How far is San Diego, CA from Dana Point, CA?
The driving distance from San Diego, CA to Dana Point, CA is about 65 miles (104.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 60.4 miles (97.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 37m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 18m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The most populous city in San Diego County, California.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between San Diego and Dana Point.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Diego and Dana Point.
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1
Start on Front Street
8 m · 6 sec · Front Street
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2
Turn left onto West Broadway
88 m · 12 sec · West Broadway
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3
Turn left onto 1st Avenue
3072 ft · 1 min · 1st Avenue
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4
Take the ramp left toward I 5 North: Los Angeles
1017 ft · 25 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
13.5 mi · 16 min · San Diego Freeway
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6
Keep slight left to continue on San Diego Freeway
36.3 mi · 43 min · San Diego Freeway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on San Diego Freeway
12.1 mi · 14 min · San Diego Freeway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward CA 1: Camino Las Ramblas, Pacific Coast Highway
958 ft · 14 sec
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on CA 1: Pacific Coast Highway
2917 ft · 49 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Pacific Coast Highway
1.5 mi · 3 min · Pacific Coast Highway
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11
Turn left onto Golden Lantern Street
40 m · 7 sec · Golden Lantern Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Golden Lantern Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between San Diego and Dana Point.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
San Diego Freeway
Keep slight left to continue on San Diego Freeway
36.3 mi · 00h 43m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving San Diego and Mostly Clear near Dana Point.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from San Diego to Dana Point?
The road trip is about 65 miles (104.6 km) and usually takes 01h 18m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Carlsbad is a useful midpoint, sitting about 32.5 miles from San Diego and 32.4 miles from Dana Point.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 60.4 miles (97.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:52 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.21 one way or $26.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around San Diego and Mostly Clear near Dana Point.
Stop Ideas Near Carlsbad
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Inn at Moonlight Beach
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Escondido Building Department
Aviara Golf Club
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Carlsbad.
Carlsbad Village station
Oceanside Transit Center
Carlsbad Poinsettia, CA
Encinitas, CA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between San Diego and Dana Point. Straight-line distance: 60.4 mi (97.2 km).
#1 San Diego
The eighth most populous city in the United States and the center of the San Diego metropolitan area.
| Population | 1,422,420 |
| Coordinates | 32.7157100, -117.1647200 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Dana Point
City in California, US
| Population | 33,436 |
| Coordinates | 33.4669700, -117.6981100 |
| Altitude | 44 |
| Country | United States |
End: Dana Point (-117.69811, 33.46697)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 105 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $13.21 | $26.42 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $13.89 | $27.78 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $14.30 | $28.59 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $17.33 | $34.66 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in California · Apr 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.