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Zion National Park To San Diego Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Note: This guide was last updated 1 year and 9 months and 3 days ago. If you've spotted anything that seems a bit out-of-date or if you have some killer tips to share, we're all ears! Feel free to leave a comment below.

Zion National Park to San Diego road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 496 miles of Zion National Park to San Diego drive takes around 7 hours and 38 mins without stops.

This article includes 28 tips that turn your Zion National Park to San Diego drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego, take your coffee and keep reading!

9 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Zion National Park To San Diego

On the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top nine hotels on the Zion National Park – San Diego route!

1. Best Western Plus Abbey Inn

Best Western Plus Abbey Inn is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. Driving from Zion National Park to Best Western Plus Abbey Inn might take around 58 mins.

Best Western Plus Abbey Inn in St. George, Utah is a great place to stay during a road trip. It is modern, with thoughtful design and amenities like a fitness center. This hotel is ideal for travelers looking for a comfortable place to rest during their Zion National Park to San Diego journey. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The location is great for travelers, as it is conveniently close to the highway and other attractions. Overall, the Best Western Plus Abbey Inn is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a place to rest during their road trip.

Check the Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, one of the best hotels in St. George, Utah, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Eureka Casino Resort

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to San Diego from Zion National Park is Eureka Casino Resort. Located in Mesquite, Nevada, the hotel is 85.4 miles away from Zion National Park, and it would take 1 hour and 31 mins to drive.

Eureka Casino Resort in Mesquite, Nevada is a great stop on the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. The casino offers an array of gaming options, including slots, table games, and a sports book, with plenty of choices to keep you entertained. The staff is very friendly and welcoming, ensuring guests have a pleasant experience. The resort also features four restaurants with delicious meals, and over 200 rooms and suites for comfortable accommodation. The Eureka Casino Resort is situated in a convenient location, just 3 miles away from Palm Golf Club and with stunning mountain views. All in all, this relaxed, modern casino resort is the ideal place to stay on your road trip.

If you want to learn more about the Eureka Casino Resort, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

3. Park MGM Las Vegas

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Park MGM Las Vegas. Park MGM Las Vegas is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it’s 171 miles away from Zion National Park. You can arrive there in 2 hours and 52 mins of non-stop driving.

Park MGM Las Vegas is a great place to stop on your Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. The hotel offers a unique culinary experience with Bavette’s, a poolside restaurant serving up a combination of French and LA-inspired dishes. The Juniper Cocktail Lounge is also a great spot for craft cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food without the need to dress up. In addition, you’ll find a great selection of drinks to choose from at the Juniper Cocktail Lounge. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy a meal or just to grab a few drinks, Park MGM Las Vegas is a great choice.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Park MGM Las Vegas, for more information.

4. Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino

If you are taking the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego, Primm, Nevada is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 208 miles from Zion National Park, and it would take 3 hours and 19 mins to drive.

Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino is a great stop on the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. The recently renovated hotel has updated TVs, carpets, and beds, making it an excellent value. The Wild West theme is a perfect combination of thrilling slots and charming décor, and the 209-foot roller coaster is a highlight. There are 1,723 guest rooms available, as well as Denny’s restaurant. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the drive and enjoy some Vegas-style fun without the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. California Inn, Barstow

Our next hotel is California Inn, Barstow, Barstow, California. It will take 4 hours and 56 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Zion National Park.

California Inn, Barstow is the ideal place to stop on your drive from Zion National Park to San Diego. It offers great value with its comfortable rooms, family-friendly amenities, and complimentary breakfast. The pool and free parking are additional bonuses. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and recharge before continuing your journey.

Check the California Inn, Barstow on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of California Inn, Barstow for reviews, prices, and availability.

6. Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernardino

Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego is Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernardino. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel, located in San Bernardino, California within 6 hour’s drive from Zion National Park.

Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernardino is a great place to stay during your road trip to San Diego. It’s conveniently located off I-10 and close to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. It’s also only 25 minutes from Ontario International Airport, and a short drive to the Loma Linda University Medical Center, the National Orange Show Events Center, and the beautiful beaches of Los Angeles. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and great for solo travelers who want to feel safe. The free hot breakfast buffet is also a great perk, with a variety of hot and cold options. All in all, Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernardino is an ideal spot for a restful stop on your Zion National Park to San Diego road trip.

Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

7. Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula

Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula. It’s located in Temecula, California and it is 437 miles from Zion National Park. You can arrive there within 6 hours and 45 mins of car drive.

Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula is a great place to take a break on your road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. Our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The staff was really friendly and helpful. They even recommended a great restaurant. The breakfast was fantastic, and even on a busy weekend, it wasn’t too crowded. The room itself was spotless, and all the amenities like the microwave, hair dryer, iron with ironing board, and mini refrigerator were very useful. Plus, the hotel is only 6 miles from California Wine Country and within walking distance from Old Town Temecula, so there’s plenty to do. Overall, a great place to stay and highly recommended.

If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula.

8. Best Western Escondido Hotel

Located in Escondido, California, Best Western Escondido Hotel is another hotel where you can stay on the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. Best Western Escondido Hotel is 465 miles from Zion National Park and will take 7 hours and 12 mins of non-stop driving.

The best Western Escondido Hotel in Escondido, California was a great stop on our road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. Our double room (two queen beds) was comfortable and surprisingly quiet. The refrigerator and microwave in the room were incredibly convenient and the mattresses were incredibly comfortable. The bathroom was a bit small, but still perfectly functional. We appreciated the hotel’s proximity to restaurants, as well as its easy access to I-15. The morning breakfast was also a great way to start the day. All in all, it was a great place to stay during our road trip.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Best Western Escondido Hotel for more information.

9. Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station

As we approach the end of our list, another hotel we would like to introduce to you is the Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station hotel. Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station, San Diego, California is 497 miles from Zion National Park, and you can arrive there in 7 hours and 41 mins of non-stop driving.

Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station was a great place to stay on our Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. The room was squeaky clean with a spacious bathroom and a comfortable bed. Our room was a bit on the small side, but the mini fridge was a nice touch. You can easily walk to a few nearby restaurants, and the hotel is within driving distance of major attractions. All in all, it was a great choice for our road trip and we’d stay here again!

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station for more information about the Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station hotel.

In this part, we explained nine hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Zion National Park to the San Diego route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Zion National Park to San Diego. We have ten restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

10 Best Restaurants On The Zion National Park To San Diego Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. This section lists ten restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Cliffside Restaurant

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Zion National Park to San Diego road trip with Cliffside Restaurant. Cliffside Restaurant is located in St. George, Utah, and is 49.0 miles from Zion National Park. It would take 1 hour of driving.

Cliffside Restaurant in St. George, Utah is special. It’s perched on a cliff with a stunning view of the valley below. It offers an experience that can’t be found elsewhere in southern Utah. It’s the perfect spot to take a break during a road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. The restaurant serves delicious food and drinks, while the atmosphere and view create an unforgettable experience. It’s a great place to stop on the drive!

For more information about Cliffside Restaurant, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Cliffside Restaurant.

2. Gregory’s Mesquite Grill

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to San Diego from Zion National Park is Gregory’s, Mesquite Grill. Located in Mesquite, Nevada, Gregory’s Mesquite Grill is 85.5 miles from Zion National Park and would take 1 hour and 32 mins of driving.

Gregory’s Mesquite Grill in Mesquite, Nevada is a must-stop on your road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. Their steak and lobster are some of the best in all of Nevada – the lobster tastes like it’s from Maine. The chefs and servers are incredibly courteous and efficient, making your meal even more enjoyable. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten allergies can all find something to eat here. If you want a truly delicious meal, you need to visit Gregory’s, Mesquite Grill.

If you want to learn more about Gregory’s Mesquite Grill, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

3. Muddy River Bar and Grill

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Muddy River Bar and Grill. It will take 1 hour and 59 mins of car drive to take 118 miles from Zion National Park to Muddy River Bar and Grill, Moapa, Nevada.

Muddy River Bar and Grill in Moapa, Nevada is a great place to stop on your road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. The food is homemade and delicious. I had the Philly cheese steak which was recommended by our server and it was amazing. The fries served alongside were also great. There was something for everyone on the menu, and prices were very reasonable. The staff was friendly and attentive. This is a great spot to stop for a bite to eat if you’re passing through Moapa, and I would recommend it!

