No Plan, No Problem: A Very Scenic, Slightly Chaotic Road Trip Down the California Coast

When Tripster’s Director of Marketing, Katherine Keller, and Content Manager, Kelsi Johnson, set out on a road trip from Disneyland to San Diego, there was no itinerary, no research, and absolutely zero regrets.

Armed with a rental car named Janet, a coastal California playlist, and a deep commitment to finding good food and unexpected adventures, this is the story of how they winged it—and won.

Meet Janet: The Official Road Trip Queen

Every great road trip needs a trusty vehicle. Ours? A Volkswagen Jetta named Janet.

Step Zero: Picking Up Janet

Before we even hit the road, we wrapped up a few magical, exhausting days at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. With absolutely zero time for research, we did what any responsible road trippers would do: relied on last-minute recommendations from random people.

Katherine: Did we plan any of this in advance?

Kelsi: Absolutely not. But other people did, and that’s what matters.

At 8 AM sharp, we picked up our rental car and, as tradition demands, immediately named her.

Katherine: It had to start with a J.

Kelsi: Alliteration is key.

After cycling through Jane, Julia, and other uninspiring options, we landed on Janet. And just like that, she became part of the team.

With our coastal California beach getaway Spotify playlist queued up, Janet, Kelsi, and Katherine hit the road.

San Juan Capistrano: A Scenic Detour with Zero Research and Maximum Vibes

Ah, road trips. The ultimate test of patience, GPS reliability, and how long we could go without a decent iced coffee. If you’ve ever found yourself winging a vacation with vibes first, planning second, then congratulations—you’d fit right in on this adventure.

Step One: Accidentally Stumbling Into the Perfect Pit Stop

Katherine: So, did we know anything about San Juan Capistrano before arriving?

Kelsi: Absolutely not. But the words “historic district” felt promising, so we went with it.

Leaving Anaheim and heading towards San Diego, we set off with an impressive amount of zero planning, assuming we’d figure it out as we went. And somehow, we nailed it. After just 30 minutes on the road, Janet carried us smoothly into town, and we found ourselves parking for $2 an hour right next to the historic district. (An absolute win.)

The town had that charming, old-world aesthetic—minus the actual crowds. Probably because we showed up at 9:30 AM when no one else thought it was vacation o’clock.

Step Two: Realizing We Showed Up Before the Town Woke Up

Katherine: Fun fact: if you arrive at 9:30 AM, the entire town is still asleep.

Kelsi: The restaurants? Closed. The people? Nowhere. The energy? That of a grocery store at 7 AM on a Sunday.

But what we did find was a pristine, newer-looking marketplace filled with boutique shops, fireplaces, and a very aggressive scent of barbecue that made us instantly regret arriving too early for lunch. The streets were peaceful, the coffee shops were just waking up, and for a second, we questioned whether we had accidentally traveled back in time.

Step Three: Getting Flagged Down by the Town’s Unofficial Welcome Committee

Kelsi: Just as we were about to wander aimlessly, these two elderly, very enthusiastic veterans flagged us down at the train tracks.

Katherine: Was this how it ended for us? Possibly.

Kelsi: But no, they just really love their town and needed us to know exactly where to go.

Enter: Two elderly men, deeply devoted to their city, who practically demanded we go to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. They even handed us an actual paper map (remember those?), and because we had no better plan, we smiled, nodded, and went along with it.

Step Four: Paying $18 for History, Tranquility, and a Botanical Overload

Katherine: The Mission San Juan Capistrano is both deeply historic and highly Instagrammable—if you get there before the swarm of school field trips.

Kelsi: It’s $18 to get in, which includes an audio tour, a map, and an optional botanical guide.

Katherine: I did not care about the botanical guide. I just wanted beautiful pictures.

Kelsi: I absolutely did. Do you know how much flora was in that place? If you love plants, block out several hours of your day.

The mission is stunning, filled with historic archways, gardens, and weathered stone that makes you want to start a travel blog. We also discovered that an earthquake in 1812 collapsed part of the mission and tragically killed 40 people.

So yes, aesthetically pleasing but also historically intense.

Step Five: Realizing the Basilica Wasn’t Worth the Walk

Katherine: Next stop: The Basilica right around the corner. Expectations? Stunning cathedral, a sprinkle of mysticism, maybe some candle-lit ambiance à la A Walk to Remember.

Kelsi: Reality? Not Instagrammable. Not open. Moving on.

It looked historic, but there was no clear way inside, so our dreams of a cinematic church montage were immediately crushed. It was a short-lived stop.

