Possible one tank-trips from San Diego include many of the most popular sights to see around southern California. The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, the Cabrillo Lighthouse, the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Cleveland National Forest are just a few of the closest attractions. You can even go see seals sunning themselves on the rocks near the Scripps Institute in La Jolla. Try some of these one-day, one-tank trip suggestions for an even more exciting visit to this area.
La Jolla, CA: Not very far from San Diego, La Jolla is a varied and very interesting place to visit. Start your day at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and watch the colorful paragliders float over the Pacific Ocean and up and down the coast. There’s a cafe here if you want to grab a cup of coffee or a snack. If you enjoy hiking, try out one of the trails that start next to the Gliderport.
To enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, or diving, head to the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, a vast underwater preserve that protects seven sea caves, kelp forests, and abundant marine life. For an organized tour, or to rent equipment, check out La Jolla Dive, located just two blocks from the ocean.
One of the most entertaining sights to see here are the sea lions and seals at La Jolla Cove. You’ll likely hear them even before seeing them. Walk down the ramp or climb the steep stairs and have a seat on the sand to watch these marine mammals playing, napping, and fishing. (Only one word of warning – seals are pretty stinky – so you may want to bring a bandana or wear a mask.)
Julian, CA:
If you’re visiting in the fall, then Julian is a terrific one or two-day trip. Located about an hour northeast of San Diego, this tiny town is well known for apple picking and the resulting apple pies. Apple Star Orchard, Calico Ranch Orchard, and Julian Farm all offer fruit picking along with other activities like wagon rides, petting zoos, and axe throwing. Be sure to check each website before visiting since picking seasons vary at each orchard.
Don’t miss an opportunity to shop at some of the unique shops in this little town, plus stop to have a scrumptious meal at one of their mining-era cafés.
The Julian Pie Company is the place to go for delicious pies made from apples harvested from their own orchard. This family-owned business has been in operation since 1989, and today it’s run by the founders and their children and grandchildren. Even if you’re not able to visit in the fall, you can still enjoy hot apple pie à la mode.
Other activities in and around town include panning for gold at Eagle Mining Co., learning about wolves at the California Wolf Center, or antiquing at Wynola Junction Antiques & Collectibles.
Laguna Beach:
Further up the coast — about an hour and 20-minute drive — is the unique artistic seaside community of Laguna Beach. Founded by Plein air painters in the 1880s, this upscale town is full of art galleries, secluded coves, and ocean view restaurants.
To combine a trip to the beach and exercise, head to Thousand Steps Beach in South Laguna. The descent to the beach is easy and the views are spectacular, but the return trip will be challenging. Fortunately, there are only 218 stairs, not a thousand.
This is definitely an art lover’s town. Be sure to visit the Laguna Art Museum, well-known for its collection of southern California artists. Throughout the town, there are more than 100 art galleries featuring a wide variety of styles.