Food destinations within easy reach of San Diego. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.

Worth the trip

Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico) ★ 4.6

20 miles south of downtown, 30-45 min by trolley plus taxiBlue Line trolley from Santa Fe Depot to San Ysidro, walk across the border, taxi to Avenida Revolucion or Telefonica Gastro Park

Famous for: Tijuana-style tacos, Telefonica Gastro Park, Cesar salad at Caesar's, mariscos counters

Tijuana, Mexico, a 30-minute trolley-and-walk day trip from downtown San Diego for trompo tacos, Telefonica Gastro Park food trucks and the original Caesar salad.

Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico)

Valle de Guadalupe (Baja Wine Country) ★ 4.7

100 miles south, 2.5 hours by car (border-crossing time variable)Drive south on I-5 to San Ysidro, cross to Tijuana, then west on Mex 1 to Ensenada and east to the valley

Famous for: Boutique Mexican wines, Finca Altozano with chef Javier Plascencia, Adobe Guadalupe estate tastings

Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, the wine valley two and a half hours south of San Diego with 70 percent of Mexico's wine and Finca Altozano lunches.

Valle de Guadalupe (Baja Wine Country)

Temecula Valley Wine Country ★ 4.3

60 miles north, 1 hour by carNorth on I-15 to Rancho California Road exit, then east into the wine country trails

Famous for: Nearly 50 wineries on Rancho California Road, Calle Contento and De Portola Road, Frangipani and Wilson Creek tasting rooms

Temecula Valley wine country north of San Diego, a one-hour drive into nearly 50 boutique wineries with tasting rooms on Rancho California Road and beyond.

Temecula Valley Wine Country

Julian (Apple Country) ★ 4.4

60 miles east, 1 hour 15 min by carEast on I-8 to CA-79 north through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park to Julian Main Street

Famous for: Apple pie at Julian Pie Company and Mom's Pie House, apple cider, mountain-town diner breakfasts

Julian apple country an hour east of San Diego, the 1870s mining town serving Bumbleberry and Ruby pies at Mom's Pie House and the Julian Pie Company on Main Street.

Julian (Apple Country)

Encinitas and the North County Coast ★ 4.4

25 miles north, 35 min by car or Coaster trainCoaster train from Santa Fe Depot to Encinitas station, walk Coast Highway 101 north and south

Famous for: Pannikin Coffee in a historic railway depot, Lofty Coffee brunch, Carlsbad Strawberry Company U-pick (Feb-Jul)

Encinitas and the North County Coast 25 miles up the train line from downtown San Diego, with Pannikin Coffee, Lofty Coffee brunch and Carlsbad Strawberry U-pick fields.

Encinitas and the North County Coast

Coronado Island ★ 4.4

5 miles west across the bay, 10 min by ferry from Broadway PierCoronado Ferry from Broadway Pier or bridge by car

Famous for: Clayton's 1939 diner counter, Tartine European cafe and bistro, special-occasion brunches in the Crown Room at Hotel del Coronado

Coronado Island a ten-minute ferry across San Diego Bay, with Clayton's 1939 diner, Tartine on First Street and special-occasion brunches in the restored Crown Room at the Hotel del Coronado.

Coronado Island

Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert ★ 3.9

70 miles east, 1 hour 45 min by carEast on I-8 to Hwy 79 north, then S-2 north to S-22 into Borrego Springs

Famous for: Carlee's Place patio dining, Pablito's Mexican Bar and Grill for lunch, Bighorn Fudge Company for dessert, Galleta Meadows sculptures

Borrego Springs in the Anza-Borrego Desert two hours east of San Diego, a desert oasis with Carlee's Place, Pablito's Mexican and Galleta Meadows sculpture gardens.

Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert

Food Day Trips in San Diego, FAQ

When is the best time to eat in San Diego?

Peak food season in San Diego is year-round.

What time do people eat in San Diego?

Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.

How does tipping work in San Diego?

service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.

What is the one dish to try in San Diego?

Ask the next local you meet what they would order. San Diego rewards trust.

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