You can check Muddy River Bar and Grill, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Fresco Italiano, Las Vegas

Fresco Italiano, Las Vegas deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fresco Italiano, Las Vegas is a must-stop on any Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. This Tuscan-inspired restaurant offers a range of Italian delicacies, from freshly made pasta and handcrafted flatbreads to succulent steaks, chicken, and seafood. The menu is sure to satisfy even the most discerning diner, and the atmosphere is perfect for a special night out. All in all, Fresco Italiano is a great option for travelers looking for a delicious Italian meal during their road trip.

Fresco Italiano, Las Vegas is 169 miles from Zion National Park, and it would take 2 hours and 45 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Fresco Italiano, Las Vegas, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

5. GP’s Steak House

If you enjoy dining, GP’s Steak House would be an excellent choice in Primm, Nevada. It’s 208 miles from Zion National Park and would take 3 hours and 20 mins of car driving.

GP’s Steak House in Primm, Nevada is an amazing place to stop during a Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. The atmosphere is very pleasant, and the staff is welcoming and efficient. I had the cedar plank salmon, which was incredibly tasty – especially for the location. The portion size was just right and the flavor was spot on. My companion had the flat iron steak and it was cooked perfectly. We also ordered a side of mashed potatoes, broccoli Caesar salad, a house salad, and some fresh bread. The food was delicious and worth the price. Our server, Carlos, was very attentive, quick, and very busy. He was a great waiter and provided excellent service. All in all, GP’s Steak House is a great place to stop on the drive.

If you want to learn more about the GP’s Steak House you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

6. Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant

Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego is Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant, Barstow, California. It will take 5 hours and 39 mins of driving to reach Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant from Zion National Park.

Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant in Barstow is a great place to stop in while on a road trip. The food is excellent and the service is always on point. The Mango Chamoy margarita is a must-try and it’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Despite it being late in the evening, Los Domingos was open, which was great. This restaurant is definitely worth the stop if you’re driving from Zion National Park to San Diego.

For more information about Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.

7. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino

Ranked seventh on our list, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino appeals to those who want to turn their San Diego vacation into a memorable experience. Located in San Bernardino, California 395 miles away from Zion National Park, and it’ll take 6 hours of driving.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino is a great place to stop on a road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. The wait to get seated may be long, but the attentive service makes up for it. The menu has something for everyone, including vegan options, and the craft beers at the bar are popular. Don’t miss out on the delicious clam chowder and the well-prepared burgers and ribs. For those who are looking for lighter fare, there are plenty of salads to choose from. Desserts are also a highlight, and special diets such as vegetarian and gluten-free are catered for. All in all, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a great stopover for a tasty and satisfying meal.

If you want to learn more about BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

8. The Goat and Vine

The Goat and Vine is an excellent restaurant that is 440 miles away from Zion National Park. The Goat and Vine are located in Temecula, California, and you can reach there after 6 hours and 48 mins of car driving.

The Goat and Vine was a great stop during our Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. We arrived right when it opened and were immediately charmed by the beautiful and bright atmosphere. We opted for sandwiches for lunch- the Saloon Steak Mushroom Melt and the Turkey Sandwich- and they were both delicious. The bread was of great quality, the ingredients were fresh and the flavors were on point. The Goat & Vine make all their dishes from scratch in their stone hearth kitchen and you can tell by the taste. The restaurant has a century-old design combined with a bit of rural whimsy, creating a comfortable and classy dining experience. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in Old Temecula.

If you want to discover the menu and more information about The Goat and Vine, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

9. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido:

Eating is a serious business. Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who take this job seriously is the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido, Escondido, California. It is 468 miles from Zion National Park and would take around 7 hours and 15 mins of car driving.

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido is an amazing place to stop on your Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. The goat’s cheese salad is delicious and will be one of the highlights of your trip. You’ll love the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients used in all their dishes, making the experience even better. The staff, especially Isaiah, are friendly and attentive. The outdoor garden is delightful and the 32-tap beer system and selection of wines add to the charm of the restaurant. Eating at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido is an experience that will leave you feeling satisfied in body, mind, and soul.

