• START HERE!
    • ABOUT CARLY
    • CONTACT
  • FASHION
  • BODY POSITIVITY
  • GIRL POWER
  • SD LIFE
  • DISNEY
  • SHOP MY INSTAGRAM
  • SHOP MY FAVES
  • HOLIDAY

Lipgloss and Crayons

San Diego

Road Trips from San Diego for Families

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website. This post may also contain items gifted for consideration.

Got a couple days and a car? These are some of the best road trips from San Diego for families….and they’re all under 250 miles! 

This post is written in partnership with Fuel Rewards® at Shell.


Got a couple days and a car? These are some of the best road trips from San Diego for families….and they’re all under 250 miles! 

It’s the year of the road trip. More than ever, we’re using our cars for travel (we even just drove from San Diego all the way to San Francisco…..that was an EPIC road trip). And honestly? I think that travel is changed permanently. And the upside? We have this amazing opportunity to shop local, eat local, and to support local travel destinations we might have otherwise overlooked. 

This is a mini-guide to some of our favorite road trips from San Diego for families (or from Southern California in general). These are all easily drivable in a day (and not the ENTIRE day) and have great activities for kids and adults.

Road Trips from San Diego For Families

Let’s start with a general road trip tip. Before you hit the road? Sign up for Fuel Rewards® at Shell. Trust me, this will take under five minutes and you’ll thank me later. What is it? A free rewards program from Shell that helps you get a discount at the pump AND to earn rewards a ton of other ways at and away from home. 

Got a couple days and a car? These are some of the best road trips from San Diego for families….and they’re all under 250 miles! 

How does it work? All new to sign up Fuel Rewards® members get automatic Gold Status for the first six months of their membership (which means you’ll be earning 5 cents per gallon off every fill-up for up to 20 gallons). After that? You can qualify to keep that Gold Status by filling up (at least 5 gallons of gas) 6 times or more during the following 3 months. So if you’re road tripping? Pretty much guaranteed. 

And as if that fill up at the tank bonus isn’t enough? There are tons of other ways to earn rewards including dining (you can earn 10 cents per gallon for every $40 spent at participating restaurants), the online shopping we are all inevitably doing this time of year (you can earn at least 5 cents per gallon for every $50 you spend shopping online with certain brands), and just in case you are not driving your own car? You can earn up to 25% off base rates and earn 10 cent per gallon for every $50 you spend on rental cars!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FUEL REWARDS® 

Road Trips from San Diego: Big Bear

Big Bear: Looking for snow and mountains? Then Big Bear is your best bet.  It can be especially popular during the winter months because everyone wants a weekend in the snow…..but we also love it in the spring months or even during the summer for lake swimming access.  A few of our favorites? Alpine Zoo is a great year round activity and they share a ton about their wildlife rescue program.  The Teddy Bear Restaurant opened in 1944 and they serve some of the best apple pie I’ve ever had (they’re located in Big Bear Village).  And for coffee? Amangela’s (also in Big Bear Village) is AMAZING.

Road Trips from San Diego: Santa Monica

Los Angeles and Santa Monica: Sun, beach and a ton to do? LA is your best bet.  From the beaches in Santa Monica to hiking to the Hollywood sign, there is a TON to do.  A few of my favorites for kids as someone who lived in LA for 15 years? Main Street in Santa Monica, an afternoon exploring the Santa Monica pier, a movie at El Capitan theatre in Hollywood, and a visit to LACMA (it’s such a great family friendly museum and you can also visit the La Brea Tar Pits while there).

Santa Barbara: From great wine tasting to picturesque beaches…..Santa Barbara has it all.  I went to college there, and it’s truly a magical place.  Perfect for family vacations.  Santa Barbara has a small town feel, and really is a classic California beach town.  The zoo is a ton of fun, and State Street is perfect for an afternoon of exploring (be sure to check out the Santa Barbara Mission too)!

Road Trips from San Diego: Disneyland

Disneyland: I mean, I had to right? Disneyland is a must visit on any Road Trips from San Diego for families list I could make.  Even if it’s closed, Downtown Disney is still a ton of fun.  I’d suggest at least a full weekend for visiting the park, and locals? You can always do a one night staycation.  Yes, it is close enough from San Diego for a day trip……but I’m not a fan of the late night drive back.  My favorite Downtown Disney dining? Jazz Kitchen is a super fun and unique experience!

Road Trips from San Diego: Orange County

Huntington Beach: We recently did a weekend long stay in Huntington Beach  and it was really the ideal distance for a local road trip.  The drive was under two hours, but it truly felt like we were getting away.  I loved staying right on the water, and there were a ton of great family friendly resort options.  If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend close to home…….this is a great choice!

 Palm Springs: Love a vintage kitchy vibe? Palm Springs is a color lovers DREAM.  It’s a ton of fun to visit and explore.  It’s perfect for resort stays and great pools.  Palm Springs has great private homes to rent as well, and can be perfect for a short getaway!

