Los Angeles to San Diego road trip: 24 stops worth the detour

the Big A halo sign and the outfield rock-and-geyser waterfall, in OC sunshine

A lush Arnold Palmer course at the Park Hyatt Aviara, threading wetlands and flowers near the coast and home to an LPGA major. North County's resort showpiece.

Chef Mickey Ninomiya's Kearny Mesa spot blending Japanese and Thai influences into inventive, precisely plated dishes with a devoted following. Order: Chef tasting.

Convoy District omakase-style sushi bar that earned a New York Times rave, serving pristine nigiri flights at an approachable price for the genre. Order: Omakase nigiri.

A municipal course on the cliffs above the Pacific that has twice hosted the US Open, most famously Tiger's 2008 win. Anyone can play where champions have, ocean glittering off to the right.

a long sandy beach under red bluffs and rare Torrey pine reserve views

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. seaside course at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, with two holes along the Pacific in Dana Point. Compact, breezy, and scenic.

A Tom Fazio canyon course at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, tucked into the Los Penasquitos preserve north of San Diego. Lush, secluded, and immaculate.

Chefs Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu's celebrated spot serving authentic regional Mexican cooking and some of the best mole in town. Order: Mole poblano.

a bluff-backed Orange County surf beach below Monarch Beach

clear, protected water with sea lions, leopard sharks, and reef snorkeling

Thai Town late-night haunt whose menu spans takeout classics and obscure Thai-Chinese dishes with rarely a miss. Order: Crispy catfish with basil.

historic beach cottages, tide pools, and coves between Newport and Laguna

Fast-casual Hillcrest counter piling smoked-fish tacos and creamy shrimp tacos high with cabbage, onion and cilantro for a couple dollars each. Order: Smoked fish taco.

coves, tide pools, and clear water in an artsy Orange County town

A destination Italian restaurant that draws diners to Old Pasadena, making bread, butter, and pasta from scratch with local produce. Order: Squid ink lumache.

long, consistent waves at the original "Surf City USA"

a classic Orange County beach with a pier, harbor, and Balboa Peninsula energy

The famed xiao long bao house at Santa Anita. (San Gabriel Valley)