If you have some time to spare and you feel like trying your luck at the Entertainment Capital of the World, consider going on a road trip from San Diego to Las Vegas. Even if you don't win big, the drive there will take you past some of the most amazing landscapes in the United States.
The desert road trip from San Diego to Las Vegas can be done in 5 hours. Consider extending it by checking out Palm Springs and Mojave National Preserve, then visit the iconic Death Valley and the breathtaking Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
There's plenty along this route you'll want to pay attention to, so read until the very end to make sure you're ready for a trip from San Diego to Las Vegas.
How far is Las Vegas from San Diego and how long will the road trip take
The road trip from San Diego to Las Vegas covers about 330 miles and can be done in 5 hours if you take the quickest possible route. Even with breaks, you could definitely make the trip in a single day, but you'd be better off making longer stops to check out everything the Mojave Desert has to offer.
| Route | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Route (via I-15) | 330 miles | 5 hours |
| Scenic Route (via SR 60 through Moreno Valley) | 463 miles | 8 hours 40 minutes |
At the cost of adding just one hour to your drive, you can make your trip much more scenic by driving along Joshua Tree National Park and cutting right through the Mojave National Preserve.
This detour is an especially good choice if you plan on splitting the trip up into several days as it passes right by Palm Springs. The I-15 route, while quicker, is quite lacking in terms of major cities, so your overnight options would be much more limited.
Also, keep in mind San Diego's rush hour when planning your trip – between that and the inevitable flow of traffic leaving Los Angeles further north, taking off at the wrong time could add a couple of hours to your trip. To make matters worse, getting into Vegas on a Friday or Saturday can be a slog as this is when most people come here to unwind.
Best road trip route from San Diego to Las Vegas
There's plenty of overlap between the two routes, with one being slightly shorter and the other having more to see along the way – one thing they have in common is how straightforward they both are. For variety's sake, your best bet would be to take one toward Vegas and the other going back.
Whether you're flying into San Diego or you simply don't have your own transport in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.
For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from San Diego to Las Vegas, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com.
How to drive from San Diego to Las Vegas
The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between San Diego to Las Vegas. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.
Fast Route
Apart from a brief segue into the I-215 for about 50 miles between Murietta and San Bernardino, you never have to stray from the I-15 all the way to Vegas, unless it's to check out Los Angeles or to take the State Route 127 at Baker toward Death Valley.
Scenic Route
To shake things up a bit, take the State Route 60 through Moreno Valley instead and follow it into the I-10. Follow the interstate past Joshua Tree National Park and through Mojave National Preserve before joining the I-15 again. From here, it's just a straight drive north until you pass Sloan Canyon and reach the City of Sin.
Best places to stop between San Diego and Las Vegas
As great as the drive is, luxurious stops between San Diego and Las Vegas are few and far between - thankfully, the resorts that do shine, shine brilliantly. These are some of the absolute best places to spend the night during your trip:
Relax in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is about a 2-hour drive from San Diego, making it a great stop if you're splitting your trip into three or more days.
A desert oasis renowned for its sunny skies, stylish architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene, Palm Springs provides a perfect backdrop for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Among its many charms, this city offers a blend of historical sites, outdoor activities, and a thriving downtown full of things to do.
Tucked away in this lively enclave is The Hideaway, a hotel that truly lives up to its name. Offering a secluded retreat with a mid-century modern, retro vibe, The Hideaway impresses with its meticulous attention to detail. This hidden gem provides a quiet respite, despite its proximity to the heart of Palm Springs.
The Hideaway's immaculate grounds are centered around a perfect pool, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation. The beautifully maintained gardens and outdoor fireplace further enhance the sense of tranquility and seclusion.
Guests can enjoy mountain views from some of the rooms, each of which opens onto a private patio. The outdoor pool, surrounded by sun loungers and beach chairs, is a delightful spot to soak in the Palm Springs sunshine.
Despite its peaceful setting, The Hideaway is conveniently located near several key attractions. The Palm Springs Art Museum, known for its impressive collection and exhibitions, is close by. A leisurely 10-15 minute walk leads to the Walk of the Stars and the vibrant downtown area, where a wide range of restaurants cater to every taste.
READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options
Spend the night in Death Valley
Despite its often-inhospitable terrain, Death Valley is known to have some of the few high-end resorts in the area. As opposed to looking for accommodation in the smaller towns on the way to Las Vegas, your best option would be to book The Inn at Death Valley, the undisputed king of all Mojave Desert resorts.
Simply put, The Inn at Death Valley offers the best rooms, amenities, and service money can buy. Within a minute of your comfortable bedroom, you'll find a gigantic outdoor swimming pool next to a romantic fireplace, private little coffee areas that overlook the vast desert expanse, and a huge, green garden you're bound to get lost in once or twice.
The amazing on-site restaurant and bar will quickly grow to become your favorite parts of the whole property, as will the lounge with a panoramic view of the exterior. Whenever you're not out exploring, you can play a round of tennis or walk a couple of miles to the nearby golf course – The Inn simply has it all.
Your stay will be expensive, but it's not hard to see why. Many famous people frequent this particular resort (you may even run into some!), and you can expect to get the celebrity treatment here too.
READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options
Things to see on a road trip from San Diego to Las Vegas
Do not be fooled by the desert terrain – there is enough to see on the way from San Diego to Las Vegas to keep you occupied for days on end. If you can, try to devote a week or so to this itinerary to ensure you've seen everything. These are some of the places you shouldn't miss on the way:
- Cabazon Dinosaurs – chances are you recognize this iconic brontosaurus and T. rex duo from their cameos in various classic films
- San Jacinto National Park – a beautiful park and home to the San Jacinto Mountain, one of the tallest in all of California
- Palm Springs – this unique city features a beautiful MCM design, countless museums, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway leading all the way to the San Jacinto Mountains
- Joshua Tree National Park – aside from the titular Joshua trees, this park is well-known for its amazing views of the starry sky and many indigenous bird species
- Mojave National Preserve – the park houses the ghost town of Kelso and the largest Joshua tree forest in the entire world
- Death Valley National Park – both feared and revered for its scorching temperatures, this expansive park is home to countless sand dunes and unique rock formations
- Seven Magic Mountains – stacks of colored boulders off the side of the desert road, meant to break up the ‘monotony' of Mojave's earth tones
- Sloan Canyon National Park – alongside its hiking and biking trails, this historic park is best known for its Native American petroglyphs
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – an impossibly scenic location featuring petroglyphs, red rock formations, and countless amazing trails – this is one of Nevada's main attractions for a reason. You might need to make a reservation for a timed-entry slot, so check the official website before traveling.
- Lake Mead – this gigantic reserve is a very popular boating, swimming, and fishing spot among tourists and visitors
- Valley of Fire – this preservation area takes its name from its rock formations, and if viewed from the right angle at sunset, looks like it's entirely on fire
- Los Angeles – California's largest city needs no introduction – this metropolis is a front-liner in economic development, the entertainment industry, and nightlife opportunities
- Angeles & San Bernardino National Forests – boasting varied terrain and a breathtaking view of the San Gabriel Mountains, these forests act as the northern gateway into Los Angeles
- Roy's Motel & Café – a time capsule to the olden days of the historic Route 66, the largely preserved Atomic design of these historic locales continues to attract thousands to this day
- Calico Ghost Town – once a prominent mining town during the silver rush era, the decrease of the value of silver turned Calico into a major attraction and roadside curiosity
Best time to go on a road trip from San Diego to Las Vegas
You could do a road trip from San Diego to Las Vegas any time of year, but bear in mind that driving through the Mojave Desert in the summer might not be pleasant, even less so if you take the longer route through Mojave National Preserve.
Because of the heat, mid-summer is probably the closest thing Las Vegas has to an off-season – summer temperatures are guaranteed to be at least in the 90s, but very frequently exceed 100 degrees. Since you'll constantly be exploring and walking from one casino or restaurant to another, a summer visit might push you to your limits, and not in a good way.
Although snow isn't too prevalent in the Mojave Desert and southern Nevada (not in large quantities, anyway), it's not unheard of for black ice to cover the roads here. By process of elimination, this would make spring and fall the best time to go on a road trip from San Diego to Las Vegas.