Road Trips from San Diego: Legoland

Carlsbad and Legoland: On the hunt for a one day trip? Legoland is perfect for an afternoon and a super short drive.  It’s small enough for younger kids and has great rides for the older ones.  I love that it’s about twenty to thirty minutes from most parts of San Diego.

The Best Roadtrips in Southern California

Are you a Southern California local? Which of these Road Trips from San Diego is your favorite?

1 Comment

Subscribe to L&C Weekly!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Jennifer Atienza says

    December 1, 2020 at 11:02 pm

    Our favorite road trip is going to Oxnard Shores. I think its a hidden gem location. The beach is not over crowded and it’s clean.

    Reply
Previous Holiday Sale Guide: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday
Next Easy Screen Free Activities: KiwiCo Boxes

Related Posts

Moving Tips: Your Feedback

Julian California: A San Diego Day Trip

The Best Pool Toys for Kids

The Best Coffee Shops in San Diego

Primary Sidebar

Search

NEW? START HERE

DISCLAIMER

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

❤️We have everything ready for when our kids a ❤️We have everything ready for when our kids are sick…..but tell the truth, what about when YOU'RE not feeling your best?❤️⠀
⠀
🧡<Sponsored by Avrio Health> Let’s be honest, this normally falls to the wayside, am I right?  As parents, we tend to be way more prepared for our kids' sick days than our own. ⠀
⠀
💛This year, I’m committing to being AS PREPARED to take care of myself as I am to take care of Lydia (reminder moms, these aren’t mutually exclusive….taking care of YOURSELF is important too). I always keep “sick day supplies” on hand for Lydia and this year I'm finally making myself a priority too. ⠀
⠀
💚In my "Sick Day" Kit:⠀
1️⃣Orange Juice:  If I start to feel sick…..Vitamin C filled juice is first up!⠀
2️⃣ @Betadine_us Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle: This fast-acting gargle temporarily relieves occasional sore throat. I stocked up on this! You can #UpYourGargleGame by buying it at Walgreens or from Amazon! Betadine Gargle should be used as directed for adults and children 12 years and older. See product labeling for directions and warnings. ⠀
3️⃣Heating Pad: Sore muscles? Slept poorly? All of these things tend to come along with sick days and a heating pad is a must have.⠀
4️⃣Ice Packs: I started stocking extra ice packs in our freezer in case of headaches.⠀
5️⃣Soup: Tummy trouble? Better to have soup on hand for when I need it.⠀
⠀
💙What do you keep in the house for sick days?⠀
Watch out for that glass ladies……it’s everyw Watch out for that glass ladies……it’s everywhere!

To broken glass ceilings, rebuilding our nation, and starting the journey of 1000 miles with a single step.

