Right off of the I-15 is a hidden gem where fitness fanatics and nature lovers alike come together—Miramar Lake. Surrounded by a 5-mile paved road is a beautiful and calm reservoir where anyone can go to escape the craziness of modern-day living. Bustling with activity most days, you’ll find everything from kids on training wheels to die-hard cyclists, from fishermen in waders to the Scripps Ranch firefighters getting their daily exercise, from hot moms jogging in fashion workout attire to cute little grannies out for a morning stroll.
Nature lovers will enjoy the views of the lake and the city, as well as the ducks and birds that populate this area. Watch out for the psycho geese, though! While I’ve actually witnessed someone hand-feed a goose at the lake, I’ve also seen these birds attack more than one pedestrian who did nothing more than innocently walk by them on the path. You should be safe tossing breadcrumbs to the ducks, though, a favorite activity of my own kids. You can also rent rowboats Saturday-Tuesday and try your hand at reeling in a trout or a wide-mouth bass.
If you’re at Lake Miramar for exercise, you’ll appreciate the mile markers every ¼ mile, the abundance of port-a-potties along the path, and the clean restrooms and water fountains near the parking lot. If you’d like to venture off of the main path, there are some great trails below and above the paved road. Don’t wear your clean new sneakers on the paths, though. Even if it hasn’t rained recently, the lower path can still be muddy. And just like most places in San Diego, be sure to watch out for rattlesnakes, especially in warmer weather.
While I run at Miramar Lake regularly and have always felt safe, keep in mind that there was an attempted sexual assault there in December 2006, so stay alert if you run, walk, or bike solo. It seems much safer since the dam was re-opened last summer because now there are pedestrians moving around the entire lake all day. Obviously, your best bet is to go when there are plenty of people around.
Even if you’re neither a workout extremist nor a bird watcher, the lake is a great spot for a picnic as there are loads of picnic tables and barbecues. Crack open a beer (canned—no glass allowed), sit back, and enjoy the view!
Looking for a romantic dinner cruise for yourself and a loved one? How about an edifying tour of historic San Diego Bay replete with narrative history? Perhaps whale watching inspires the Captain Ahab in you. Well avast, ye matey and all aboard a Hornblower Cruise. They’re setting sail multiple times a day, all year ‘round.
From its origin as a two vessel business operating out of the San Francisco Bay, Hornblower Cruises has expanded down the California coastline to permanently drop anchor in several ports of call, bringing with them their unique brand of seafaring entertainment. In partnering here with the San Diego Natural History Museum, The Maritime Museum, the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center, and the USS Midway, Hornblower brings guests not just an entertaining afternoon, but genuine science education supplementing the experience of the area’s rich, oceanographic history. Not only will you spend an afternoon in close proximity to the sea lions who call the San Diego bay home, or with the whales and dolphins further out, but you’ll benefit from the knowledge of some of the world’s finest researchers broadening your understanding of the world before you.
Or maybe it’s a romantic dinner and dancing cruise you’ll be wantin,’ ye scalliwags! Well, they’ve got that, too. Steak dinners with all the fixins and as much champagne as you can toast are yours for the asking on the Hornblower evening dinner and dancing cruises, seven nights a week. Evenings all tied up? Try the Saturday and Sunday brunch cruises. You won’t believe the menu.
Of course, you might prefer privacy. Easy! Just charter a Hornblower yacht for yourself and your guests. With over 10,000 private and corporate charters under their belts, who better than the crew of a Hornblower cruise to navigate you and your party to a good time? Besides, what prom would be complete without an evening-ending cruise around the bay? They’ll provide the band, the refreshments - and won’t getting the captain to marry you and your date make it a night to remember? It can’t hurt to ask!
There’s a Hornblower leaving port any minute - landlubbers, don’t miss out!
Once it finally dawned on early man to stand on two legs and begin walking where he needed to go – there grew almost immediately a desire to grow wings and fly, instead. Not long thereafter, Torrey Pines Gliderport Flight School began operations, thereby fulfilling a need burning within the breast of humankind for literally thousands of years.
San Diego’s aviation destination of choice since 1928, Torrey Pines Gliderport has been giving our fine feathered friends a run for their money since the flight school began offering San Diegans the opportunity to soar like eagles in 1997. Once you experience the sensation of leaping from the breathtaking launch area overlooking the La Jolla Shores, off the edge of the cliff, straight out into the seeming endless, majestic panorama – your wings effortlessly holding you aloft – you’ll forever know what Icarus had in mind and wonder why you ever bothered traveling any other way.