Step Six: Coffee, Fireplaces, and the Cutest Kids’ Menu Ever

We discovered a cozy little café, Ubuntu, with a fireplace, an A+ kids’ menu featuring scrambled eggs with berries (adorable), and, most importantly, solid coffee. Bonus? It was puppy-friendly, which means we were one golden retriever away from crying from happiness.

Final Thoughts: Should You Make This Pit Stop?

Kelsi: If you enjoy historic charm, spontaneous encounters with proud locals, and the kind of peaceful morning that feels like a Hallmark movie before the plot twist—then yes. Absolutely.

Katherine: And the best part? It’s right off the interstate, so it’s an easy, low-effort detour.

Key Takeaways:

Budget-friendly: Parking = $4 total, Mission entry = $18 per person, Coffee = Reasonable. No hidden costs.

Super easy to get to: Literally right off the interstate. No “detour of doom” that adds an extra hour.

Mom considerations: Bring sunscreen. Zero shade. If you’re with kids, plan for an earlier visit to avoid the school-trip chaos.

Overall vibe: History meets charm meets “Wait, should we have actually planned this?”

So next time you’re driving through Southern California, take a page from our book: Don’t overthink it. Just pull off the highway and go.

Oceanside: A Scenic Stop for Pies, Piers, and Questionable Chips

Ah, Oceanside. The perfect spot to stop, stretch, and—if you time it right—consume an absolutely unnecessary (but deeply necessary) amount of pie. This coastal detour had a little bit of everything: a Top Gun moment, a free pier stroll, and a seafood lunch that left us questioning what, exactly, made those tortilla chips so aggressively green.

Step One: Pit Stop Priorities—Bathroom and Pie

Katherine: So, first thing’s first. We needed a bathroom.

Kelsi: And also, we needed pie. Obviously.

After about 30 minutes on the road from San Juan Capistrano, Janet carried us smoothly into Oceanside at the perfect potty-break interval. Our first stop? The Top Gun House—yes, that one. The iconic baby-blue cottage from

Top Gun is now a fully functioning pie shop, which means you can live out your 80s nostalgia and consume buttery perfection at the same time.

We opted for the apple pie, and let’s just say it was shockingly delicious. Buttery, flaky, everything you want when you’re justifying dessert at 10 AM.

Step Two: The Pier, The Wind, and the Unplanned Outfit Regret

Katherine: Reminder: California is not always warm.

Kelsi: San Juan Capistrano had us sweating. Oceanside had us freezing.

From the pie shop, we made our way down to Oceanside Pier. Unlike some touristy piers (cough Santa Monica cough), this one is completely free and offers an uninterrupted view of surfers, seagulls, and the existential dread that comes with realizing you should have brought a sweater.

It was the last day of February, and the wind was howling. Pro tip: Bring layers, even if you think you won’t need them.

During peak season, we assume there are food vendors and snack stands lining the pier, but for us, it was just fresh ocean air and a lot of leaning into the wind dramatically like we were in an indie film.

Step Three: Shrimp, Salsa Bars, and the Mystery of the Neon Green Chips

From there, we were going to set off toward our next stop: The Carlsbad Flower Fields. The only problem? We had no idea if there was food there, and given our track record of planning, this was now a major concern.

Katherine: What if it’s just flowers?

Kelsi: What if there’s no food?

After some mild investigation, Janet faithfully carried us to Rockin’ Baja Lobster, which, frankly, exceeded all expectations. Located near the harbor (where we also conveniently found free parking!), this spot had a salsa bar (major win) and something we’re still thinking about: mystery green tortilla chips.

Katherine: They tasted normal, but why were they so green?

Kelsi: We may never know.

We went for the tequila lime shrimp, and honestly? 12/10. Garlicky, buttery, and accompanied by two pieces of garlic bread that defied explanation.

Katherine: You kept saying it was Alfredo.

Kelsi: But there was no cream. But also… maybe there was?

Either way, we were happy, happy people.

Step Four: Bonus Wildlife and Onward to the Flower Fields

Before leaving, we had one last surprise: a sea lion sighting. Just chilling near the harbor, living its best life, completely unbothered by our excitement.

Kelsi: At first, I thought it was just a tire floating in the water. And then—it lifted its head. “It has a face! It must be a sea lion!”

Katherine: A lot of things have faces.

Kelsi: Okay, but this one was adorable.

From there, we set off toward our next stop: The Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Final Thoughts: Is Oceanside Worth the Stop?

Kelsi: If you need a break, a pie, and a pier walk, 100% yes.

