A road trip along Highway 79 is an awesome way to explore San Diego's charming mountain communities, complete with animal encounters, waterfalls, epic views and gold!
Where: 5178 Japatul Spur, Alpine, CA 91901
Develop a sense of wonder for nature and its inhabitants as you view more than 130 domesticated livestock and exotic animals that roam the Children Nature Retreat's 20 acres. The interactive animal encounters help everyone foster an appreciation for animals, nature and the ecosystem.
Where: 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901
For a roaring good time, Lions, Tigers & Bears is a non-profit rescue facility dedicated to providing a safe haven for abandoned and unwanted animals, including exotic big cats, wild bears and more. The animal reserve allows animals to live out their lives in a safe and caring environment while also educating the public about some of nature's most magnificent wildlife.
Rustic Cuyamaca Rancho State Park features more than 100 miles of hiking trails, with campgrounds and picnic sites nestled among meadows, woodlands, creeks and rivers. The park’s picturesque Green Valley campground offers pristine pools and waterfalls to play and swim during the summer, and Paso Picacho campground features mountain hikes up the Stonewall and Cuyamaca Peaks.
The 110-acre Lake Cuyamaca is one of San Diego’s most scenic reservoirs and offers unique fishing opportunities including year-round trout. On land, walk underneath shady Jeffrey pines and black oaks along a trail with lakefront views. After a day of fishing or some hiking, stop by the waterfront restaurant to fuel up for the rest of the road trip.
Where: 470 K Q Ranch Rd, Julian, CA 92036
The California Wolf Center, a non-profit wildlife education center dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of the history, biology and behavior of the gray wolf, offers a thrilling opportunity to view highly endangered Mexican gray wolves and a pack of Alaskan gray wolves up close.
The quaint mountain town of Julian, founded during the gold rush of 1869, is famous for mouth-watering apple pies, cider from local orchards, and a charming Main Street of Victorian and Old West architecture, housing handicraft and antique shops, a general store, country-style restaurants and bakeries. There’s also gold panning at the Eagle and High Peak Gold Mines, wine tasting at Menghini Winery and David Lewis’ fascinating Historical Tours of Julian.
The hamlet of Warner Springs features Sky Sailing, a world leader in the sport of soaring, offering thrilling sailplane and glider rides, and the aptly-named natural wonder called Eagle Rock.
Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...
Save $5 per guest on Sights & Sips Cocktail Cruises! Friday and Saturday evenings April-October
Wheel Fun Rentals at the Wyndham Hotel along the Embarcadero waterfront is the best place to rent bicycles, specialty cycles and more! Our 4-wheel Surrey is the perfect family bike for exploing the...
San Diego’s favorite foodie event, San Diego Restaurant Week will take a break this September. Instead, Dine Diego (presented by San Diego Restaurant Week), will run September 15 through...
"Cruise-In" San Diego, Dinner & a Movie on the Bay. Experience a spectacular San Diego evening with classic movie theater blockbusters while dining alfesco on our gorgeous outdoor...
With all that's happening in the world, we're craving the chance to cut loose — even if it's just in our living room. Join SDAF on Thursday, Oct. 1, when our 44th annual Orchids & Onions...
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.
For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.
China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA
Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Catalan
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Galician
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Welsh
Yiddish
