Looking for an escape from the hectic Las Vegas lifestyle? There are many fun day trips from Las Vegas that offer scenic views and exciting adventures, however nothing compares to the unmatched experiences and refreshing escape that a road trip can provide. The Las Vegas to San Diego drive is one such journey that leaves road trippers with enduring memories of arid deserts, national parks, and incredible attractions.

The quickest route from Las Vegas to San Diego is via Interstate 15, but the scenic route is full of incredible places like Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, and Mojave National Preserve that enhance the journey's beauty and excitement. On a road trip from Las Vegas to San Diego, these ten stops promise a fantastic combination of scenic landscapes and energetic urban settings.

The accommodations suggested in this article are based on research based on a road trip from Las Vegas to San Diego. All recommended accommodations have a minimum overall Kayak rating of 8.0 and comparable rates to other lodgings with similar ratings. Additionally, each location has the best amenities for frequent travelers.

Related: 10 Best Hotels In Las Vegas To Ignite Your Sin City Adventure

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, only 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, is a protected region with imposing red rock formations, scenic hiking trails, and drives. It's a lovely place to stop on the way from Las Vegas to San Diego to take in the breathtaking natural scenery, a 13-mile one-way scenic drive, and a variety of thrilling activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, biking, and adrenaline-pumping mountain climbing. It offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life and a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the Southwest's natural wonders while traveling.

• Where: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
• Things to do in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Scenic drive, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, biking, picnicking, nature observing, and visitor center exhibits

Goodsprings Ghost Town

Goodsprings Ghost Town, a historic mining town, offers an intriguing insight into the region's history. The Pioneer Saloon is a well-known attraction and well worth a stop on the way from Las Vegas to San Diego due to its rustic ambiance and bullet holes from a notorious gunfight. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the town to travel back in time and experience the Old West. It is also a popular evening trip destination from Las Vegas for visitors who want to immerse themselves in the old West charm and discover spooky stories.

• Where: Clark County, Nevada, United States
• Things to do in Goodsprings Ghost Town: Visit the Pioneer Saloon, take a Ghost Town walking tour, visit the Goodsprings General Store, explore the Bonnie Springs Ranch, enjoy offroading, savor local dishes, capture memorable pictures

Calico Ghost Town

Calico Ghost Town is a worthwhile stop full of mining history and spooks, making a trip exciting and fun. Located near Barstow, Calico Ghost Town is almost halfway between the road trip from Las Vegas to San Diego, making it an ideal stop for a break on the long drive. It is a preserved mining town boasting several attractions, such as the Maggie Mine, Mystery Shack, Gold Panning, and more. It also has a number of restaurants serving a variety of foods and souvenir shops.

• Where: 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398
• Things to do in Calico Ghost Town: Take a Calico Mine Tour, check out the Maggie Mine, explore the Lucy Lane Museum, attend live gunfight shows, enjoy the Gold Panning Adventure, visit the Mystery Shack, dine at the Calico House Restaurant

Mojave National Preserve

A visit to Mojave National Preserve offers a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience in the midst of a barren desert wilderness and breathtaking vistas, such as Joshua tree forests, sand dunes, and craggy mountains. Travelers can go hiking, camping, stargazing, and wildlife spotting in the Mojave National Preserve to reconnect with nature and lose themselves in its serenity. It is a captivating detour that enhances the journey from Las Vegas to San Diego with a sense of adventure and natural splendor.

• Where: San Bernardino County, California, USA
• Things to do in Mojave National Preserve: Explore Kelso Dunes, Hole-in-the-Wall, Joshua Tree Forest, Mitchell Caverns, Cima Dome, Hike Teutonia Peak Trail or Rings Trail

Related: How To Drive Through Mojave National Preserve & Death Valley

Joshua Tree National Park

The Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems meet in Joshua National Park, which features breathtakingly desolate landscapes dotted with famous Joshua trees. The surreal beauty of enormous rock formations, craggy mountains, and vast open spaces captivates travelers while exploring the park, making Joshua Tree National Park a famous tourist destination. Travelers enjoy exploring picturesque trails, unique flora, and fauna, as well as stargazing under the sparkling skies. Photographers will find numerous opportunities in this national park to capture stunning images of the desert scenery and distinctive rock formations.

• Where: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
• Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park: Hiking, Rock climbing, Scenic drives, Camping, Stargazing, Wildlife spotting, Photography, Birdwatching, Picnicking, Ranger-led guided tours

Desert Hot Springs

For those looking for a revitalizing break on their road journey from Las Vegas to San Diego, Desert Hot Springs in Riverside County is definitely a great option! This serene desert oasis is home to many natural hot springs with therapeutic properties. Travelers can unwind in a natural hot spring, relax with any soothing spa services, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the desert landscapes. The city also offers numerous hiking trails and other outdoor activities like enjoying the regional cuisine and shopping for souvenirs, making visitors spend some lovely moments here.

• Where: Riverside County, California, United States
• Things to do in Desert Hot Springs: Relaxing spa sessions, hiking, biking, soaking in hot springs, enjoying desert scenery, dining

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's largest rotating aerial tramway, is the best location in California to take in breathtaking panoramas of the San Jacinto Mountains and the desert valley. The excitement of the rotating tramcar as well as the striking contrast between the arid desert and the lush alpine forests, are truly captivating. After reaching the top of the mountain, visitors can explore hiking trails, take in breathtaking views, and eat at the mountaintop restaurant.

• Where: 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
• Admission Ticket: From $30.00 per person
• Things to do at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Enjoy a ride, hike the trail, soak in the views, dine in the hilltop restaurant

Salton Sea Ghost Town

The Salton Sea, a saline lake in Imperial County only a short drive from Palm Springs, illustrates the story of a boom and a slump in the California desert. The lake has become a ghost town due to environmental issues, with abandoned buildings, deserted beaches, and the ruins of a once-thriving resort town. Yet, it remains a popular destination for bird watchers, hikers, photographers looking for unusual shots, and people looking for strange experiences.

• Where: Imperial County, California
• Things to do in Salton Sea: Birdwatching, camping, boating, fishing, exploring abundant structures

Warning: It is advised that you avoid remaining for an extended period of time or going inside any abandoned buildings.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Southern California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is home to stunning geological formations, diverse wildlife, and gorgeous landscapes. Visitors can explore the park's extensive network of hiking trails as well as marvel at the iconic palm oases and colorful wildflower blooms (in season). The park is also a great destination for stargazing and astronomical viewing. With its serene beauty and refreshing atmosphere, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is undoubtedly a welcome escape from the urban bustle.

• Where: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
• Things to do in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Hiking, stargazing, astronomical viewing, wildlife spotting,

Related: 10 Amazing Places To Visit In California This Spring

Palomar Mountain State Park

Palomar Mountain State Park, famous for the Palomar Observatory, is a lovely location to visit to enjoy thrilling adventures amidst breathtaking scenery. This park is a great day trip from San Diego or Los Angeles and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The Palomar Observatory is home to one of the world's largest telescopes, attracting astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers in search of breathtaking views of the night sky.

• Where: 19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
• Things to do in Palomar Mountain State Park: Camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, stargazing