Katherine: And if you enjoy solving food mysteries, absolutely.

Key Takeaways:

Pit stop perfection: 30 minutes from San Juan Capistrano, ideal for a break.

Budget-friendly: Metered parking (bring coins!), free pier, and reasonable food prices.

Weather roulette: Sunny one minute, freezing the next—bring a cardigan.

Foodie musts: Top Gun Pie Shop for the nostalgia (and apple pie), Rockin’ Baja Lobster for shrimp and salsa.

Surprise perks: Sea lions are included at no extra cost.

Next stop: The Carlsbad Flower Fields. With or without snacks. TBD.

The Flower Fields: A Scenic Detour That Didn’t Bloom

Ah, The Flower Fields—a vision of rolling hills covered in vibrant blooms, an Instagrammer’s dream, and, apparently, not open when we arrived.

Step One: A Critical Oversight

Katherine: So, slight issue. The Flower Fields are closed.

Kelsi: As in, not open at all?

Katherine: As in, they open, for the season, tomorrow.

Kelsi: Incredible. Truly a masterclass in planning.

Pro Tip: Before driving to a seasonal attraction, maybe—just maybe—check the schedule.

Had we done even one second of research, we would’ve discovered that the Flower Fields open the day after we showed up. So instead of frolicking through acres of colorful blooms, we sat in the parking lot questioning all of our life choices.

Step Two: The Backup Plan

Katherine: So, what now?

Kelsi: Well, Legoland is next door.

Katherine: We are two adults. With no children.

Kelsi: And Janet is furious that she didn’t get a proper break.

Janet had carried us all this way, only to be denied a scenic flower-field parking break. Janet was not pleased.

Step Three: Acceptance and Road Trip Jams

With no flowers and no plan, we did what any rational travelers would do: blasted our Spotify beach road trip playlist and kept driving.

Did we get the dreamy, picturesque floral experience we had envisioned? No.

Did we get an iconic road trip moment featuring questionable planning, a frustrated Janet, and an unexpected

Legoland sighting? Yes.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit the Flower Fields?

Kelsi: Probably—if they’re actually open.

Katherine: Definitely check the schedule first. Learn from our mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

The Flower Fields? Gorgeous… but only if you time it right.

Always check if a seasonal attraction is open before you drive there.

Legoland is conveniently next door if you need a backup plan (and happen to have kids).

Rental cars named Janet have feelings too.

Next stop: TBD, because clearly, we are not in charge of planning.

La Jolla: Traffic, Sea Lions, and That Unmistakable Smell

Ah, La Jolla. Home to breathtaking coastal views, way too much traffic, and an aggressive amount of sea lions. If you’re into nature, ocean photography, or just vibing with marine mammals that have absolutely no sense of personal space, this is your place.

Step One: Getting There (and Dealing with Traffic)

Katherine: So, traffic became a thing.

Kelsi: A very real thing.

We left Carlsbad Flower Fields (or, well, their closed gates) and made it to La Jolla in about 20–30 minutes. That part was easy. What wasn’t easy? Navigating traffic as soon as we got off the highway.

It was packed. Even on a random Friday in February.

Parking was a minor miracle. We somehow snagged free street parking right next to the Sea Cave Store. There’s a parking garage nearby, but the entrance looked unreasonably narrow, so we didn’t risk it. There’s also a lot further down the hill if your parallel parking skills are up to par.

Step Two: Beach Walks and Brave Snorkelers

Katherine: Why are people snorkeling in this weather?

Kelsi: They have no fear.

From the car, we walked down the hill to La Jolla Cove. The temperature had dropped, the clouds had rolled in, and the wind was back with a vengeance. It was not a sunbathing kind of day, but it was a “take a million pictures of the sea lions” kind of day.

The cove was full of them—napping, swimming, barking, living their best sea lion lives. Meanwhile, there were actual humans snorkeling in what can only be described as aggressively cold water. The waves were rough, the water looked freezing, and yet—there they were, just out there like it was the Bahamas.

Katherine: Couldn’t be me.

Kelsi: Hard pass.

Step Three: The Sea Lion Nightclub

After the cove, we walked further down to the main sea lion hangout. And wow. Hundreds of them. Two full colonies? Prides? Squads? Unclear on the terminology, but there were a lot.

Katherine: This is less of a sea lion habitat and more of an exclusive nightclub.

Kelsi: Everyone’s jumping. Everyone’s yelling. It’s packed.

Important note: They smell terrible. This is not a cute aquarium experience. This is a full-blown nature documentary with a scent level you can’t ignore.

