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The Ultimate Southern California Taco Tour Roadtrip

December 30, 2019 by Courtney ODell 4 Comments

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The Ultimate Southern California Taco Tour Roadtrip – how to plan a delicious itinerary from Los Angeles to San Diego, stopping for delicious tacos and cool California coast activities along the way!

This post is sponsored by Visit California. All opinions are my own.

Visit California is one of my favorite travel destinations to work with – they help visitors from all over the world connect with amazing vacations across California every day – California has something to offer for everyone!

From five star to budget travelers, romantic trips to solo treks, foodies to film buffs – California truly has something for everyone, and Visit California helps bring the best ideas to make your trip memorable!

I recently embarked on a road trip across Southern California with my husband in search of the best tacos – from five star tacos, to taco trucks, family restaurants to take out spots – and we were blown away with the amount of flavor we tasted on the way from Los Angeles to San Diego!

We love tacos – I often joke if I could only chose one food for life, it would be a taco – and we couldn’t wait to try out Visit California’s Visit California’s new 50 Life Changing Adventures Road Trips publication.

How To Plan A California Road Trip

Before we get to all the delicious tacos, I wanted to share the BEST way to plan a California road trip – with the Visit California 50 Life Changing Road Trips guide book.

While planning the perfect trip to California can be seriously daunting (there is just SO MUCH I always want to do and see… and never enough time for it all) – Visit California’s new 50 Life Changing Adventures Road Trips publication has made it incredibly easy to take in some of California’s best sights and locations!

I have gone through my copy of the guide so many times, and every single trip has things I would love to check out – and so many ideas!

If you’re looking for your own personal California Road Trip tour guide, you need a copy!

Our trip was a once in a lifetime experience – we were so full by the end, but we got to learn so much more about some of our favorite flavors, spend an awesome week together enjoying tons of fun in California, and we met so many amazing people.

This is one road trip you DONT want to miss!

There are suggestions on what to pack, who to bring, what kind of car to rent (including where to rent, what to expect from rentals, etc.), where to fly into, where to stay, where to eat, and even tips on what to wear!

The Ultimate Southern California Taco Tour Roadtrip

If you love this road trip as much as I do, be sure to share with your friends and family and save it on Facebook and Pinterest!

The Ultimate California Taco Tour Road Trip

Travel from Los Angeles to San Diego sampling some of Southern California's best taco spots for an incredibly delicious road trip you won't soon forget!

Cielito Lindo

Cielito Lindo : EAT

E-23 Olvera St., Los Angeles 90012

Insider tip: call ahead for take-out, or come early to avoid the line. The red sauce is SPICY… and seating is sparse, so don’t expect to dine-in during busy times. 

Crispy fresh-fried taquitos in one of Los Angeles’ historical gems - Olvera Street. 

Cielito Lindo serves enchiladas and chile rellenos, but are known for the crunchy taquitos, smothered in a vibrant green avocado sauce. 

Mariscos Jalisco

Mariscos Jaliscos : EAT

3040 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles 90023

Must Order: Tacos de Camerones - shrimp and potato stuffed into a flour tortilla and then deep fried for a perfectly crisp and crunchy taco topped with cool, tangy salsa and creamy avocado slices. 

The way Mariscos Jaliscos fries the entire taco keeps it perfectly crisp and delicious - every bite is crunchy, despite being drowned in a watery fresh salsa.

The shrimp and potatoes get soft and have a great bite to them, and the creamy avocado cuts through the fried taco taste to come together for a perfect mix of textures!

Sonoratown

Sonoratown : EAT

208 E 8th St, Los Angeles 90014

Must Order: Steak Caramelos - large flour tortillas (similar to a burrito), with loads of grilled meat and cheese inside.

Caramelos are topped with grilled green onions. 

Agua Fresca: light, fresh flavors that aren’t very sweet for a refreshing drink that isn’t overpowering.

Mari Los Angeles

Mari LA : EAT

2151 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Mari isn’t explicitly a taco spot - but it is a hidden gem in Century City (right next door to the Fox Studios lot). 

Must Order: Angeleno Tacos - Coffee Crusted Skirt Steak, Mango-Habanero Salsa, Avocado Crema

Luxury Hotel Near Beverly Hills

Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City : Stay

2151 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

The Intercontinental is an easy option to get all over Los Angeles with very affordable rates for large rooms, and a fabulous team!

Must order: the pastry staff at the Intercontinental makes to die for delicious (and stunningly beautiful) desserts like the cute taco themed cake attached. Be sure to order something special for yourself there - like a Beverly Hills shopping themed cupcake tray!

Tito's Tacos

Titos Tacos : EAT

11222 Washington Place, Culver City, CA 90230

Must Order: beef tacos with cheese, bean cheese and meat burritos. LOTS of salsa. 

