San Diego's Artistic Northeast

In 1890, newspaperman E. W. Scripps, who, in 1890 looked at an uninhabited 2,000 acres of desert land and saw the perfect location to build a ranch. Today, his namesake of Scripps Ranch has grown into a sophisticated, family-friendly community with parks and hiking trails. Its upscale neighbor Rancho Bernado, with rolling hills and canyons, is home to a respected wine industry. Both neighborhoods call to visitors with arts events, hiking and dining.

Hands-On Experiences

For the creatively minded, this area offers plenty of options to create your own art. PaintNvineyard features easy art classes geared toward any level. Even if you aren’t artistically inclined, there’s enough guidance to make a creation all your own. Xpressive Arts to Go in Scripps Ranch holds group and individual art classes on everything from painting to jewelry making. You can also bring food and wine along for group classes. Craft and gift-making workshops are an especially fun option during the holidays.

Music Abounds in the Northeast

An afternoon of music awaits at the Scripps Ranch Library. For a suggested donation, you can see classical and jazz musicians as well as choral groups perform in a monthly music series. The nearby Hoyt Park hosts a Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park series year-round and features afternoon concerts with mostly cover bands. Be prepared to dance and picnic your afternoon away.

Beer, Wine and Dining Delights

Scripps Ranch is also a top destination for craft beer lovers. The award-winning Ballast Point Brewing Company features a tasting room where you can sample craft beers and a handful of spirits, all made on-site in Scripps Ranch. You can tour the facility, and make sure to fill up a growler before you leave. You can even buy supplies and get advice if you want to start a home brew of your own.  If wine is more pleasing to your palate, the Bernardo Winery is a must. After an afternoon sipping and browsing, don’t forget to stop at the Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Museum to learn how this planned community was established.

Dining in both Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo is a treat, from the upscale Avant at Rancho Bernardo Inn where diners rave about the cheese and charcuterie plates to sushi at Akai Hana. You can’t get more relaxed than Bruski Burgers and Beer, which has a quality selection of craft beers on tap.  Equally as casual is Chez Nous, a deli and local favorite that will leave you craving the spicy chicken melt for weeks.

It may be the hiking or the wine that draws you to northeast San Diego, but the region’s art, music and good food are sure to keep you coming back.