The flight school employs a half dozen instructors that are ready to fulfill all your hang gliding, paragliding, and sailplane needs. The lessons are available in up to 10 different languages (should you need this), and the instructors will fly tandem with you until you’re ready, willing, and able to go it alone. With more than 35,000 accident-free tandem flights in the last ten years and tougher certification standards than required by even the United States Hang Gliding (Paragliding) Association itself, you are sure to be provided skills to last a lifetime. They are the top-ranked school in the United States, so what are you waiting for? Glide on over!
For the short-sighted among us without our own hang gliding gear – or if you’ve left it at mom’s – TPG flight School has all the new and used equipment, certification programs, special clinics, books, videos, and assorted accessories to satisfy even the fussiest of air sport enthusiasts. And there’s no need to outfit oneself merely to learn – they carry equipment for the student just beginning to get his or her feet wet, figuratively speaking.
Open year-round, seven days a week, Torrey Pines Gliderport is the place to let it all hang out!
Advertised as the "finest gaming and entertainment venue in Southern California," Sycuan Casino offers a world of fun for casual gamblers and high rollers alike.
Whether you prefer penny slot machines or Poker, Sycuan Casino has something for everyone. Try your luck at the Blackjack table or play a few rounds of Bingo. You're guaranteed to find a game you love!
In addition to gaming, Sycuan offers a luxurious resort complete with tennis courts, fine dining and golf.
Sign up for a Club Sycuan card once you arrive to be eligible for exclusive discounts and promotions only available to members. Registration is free, and you can gain access to a slew of special offers such as bonus cash, discount show tickets and much more.
Sycuan Resort and Casino couples amazing gaming with fabulous resort accommodations and fine dining to create a relaxing and fun atmosphere you'll want to return to time and again.
Originally called the Del Mar Fair, the San Diego County Fair offers fun for the entire family.
The fair opened on June 8th this year and will continue until July 4th. The event usually lasts about a month, and each year brings new surprises.
Adult admissions are only $12, while senior and child admissions are $6. Children under 5 years old are admitted to the fair for free.
The San Diego County Fair literally offers something for everyone! Take a casual stroll through the exhibit hall or take a gander at the Flower & Garden Show.
Children will enjoy the live animals that are present at the fair each year and the interactive petting zoo. There's also a special section of the fair specifically for children called Kiddieland, which houses age-appropriate rides and games for the little ones.
For older kids (and adults who like thrills!), the Fun Zone offers a vast selection of attractions, from mild to thrill-inducing. Duke it out against your date in the Dodge'em Bumper Cars or find out what the new ride The Experience can do for YOUR fair experience!
Of course, you may want to consider sampling the fair's delicious food before you attempt to ride any of the attractions in the Fun Zone. The San Diego County Fair offers one of the largest selection of traditional "fair food" around, as well as a few dining establishments.
You can find food to satisfy literally every taste from popcorn to pretzels, snow cones and ice cream and even the unusual treats like pineapple on a stick or dessert fruit egg rolls. Yum!
And of course, a trip to the fair would not be complete without shopping. There are a wide variety of places to pick up some unique and wonderful things, so be sure to stop by the merchant hall before you leave.
Whatever your pleasure, the San Diego County Fair offers affordable fun for the entire family this summer.
Located in Escondido (San Diego County) between Carlsbad and San Marcos, Elfin Forest is a 750-acre park offering approximately 13 miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewing points. The groomed "Way Up Trail" is by far the most popular trail at this Recreational Reserve. The 3.2 mile loop is moderate in difficulty and should keep you busy for at least 2 hours.
Although most people come up to Elfin Forest for the outdoor activities, a select few will visit because of the paranormal activity reported in the area - specifically, along some of the trails. People have reported sightings of a lady dressed in white floating along the trail during the day (she's been dubbed the "White Lady"). She has also been known to let out weird noises and tap people on their shoulder.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, a hike/walk through Elfin Forest offers a fantastic escape from the bustling city life.
