Most cross-American trips only last a week, and in that time you can’t hope to drive through all the scenic sites in the US. There’s beauty in every direction in California, and in just a short drive from Los Angeles to San Diego, you can experience it in a variety of settings and in a short span of time. If you’re looking for a trip that’s just as rewarding as it is brief, this route is perfect for you.

The 140-mile road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego takes 2 hours 20 minutes. The trip’s signature stops include the coastal hubs of Escondido and Santa Monica, as well as Disneyland and Crystal Cove State Park.

Distance and Drive Time

“If you want to make it to San Diego in one day, make sure to think about what you’ll do when you get there. When you start in Downtown Los Angeles, the distance between LA and San Diego is 118 miles. That means at least one hour and fifty minutes of non-stop, no traffic driving to get there, and it would be the same on the way back.”

How far is San Diego from Los Angeles and how long will the road trip take?

The endless sand dunes that stretch the expanse of the coastline are one of the most popular attractions for beach lovers in all of the States, so expect to be sitting in traffic around San Diego and Los Angeles if you are traveling during the weekend or in the holiday season. What makes it worse is that there are a lot of people making these trips as well, which means that waiting times at the border for customs, as well as those at gas stations, or those from those

How long of a drive is it from Los Angeles to San Diego?

People may want to drive between Los Angeles and San Diego on Highway 1, but not during the weekends. With the 124-mile drive taking 3 hours, it’s great for getting in some time on the beach in San Diego, but it will take an additional 3 hours between delays and making short visits in Downtown Los Angeles. If you want to make the most of your time, avoid the weekend.

How far is Disney from San Diego?

Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth, is a magical escape from the dreary, hot, and cold days that Southern California is notorious for. Sitting in the Southern California community of Anaheim, Disneyland is 95 miles north of downtown San Diego. Commuting will vary depending on the time and day, but a conservative estimate is about an hour and forty-five minutes from downtown.

Best time to go on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego

Each season has its advantages to be considered for a road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. To start with, you won’t be able to take advantage of the beaches nor the forests, nor the winter sun on your skin, on this route – on top of San Diego’s weather being cold and rainy this time of year, you’ll be kicking yourself for not buying a hoodie. The summer months are also really hot, and this could make driving even more difficult. Fall is usually the nicest season for this drive – San Diego.

You’ll always be glad you moved to San Diego when summer rolls around. Though it can get pretty hot in the LA area, the temperatures in San Diego are significantly more pleasant. Keep in mind that the June fog can sometimes limit how much sun you get, but that just makes the day that much more tolerable. What’s better than being in a comfortable climate in the middle of summer? Add that to the fact that the tourists clear out and the hotel prices drop significantly and it makes sense

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