You can visit the official TripAdvisor and Google Maps pages of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido, for detailed information.

10. Oceana Coastal Kitchen

The last restaurant on our list is Oceana Coastal Kitchen. Remember, our ranking in the list is based on distance. So, the fact that Oceana Coastal Kitchen is last on the list does not mean that it is the worst restaurant. Oceana Coastal Kitchen is 499 miles from Zion National Park, and it would take 7 hours and 44 mins of driving.

Oceana Coastal Kitchen is a great place to stop for lunch on a road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. The atmosphere is charming and inviting, with the beautiful bayfront view adding to the ambiance. You can expect top-notch service from the staff, who are friendly and attentive. The food is delicious, with a great selection of sushi and a wide range of fresh seafood dishes. Their drinks are also fantastic, making this restaurant a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

If you want to learn more about Oceana Coastal Kitchen you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our ten restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 496 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a San Diego road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Zion National Park to San Diego. Keep reading.

9 Places To Visit On The Zion National Park To San Diego Drive

A unique experience awaits you in San Diego. However, there are also some unique destinations like St. George, Utah on your road trip. We want to explain the top nine destinations we recommend on the San Diego route.

1. Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery

Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. Located in Mesquite, Nevada, Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is 86.0 miles away from Zion National Park, and it would take 1 hour and 33 mins to drive.

Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is a great place to stop on your Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. The friendly staff is experts on the local artists, and there was a judge showing where the public could vote for their favorite. There are always new crafts and artwork, so it’s the perfect place to find unique gifts. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is exceptionally helpful. The atmosphere of the gallery is relaxed and inspiring, making it an enjoyable place to visit.

If you want to learn more about the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

2. Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Moapa, Nevada is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Zion National Park to San Diego route. It’s 126 miles from Zion National Park, and it’ll take about 2 hours of driving.

Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a great spot for half an hour and breaks on a road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. It’s a small sanctuary that offers a unique experience, with its endangered fish viewing area and knowledgeable docents to guide visitors. Though it’s not open during the hottest months of the year, you can easily check their website for updated information. There are also a few short trails and a picnic area with restrooms and a lot of shade. All in all, Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to stop on your journey and is well worth a visit.

If you want to learn more about Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.

3. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego is Las Vegas, Nevada. And if you visit Las Vegas, Nevada, we suggest you visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You can arrive at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area after 2 hours and 55 mins of driving.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a must-see on any road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. Located only a few miles from Las Vegas, this stunning landscape is popular with photographers and visitors alike. Its awe-inspiring red-hued rock formations are a sight to behold, providing a beautiful backdrop for pictures and memories. Perfect for a quick stop while on the road, Red Rock Canyon is a great place to get out and explore nature’s magnificence.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for more information.

4. Desperado Roller Coaster

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Desperado Roller Coaster, Primm, Nevada on the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. Desperado Roller Coaster is 208 miles from Zion National Park, and you can arrive there after the 3 hours and 20 mins of drive.

Desperado Roller Coaster in Primm, Nevada is an unforgettable experience. The roller coaster zooms at an exhilarating speed of 80 mph, and the price of the ride is worth it. Unfortunately, the ride is only available for certain hours, which are not listed online. When we arrived at the ticket booth, we noticed that the roller coaster and log ride ran every other hour and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. After waiting for 30 minutes, we were finally able to get on the ride, but it didn’t start on time. Despite the delay, the roller coaster ride was great but there was no offer for a second ride or an apology. Unless management decides to make this attraction a priority, this might be my last time here.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Desperado Roller Coaster before going there.

5. Western America Railroad Museum

Located in Barstow, California, Western America Railroad Museum ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. You must take 4 hours and 58 mins of driving to arrive at the Western America Railroad Museum.

Western America Railroad Museum in Barstow is an excellent place to visit on your road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. It’s home to a range of fascinating railroad artifacts and even an old train locomotive that you can climb aboard. A great place to explore and learn more about the history of railroads in America, it’s a great stopover if you’re passing through Barstow. Whether you’re a big train enthusiast or just looking for a way to break up a long journey, you won’t be disappointed by a visit here.