Katherine: If you are sensitive to smells, bring essential oils. Maybe some eucalyptus. Maybe just… don’t breathe.

Kelsi: But also, they’re so cute. So, worth it.

We took a thousand pictures, debated whether or not the smell was survivable, and then made our way back up the hill.

Step Four: Bathrooms, Caves, and the Exit Strategy

Katherine: Road trip rule #47: Always know where the bathrooms are.

Kelsi: La Jolla delivers.

Luckily, there were public restrooms nearby, easy to access, gender-neutral, and mostly clean. There were sinks! There was soap! There were no paper towels, so we shook our hands dry like pioneers before heading back up the hill.

We checked out the Sea Cave Store (which has an entrance to actual sea caves you can explore for $10/adult and $6/child). We didn’t go inside this time—because, time—but if you’re in La Jolla and looking for an extra adventure, it’s worth checking out.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit La Jolla?

Kelsi: If you love ocean views, sea lions, and don’t mind the smell—absolutely.

Katherine: If you hate traffic and unexpected marine scents, maybe skip it.

Key Takeaways:

Traffic is real. Plan accordingly, and don’t expect an empty road.

Parking is tricky but doable. Free street parking exists (if you’re lucky), and there’s a garage (if you dare).

The sea lions? Adorable. Also loud. Also smelly. Be prepared.

Bathrooms are available but bring your own paper towels.

Sea caves are an option! But check prices and time before committing.

Next stop: TBD, but ideally, somewhere with fewer traffic jams and more personal space.

Torrey Pines: A Scenic Detour (In the Wrong Order)

Sometimes, even the best road trippers make mistakes. This was one of those times.

Step One: Realizing We Messed Up

Katherine: So, turns out, we did this backward.

Kelsi: Which is weird, because we never make mistakes.

Katherine: Never. Except this time.

After leaving La Jolla, we realized that Torrey Pines is actually north of it. Which meant we had to backtrack about 10 minutes. Was this the most tragic mistake of our lives? No. But still, we felt it.

Step Two: The $20 Plot Twist

We arrived at Torrey Pines Nature Reserve and immediately hit a line of cars waiting to get in. When we reached the entrance, the park ranger informed us that it was $20 for the day. Normally, this wouldn’t be a deal-breaker, but it was already past 3 PM, and we had a tight schedule and zero intentions of staying for a full day.

Katherine: Do we want to pay $20 just to take a couple of pictures?

Kelsi: Absolutely not.

So, in classic budget-conscious, time-efficient traveler fashion, we turned around and drove five more minutes to Torrey Pines Gliderport—where parking is free.

Step Three: Gliders, Cliffs, and Dogs

Katherine: Gliders were gliding.

Kelsi: As gliders do.

From the Gliderport, we got an incredible view of the cliffs, the ocean, and the beach. Honestly, being up so high made it even better than if we had been at sea level. Plus, free parking.

We spent some time watching the paragliders literally run off cliffs (casually), soaking in the scenery, and embracing the fact that we totally made the right call.

Step Four: A Restaurant, Rosé, and More Dogs

Kelsi: Did we just find the best way to sit and watch people jump off cliffs?

Katherine: We did. And it involves wine.

The Gliderport has a restaurant with ample outdoor seating (a blessing in Southern California), reasonably priced food and drinks, and most importantly: dogs. So many dogs.

We could’ve easily spent the rest of the day sipping rosé, dog-watching, and pretending we were going to try paragliding someday. But alas, Janet the rental car had rested long enough, and we had places to be.

Final Thoughts: Is Torrey Pines Worth It?

Kelsi: Absolutely. But skip the $20 fee unless you’re hiking or planning on spending several hours ther.

Katherine: The Gliderport is the real MVP—free parking, epic views, and dogs.

Key Takeaways:

Torrey Pines Nature Reserve is beautiful, but it costs $20. Plan accordingly.

The Gliderport? Free. And arguably better if you just want the views.

You will witness people casually running off cliffs. (With parachutes, but still.)

If you love scenic ocean views, skip the parking fee and head straight to the Gliderport.

Next stop: Wherever Janet takes us next.

Raised by Wolves: A Speakeasy Experience (and an Outfit Crisis)

After a full day of traffic, sea lions, and gliders jumping off cliffs, there was only one logical next step: booze.

Step One: The Outfit Dilemma

Katherine: So… are we too underdressed for this?

Kelsi: We are 100% underdressed for this.

After spending the day in athleisure and road trip sneakers, we suddenly realized we were about to walk into what appeared to be a very upscale bar. But did we have time (or energy) to change? No. So we rolled up in our finest post-hiking athleisure and hoped for the best.

