San Diego’s shoreline stacks world‑class views into an easy day trip. Pick up a car rental at SAN and trace the coast from La Jolla to Encinitas, stopping for coves, cliffs, and tacos that taste best with ocean air. This plan balances short drives with plenty of time on foot.
Route overview
- Start: SAN → Harbor Dr → I‑5 N → La Jolla.
- Middle: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for a bluff hike, then Del Mar or Cardiff for lunch.
- Finish: Downtown Encinitas or Moonlight Beach for sunset before returning to SAN.
Stop‑by‑stop
- La Jolla Cove: Seals, sea caves, and panoramic overlooks. Street parking is limited—arrive early or use nearby lots.
- Torrey Pines: Short trails (Razor Point, Guy Fleming) deliver big vistas. Expect a day‑use fee in park lots.
- Del Mar & Cardiff: Walk the beach, watch surfers, and grab lunch; then continue to Encinitas.
- Encinitas: Browse shops along Highway 101 and wind down at Moonlight Beach.
Parking & practical tips
- Day‑use fees: California State Parks lots (like Torrey Pines) use demand‑based pricing—bring a card for pay stations.
- Street smarts: In La Jolla, follow time limits and posted signage; enforcement is active in peak seasons.
- EVs: Public charging exists along the corridor; top up overnight so you aren’t chasing plugs mid‑day.
What to rent
Compact sedans handle tight beach parking, while small SUVs fit boards and coolers. Prefer UK wording? Head to our car hire page. If you’re combining LA and San Diego, browse Los Angeles locations or our statewide California drive hub for flexible one‑way options.
Make it effortless
Hola Car Rentals includes an All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage, Free Cancellation up to 48 hours, and cashback on tolls on selected itineraries. Explore more SAN pickup points via San Diego locations for a quick in‑and‑out.
Ready for the coast? Reserve today with Hola Car Rentals and enjoy transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and 24/7 support.
Sample day plan
- 8:00 a.m. Coffee near SAN; drive to La Jolla and walk the Cove and Coastal Walk Trail.
- 10:30 a.m. Torrey Pines hike (60–90 minutes) from the upper lot; descend to the beach if tides allow.
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch in Del Mar or Cardiff—fish tacos with an ocean view.
- 2:00 p.m. Stroll Encinitas’ Highway 101 boutiques and record stores.
- 4:00 p.m. Beach time at Moonlight or Swami’s; stay for sunset.
- 6:30 p.m. Return to SAN for an evening flight or dinner along the harbor.
When to go
Spring and fall bring mild temps and fewer crowds. Summer is peak beach weather—arrive early. Winter offers dramatic post‑storm clarity and migrating gray whales offshore. Marine layer (“June Gloom”) can linger into midday; plan hikes in the morning and aim for beach photos when the sky burns off.
Pick your pace
- Family‑friendly: Short trails at Torrey Pines, playgrounds at Moonlight, and wide sidewalks along the Cove.
- Active: Add a longer trail like Beach Trail at Torrey Pines (watch the tides) and a surf check at Cardiff Reef.
- Relaxed: Slow lunch in Del Mar and a bookstore/coffee crawl in downtown Encinitas.
Local etiquette & safety
- Keep beaches clean and pack out what you pack in.
- Rocky tidepools are fragile—step carefully and never disturb wildlife.
- Use crosswalks on Highway 101; traffic moves quickly between towns.
Finish strong: With Hola Car Rentals you’ll enjoy no‑surprise pricing, optional child seats, and 24/7 support—so your only decision is which beach to watch the sunset from.
