|
Attractions |
| Carlsbad |
LEGOLAND |
If visiting with younger kids, head left as you enter the park and go clockwise. If visiting with older kids, head right as you enter and go counterclockwise. |
| Encinitas |
Quail Botanical Gardens |
Garden of Lights in the evenings during the month of December, call for specific dates. Also, see the largest bamboo collection in the U.S. as well as the undersea gardens. |
| Escondido |
San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park |
First thing in the morning and at dusk are when the animals are most active. When riding the new Journey into Africa, for best animal viewing, sit on the left side. |
| San Diego |
SeaWorld |
Arrive early! During peak days, SeaWorld allows guests to enter the front gate 45 minutes prior to the full park opening time. Use the time get the lay of the land, plan your day or sign up for behind-the-scenes tours that allow guests to reserve seats to select shows. |
| San Diego |
USS Midway |
Stop for a snack and drink at the Fantail Café and enjoy a great view. |
| Valley Center |
The Lavender Fields |
Walk the lavender labyrinth in May and June. This spiritual pathway helps to "center" oneself. |
|
Events |
| Del Mar |
San Diego County Fair |
Frugal fairgoers can bring outside food and beverages into the fair and have a picnic. |
| Del Mar |
San Diego County Fair |
The first week of the fair is less busy since kids are still in school. More opportunities for adult-oriented functions like happy hour and paddock fair. Also, Tuesdays are Kids Day - kids 12 and under admitted free. |
| Del Mar |
San Diego County Fair |
Walk through free fine arts exhibits which include photography, culinary arts, woodworking arts, gems and jewelry. |
| Del Mar |
San Diego County Fair |
Value packages are available that include admission tickets, drink coupons, ride coupons and parking. |
| Escondido |
Escondido's Cruisin' Grand |
A Friday night blast-to-the-past with hot rods and classic cars. Every Friday from 5-9pm, April through September. |
| La Jolla |
Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest at La Jolla Cove |
In October, local divers put their talents to the test with a knife, pumpkin and tank, and surface with an original pumpkin carving. Judging is left to the spectators on the beach. |
|
Golf |
| Carlsbad |
Four Seasons Aviara Golf Course |
Holes 8 & 18 - Consistently at the top of everyone's list of the best in the county. |
| Del Mar |
The Grand Golf Club |
Wait for the wind, which helps on two of the three par 5's. |
| La Jolla |
Torrey Pines North Golf Course |
Hole 6 - This signature hole is the most-often photographed because of the spectacular views of the coastline. Bogeys abound however, most of which result from tee shots left into the canyon. Any wind here is exciting. |
|
Outdoor Adventures |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park |
Anza-Borrego Desert Palm Oasis |
The Palm Canyon Trail leads to a 1000-palm oasis. You'll find big-horn sheep (borrego is spanish for sheep) camouflaged along the canyon rocks that hug the trail. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the 15-foot waterfall that cascades into the small pond below. |
| Encinitas |
Batiquitos Lagoon |
Popular location for bird watching. |
| Escondido |
Lake Hodges |
Early morning, low-lying clouds provide a beautiful photo opportunity. Take advantage of the bike paths around lake, or rent a boat or kayak or pack a picnic! |
| La Jolla |
Razor Point--Torrey Pines State Park |
Offers one of the most spectacular views of the coastline with hang gliders hovering above you. |
| La Jolla |
Torrey Pines Reserve |
The green flash is known to be seen from these cliffs. Take advantage of the numerous walking trails that lead towards the ocean for breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean. |
| La Jolla |
Kayaking with Leopard Sharks |
During the last weeks of summer, see the leopard sharks gather close to shore at La Jolla Shores. The best spot to find them is just below the white house on the cliff, south of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. |
| La Jolla to Oceanside |
Bike along Historic Highway 101 |
A spectacular ocean view ride along the coast. |
| Ramona |
Mt. Woodson |
Historic rock climbing location with just about anything you want to do in the way of climbing. |
| San Diego |
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve Bike Trail |
Midway down the six-mile long trail is a boulder-studded waterfall set against an untouched backdrop of rolling hills. |
