Hello... A couple of questions please. Our ultimate destination is San Diego, however, we can fly to Orange County Airport SO MUCH cheaper than we can fly into San Diego. Since we will need a car for the trip anyway I am considering doing this since it would save us so much money. I know it is approximately 75 miles from Santa Ana to San Diego. Could someone please tell me what the drive is like? Is it a nice scenic route? Any stops along the way that we should see? Any would help would be greatly appreciated. Pam

You're doing the smart thing. We live in San Diego and always rent a car to drive up to LAX because the flights are so much cheaper. (We use National car rental.) If you take the I-5 south, the ride will probably take no more than an hour and a half. The highway skirts the sea, so it's fairly scenic. There's a marked look-out point between Camp Pendleton and Oceanside, but I can't think of any other stops that you'd want to make -- unless you'd like to go shopping at South Coast Plaza or Fashion Island! Maybe someone else will think of someplace to suggest.

Emily,
Thank you so much for your advice! I appreciate it very much. For a family of four the savings was over $800 so I think we will go this route!!!
Pam

You may want to stop in San Juan Capistrano. There is an old Mission there founded by Father Serra. It was the subject of the song "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano". One of the better known California Missions.

It depends on how much time you have on your way. Newport Beach, literally under the flight path for John Wayne Airport is pretty fun it you have teens. Rollerblading/bicycling, people watching, Balboa Fun Zone. Next, Laguna Beach has wonderful views, great art galleries, and the art festivals up through the end of August. Further south, the Scripps Aquarium in La Jolla is outstanding. You could spend 1/2 day at any of these places and have a great time.