North County Inland Region

San Diego's North County Inland is a vast, expansive region known for its rustic beauty, diverse terrain and miles of open spaces. It is comprised of a collection of unique communities, from the lush valleys and mountains of Escondido and Temecula to scenic Rancho Bernardo, nestled between rolling hills amidst golf courses and wineries. Other communities in this region include Miramar, home to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Fallbrook (home of the Avocado Festival) and Palomar Mountain which features the Palomar Observatory, operated by the California Institute of Technology.

San Diego's North County Inland is an exceptional place to spend time outdoors in San Diego. Hike or bike up Palomar Mountain, stay at a luxury resort or one of the many family friendly hotels, and golf at over 40 courses carved out of the natural landscape. Spend an afternoon at one of the local wineries or on a craft beer tour at one of the many local breweries in the area. And no trip to San Diego would be complete without a visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you can venture to Africa and Asia without having to leave Southern California.

North County's inland region provides easy access to the best of Southern California. Halfway between downtown San Diego and Anaheim, North County is an easy freeway drive to the gorgeous beaches of North County Coastal, the museums of Balboa Park, Downtown San Diego, where the nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter awaits and a day trip to Disneyland.

Dining is a treat in North County, and options range from the elegant to more casual experiences. As a region with strong agricultural roots, many of the chefs have also forged strong bonds with area farmers and infuse their cuisine with local, seasonal and farm fresh ingredients.

Book a trip now and begin to discover the rustic beauty of San Diego's North County Inland!

Hotels and Where to Stay in North County Inland San Diego

The lodging options in San Diego’s North County Inland regions are as diverse and delightful as its landscapes and natural beauty. Escape to an elegant romantic bed and breakfast in the mountains, or treat yourself to a well-deserved break at a golf or spa resort.

Families and budget travelers will find plenty of affordable accommodations while still remaining close to the world-class attractions, activities and beaches of San Diego. There is also plenty of RV and tent camping throughout the region, specifically in the Cleveland National Forest.

Browse the list below for great places to stay in San Diego’s North County Inland Region:

Guide to Restaurants, Bars and Places to Eat in San Diego's North County Inland

North County Inland boasts many top-rated restaurants that incorporate locally grown produce, cultivated at one of the many organic farms in San Diego County. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants that fill the areas along Interstate 15 and San Diego's North County casinos offer extravagant buffets at good prices. 

What to Do In San Diego's North County Inland

Grab a water bottle and some sunscreen because an outdoor playground awaits you in San Diego’s North County Inland areas. Spend your days exploring the diverse Southern California landscape, out on the golf course or lounging by the pool at the hotel. No matter what you do you can find adventure and relaxation alike in North County Inland’s vast and glorious terrain.

World-Class Attractions & Theme Parks

The northern area of San Diego county makes the perfect central location to enjoy the best of Southern California's many attractions. Close to LEGOLAND California, SeaLife Aquarium, Legoland Water Park and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you'll find plenty to do for the kids and adults alike. In North County, you'll also find yourself half way between Disneyland and downtown San Diego with an easy drive to the museums of Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Zoo.

5 to Try in San Diego's North County Inland:

1. Golf
   Test your drive at the numerous golf courses carved out of the natural landscape of the North County Inland area. With over 40 courses to choose from, sample the region’s best with a tee time at Maderas Golf Club, voted San Diego’s number one golf course by the Zagat Guide for five consecutive years.
2. Wineries & Breweries
   Spend a day visiting one of the many wineries and craft breweries throughout the region. Sitting on an 11-acre ranch in Rancho Bernardo is Bernardo Winery.  While wine is their specialty, the grounds include a unique array of shops in addition to its award-winning café.  Make sure to pick up a bottle or two to enjoy on your balcony during the warm summer evening (or to warm you up during the cool autumn sunsets).  And for beer lovers, a brewery tour will show you why San Diego was picked by Men's Journal as the #1 Beer Town in the U.S.
3. Winner, Winner, Winner
   Feeling Lucky? Head out on State Route 76 for Las Vegas-style gaming, live entertainment and gourmet food at one of the five Native American Casinos in the area. Make a night out of it and stay at one of the luxurious hotels attached to the casinos.
4. Under the Stars
   Atop Palomar Mountain sits the Palomar Observatory. Follow one of the weekend guided tours and explore the stars above. Night tours are offered in conjunction with the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Or spend a night under the stars with some Broadway theater at the Moonlight Amphitheatre.
5. With the Kids
   Take a safari trip without ever having to leave California at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The whole day can be spent exploring the animals of Asia and Africa. Cool off with a splash at the Wave Waterpark’s wave pool or hit the ice at the local ice skating rink. Sneak in a little learning while having fun at the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.

Events in North County Inland San Diego

North County’s Inland region offers plenty of not-to-be-missed fun events throughout the year. While the sun is out, enjoy the lively farmers markets or the fanfare of classic and custom cars in Escondido. Or take in one of the seasonal festivals, including the annual Avocado Festival held each April in Fallbrook. During the fall, make sure to visit Bates Nut Farm for a day of hayrides and pumpkin patches. In the evenings, stargaze under the twinkling night sky as you take in live music, or enjoy a Broadway-style show.

Browse the articles and listings below to fill the itinerary for your next San Diego North County vacation.

Getting to San Diego's North County Inland

By Car:
Most of North County Inland is accessible from the I-15 Highway. Head farther inland along SR-76 towards Fallbrook and SR-78 to Vista and Escondido.

Public Transportation:
The Sprinter light rail runs from coastal Oceanside to inland Escondido. Bus Routes 20, 30 and 50 are express routes that run from Downtown San Diego to Escondido.