San Diego to Las Vegas Road Trip Guide

While many people enjoy the shopping, casinos, and entertainment available in Las Vegas, there are also some unique activities you won't find readily available anywhere else. Ever wanted to drive a high-performance race car? You can fulfill your supercar driving fantasies at Exotics Racing, the Las Vegas track located just north of the city features seven hair raising turns and an 1800 foot straight away.

You can arrange a turn behind the wheel of some of the world's most exotic cars. Drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche Audi or even an Aston Martin at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with the coaching of a professional race driving instruction. There are over 50 exotic cars and 20 race cars available to drive. The more cautious can also arrange ride alongs, or you can try racing go-karts on a special track.

The supercar driving experiences are available Tuesday to Sundays, and you should make reservations online or by phone prior to your arrival. This is a truly unique, once in a lifetime experience!

Heading towards Las Vegas, you will pass through the city of San Bernardino. Just north of the city, you enter the fabulous natural wilderness areas of two national forests. The area includes the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, which can be reached with a short jaunt east of Interstate 15, just north of San Bernardino on Route 138.

The campground here provides an excellent overnight stop, or just a great place to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming on the blue waters of Silverwood Lake. The Mesa Campground on the south shores of the lake provides 26 RV camping sites with full hookups for RV campers. The campsites are appropriate for moderately sized or small RVs and connect to hiking trails and swimming and boating areas.

A local marina provides watercraft rentals so you can get out on the water and enjoy watersports and fishing activities. Reserve your spot as this campground fills up early. Online reservations and information can be found at Silverwood State Recreation Area Information and Reservations. In the distance, you will see snow-capped mountains, and from the hiking trail that runs around the lake, you will have the opportunity to spot local wildlife.

You can even arrange for a Bald Eagle Barge Tour between January and March on Saturdays. Venture out on the lake to view rare water birds like blue herons and snowy egrets, and spy bald eagles, red tailed hawks, osprey and Cooper’s hawks in the trees along the shore. Reservations for the barge tours are highly recommended to ensure a spot.

Start your road trip by visiting Balboa Park, a 1200 acre, “cultural oasis”, centrally located in San Diego, centrally located, just west of the San Diego Zoo. The park contains 17 museums and delightful gardens as well as the zoo, and is a short distance from the amenities of San Diego's downtown area. Check out the website at Balboa Park for events and programs taking place at the park during your stay.

The park features live performances including dramas, comedies, and musical and dance performances, on 10 indoor and outdoor stages. You don't have to worry about being rained out of open-air shows; San Diego boasts warm, sunny conditions throughout the year, with little inclement weather. This historic park was established 150 years ago and not only features beautiful scenery in the heart of the urban center, but many exciting attractions and activities. Enjoy the carousel or miniature train, or just kick back under the shade of a centuries-old tree and enjoy the gardens, blooms, and butterflies which are plentiful at the park.