Day trip 2 hrs
San Diego
La Jolla, Balboa Park and the zoo. Also easy by Amtrak.
Driving times are estimates from Downtown LA; traffic and your starting point matter.
Area
- Area
- San Diego
- Drive from Downtown
- 120 min
- Price
- Free; Zoo $74
- Best time to go
- Year-round; leave before 7 am to beat the I-5
- With kids
- Zoo, Legoland and La Jolla Cove
- Parking tip
- Balboa Park free; beach $2–3/hr
Insider tips
- The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner runs along the coast: 2h45 with zero stress.
- The sea lions at La Jolla Cove are free and always home.
Insider tip
End the day in the lively Gaslamp Quarter.
