The San Diego to Laguna Beach coast drive, stop by stop

Ask anyone on our team for their favorite day off and there is a good chance the answer involves old Highway 101. Long before Interstate 5 existed, this two-lane road linked every beach town between San Diego and Los Angeles. Today most traffic roars past on the freeway, which leaves the coast road slower, quieter and far more beautiful.

This guide follows the route we suggest to guests who rent a convertible for a day. It covers about 72 miles one way from La Jolla to Laguna Beach, and with stops it fills a relaxed day. You can drive it in either direction, but heading north in the morning keeps the sun behind you and the ocean on the driver's side.

Before you set off

Start with a full tank or charge, sunscreen and a light jacket. Even in August the marine layer can keep Del Mar gray and cool until late morning, and it often rolls back in after sunset. If you are in a convertible, pack soft bags since trunk space shrinks with the top folded.

• Best time to leave: 8:30 to 9:00 am, after rush hour on the 5
• Parking: bring a card and the ParkMobile app for Encinitas and Oceanside meters
• Traffic tip: avoid heading south on the 5 from Orange County between 3 and 7 pm on Fridays

Stop 1: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

From La Jolla, take North Torrey Pines Road down the grade toward the beach. The reserve protects the rarest pine tree in the United States and the bluff-top trails deliver the first big ocean view of the day. The Guy Fleming Trail is a flat two-thirds of a mile loop that works even in sandals. Parking at the beach lot is paid, so arrive before 9:30 on weekends.

Stop 2: Del Mar and Solana Beach

Continue north on Camino del Mar through Del Mar village. If it is racing season, from mid July to early September, the fairgrounds traffic can be heavy in the afternoon, so this is a morning stop. Grab a pastry, then continue into Solana Beach where the Cedros Design District is worth a short wander for local shops.

Stop 3: Cardiff, Encinitas and Leucadia

This stretch is the heart of the drive. The road runs right beside the sand at Cardiff State Beach, where surfers line up at the reef break. In Encinitas, pull over at the Swami's overlook for a view down onto one of the most famous surf breaks in California, then walk the Self-Realization Fellowship meditation gardens next door.

Keep going to Leucadia, the funky northern end of Encinitas, for lunch. Our team is split between fish tacos and a breakfast burrito at almost any hour. Both are correct answers.

Drive slow through Cardiff with the windows down. That half mile beside the waves is the whole reason to skip the freeway.

Stop 4: Carlsbad and Oceanside

Carlsbad Boulevard hugs the seawall past the state beach campground and the power plant site. If you are traveling with kids, the Carlsbad branch is minutes away from LEGOLAND and the Flower Fields, which bloom from March to early May. Further north, Oceanside's wooden pier is one of the longest on the West Coast and a good place to stretch your legs.

Stop 5: San Clemente to Laguna Beach

North of Oceanside the coast road ends at Camp Pendleton, so join the 5 for about 18 miles. Exit at Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point and follow it through Monarch Beach into Laguna. Park near Heisler Park, walk the cliff path, and stay for sunset over the tide pools.

Getting back

Return on the 5 once traffic eases, usually after 7:30 pm. The drive back to San Diego takes about 75 minutes. If you would rather keep exploring, our one-way rentals let you drop the car at LAX or Orange County Airport and continue your trip without backtracking.

Which car should you rent?

A convertible is the obvious pick and our Mustangs are booked most summer weekends. Couples who want comfort for the return leg often choose a Tesla Model 3, and families with beach gear should look at the RAV4 with our beach kit already loaded.