| Warner Springs |
Natural Mineral Hot Springs |
Known to offer invigorating relaxation and therapeutic healing, the springs emerge from the earth at a toasty 137 degrees, with the hot mineral pool being maintained between 100-102 degrees year round. |
|
Restaurants |
| Borrego Springs |
Butterfield Room |
Signature dish is the Kit Fox Salad, prepared with pink grapefruit, navel orange and boston butter lettuce, served with onions, jicama, sliced walnuts, dates, strawberries and avocado accompanied by a crisp lime vinaigrette. |
| Del Mar |
Brigantine Del Mar |
Have their signature marinated swordfish and enjoy the panoramic view of the Del Mar Racetrack and Pacific Ocean from the cocktail deck. |
| Del Mar |
Pacifica Breeze Café |
The Café is "dog friendly", superseded only by Del Mar Dog Beach for popularity and attendance. |
| Del Mar |
Pacifica Del Mar |
Not to be missed is their signature dish: Barbeque Sugar-Spiced Salmon |
| Del Mar |
Pacifica Breeze Café |
Popular breakfast items with the locals are House Smoked Salmon Benedict and Del Mar Power Breakfast. |
| Encinitas |
Savory |
Try their infamous Savory Mac-n-Cheese or award winning onion soup...you'll think you've gone to heaven! |
| Encinitas |
Savory |
Regulars rave about the Classic Apple Tart and the Beef Tenderloin with Blue Cheese. |
| La Jolla |
Sky Room at La Valencia |
Great place to pop the question or renew a vow, or just enjoy the view. Intimate, formal, great service, superb cuisine. A throwback to another time of truly glamourous dining! |
| La Jolla |
The Marine Room |
High tide brings walls of ocean waves as diners watch the spectacular water display through oversized windows. Reserve early as seats fill up quickly. The Walnut Suneli Dusted Chicken Breast is so amazing, it brings poulty to a new level. |
| La Jolla |
Café Nine-Ten |
The Half-Baked chocolate cake is the ultimate dessert for die-hard chocolate lovers. |
| Oceanside |
101 Café - Carrot Cake |
Their 50-year old recipe along with the freshest ingredients will put a smile on your face. |
| Oceanside |
101 Café |
Have your meal while seated at the bar and take in the action at this bustling diner. |
| Rancho Bernardo |
El Bizcocho |
The Chef will create a menu specifically tailored to your tastes. |
|
Sightseeing |
| Borrego Springs |
Stargazing in Borrego Springs |
Borrego Springs is one of the best places in America to view the stars, so bring a telescope. The region is walled by mountains on all sides, which helps to block out interfering light. |
| Borrego Springs |
Font's Point |
Font's Point offers incredible views of the badlands - deep rugged peaks and valleys carved out of the red desert earth. |
| Borrego Springs |
Desert Wildflowers |
Visit during wildflower season, running from February - April, depending upon the rainfall. |
| Carlsbad |
A 1 Biplane |
Sunset Snuggler Biplane Ride - The most romantic way to watch the sunset. Continually climb up over the horizon to watch the sunset again and again. |
| Escondido |
Lake Hodges |
Early morning, low-lying clouds provide a beautiful photo opportunity. |
| Escondido |
Queen Califia's Magical Circle |
This is the only American sculpture garden by internationally-acclaimed artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Find her signature near the golden egg fountain. |
| Julian |
Julian Drug Store |
Still houses its orginal soda fountain from the early 1900s. |
| La Jolla |
Ellen Browning Scripps Park |
Situated above La Jolla Cove, it's a favorite spot for weekend picnikers. Most of the surrounding area is a wildlife preserve, excellent for swimming, diving and tidepooling. Bring binoculars to spot the sea otters and sea lions in the area. |
| Oceanside |
Oceanside Pier |
This structure boasts 1,942 feet and is the longest over-water wooden pier on the west coast. Enjoy the panoramic view of the coastline from this perspective. |
| Palomar Mountain |
Palomar Observatory |
Visit the telescope that generated the Pluto planet-status controversy--it was used to find the object that was larger than Pluto. |
|
Spas |
| Valley Center |
The Spa at Harrah's |
Don't miss their 7 Stars Signature Passage. It combines the Rincon River Rock massage, Rincon Signature Facial and Signature Spa Manicure and Pedicure, for a profound and magical experience. |
|
Wineries |
| Escondido |
Orfila Vineyard |
Orfila Vineyard overlooks beautiful San Pasqual Valley; it's the perfect locale for an afternoon picnic. Their annual grape stomp in August is a festive tradition that you can't miss. |
