From San Diego County it's easy to make a quick trip down to Mexico. Tijuana lies right across the border from San Diego, easily accessed by car or the San Diego Trolley light rail service. For a more low-key alternative, drive to the small border crossing town of Tecate home of the Tecate brewery.
The many attractions of Los Angeles and Orange County are relatively easy to get to via a drive on Interstate 5 or along the Pacific Coast.
There are no boats to Catalina Island Avalon within San Diego County. You'll have to go north into neighboring Orange County to the pier at Dana Point. By car, take I-5 to exit #79 Pacific Coast Hwy 1 make reservations.
Temecula Wine Country is located north of San Diego County along I-15 and makes a good day trip. There are about many vineyards with tasting rooms located fairly close to each other. One hour further is the mountain resort of Idyllwild which features shopping and outdoor activities in an alpine forest.
