community events, concerts, and local theater productions. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or savoring local flavors, your perfect getaway starts here.
Ventura
Even sunny San Diego can get old after a while. Cruise up the coast and experience an affordable beach vacation in Ventura, where you don’t have to break the bank for an ocean view. This hidden gem just north of Los Angeles is known for amazing surf spots perfect for surfers of all levels. There’s even a protected beach that’s gentle enough for the smallest of swimmers. Find hidden treasures thrifting in Ventura’s charming downtown area, and if adventure is calling, visit the Channel Islands National Park and say hello to the adorable island foxes.
Don’t Forget to Bring …
Entertainment—A rocking playlist or intriguing podcast can make the hours on the road fly by. Just don’t get so into it you miss your exit.
Chargers—Make sure you have a charger that works with all of your devices and works in the car. We cannot stress this enough, check this in advance. You don’t want to get stuck without access to maps or able to make an emergency call.
A map—Your internet connection may get spotty. It helps to have a backup way to get around.
Snacks and drinks—Save your hard-earned dollars and avoid convenience store grub by packing a cooler with snacks and drinks from home. Bonus points if they’re somewhat healthy.
Car maintenance kit—Probably not the most fun part of road trip planning, but you’ll thank us later if you happen to get a flat tire or need a jump.
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.
At any given time, there are roughly 200 research investigations and clinical trials being conducted at Scripps Health in as many as 25 medical specialties. Research and patient care go hand-in-hand at Scripps. Those studies can be categorized as clinical trials of a medication or device that are conducted by Scripps physicians and studies designed by Scripps’ physicians and clinicians. Click here to learn about three exciting studies underway at Scripps and the benefits to patients.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Scripps has recently unveiled new features in the MyScripps patient portal and mobile app to help patients connect with their primary care team and simplify the payment process. Among the recent updates is the addition of primary care E-visits for minor conditions. Patients who have an established primary care physician can schedule an E-visit, complete an online questionnaire and, if needed, send a photo. Their doctor can then advise and prescribe medication, when appropriate. Autopay is also now available through MyScripps. Patients can enable or disable autopay, allowing them to more easily manage payments. Learn more about MyScripps and how it helps patients stay connected here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Farrah Adams had a persistent dull ache in her lower back that her massage therapist suggested might be caused by the way she sat or drove. That explanation seemed reasonable, but when coupled with heavy, painful periods led the then 46-year-old to seek answers. When she looks back on it now, she’s beyond grateful she trusted her gut. She made an appointment with a Scripps OB-GYN, who determined she had Stage 3 cervical cancer that had spread to several lymph nodes. Farrah was overwhelmed, but immediately found a “champion” in Scripps Clinic gynecologic oncologist Jo Marie Tran Janco, MD. After undergoing successful treatment at Scripps Cancer Center, Farrah is now using her story to inspire other women to make time for care. Read more of her story here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
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.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
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.
