San Diego, California — Several affordable road trips within a day’s drive of San Diego offer spring break escapes for San Diego State University students and Southern California travelers.
With thousands of students living near the SDSU campus, nearby destinations across Southern California and the Southwest provide travel opportunities that often require little more than a few hours behind the wheel, according to regional tourism agencies.
One of the most popular drives heads east to Joshua Tree National Park, known for its desert rock formations, hiking trails and wide-open night skies that attract visitors year-round.
Students also frequently travel north to Laguna Beach, where coastal trails, tide pools and public beaches offer scenic views along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Another common getaway is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park. Visitors explore desert wildflower fields, slot canyons and scenic overlooks throughout the Colorado Desert landscape.
Travelers looking for a unique island destination often take the ferry to Catalina Island, where Avalon’s waterfront streets, hiking trails and snorkeling areas create a resort-style escape just off the Southern California coast.
Farther north, Palm Springs draws visitors with desert scenery, mid-century architecture and nearby hiking areas within the San Jacinto Mountains.
San Diego’s location along the Pacific Coast and near major interstate routes places deserts, beaches and mountain landscapes within reach of a manageable road trip.
For younger travelers and college students managing tight budgets, these destinations provide opportunities to explore Southern California while staying within driving distance of the San Diego State campus.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us.