Basic crunchy tacos with addictive salsa and cheesy bean and beef burritos cooked in a rich red sauce. 

Expect tons of shredded iceburg lettuce, fresh shredded cheddar cheese, and crisp fresh fried taco shells. 

Insider tip: call in your order ahead, or get there early to skip the line. All orders come with chips and salsa, but it is worth buying more for the road! The salsa is even better after spending a night in the fridge. 

Head for the picnic benches out front, and get extra salsa for the road! 

Lolas Mexican Cuisine

Lola's Mexican Fare : EAT

2030 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

Lola's is a fun, delicious cafe full of hearty, fresh, and delicious Mexican Food Favorites. Grab a table outside, order plenty of margaritas, and take in the bustling 4h street vibes!

Must Order: 

-Tijuana style tacos with garlicky beans

-Tacos Jaliscos- soft corn tortilla dipped in enchilada sauce.  Came with three, chicken, carnitas and beef adovado. 

Long Beach Creamery

222 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802

Made from scratch ice cream with a fun local flair… generous samples given!

Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific : DO

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Visit one of California's leading aquariums with tons of exhibits, lots of hands on displays, and a great oceanfront location!

Open Sesame Grill

Open Sesame : EAT

5215 E 2nd St Long Beach, CA 90803

Open Sesame is not a Mexican food restaurant - and doesn't actually serve tacos, but it is a great way to branch out for some fresh and delicious Lebanese food in Long Beach!

Must Order: Make your own Middle Eastern inspired take on a "taco" - and order the beef and lamb kafta for a pitta filled with flavor you won't soon forget!

Gondola Getaway 

Gondola Getaway : DO

Enjoy the canals around Naples Island in Long Beach with a private gondola ride.

The ride is incredibly romantic - they often cater to proposals - and is relaxing, quiet, and so fun!

Cuddle up under a blanket in the winter (blankets are provided), bring snacks and wine, and let the lights and soft sounds of the water wash you away!

Taco María

Taco Maria : EAT

3313 Hyland Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA

Taco Maria is the decidedly "fancy" spot on our taco tour - with one Michelin star for the upmarket taco spot in Orange County's Mix shopping center.

All tacos start with a thick, soft, blue corn tortilla base, and are impeccably topped with fresh California focused ingredients.

Must Order: 

Aguachile with scallops - light, spicy, and the perfect appetizer. 

Tocino tacos -  pork cheek, piloncillo glaze, pear, salsa verde

Black cod  tacos - charred scallion aioli, cabbage, grape

Chicken mole (mole de pollo) - Jidori chicken, ancho-almond mole, queso fresco, onion pickle.

Vegetarian -- mushroom chorizo, potato, queso fundido- shiitake mushroom chorizo, crispy potato, queso fundido

Aarratcha -- hanger steak, roasted chiles, applewood bacon, queso fundido. 

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar

Silver Trumpet : EAT

3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Silver Trumpet is The Avenue of the Arts hotel's gorgeous bar and restaurant with an awesome happy hour full of delicious bites like short rib tacos and beautiful handcrafted cocktails.

Must order: Happy hour short rib tacos.

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Avenue of the Arts Hotel : Stay

3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

The Avenue of the Arts hotel in Costa Mesa is the perfect base for touring Orange County - it is close to the Santa Ana airport, an easy drive to Newport and Orange County, and easy to get to Disneyland.

The decor is crisp, clean, and art focused - it is the perfect place to stay when in Orange County to take in gorgeous art.

Playa Mesa

Playa Mesa : EAT

428 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Playa Mesa is a fun, vibrant spot in Costa Mesa - perfect for fresh and delicious Mexican fare favorites full of flavor for a great night out!

Playa Mesa's cocktails are to die for, and the food is packed with authentic Mexican flavor you will think about long after you go - bring friends, because portions are generous and you'll want to try everything!

Must Order: 

Gobernator shrimp taco

Birria -- tender braised short rib (don’t forget to dip in the birra sauce served on the side!) 

Crispy Fish Taco - soft corn tortilla loaded with crispy fried fish

Carne Asada

Grilled Shrimp

Achiote marinated Salmon with roast veggies and salsa veracruz. 

Paletas de agua fresca for dessert - made with a little gelatin so they take a while longer to melt for a delicious take on a light, refreshing dessert.

Taco Mesa

Taco Mesa: EAT

647 W 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA

While other Taco Mesa locations around Orange County have larger restaurants, the Costa Mesa location offers more grab and go traffic for killer tacos and the best Mexican food breakfast around in a fast casual walkup setting with limited table and counter space.

Must Order: 

Chilaquiles con pollo.  Chips stayed crispy the ENTIRE MEAL - even when doused in salsa and crema! 

Asada con Huevos, served with chilaquiles and scrambled eggs. 