Getting Here
Take the I-15 to Escondido and exit at Valley Parkway. Take a right at Auto Park Way South and then turn left onto Howard Ave. Travel along Howard Ave for about 0.5 miles and then make a right on Harmony Grove Rd. Take Harmony Grove Rd for about 3 miles till you reach the Elfin Forest parking lot (it'll be on your left).
Whether you are a native to San Diego or visiting from out of town, a relaxing cruise aboard a yacht from Classic Sailing Adventures is an absolute must.
The yact departs from Shelter Island and offers picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay.
You can choose to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery or actually take part in the sailing yourself!
In order to maximize your enjoyment, beverages and hors d'oeuvres are typically included on a cruise. During the summer, you have your choice between an afternoon sailing cruise or a wonderful champagne cruise at sunset.
Plus, during late winter and early Spring, you can enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of watching the gray whales migrate past San Diego.
Whatever your pleasure, take a cruise aboard a yacht from Classic Sailing Adventures. You will be very glad you did.
The hardest part about visiting San Diego is deciding what to see first!
If you have a family, why not plan a visit to SeaWorld San Diego? This amazing aquatic park offers dozens of attractions for children and adults alike.
Take the plunge on Journey to Atlantis, a breathtaking water coaster that turns and twists through watery tunnels before finally launching you down a steep drop - prepare to get soaked!
Then immerse yourself in the world of the Arctic on the motion-ride Wild Arctic. This amazing ride will make you feel like you're really there, with real bumps, jumps and more to add to the experience.
You can even take a scenic ride across the sky on the SeaWorld Skyride, a six minute round trip adventure that takes you across beautiful Mission Bay and back.
Kids will enjoy Shamu's Happy Harbor, where they can frolic and play among a realistic pirate ship, slides and a water maze. They can even make their own sand castle!
There are also tons of amazing shows (don't miss Shamu!), dining areas and more to help you and your family enjoy the day. It will be a trip to remember for a lifetime!
Visitors to San Diego often flock to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for the family atmosphere and exotic animals on display.
If you are looking for a family destination, the Wild Animal Park definitely has you covered. Get your kids involved and learning with the interactive Discovery Station and have them work off some steam in the Samburu Jungle Gym.
Afterwards, they can cool off underneath Palm Trees in the Savanna Cool Zone!
Of course, the park has a lot to offer anyone - not just children. Take in one of five shows the Wild Animal Park holds each day, whether it be the Elephant Show or the wildly popular Experience Africa show.
Then choose to dine at one five fabulous restaurants where you'll be able to find something for even the most finicky eaters! If all else fails you can pick up a snack from one of the many food carts sprinkled throughout the park.
At the end of the day when you've had your fill of exotic animals, tasty food and amazing shows you can stop by one of several gift shops and pick up something to remember your visit. You're sure to find something to commemorate the day!
For park prices and other information, please visit their website.
Located within the beautiful city of San Diego, Torrey Pines State Reserve offers a picturesque view of what nature has to offer.
One of the few remaining nature preserves left in San Diego that hasn't been spoiled by development, Torrey Pines State Reserve affords breathtaking views of unique plants, humongous Torrey Pine trees and amazing beaches that stretch out for miles. Additionally, the lagoon nestled in the center of the reserve serves as a comforting habitat for migrating seabirds.
If you'd like to imagine what early life was like for settlers in this area, one doesn't need to look much farther than Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Traverse the 8 miles of walking/hiking trails, explore the lagoon and beaches and take a picnic lunch to enjoy the views. For less than $10, visiting the reserve is an excellent activity for families, solo adventurers and couples looking to enjoy a romantic rendezvous for two.
Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center to ensure you are up to date and informed about the latest happenings at Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Looking for a romantic dinner cruise for yourself and a loved one? How about an edifying tour of historic San Diego Bay replete with narrative history? Perhaps whale watching inspires the Captain Ahab in you. Well avast, ye matey and all aboard a Hornblower Cruise. They’re setting sail multiple times a day, all year ‘round.
Advertised as the "finest gaming and entertainment venue in Southern California," 
Located in Escondido (San Diego County) between Carlsbad and San Marcos, Elfin Forest is a 750-acre park offering approximately 13 miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewing points. The groomed "Way Up Trail" is by far the most popular trail at this Recreational Reserve. The 3.2 mile loop is moderate in difficulty and should keep you busy for at least 2 hours.
