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

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

the Sculpin IPA pioneer, with a big Little Italy tasting room

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)