San Diego
The 50-acre flower fields of Carlsbad Ranch are ablaze in a sea of the carmine, saffron and snow-white blossoms of giant tecolote ranunculus. Take the…
Must-see attractions in San Diego
San Diego
An ornate reconstruction of a building to honor the 1915 Panama–California Exposition fair held in San Diego. It's not possible to go inside the building,…
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego
Your (inner) four-year-old child will love this railroad museum; one of the largest indoor railroad museums in the world, it has some 27,000 sq ft of…
San Diego
This half-mile-long pier has all the architectural allure of a freeway ramp, but at its end you’ll have a great perspective on the coast. There’s also a…
San Diego
One of the town's main draws is this 979-acre ecological preserve popular with bird-watchers for its herons, coots, terns, ducks, egrets and more than 250…
San Diego
Carlsbad’s long, sandy beaches are great for walking and searching for seashells. Good access is from Carlsbad Blvd, two blocks south of Carlsbad Village…
San Diego
Just south of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the surf break on the reef here is mostly popular with longboarders, but it gets very good at low tide with a big north…
San Diego
A little north of Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo State Beach has good winter waves and $10 parking all day Monday to Thursday, $12 all day Friday through…
San Diego
This museum preserves a historic collection of fire-fighting equipment and has exhibits depicting some of San Diego’s ‘hottest’ moments from the late…
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
San Diego
This theater in the Palisades Building puts on terrific hand and rod puppet and marionette shows for the little ones. There have been puppet shows here…
San Diego
Designed using the simple principles of Japanese gardening, this well-maintained quiet garden includes flowers like the cherry blossom.
Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat
San Diego
Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda founded his center here in 1937, and the town has been a magnet for holistic healers and natural-lifestyle seekers ever since…
San Diego
Two blocks from the Old Town perimeter sits the city’s oldest brick building (circa 1856), officially certified as haunted by the US Department of…
San Diego
A nice stop if you’ve got children in tow; the kids can look at Clydesdales at this 'Old West'-style tasting room, while mommy and daddy sip. They have…
San Diego
This 37-acre garden has a large collection of California native plants as well as flora of different regions of the world, including Australia and Central…
San Diego
More than 150 vendors tout their wares at this friendly Sunday market, with an emphasis on fresh local produce, arts, crafts, flowers and gifts. Plus…
San Diego
Twenty minutes' drive from Front St, this winery offers award-winning viognier and melange de rêves, plus sweeping views from its sort-of-Teutonic tower.
San Diego
This place makes almond champagne (infused with almond oil in the fermentation process) and a chocolate-infused port.
San Diego
If you’re here on Wednesday afternoon, stop by the farmers market to see street performers and sample fresh food.
San Diego
In 1769 Padre Junípero Serra and Gaspar de Portolá established the first Spanish settlement in California overlooking the valley of the San Diego River…
San Diego
The Casa de Balboa has a fabled past. A Spanish renaissance-style structure was built in this very spot for Balboa's 1915 exposition. It burned down in…
San Diego
This cluster of exuberantly painted cottages built in 1935 to resemble a traditional Spanish village is now home to 37 artist studios and galleries…
San Diego
In the far northwestern corner of Balboa Park is the former home of George Marston, philanthropist and founder of the San Diego Historical Society. Built…
San Diego
This wooden pier extends more than 1900ft out to sea. Bait-and-tackle shops rent poles to the many anglers who line its wooden fences (per hour/day $5/15)…
San Diego
This museum underwent a recent revamp and it now stands at an impressive 16,000 sq ft in a modernist, white shell. There are about 10 rotating exhibits a…
San Diego
Continuing east, after San Diego Ave forks right at Conde St, you’ll find this cemetery which dates from 1849. It is the resting place of some 20 souls, a…
San Diego
Here are 15 cottages from the 1915 exposition, inside which you will find furnishings and displays from various countries, plus about 15 cottages built…
San Diego
A cluster of furniture, interior and design shops, plus a few restaurants, entertainment venues and galleries.
San Diego
A traditional carousel dating back to 1910, offering 5-minute rides on colorfully painted animals.
San Diego
Your pooch can go leash free at this sandy spot in Ocean Beach. A large parking area is available.
San Diego
One of the last remaining tidal wetlands in California, Batiquitos Lagoon separates Carlsbad from Encinitas. A self-guided tour lets you explore area…
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia
San Diego
About 4.5 miles inland from central Oceanside, this was the largest California mission and the most successful in recruiting Native American converts. At…
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church
San Diego
The rich ceiling murals here were painted by an Italian who was flown over to do the work. The church, built in 1925, is still a hub for Little Italy…
San Diego
Just off Old Town Front St, this one-room museum tells the history of the region through artifacts from the Native American Luiseño people through to the…
San Diego
A few miles east of central Encinitas, this institute lets spectators be present at the creation of art. A changing lineup of artists in residence take…
San Diego
As you head northward toward Hillcrest consider a detour across the 375ft Spruce St Footbridge. Note that the 1912 suspension bridge, built over a deep…
San Diego
Built in 1887, this grand property was the last home of inventor Henry Timken, one of the first people to add roller bearings to railroad cars. It is a…
San Diego
To stretch your legs after visiting the ridgetop Palomar Observatory, nearby Palomar Mountain State Park has forested hikes along panoramic-view trails…
San Diego
The opulent former home of California Governor Robert Whitney Waterman was built in 1889. It has an ornate porch and a tower. It's a private residence, so…
San Diego
At the end of 15th St, this park abuts the beach and overlooks the ocean. This little stretch of well-groomed lawn is a community hub and perfect for a…
