San Diego’s diverse geography offers drivers everything from ocean views to mountain passes, desert landscapes, and charming backroads. Whether you’re cruising for a sunset view or winding through the hills, here are the most scenic roads you don’t want to miss!
Table of Contents
Del Dios Highway
This hidden gem connects Escondido to Rancho Santa Fe, offering stunning views of Lake Hodges and surrounding rocky hills. As you drive, the route snakes through the Elfin Forest, making it a peaceful escape. It’s perfect for a scenic day trip with an optional stop for hiking.
Palomar Mountain Road (South Grade Road)
Winding its way up Palomar Mountain, this road is an adventurer’s dream. Drivers will encounter tight curves, with breathtaking views of the valleys below. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean, and the Palomar Observatory makes for a great destination at the top.
Sunrise Highway (S1)
Starting near Interstate 8 and leading to Julian, the Sunrise Highway offers jaw-dropping vistas of the Anza-Borrego Desert and forested hills. This scenic route is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape, especially during sunrise or sunset when the landscape glows.
Highland Valley Road
Located near Ramona, this scenic drive winds through vineyards and rolling countryside. Known for its curves and countryside charm, it’s a great option for a relaxing Sunday drive. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way!
Wildcat Canyon Road
This scenic route connects Barona Casino to Ramona, offering beautiful views of rolling hills and winding curves. Drivers should enjoy the fun twists but stay alert for cyclists and wildlife along the way.
Skyline Truck Trail & Lyons Valley Road
These East County roads combine twists, open straights, and scenic overlooks. Ideal for those seeking a weekend adventure, these backroads are never too busy, making them perfect for a leisurely drive through rural San Diego.
Couser Canyon and Rice Canyon Roads
Located in North County, these backroads are known for their tight curves and beautiful views of rolling hills. They are popular among car enthusiasts for spirited driving, but even at normal speeds, the views make it worthwhile.
Highway 94 to Tecate
This mountain road heads east toward the U.S.-Mexico border, providing expansive views of the backcountry. With minimal traffic, it’s a peaceful drive perfect for those wanting to explore less-visited parts of the county.
Old Julian Highway & Mesa Grande Road
This backroad near Santa Ysabel offers a scenic route through open meadows and farmlands. With fewer cars and beautiful countryside views, it’s an ideal way to enjoy a relaxing, quiet drive away from city life.
Point Loma Boulevard to Cabrillo National Monument
Driving through Point Loma, this road offers spectacular views of the bay, harbor, and ocean. At the end, Cabrillo National Monument rewards visitors with panoramic views of downtown San Diego, the bay, and even Mexico on a clear day.
The Coronado Bridge
An iconic structure that provides sweeping views of the San Diego skyline, bay, and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge is best enjoyed on a clear day when the full beauty of the city and water is on display.
Sunset Cliffs Boulevard
This coastal road follows the ocean, offering dramatic views of cliffs and surfers catching waves below. It’s perfect for a short sunset drive with stops to admire the golden-hour views along the Pacific.
Highway 101 (Pacific Coast Highway)
Stretching from La Jolla to Oceanside, the Pacific Coast Highway offers miles of ocean views, charming beach towns, and a relaxed vibe. Stop in Encinitas or Cardiff-by-the-Sea for a bite along the way.
Mount Soledad Road
This road winds up to the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the San Diego coastline. It’s an excellent route for early morning or sunset drives when the light makes the view even more spectacular.
Old Highway 80 (Laguna Mountains)
This historic road takes drivers through the Laguna Mountains, offering a mix of forest and desert scenery. In the fall, the trees along this route change colors, making it a popular destination for leaf-peepers.
