4 nights between San Diego and LA

Question

Hello everyone,

My partner and I have 4 nights free after a conference in San Diego this mid-May before we fly home from LAX. We’re trying to figure out the best plan.

Do you recommend spending the full four nights exploring San Diego? Or should we split them between SD and LA?

Also, what’s the best way to get from LAX to SD? Rent a car or take the train? Thank you in advance for any advice.

Answer

With four nights to spend between San Diego and Los Angeles in mid-May, you have a few options depending on how much you want to explore each city and how comfortable you are with driving or using public transit.

Option 1: Spend all four nights in San Diego

This allows a more relaxed pace, giving you time to explore neighborhoods like La Jolla, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, and Coronado without feeling rushed.
You could also fit in day trips nearby, such as visiting the beaches at Del Mar or Encinitas, or even a short drive to Temecula wine country.
Staying put in one location reduces the hassle of packing, checking in/out, and driving along I-5 to LA.

Option 2: Split your stay between San Diego and Los Angeles

A 2-night/2-night split allows you to experience highlights of both cities. In San Diego, focus on beaches, Balboa Park, and the Zoo or USS Midway. In Los Angeles, you can see Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Santa Monica/Pacific Coast Highway, and a museum or two.
This option requires renting a car for flexibility, as public transit options between the two cities are limited and slower.
Plan your LA nights strategically: stay near the attractions you most want to see to minimize traffic and long drives. LA traffic can be heavy, even mid-week.

Traveling between San Diego and LAX:

Renting a car gives maximum flexibility, especially if you want to explore coastal towns (Carlsbad, Laguna Beach) or take scenic routes along the coast.
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is another option, offering a comfortable and scenic ride between SD and LA. Trains run frequently, and you avoid traffic and parking stress, though it may limit flexibility for side trips.
Rideshares or shuttles are generally more expensive for long distances and less convenient for sightseeing stops.

Recommendation:

If you enjoy exploring cities and want to experience both, a 2-night/2-night split works well. If you prefer a more relaxed pace and fewer logistical hassles, spend all four nights in San Diego and take a day trip or two northward along the coast if desired.

4 nights between San Diego and LA

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