Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert ★ 3.9
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.
More food day trips in San Diego
Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico) ★ 4.6
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.
Valle de Guadalupe (Baja Wine Country) ★ 4.7
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.
Temecula Valley Wine Country ★ 4.3
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.
Julian (Apple Country) ★ 4.4
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.
Encinitas and the North County Coast ★ 4.4
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.