The Best Stops on A Southern California Taco Road Trip

Tacos in Southern California are more than a local favorite. They’re part of the region’s cultural identity. Southern California’s taco scene began booming in the 1900s, when immigrants brought regional specialties from Mexico, like carne asada from Sonora and fish tacos from Baja. Today, you'll find tacos influenced by everything from California produce to Korean barbecue.

A road trip from San Diego to Los Angeles takes about three hours, which means this taco journey is totally doable in a day, but you might want to pace yourself so you can fully enjoy all the smoky grilled meats, crispy beer-battered fish, inventive vegan fillings, and cheesy-filled goodness.

These are the 9 taco spots you shouldn’t miss.

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