Joy cometh in the morning.
📣How are you using your Influence?📣⠀
⠀
💛I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. We ALL have influence…..on this app, in our church pews, on our personal social media, in our private conversations, talking from 6 feet apart to our neighbors, in the way we address conflicting viewpoints (note to self on this one), over our children and our students.  To be in community with others is to have influence.  How are we each using it? ⠀
⠀
💛This lady? We’re talking all about Inspiration this month and she’s one of mine.  At 75 years old (happy birthday Dolly), not only is she one of THE most successful recording artists…..but talk about using your influence.  From speaking up to say that Black Lives Matter to founding her Imagination Library which provides books to children worldwide…..this lady proactively uses her talent and influence to serve others.  May I do the same at the ripe age of 75.⠀
⠀
💛So what does that look like for me? Authentic conversation everywhere…..including here.  To be transparent, every time I’ve spoke up about basic human rights here in the last few years…….people leave our community. And that? Is just fine with me.  Because, what good is this community if I can't speak about the values that are a core part of who I am? Now? I want to do more. A foundation? Charity work? I’m not sure, but I can tell you…..I’m inspired and I hope you are too.  Change starts with us.⠀
⠀
💛(ps, if you want to support Dolly’s Imagination Library, a book is donated to it for every one of these sweatshirts sold….I include the info here for those of you on like to know it and in my profile for the rest of y’all).⠀
⠀
#troopselflove #happybirthdaydolly http://liketk.it/36mXv #liketkit @liketoknow.it #LTKSeasonal
📷 “Mom I want to do my OWN pictures. I picke 📷 “Mom I want to do my OWN pictures.  I picked out my favorite dress and shoes.  Can I do that when we take pictures?”📷⠀
⠀
✨Story time.  I rarely share pictures of Lydia by herself on here.  But this? Is a story of when my seven year old reminded me how to love myself.  We had plans to shoot a BUNCH of images at once, a batch shoot.  So as Lydia watched me planning outfits and get organized, she decided she wanted to do her own thing.  She picked an outfit and her favorite shoes. ⠀
⠀
✨And she did the darn thing.  This? She picked the angle and background.  And the joy? Look at the joy.  That’s not posed. ⠀
⠀
✨Somewhere along the way…..as tweens or teens or adults, we lose the joy.  The, I feel pretty and want to twirl in my dress joy.  We worry that our thighs are rubbing together or our hair looks weird, or that we should be wearing a darker color to minimize things.  And…..we’re missing the point.  Sometimes, you just need a dress you can twirl in with a smile on your face.⠀
⠀
✨Thanks Lydia. ⠀
⠀
#troopselflove ⠀
💕 Here’s your reminder that you are never:⠀ 💕 Here’s your reminder that you are never:⠀
-too curvy ⠀
-too old⠀
-too late⠀
-too busy being a mom⠀
⠀
To celebrate yourself! 💕⠀
⠀
These photos are something I told myself a million times I wanted to take.  And something I told myself a million times I shouldn’t.  Here’s to the millionth time plus one.  A 41 year old curvy mom.  Yup, thick thighs and all.  And I’m so proud of how they turned out.⠀
⠀
#troopselflove
⁉️Two Truths and a Lie (can you guess which is ⁉️Two Truths and a Lie (can you guess which is the lie?)⁉️⠀
1️⃣2021 is the year we’re committing to taking multivitamins daily⠀
2️⃣Lydia is a picky eater⠀
3️⃣Multivitamins are a quick fix⠀
⠀
💛 #ritualpartner Did you guess which was the lie?⠀
⠀
💛You guys know I’m allllll about simple lifestyle adjustments that make change over time instead of big, hard to maintain resolutions. And one of the best adjustments we’ve made? I’m not even sure it counts as a New Year’s adjustment because we actually started in December........we’ve FINALLY committed to taking @ritual multivitamins each day. Will this be an overnight game changer? Nope. But it will be an important simple change that will support our health in the long run. And I’m here for it.⠀
⠀
💛Since we love a mommy and me vibe, I was excited when I ordered my first bottle of Ritual⠀
multivitamins and discovered that.....they have kids products now! Like all Ritual products, the⠀
new kids vitamins are sugar free, gluten free and non-gmo.....but unlike the adult version,⠀
these are a gummy....and even my picky eater (hint, hint if you’re still guessing the lie) loves⠀
them!⠀
⠀
💛Want to make this simple change with us? ⠀
⠀
💛You can use code CARLY10 to get 10% off your first 3 months of Ritual multiitamins (the code works on the adult and teen vitamins too!)⠀
⠀
💛Now......did you guess the lie????⠀
💕Let’s talk about kids+talking about scary th 💕Let’s talk about kids+talking about scary things💕⠀
⠀
Yesterday, we all watched in horror as domestic terrorism took place before our eyes. It is….terrifying, sad, anger inducing, and yet ANOTHER example of the blatant hatred and racism that are sewed into the threads of our nation. What happened is not ok. I know that we all want better for our children. We want our babies to grow up safe, loved+valued.⠀
⠀
I talked in my stories today about ways to talk to your children about yesterday’s events. While I wish I could say that we won’t need to have anymore of these discussions……I think we all know that as a collective, we have a long way to go and that these dialogs will come up again and again.⠀
⠀
I want to remind you:⠀
💕you know your children, you know what is appropriate to share with them based on their age, knowledge of events, anxiety levels…..listen to your gut here⠀
💕I believe that information fights fear and anxiety, and that there are levels of information that age appropriate and some that aren’t (for instance, Lydia DID watch the news with us yesterday, but I left the room with her as they showed some of the more violent parts of the riot including footage of the shooting)⠀
💕it’s important to remind our babies that our role in their lives is to protect them, and that we will ALWAYS do that to the best of our ability⠀
⠀
Ways to Start a Discussion About Scary Things:⠀
💕draw a picture of feelings (you and your child, then share and describe)⠀
💕use toys or puppets to model feelings ⠀
💕movement helps, go for a walk and talk⠀
💕just start….”This is hard to talk about, but I wanted to discuss what happened yesterday with you and to hear how you are feeling about it.”⠀
⠀
💕It’s ok if you don’t know how to do this, or don’t have all the answers.  Parenting is about doing your best, and loving your kids.  And guess what? Your kids love the imperfect, honest version of you.  The journey of a 1000 miles starts with a single step.  I believe in you.  I believe in us.  I believe in our children and our ability to raise them in a way that changes……everything.⠀
⠀
< I’ve tagged some accounts that are an amazing resource to me in learning how to talk to Lydia>
  • Collaborate
  • Speaking
  • Contact Carly
  • PRESS
  • Privacy Policy
  • Fashion
  • Body Positivity
  • Girl Power
  • SD Life
  • Disney
  • Travel
  • Highlights

© 2019 LIPGLOSS AND CRAYONS  |  SITE DESIGN: MLL DESIGN STUDIO  & FUZE BRANDING