North County Inland

Borrego Springs • Escondido • Fallbrook/Bonsall Palomar Mountain • Julian • Poway • Ramona Rancho Santa Fe • San Marcos • Valley Center Vista • Wynola

Borrego Springs borregospringschamber.com

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

200 Palm Canyon Dr. 760-767-4205 www.theabf.org

With access to the scenic Pacific Crest Trail, this unique desert landscape is perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. Don’t miss the spring wildflower blooms. Anza-Borrego is a designated International Dark Sky Park—ideal for nighttime stargazing.

Borrego Night Sky Tours www.borregonightskytours.com

Learn about the universe and explore the night skies over Anza-Borrego. Use a telescope to gaze at stars, constellations, planets and galaxies. Suitable for ages 9 and up.

Galleta Meadows 1700-1844 Borrego Springs Rd. www.underthesunfoundation.org

The natural environment of Borrego Springs becomes a creative museum lined with the iconic metal Sky Art sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda. Unique photo opportunity; free to visit.

Escondido www.escondido.org

Clue Avenue Escape Room  201 E Grand Ave. #2G  760-349-6609  www.clueavenue.com

Teams race against the clock in a live-action adventure game, solving a series of unique puzzles and clues that correspond to a themed room (varying from mysterious to scary). Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum

29013 Champagne Blvd. www.deerparkmuseum.com

A fun spot to visit with something for everyone. The museum showcases over 100 convertibles, vintage vehicles and neon signs. Kids under age 9 are free. Closed Tues./Wed.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 8833 Harmony Grove Rd. 760-632-4212 https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com

Enjoy walking, hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding through 11 miles of trails. Free interpretive nature walks available.

The Grand Tea Room

145 W. Grand Ave. 760-233-9500 www.thegrandtearoom.comFull service tea room features a wonderful food menu and over 30 teas to choose from. Children’s Tea (ages 10 & under) offered. Closed Sun./Mon.

Grape Day Park

321 N. Broadway760-839-4691 www.escondidohistory.orgExplore Escondido’s history through a working barn, train depot, blacksmith shop and more. Keep

an eye open for newly restored Vinehenge, an interactive grape sculpture turned playground!

Kit Carson Park

3333 Bear Valley Pkwy. 760-839-4691 www.escondido.org/kit-carson-park Enjoy walking trails, ponds, picnic areas, playgrounds and a variety

of athletic fields and courts. Don’t forget Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, an intriguing art installation nestled within the park.

Rancho Guejito Vineyard

17224 San Pasqual Valley Rd.800-677-8877www.ranchoguejitovineyard.comComplimentary hayrides on weekends is a kid-friendly highlight at this winery that features shaded gardens overlooking stunning vineyards. Check the calendar for live music and family events.

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

320 N. Broadway760-233-7755www.sdcdm.orgExplore, imagine and experiment at this popular indoor/ outdoor discovery space. Hands-on activities inspire creativity focused around STEM, art and world cultures. Sensory accommodations available. Closed Mondays.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.; 619-231-1515 www.sdzsafaripark.orgTransport to the savanna and discover over 300 species of African and Asian animals. Adventures and close-up wildlife experiences available via the Africa Tram, caravan, zipline and tethered helium balloon.

Fallbrook/Bonsall

Live Oak County Park

2746 Reche Rd.; 760-728-2303 www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/ LiveOak.htmlThis oak tree forest is a wonderful spot to picnic and

explore, offering playgrounds, sports fields and courts, an amphitheater and an off-leash dog area.

Wild Wonders

5712 Via Montellano; 760-630-9230 www.wildwonders.orgLearn about animals from around the world through educational tours or behind-the-scenes experiences. Reservations only.

Palomar Mountain

Palomar Observatory

35899 Canfield Rd.760-742-2119www.astro.caltech.edu/palomarThis mountain-top observatory is home to Caltech’s astronomical research program and 200-inch Hale telescope. Visitors who explore on their own can use the Observatory’s free audioguide for inside information. Public guided tours available April–October. Check website for updates as sometimes they close due to weather conditions.

