California Highway 76 from Oceanside to Lake Henshaw
(Click here for map of this route)    

Following California Highway 76 from 'The King of Missions" in Oceanside, head east through San Diego's beautiful countryside, past colorful nurseries and quaint farm stands, up into the Cleveland national Forest to Palomar Mountain and down into sunny valleys and Lake Henshaw.

  If you would like to experience dazzling displays of flowers, even through spring is past, this route is for you. Highway 76, heading east from Oceanside to Lake Henshaw, is bordered by brilliant masses of bougainvillea and oleander in various shades of pinks and magentas, offset by the deep green foliage of orange and avocado groves.

  1. A great place to start this trip is at the California Welcome Center in Oceanside. They can provide you with information and maps for the entire region. The center is located at 928 North Coast Hwy. Oceanside, CA 92054. (760) 722-1534.

  2. Just a few miles east on Hwy. 76 watch for the turn off on the left hand side that will take you to the San Luis Rey Mission, known as the "King of Missions". The nickname was bestowed on this mission as it is the largest and was the most populated of the California Missions. It has a single tower lookout, photo above, sunken garden surrounded by exotics and fruit trees, and is home to the first Pepper Tree planted in California. The Mission was founded in 1798 and is the eighteenth mission in the chain of twentyone missions in the state. It has the oldest burial grounds in North San Diego county dating back to 1798. It is located four miles off Hwy 76 at 4050 Mission Avenue; open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm (closed on holidays) and there is an admission fee. For details, call (760) 757-3651.

  3. Fallbrook. You will pass the S13 on the left of Hwy. 76 before you reach Interstate 15. This turn off will take you to the little "Art Village" of Fallbrook, a pleasant side trip.

  4. As you cross over Interstate 15 it is like entering a new world. Farm stalls, flower stands, pop up here and and there among the oleanders, eucalyptus trees, magnolias, bougainvillea and citrus groves. You are now in the Pauma Valley region, fertile with a gentle climate. On the left you will pass the Mission San Antonio de Pala. This little mission is an asistencia or satellite to Mission San Luis Rey, founded by Father Antonio Peyri in 1816. Original American Indian paintings adorn the chapel walls and the roof and floor are still original. It is the only mission with a free standing bell tower and part of the main transportation route north to Temecula in the late 1800s.

  5.  Wilderness Garden Preserve. As you get closer to the casinos, on the right side of the road, there is a turn off to the Wilderness Garden Preserve by the Agua Tibia Creek. This is an interesting area to hike through, changing in each season, It makes a nice stop-over and ideal for those interested in native plants.

  6.  La Jolla Indian Campground and  the old Sengme Oak Waterpark promise a real wild water adventure with white water river tubing, on the tribal lands of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians on the San Luis Rey River. It is located off Hwy. 76 and Sengme Oaks Road at the La Jolla Indian Reservation. Call 760-742-1921 for details.

  7.  Mother's Kitchen and 8. The Palomar Mountain General Store. If you take either the S6 or S7 off to the left, you will end up at the junction of these two roads. Mother's Kitchen serve breakfast and lunch, vegetarian food, that is absolutely delicious; and right next store is The Palomar Mountain General Store. This is a fascinating place to shop, carrying art and artifacts from all over the world, along with an assortment of camping supplies and groceries. Plan to spend some time here for great refreshments and fine shopping in a forested, clean air environment, with lots to look at.

  9. Bailey's Palomar Resort. This camping resort is just off the S6 and is the original town of Palomar, dating back to 1888. It has a historic general store, museum and dance hall, along with the restored Bailey House. Call (760) 742-1859 for information on camping, cabin rentals, wedding arrangements and special event planning.

  10.  Mt. Palomar Observatory and Palomar State Park. Surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest, this state park is 1700 acres of white fir, spruce, cedar, pine, oak, dogwood, azaleas and lilacs. Lush meadows, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing makes this a definite stop over point. The Observatory, home to the famous Hale Telescope, is open daily from 9 am - 4 pm weather permitting. For information on Palomar State Park, phone (760) 742-3462; for information on the Observatory, phone (760) 742-2119.

11. Lake Henshaw.

This fifty plus mile drive is beautiful but you will encounter mountain passes and lots of curves. Drive carefully, especially at night where you can encounter wildlife on the roads and casino traffic.