Looking for trip ideas in your neck o’ the woods? This series will highlight great “one-tank trips” from the folks at Woodall’s, showing you fun places to go without having to venture far or spend a lot on fuel. There are routes in every corner of the country, and even up into Canada and down into Mexico.
It’s a great day for a road trip; we’ve got a full tank and nothing but open road ahead of us, so let’s get rolling!
Orange County
After a day of fun in the sun, it’s time to point the rig south again. Twenty miles later, we reach the city of Mission Viejo, an upscale community in the “O.C.” with plenty of fine dining, shopping and outdoor activities to keep us happy and well-fed. Eight miles farther south, we pass through San Juan Capistrano, which is renowned for being a major stop in the swallows’ migration. One heads west off the freeway to the city proper. The mission is easy to find and guided tours are readily available. The city is well-stocked with fine restaurants in all price ranges and you’ll definitely want to come back and try them one by one.
Oceanside
Our next stop 28 miles south on I-5 is the beachfront community of Oceanside, which lies to the west of I-5 and boasts 3.5 miles of sandy beaches fit for a picnic, frolicking in the water or just plain relaxing. Whatever your preference, it’s there waiting for you. If watersports are your thing, there are plenty of facilities which rent boats, kayaks and jet-skis. Oceanside Harbor should not be missed, with fine restaurants and shops readily available. The city of Oceanside also has three golf courses, numerous tennis courts and more than six miles of beachfront perfect for jogging, rollerblading or biking. It’s undoubtedly one of the garden spots of Southern California.
Now that we’re properly relaxed, it’s time to get back on the road for our final stop just 37 miles south on I-5, the port city of San Diego. One could write volumes about the multitude of things to see and do there, but we’ll do our best to cover them quickly and efficiently.
An exit off I-5 at Sea World Dr. and a quick ride west takes us to Sea World, a one-stop viewing point for all manner of marine life, all of which dwell in humane, environmentally-friendly habitats. Shows and attractions run throughout the day and one could easily spend a day or two seeing everything.
Without a doubt, Balboa Park should be a highlight of your trip. It’s the nation’s largest urban cultural park, home to no fewer than 15 major museums, beautiful gardens and, of course, the San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park has a constantly-changing calendar of museum exhibitions, plays, musicals, concerts and classes. Admission to the park is free, so head southbound off the I-5 and take the 10th Ave. exit. Turn left on “A” St. and left again on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to Balboa Park.
For a relaxing vacation, try staying at La Pacifica RV Resort, a fully-loaded RV park located in San Diego. It’s a clean, pet friendly park with accessible amenities to make your stay a pleasant one for the whole family! Day trips to the area’s exciting attractions will be a breeze since the resort is situated just off of I-5.
All 179 sites have full hookups (50 amp) and grass landscaping. Interior roads are well-paved as are the sites. Pull-thru sites are available and there’s plenty of space for big rigs and tow vehicles. The resort features a heated pool and spa, full bath and laundry facilities, a recreation room with several games, a library and much more.