If you’re looking for a relaxing, inexpensive place to hang out, Old Poway Park and the Poway-Midland Railroad offer something for everyone. The park fills a full city block and is dotted with plenty of old trees offering abundant shade from the midday sun. You can plop down on the cool grass beneath the trees,… Read More Old Poway Park
Overview Are you looking for a place to get outdoors and enjoy the day, have a large family gathering, ride your horse, or even go camping? Sweetwater Summit Regional Park located near CA 125 and CA 54 in eastern Bonita may fit the bill. Camping There are 112 campsites with full (water, electricity, sewer) or… Read More Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
A good friend once advised me that it’s best to have dessert before dinner. That way, he argued, if you choke to death on a chicken bone, at least you’ll meet your Maker with dessert in your stomach. It was hard to defeat that twisted logic, so on a warm, muggy Sunday afternoon, I headed… Read More Frosty Burger & Pine Valley County Park
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve is a great way to escape the city and experience the unique world of a protected river estuary. Situated on 2,500 acres between Imperial Beach and the U.S.-Mexico border, the Tijuana Estuary is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and… Read More Tijuana River Estuary
If you haven’t been to Imperial Beach lately, the certified farmer’s market every Friday afternoon may be just the impetus you need to head down there. Imperial Beach—affectionately known as “IB”—is in the midst of a renaissance of its own making. For several years now, the city has been making a concerted effort to make… Read More Imperial Beach Pier & Farmer’s Market
I’ve probably driven past this little strip mall in Bonita dozens of times, but never really had any reason to stop. Now I do. Ono’s Cafe is a pleasant little restaurant serving up fresh dishes that they describe as “Pacific Rim and Cal-Asian fusion flavors.” The decor goes for an island vibe without being over… Read More Ono’s Cafe – Island Style Bistro
If you’re into hiking, rare trees, towering cliffs, sweeping panoramic views, the ocean, beaches, salt marshes, and waterfowl, then Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (not park) is for you. Why the distinction between a reserve and park? Well, the Torrey pine is found in only two places, Torrey Pines Natural Reserve and Santa Rosa island,… Read More Torrey Pines State Reserve
Each spring, 50 acres of hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Carlsbad are washed in the brilliant colors of thousands of Tecolote® Giant Ranunculus flowers. Typically, the bloom season is early March through early May, but that can vary based on weather patterns each year. The 2016 bloom season opens 1 March. You can wander… Read More The Flower Fields of Carlsbad
My grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from Germany in the 1920s, and I speak enough German to embarrass myself—a skill that isn’t all that handy here in San Diego given the prevalence of Spanish speakers. (Although my rudimentary German has been helpful interacting with guests from Germany and Austria when volunteering at Cabrillo National Monument.) When I feel… Read More A Taste of Germany at Tip Top Meats
Somewhat hidden in a strip mall off Campo Road in Spring Valley, is a gem of a restaurant called Ranas Mexico City Cuisine. The owners, Oscar and Dulce Acosta, have put their heart and soul into creating an authentic Mexico City dining experience, and their passion comes out in their food and their service. My first trip… Read More Ranas Mexico City Cuisine
Explore San Diego and Beyond ™ 