Palomar Mountain State Park

19952 State Park Dr.760-742-3462www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=637Escape city life for a serene mountain experience great for hiking, fishing and camping. Enjoy rich natural and cultural history in the gorgeous forest and mountain meadows.

Rancho Santa Fe

Helen Woodward Animal Center

6461 El Apajo Rd.858-756-4117 x318 www.animalcenter.org/educationAnimal lovers of all ages enjoy animal interactions, Critter Camp (for kids), special events, adoptions and more. Visit the website to learn how the whole family can get involved.

San Marcos

Discovery Lake/Lakeview Park

650 Foxhall Dr.760-744-9000 x3500 www.san-marcos.net/Home/Components/ FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/164/1078Picnic tables, restrooms, play structure and seasonal splashpad. Flat, paved path great for strollers, bikes and scooters. No swimming or boating; permitted fishing from shore only.

Invasion Laser Tag

1290 W San Marcos Blvd. #101; 760-571-9191 www.invasionlasertag.comEnjoy a 5,000 sq. ft. futuristic arena for an exhilarating game of high-tech hide-and-seek, tag and capture the flag, all in one! Must be 7 or older. Closed Mon./Tues.

Lake San Marcos

1025 La Bonita Dr.; 760-744-0120 www.thelakehouseresort.com/san-diego-sailing-clubA full-service marina at Lakehouse Resort is open tothe public, allowing visitors to rent pontoons, duffy boats, kayaks, SUPs and pedal boats. Also available: catch-and- release fishing, 18-hole golf course and dining options.

My Yard Live Beer Co.

288 Rancheros Dr.; 760-798-0779 www.myyardlive.comThis family-friendly restaurant/brewery offers live music, happy hour and two play areas: the Kid’s Patio features space to run around, a playhouse on stilts, slide and seating for parents; the Front Yard includes a fire pit, corn hole, outdoor bar and stage.

Wynston’s Ice Cream

250 N City Dr. #7858-923-1411www.wynstonsicecream.comFamily-owned shop offers award-winning ice cream in seasonal flavors and favorite standbys such as Old Reliable or the 2023 Favorite of the Year, Parmesan Apricot.

Valley Center

Bates Nut Farm

15954 Woods Valley Rd.; 760-749-3333 www.batesnutfarm.bizTake a family drive to Valley Center to enjoy the petting zoo, shops, lots of space to run around, and fun seasonal events.

Vista www.cityofvista.com

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

1270 Vale Terrace Dr.; 760-945-3954 https://altavistabotanicalgardens.orgFamilies love the Children’s Garden, Discovery Trail, Music Garden, Human Sundial and more. Check website for monthly kids’ classes (nature drawing, composting, cooking, etc.) or fun festivals.

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum

2040 N Santa Fe Ave.; 760-941-1791 www.agsem.comLearn about antique tractors, steam engines and more from the late 1800s to early 1960s. Check website for annual events fun for all ages. Closed Mon./Tues.

Boomers Vista

1525 W Vista Way; 760-457-4737 www.boomersvista.comPlan an exciting day engaged in miniature golf, bumper boats, laser tag, go-karts, batting cages, and an indoor arcade. Refuel with diner fare at Johnny Rockets (on site).

Wynola On your way to Julian, stop by for extra family fun.

Fort Cross

4425 Hwy. 78; 951-847-1904www.fortcross.comThis family-owned gem offers educational and historical farm tours (reservations required) and outdoor adventures. Meet farm animals and reptiles, participate in archery and tomahawk throwing, and enjoy seasonal festivals and events.

Julian Farm & Orchard

4381 Julian Hwy.; 760-765-5494 www.julianfarmandorchard.comVisit the petting zoo, have a picnic, make your way through a haybale maze and take a tractor-pulled hayride. Join in seasonal u-pick berries, daffodils, apples and more. Open weekends.

Julian Mining Company

4444 Hwy. 78951-313-0166www.julianminingcompany.comTake the kids for some old-fashioned Gold Rush fun with gold panning, gem sluicing and other activities.

Mom’s Wynola Garden

4510 Hwy. 78

See Mom’s Pie House under Julian.