Step Two: Getting There and The Secret Entrance

Surprisingly, traffic wasn’t terrible, and we made it to Raised by Wolves in about 15 minutes. It’s located in Westfield UTC Mall, which—pro tip—has ample parking.

First two hours of parking are free. So if you don’t dilly-dally, you can escape without paying.

We did not have a reservation. And somehow, we walked in with only a 10-minute wait.

Now, here’s the thing about Raised by Wolves—you cannot see the bar when you walk in.

Katherine: Should we tell people how to get in?

Kelsi: Absolutely not. Let them be surprised.

We’ll just say this: It’s a speakeasy. There is a secret entrance. And it’s very cool.

Step Three: Inside the Vibe Check

Once inside, it was full vintage speakeasy energy. Think: dark, moody lighting, no windows, deep leather chairs, and serious 1920s Prohibition-era vibes.

No food. Only cocktails. This is not a “grab some snacks” kind of place. It’s a “sip expensive whiskey and contemplate your life choices” kind of place.

The menu? About 12–15 curated cocktails, plus an extensive index of top-shelf bourbons, whiskeys, gins, and aperitifs.

The drinks? Delicious. Beautifully crafted, and definitely a “treat yourself” experience.

We sank into the ambiance, sipped our expertly made cocktails, and fully embraced our transformation into people who appreciate a good speakeasy.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

Kelsi: If you love a good cocktail and a secret entrance, 100% yes.

Katherine: Just maybe dress a little nicer than we did.

Key Takeaways:

Location: Inside Westfield UTC Mall (plenty of parking, first 2 hours free).

Reservations? Recommended, but we got lucky without one.

Secret Entrance? Exists. But we won’t spoil it.

Drinks Only: No food, just craft cocktails and high-end spirits.

Speakeasy Vibes: Dark, moody, vintage, 1920s energy.

Next stop: Somewhere with food, because we only had cocktails and we are now in need of snacks.

Red O Mexican: A Happy Hour Victory

After speakeasy cocktails and secret doors, one thing became painfully clear: we needed food. Immediately. If not sooner.

Step One: The Shockingly Pre-Planned Dinner

Katherine: So, plot twist—we actually planned ahead for once.

Kelsi: A rare moment of responsibility.

We had shockingly pre-planned to go to Red O Mexican, which was conveniently located in the same mall as Raised by Wolves. All we had to do was walk across a bridge over the highway—an easy five-minute stroll.

Step Two: Happy Hour Magic

We arrived just in time for happy hour, otherwise known as the two most beautiful words in the English language.
Immediate seating. No wait. Just vibes.

A greenhouse-style dining room, giving us the outdoor feel with the comfort of indoor heating.

Long fire pits and propane lanterns made everything feel warm and cozy as the night got colder.

Step Three: Sangria and Melted Cheese = Happiness

Katherine: We got the sangria. No regrets.

Kelsi: It was delicioso.

For food, we shared a happy hour spread of appetizers, including:

• Chicken quesadilla
• Carnitas empanadas
• Queso fundido (which stole the show)

Katherine: It’s melted cheese. You literally can’t go wrong.

Kelsi: I could’ve eaten an entire bowl of just that and called it a night.

Between the sangria and the queso, we hit peak contentment.

Step Four: Janet’s Final Ride

Sadly, after demolishing our appetizers, it was time to say goodbye to Janet, the rental car.

We had officially made it to San Diego and needed to return her to her new home—the airport rental lot. A quick 15-minute drive, a smooth drop-off, and an Uber ride later, we were at our Airbnb for the night.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Road Trip Day

From historic missions to coastal pit stops, sea lions to secret speakeasies, and gliders to queso fundido, this day

had it all.

Katherine: If we could do it again, would we change anything?

Kelsi: Besides checking if the Flower Fields were actually open? Nope.

Key Takeaways from the Day:

San Juan Capistrano: Adorable, historic, easy to navigate. Worth it.

Oceanside: Top Gun house and pie = a solid stop.

Carlsbad Flower Fields: Check. The. Schedule.

La Jolla: Beautiful, sea lion-heavy, very smelly.

Torrey Pines: Skip the $20 parking and head to the Gliderport for free.

Raised by Wolves: Speakeasy magic. A must.

Red O Mexican: Happy hour + queso = life.

Katherine: I feel like we just did an entire week’s worth of activities in one day.

Kelsi: And we still have more to do tomorrow.

Next stop: San Diego adventures. But first, sleep.