San Diego & Southern California Road Trip

Day 1–3: San Diego — Beachside Luxury & City Vibes  

Start with 3 nights in San Diego at either the iconic Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Beach or the bustling Pendry Gaslamp in downtown San Diego.  

For over a century, Hotel del Coronado has stood as the birthplace of the American beach vacation, where generations have celebrated life’s most cherished moments. Pendry is steps away from Padre’s Stadium (just 4 blocks!), the Chinese Historical Museum, and the heart of a lively district full of restaurants, bars, and events like flea markets, dog parades, and pub crawls. Don’t forget to ask your Travel Central advisor about scoring a $60 breakfast credit at Pendry!  

Enhance your city exploration with the Old Town Trolley Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour, featuring knowledgeable guides sharing fascinating local history and tips at every stop. Old Town is a great stop off the trolley, where we enjoyed visiting the oldest hacienda in San Diego and a Mexican lunch and margarita in the historic district. And make sure to make time to enjoy an afternoon at Balboa Park with 18 museums, botanical gardens, and a Mexican Art Market. 

Enjoy lunch or dinner on a Secret Food Tour: Our tour had a knowledgeable guide, and we enjoyed Gaslamp Lumpia, The Melt hamburger, a  Tiger eye matcha coconut espresso, Chuchy's California burrito and Centro Taco Baja fish taco.

Day 4–5: Temecula Valley — Wine Country Charm 
Drive about 60 miles (1 hour) north to Temecula Valley

Enjoy tasting bold reds and crisp whites at top wineries like Wilson Creek, Ponte Winery, and South Coast Winery.  Don't miss the Temucala Cable Car tour for the best and most unique winery tour in the Temecula wine country.  At Cable Car Wine Tours, you enjoy an immersive tour of local wineries while riding in a historic 1914, fully-restored cable car. For a special experience, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride for breathtaking vineyard views. Don’t miss the charming Old Town Temecula with its farm-to-table restaurants, such as The Goat & Vine.  

Day 6–7: Santa Barbara — Coastal Wine & Culture  
From Temecula, drive approximately 130 miles (2.5 to 3 hours) northwest to Santa Barbara.  

Spend 2 nights soaking up Santa Barbara’s coastal charm, exploring the vibrant Funk Zone’s tasting rooms and eateries, or venturing out to nearby wineries like Fess Parker and Sunstone. Stop by Solvang for a taste of Danish culture and wine tasting. Top dining includes The Lark for locally inspired dishes.

Consider staying at the Hotel Californian, which continues to redefine luxury in the celebrated American Riviera. The 121-room hotel in Santa Barbara is a magnet for the Hollywood elite, international visitors, and locals alike.

From Santa Barbara, you can either depart from the local airport or drive approximately 95 miles (1.5 to 2 hours) south back to Los Angeles International (LAX)

Why This Trip Works Anytime  

Southern California’s year-round mild weather means you’ll enjoy coastal walks, vineyard tours, and outdoor dining in every season. The relaxed pace with 3 nights in San Diego, 2 in Temecula, and 2 in Santa Barbara creates a perfect balance of city energy, wine country serenity, and sophisticated coastal culture.

Ready to Plan?  

Let your Travel Central advisor design the perfect itinerary filled with insider tips — from that exclusive Pendry breakfast credit to the best winery experiences and dining recommendations. Your ideal California wine escape is just a call or email away!