Mexican coffee. 

Local Tap House

Local Tap House: EAT

308 S Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054

Local Tap House in Oceanside is serving up fresh California focused takes on pub classics - with out of this world calamari tacos.

Must order: 

Tuna crudo ceviche -- delicious and refreshing with fun twist of taro root chips

Crispy Calamari and bacon street tacos. -- an appetizer that is large enough for a full meal!  The calamari was tender and went GREAT with the bacon.

Shrimp and Chorizo egg rolls. -- great mashup with favorite foods in a crispy wonton wrapper.

Lucha Libre Taco Shop 

Lucha Libre Taco Shop : EAT

3016 University Ave., San Diego, CA

Lucha Libre is a luchadore themed taco spot with locations around San Diego in a bright and funky setting packed with wrestling masks, memorabilia, and a fresh salsa bar with fast casual tacos and burritos full of daring flavor.

Must Order: 

Queso Taco with steak - a soft corn tortilla with a crispy cheddar frico and a generous portion of grilled steak, chipotle sauce, and queso enchilada piled on top. 

Undefeated seafood taco with shrimp - topped with cabbage, cheese, and pico sauce.

Curadero

1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Octopus Tacos - octopus was grilled a la plancha, then sliced thin for perfect bites of chewy but not too tough octopus. 

Queso fundido - melted cheese with a spicy chorizo that had a little nutmeg. 

Downtown San Diego Hotels

Hotel Palomar : Stay

The Kimpton Hotel Palomar is the perfect place to stay in San Diego - with a location steps from the Gaslamp District, Battleship Memorial, and more!

With a fabulous rooftop pool and bar, the delicious Curadero restaurant downstairs, and views that stretch across San Diego, we loved staying at the Palomar.

Puesto

Puesto : EAT

789 W Harbor Dr Suite 155, San Diego, CA 92101

Great vibe at the Headquarters shopping center in downtown SD near the battleship museum.  Large restaurant with a lot of tables and fast service. 

Must Order: 

Esquites -- grilled street corn with cotija, spices and crema. 

Lobster - garlic butter grilled lobster, black beans, crispy onions, avocado, crema de cilantro, jalapeño pico

Carnitas

Taco of the day - slow braised beef adovado

Verduras- Crispy melted cheese, rajas, tatume squash, papas, corn & tomato, nopales, avocado, jalapeño, zucchini blossom.

Shrimp a la plancha - Shrimp a la plancha, guajillo chile peanut adobo sauce, fresh kumquat & charred habanero purée, crispy leeks, avocado.

Ultimate Southern California Road Trip on Instagram

To find more of my stories and photos from the trip, please check out some of my favorite Instagram shots from the trip, and be sure to follow me @sweetcsdesigns to see more from my travels and favorite foods!

View this post on Instagram

If I told you this was a strawberry cake, would you believe me?? ??? So blown away by all the amazing food we’ve had so far on a Southern California Taco Tour with @visitcalifornia – like this gorgeous cake from the amazing pastry chefs at @dinemarila in the @interconla – be sure to follow my stories (click “taco tour” in my profile to watch it all!!) to see some of our favorites from our day yesterday with @discoverla – today we’re off to Long Beach with @visitlb – what are YOUR favorite #LBC taco spots?!?! ??? Sponsored #tacotour #RoadTripCalifornia #WonderfulWorld #SeeTheWorld #PassportReady #PassportLife #LonelyPlanetTraveler #BeautifulDestinations #OurDailyPlanet #WonderfulPlaces #Travelholic #TravelGuide #TravelLover #TravelMore #LiveIntrepid #TravelLove #NatGeoTravel #TravelJournal #BestVacations #TravelOften #WeAreTravelGirls #SheIsNotLost #Globelletravels #LadiesGoneGlobal #gltLOVE #girlslovetravel

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Nov 5, 2019 at 12:53pm PST

View this post on Instagram

Crave-worthy tacos are almost always incredibly simple and straightforward, with basic ingredients that come together perfectly to create layers of awesome…. and that’s exactly how I’d describe the Tijuana style tacos at @ilovelolas in Long Beach! @visitlb ?? Grilled skirt steak, tons of creamy jack cheese, garlicky beans, and cool avocado = heaven! ?? Make sure you follow along with my Instastories – click “CA Taco Tour” to see my entire trek as I make my way from Los Angeles to San Diego with @visitcalifornia as I check out some of the must visit stops on the #RoadTripCalifornia Taco Tour! ?? @visitcalifornia has compiled a book full of amazing road trips you can take to explore the Golden State, perfect for any interest (are we shocked I picked one of the FOODIE road trips? Heck no!!) ?? I also have a link in my instastories to grab your own copy of the 50 Life-Changing Adventures from @visitcalifornia on Amazon, so you can start your own taco tour down the coast! ?? They have great ideas for all types of budgets, groups of roadtrippers (romantic trips, foodie trips, family trips, luxury trips, budget trips, outdoor enthusiast trips, trips for history buffs…. and more!) ?? #food #foodie #traveleats #tacotuesday #tacogram #tacos #tacotour #california #californiaroadtrip #californiaadventures #eatingfortheinsta #foodwinewomen #saveur #foodandwine #longbeach #lbc #gltlove