If you want to learn more about Western America Railroad Museum, you can check it out on TripAdvisor or the official website.

6. San Bernardino National Forest

Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego is San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino, California. San Bernardino National Forest is 379 miles from Zion National Park, and it would take 5 hours and 51 mins to drive.

San Bernardino National Forest is a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit during a road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. With its mix of arid deserts and alpine mountains, this 660,000-acre area offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, visitors can take in stunning views, explore lakes, go for hikes, and visit the various small towns situated in the forest. The highest point of the San Bernardino Mountains is 11,502 feet, at Mount San Gorgonio, providing an incredible vista that is well worth the trip. San Bernardino National Forest is truly a great place to stop on the drive to San Diego.

For more information about San Bernardino National Forest, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.

7. Old Town Temecula

You can visit many destinations on your Zion National Park to San Diego journey. One of these destinations is Old Town Temecula located in, Temecula, California. You can arrive at Old Town Temecula after 6 hours and 48 mins of driving.

Old Town Temecula is a charming little area with a unique western-thwestern themeveniently located near the Pechanga Resort and Casino, and the City of Temecula Civic Center is a lovely backdrop for the town. There’s a variety of stores and restaurants, including vintage shops, coffee shops, gardens, soap shops, and olive oil shops. It’s a great place to take a stroll during the day when the sun is out, although it can get pretty cold at night during the winter. I had a great time exploring Old Town Temecula and I can’t wait to come back and experience it all again.

If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Old Town Temecula you can visit Old Town Temecula’s TripAdvisor page or their website.

8. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

As we near the end of our list of the top 9 best places to visit on the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego, it would be unfair not to mention San Diego Zoo, Safari Park. San Diego Zoo Safari Park locates in Escondido, California, 475 miles from Zion National Park, and it takes 7 hours and 21 mins drive from Zion National Park to get there.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California is a great place to visit for all ages. It is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary that is home to over 3000 animals from 300 species, as well as a renowned botanical collection representing 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. The Park covers 1,800 acres (730 hectares) and more than half of the land is set aside as a protected native species habitat. I had a wonderful experience here, and I can recommend it as a great stop on your Zion National Park to San Diego road trip. It is a fantastic way to learn about animal conservation and sustainability and to connect with nature. The views were incredible and I was so impressed by the efforts to protect wildlife and nature. It was an unforgettable experience!

If you want to learn more about San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

9. USS Midway Museum

Now, we would like to introduce you to another vibrant restaurant on the San Diego trip. Located in San Diego, California, USS Midway Museum is 497 miles from Zion National Park, and it would take 7 hours and 41 mins to drive.

USS Midway Museum is a must-stop on any road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. This interactive museum is a unique experience for families, giving them the chance to walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 sailors who served on the Midway. There is so much to explore here, from the stories of WWII veterans to the technology of the 1980s. You can easily spend four hours diving into the history of the Midway and still not see everything. There is something for everyone to enjoy, making this an ideal stop on the drive.

If you want to learn more about USS Midway Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Zion National Park to San Diego

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Zion National Park to San Diego drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Zion National Park To San Diego?

  • With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip takes approximately 7 hours and 38 mins to drive. The driving distance between Zion National Park to San Diego is 496 miles.
  • If you want to make the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be 1 day and 22 hours.
  • If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Zion National Park-San Diego route, then you will have to walk for 7 days and 3 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Zion National Park To San Diego?

There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to San Diego. You can visit St. George, Utah; Mesquite, Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada; Primm, Nevada; Barstow, California; San Bernardino, California; Temecula, California; Escondido, California; San Diego, California; Moapa, Nevada on the road. Here we list nine places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Zion National Park to San Diego journey, you can check the 9 Best Places To Visit On The Zion National Park To San Diego Road Trip.

