Greetings from sunny Southern California! If you’re planning a trip to the SoCal coast, this 3-day travel guide takes you through some of the best beach towns and hidden gems—from Pacific Beach to Dana Point. Read below or check out my YouTube video for everything you need to know to explore, eat, and soak in the stunning ocean vibes.
Day 1: Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Solana Beach & Carlsbad
We started our morning in Pacific Beach with a coffee stop at Pump Coffee, a perfect spot to fuel up before a stroll along the beautiful beach path and the iconic Pacific Beach Pier. Don’t miss the charming little cottages along the pier and the surfers and fishermen out on the water.
Brunch was at Breakfast Republic, just a block from the beach. We scored a great outdoor table and enjoyed some delicious pineapple upside-down pancakes and chilaquiles—definitely a solid 10/10!
Next, we explored the La Jolla tide pools—a fun spot to peek at ocean life. The coastal walking path here is stunning, and you’ll likely spot a bunch of playful seals basking on the rocks – which is always a highlight.
A must-see stop was the Torrey Pines Gliderport, where you can watch hang gliders soar off the cliffs. If you’re feeling brave, you can even book a lesson! Here you can also hike down to Black Beach, but we stuck to the cliffs above and did a little hiking and taking in breathtaking ocean views.
We then visited Solana Beach, a peaceful town with a park that offers direct access to Fletcher Cove Beach, surrounded by cliffs and a beautiful flower garden perfect for relaxing.
Airbnb Stay in Carlsbad
By mid-afternoon, we checked into our cozy Vrbo in Carlsbad for the next 3 nights, it’s just two blocks from the ocean—making it super easy to walk down and catch those coastal views anytime. We also loved that Carlsbad is centrally located to all the beach towns we planned to visit, which made day-tripping effortless.
If you’re looking for a charming Vrbo that’s perfect for two, I can’t recommend this one enough. It had a clean, aesthetic design, was tucked in a quiet neighborhood, and the hosts were incredibly welcoming and responsive. It truly felt like a little home base for our beach-town adventure.
👉 Here’s the link if you’re looking for the perfect Carlsbad stay!
Dinner was at Kuchi Sushi in Carlsbad—delicious rolls and appetizers with a great vibe. Afterwards, we satisfied our sweet tooth with gelato from Gelato Love in Carlsbad Village.
Day 2: Encinitas, Oceanside & Carlsbad
Day two kicked off in Encinitas with coffee and giant cinnamon rolls at Philz Coffee. Then we headed to Swami’s Beach, one of the prettiest and most peaceful beaches with lush cliffs and soft sand—perfect for a long walk with your morning coffee or a quick dip. This beach gave us Hawaii vibes – we really loved it and it’s also popular for surfers.
Nearby, the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens offer a serene spot to relax, enjoy ocean views, koi ponds, and beautiful tropical plants—all free to visit!
We also explored ocean viewpoints at the end of J Street, I Street, and H Street before a quick stop at Moonlight State Beach, where a charming cactus garden caught our eye.
For lunch, we hit The Taco Stand in downtown Encinitas, a local favorite for tasty tacos.
In the afternoon, we visited Oceanside, with our first stop being the Oceanside Pier— it was busy and bustling on a Friday afternoon. We also went to the nearby Oceanside Harbor, as it’s a popular spot that offers a variety of seafood restaurants and more beach areas to explore.
Dinner was back in Carlsbad at King’s Fish House, where fresh seafood and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere made for one of the best seafood meals we’ve ever had – oysters, sea bass, scallops and shrimp. Highly recommend.
Day 3: San Clemente & Dana Point
We kicked off our final day with coffee and pastries at a cozy little spot called Jitter’s Coffee Pub. The coffee was excellent, and if you stop in, I highly recommend trying one of their homemade bear claws or a slice of their lemon cake—everything is made from scratch and absolutely delicious.
With our morning treat in hand, we hit the road and headed to San Clemente to start the day’s adventures.
We enjoyed a peaceful walk along the San Clemente Pier and explored the charming downtown with its Spanish-style architecture and terracotta roofs—it was a peaceful, laid-back vibe perfect for slowing down.
Though the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens was closed during our visit, it’s a popular stop to keep on your radar for future trips.
Next, we ventured to Dana Point, starting with the short but stunning Bluff Top Trail, offering panoramic views of the harbor and ocean.
Then came Dana Strand Beach, arguably the prettiest beach of the trip. A steep staircase leads down through a gated community to soft, powdery sand and turquoise water that reminded us of the Caribbean. It wasn’t crowded, making it perfect for relaxing or watching surfers near the rocky end.
Just six minutes away is Salt Creek Beach, near the Ritz-Carlton Dana Point. The beach was busier here, likely due to nearby dining options. We visited the Ritz’s ocean-view bar (open to the public), where we enjoyed drinks with unbeatable views of the beach and hills—a perfect spot to unwind.
For lunch, we dined at Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant at Dana Point Harbor, enjoying fresh food and harbor views.
Final Thoughts
Southern California’s coastal towns offer a wonderful mix of scenic beaches, delicious food, charming towns, and laid-back vibes. Whether you’re craving ocean views, local eats, or peaceful gardens, this 3-day itinerary hits all the highlights for an unforgettable trip.
Planning a SoCal trip? Bookmark this guide and enjoy your own coastal adventure!
