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 4 nights to spend between San Diego and Los Angeles in mid-May, you have a few different ways to structure your trip depending on your interests and pace. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide:

Option 1: Spend all 4 nights in San Diego

If your focus is a relaxed trip with minimal driving, staying in San Diego allows you to explore the city thoroughly:

Visit the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and Balboa Park museums.
Explore La Jolla Cove and beaches like Coronado, Mission, or Pacific Beach.
Take a harbor cruise or visit the USS Midway Museum.
If you enjoy wildlife, the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park are great options.
Enjoy a variety of dining options — San Diego has excellent seafood, craft beer, and casual coastal restaurants.

This approach is ideal if you prefer a slower pace and want to immerse yourselves in one city without packing/unpacking multiple times.

Option 2: Split nights between San Diego and LA

Splitting your time allows you to experience highlights of both cities, though it requires more travel:

Spend 2 nights in San Diego: focus on beaches, Balboa Park, and possibly a day trip to Coronado or La Jolla.
Drive or take the train to Los Angeles: Spend 2 nights exploring LA. Suggested highlights:

Santa Monica and Venice Beach for coastal walks and shopping.
Hollywood Boulevard, Walk of Fame, and TCL Chinese Theatre.
Griffith Observatory or Getty Center for views and culture.
Optional theme park day if desired (Disneyland or Universal Studios), though may feel rushed.

This gives a taste of both cities but is more travel-intensive and may feel rushed if you try to pack too much.

Transportation Considerations

Rent a car: Offers flexibility to move between San Diego and LA at your own pace, explore surrounding beaches, and do any spontaneous detours. Driving time is ~2–3 hours without traffic. Be mindful of LA traffic during peak hours.
Train (Amtrak Surfliner): Comfortable option between SD and LA, scenic coastal route, no traffic stress. Stations in San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) and LA (Union Station). You'll need local transit or rideshares in each city, but can relax and enjoy the views.

Recommendation: If you want a more relaxed trip with minimal logistics, consider staying in San Diego all 4 nights. If you want to see LA highlights as well and are okay with a slightly faster pace, split 2 nights each. Renting a car provides the most flexibility, but the Surfliner is a scenic, stress-free alternative if you prefer not to drive.

4 nights between San Diego and LA

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