  1. Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery: 86.0 miles / 1 hour and 33 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 410 miles / 6 hours and 11 mins of driving to San Diego.
  2. Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge: 126 miles / 2 hours to drive from Zion National Park | 388 miles / 5 hours and 52 mins of driving to San Diego.
  3. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: 180 miles / 2 hours and 55 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 338 miles / 5 hours of driving to San Diego.
  4. Desperado Roller Coaster: 208 miles / 3 hours and 20 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 289 miles / 4 hours and 25 mins of driving to San Diego.
  5. Western America Railroad Museum: 321 miles / 4 hours and 58 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 177 miles / 2 hours and 47 mins of driving to San Diego.
  6. San Bernardino National Forest: 379 miles / 5 hours and 51 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 95.9 miles / 1 hour and 42 mins of driving to San Diego.
  7. Old Town Temecula: 438 miles / 6 hours and 48 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 58.5 miles / 58 mins of driving to San Diego.
  8. San Diego Zoo Safari Park: 475 miles / 7 hours and 21 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 32.1 miles / 37 mins of driving to San Diego.
  9. USS Midway Museum: 497 miles / 7 hours and 41 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 1.4 miles / 10 mins of driving to San Diego.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Zion National Park To San Diego?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. We have selected nine hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 9 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To San Diego From Zion National Park section.

  • Best Western Plus Abbey Inn: 48.9 miles / 58 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 448 miles / 6 hours and 42 mins of driving to San Diego.
  • Eureka Casino Resort: 85.4 miles / 1 hour and 31 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 411 miles / 6 hours and 10 mins of driving to San Diego.
  • Park MGM Las Vegas: 171 miles / 2 hours and 52 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 326 miles / 4 hours and 58 mins of driving to San Diego.
  • Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino: 208 miles / 3 hours and 19 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 289 miles / 4 hours and 25 mins of driving to San Diego.
  • California Inn, Barstow: 319 miles / 4 hours and 56 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 177 miles / 2 hours and 44 mins of driving to San Diego.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernardino: 395 miles / 6 hours to drive from Zion National Park | 109 miles / 1 hour and 46 mins of driving to San Diego.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula: 437 miles / 6 hours and 45 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 59.4 miles / 59 mins of driving to San Diego.
  • Best Western Escondido Hotel: 465 miles / 7 hours and 12 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 33.4 miles / 37 mins of driving to San Diego.
  • Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station: 497 miles / 7 hours and 41 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 5.3 miles / 12 mins of driving to San Diego.

Where To Eat Between Zion National Park to San Diego?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Zion National Park to San Diego drive, you can consider the ten restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 10 Best Restaurants On The Zion National Park To San Diego Road Trip.

  1. Cliffside Restaurant: 49.0 miles / 1 hour to drive from Zion National Park | 450 miles / 6 hours and 47 mins of driving to San Diego.
  2. Gregory’s Mesquite Grill: 85.5 miles / 1 hour and 32 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 411 miles / 6 hours and 11 mins of driving to San Diego.
  3. Muddy River Bar and Grill: 118 miles / 1 hour and 59 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 379 miles / 5 hours and 42 mins of driving to San Diego.
  4. Fresco Italiano, Las Vegas: 169 miles / 2 hours and 45 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 330 miles / 5 hours of driving to San Diego.
  5. GP’s Steak House: 208 miles / 3 hours and 20 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 289 miles / 4 hours and 24 mins of driving to San Diego.
  6. Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant: 361 miles / 5 hours and 39 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 139 miles / 2 hours and 15 mins of driving to San Diego.
  7. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino: 395 miles / 6 hours to drive from Zion National Park | 109 miles / 1 hour and 45 mins of driving to San Diego.
  8. The Goat and Vine: 440 miles / 6 hours and 48 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 58.2 miles / 56 mins of driving to San Diego.
  9. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido: 468 miles / 7 hours and 15 mins to drive from Zion National Park | 31.9 miles / 37 mins of driving to San Diego.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego. We have listed nine hotels, ten restaurants, and nine places to visit on the Zion National Park to San Diego drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Zion National Park to San Diego road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Zion National Park to San Diego and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: San Diego Road Trip – Travel Guide

In this video, you can find a detailed travel guide to San Diego.




Tolga

Hi, I'm Tolga. Your guide for unforgettable road trips across the USA, Europe, and Australia. I offer destination insights, tips, and occasionally use AI for added accuracy. Let's explore the world one road at a time!

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