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Nov 6, 2019 at 6:56am PST

View this post on Instagram

When your day starts like this, you KNOW it’s going to be good! ?? We had an amazing time in Costa Mesa with @travelcostamesa , called off with some epic chilaquiles at @tacomesa ! ?? If you haven’t been following my #RoadTripCalifornia tour of Southern California tacos, head to my profile and click the circle that says “CA Taco Tour” to see it all! ?? We’re so sad to be heading home tomorrow, but I’m going to be sharing SO MUCH MORE from this epic trip with @visitcalifornia! ?? #roadtrip #tacomesacostamesa #costamesa #orangecounty #tacotour #californiatacos #eeeeeats #chilaquiles #onmyplate #tacos #forkyeah

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Nov 7, 2019 at 6:38pm PST

View this post on Instagram

Have you ever had calamari tacos? ? One of the most unexpected tacos on our tour through California on our #RoadTripCalifornia trek from LA to San Diego came from @localtaphouse in Oceanside! ? What is your favorite taco filling?? @visitcalifornia @visitoceanside #roadtriprepublic #foodieroadtrip #tacotour #californiatacotour #californiatrip #gltlove #eeeeeats #onmyplate #nomnomnom

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Nov 8, 2019 at 9:14pm PST

View this post on Instagram

Is there anything better to cap off a hearty taco dinner than some sweet and cinnamon-y horchata?? The horchata at @eatpuesto is a perfect way to cool down a hot day when you @visitsandiego !! ?? To see more from my Taco Tour #RoadTripCalifornia from Los Angeles to San Diego with @visitcalifornia , head to my profile and click “CA Taco Tour” in the highlights (the little circles at the top of my profile)…. there’s maps of locations, pictures and videos of some of the amazing food we ate, and more!! ?? #dessert #eeeeeats #horchata #GlobeTrotting #WonderfulWorld #SeeTheWorld #PassportReady #PassportLife #LonelyPlanetTraveler #OurDailyPlanet #WonderfulPlaces #Travelholic #TravelGuide #TravelJournal #BestVacations #TravelOften #WeAreTravelGirls #SheIsNotLost #Globelletravels #LadiesGoneGlobal #gltLOVE #girlslovetravel

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Nov 9, 2019 at 1:50pm PST

View this post on Instagram

After a spending a week heading from Los Angeles to San Diego checking out some of @visitcalifornia ‘s favorite tacos, I thought I’d never want to eat tacos again… but I’d be lying if I wouldn’t happily sell all of my belongings to tuck into some @titostacosusa right about now!!! ?? What are YOUR favorite tacos? I’m going to be sharing some of my favorites tomorrow for #tacotuesday !! ?? #RoadTripCalifornia ?? #tacogram #eeeeeats #nomnom #eatingfortheinsta #GlobeTrotting #WonderfulWorld #Travelholic #TravelGuide #TravelLover #TravelMore #LiveIntrepid #TravelLove #NatGeoTravel #TravelJournal #BestVacations #TravelOften #WeAreTravelGirls #SheIsNotLost #Globelletravels #LadiesGoneGlobal #gltLOVE #girlslovetravel

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Nov 18, 2019 at 5:01pm PST

Filed Under: California, City Guides, Food Finds, Tacos, Travel, United States

About Courtney ODell

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style. Courtney writes the popular creative lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs- a site devoted to delicious everyday recipes, home decor, crafts, DIY inspiration, and photography tips to help make your every day extraordinary.
Advertising, media and other inquiries- please contact hello@sweetcsdesigns.com

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Comments

  1. Floranet

    February 14, 2020 at 2:27 am

    Pleasure to go through such wonderful work!!

    Reply
  2. Rachael Yerkes

    December 18, 2019 at 7:20 am

    This is the best!

    Reply
  3. Lauren Kelly

    December 18, 2019 at 6:47 am

    What an incredible guide! Thank you so much, everything looks fantastic!

    Reply
  4. Billy

    December 18, 2019 at 6:09 am

    This is hands down the best guide to food I have ever seen. There are so many awesome places to go hit in SoCal. Thank you so much for this, will definitely be referencing when I go in the summer!

    Reply

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Hi- I'm Courtney O'Dell, the writer and photographer behind Sweet C's. I’m a travel obsessed foodie and mom of two sharing the best recipes, tips ... more about me!

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