Great Family Outings in San Diego County

Alpine

Once known as the ‘Viejas Stage Stop’, Alpine has a colorful heritage that features The Kumeyaay Indians who lived here over 1000 years ago. It’s popular as a country escape, with clean air and a tranquil environment. Alpine is conveniently located off I-8, just 30 minutes east of San Diego. For more information on the area please contact the San Diego East Visitor Bureau (800) 463-0668, Alpine Chamber of Commerce (619) 445-2722.

1. HERITAGE PARK - Besides having a huge fibreglass gorilla called Rorie hanging out in it’s backyard, the Alpine Historical Society’s Heritage Park is home to the century old house and carriage barn of Alpine’s first doctor, Dr. Sophronia Nicols; and the Captain Beaty House built in1899. The John De Witt Historic Museum & Library inside the Nichols House features an extensive photo and Indian artifact collection. Open the last Saturday and Sunday of each month from 2-4pm. No admission fee. 2116 Tavern Road Alpine, CA 91901. (619) 659-8740

2. WRIGHT’S FIELD - A program of The Back Country Land Trust (BCLT), Wright’s Field features 230 acres of natural preserve. The BCLT restores the biological, historic and cultural resources on the preserve, repairs trails for the public, and leads nature walks For more on their programs call them at (619) 590-BCLT, or visit www.bclt.org.

Built in 1926, US Hwy. 80, one of America’s first transcontinental highways, ran 2,569 miles from San Diego, Ca to Savannah, Ga. Today we can still follow this nostalgic route - just take the Lake Jennings exit (between Alpine & El Cajon) off of I-8; and head towards Flinn Springs on ‘Olde Highway 80’.

Santee Lakes

5. PRESERVE: Just 20 minutes from San Diego, Santee Lakes is a recreational paradise that spans 190 acres with 7 lakes. For families, opportunities for fun are endless including picnics, bird-watching, running, mountain biking, boating and fishing; and their events are known to be ‘Big Fun for Little People’. Events include their Spring Egg-stravganza-April 10; The Cowifornia Country Fair-May 15, (features inflatable, hay and boat rides; crafts, games and ‘Cowpie Eating’; music, entertainment, and plenty to graze on). Admission to Santee Lakes is $2 per vehicle on weekdays, and $3 on weekends.9040 Carlton Oaks Dr., Santee, CA, 92071. (619) 596-3141, www.SanteeLakes.com

Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is a resort community surrounded by 600,000 acres of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - California’s oldest and largest desert State Park. There are a host of fun activities for families to enjoy including spring wildflower viewing, nature trails, star gazing, jeep tours; swimming, golf, tennis; nature and cultural programs. Family style lodging ranges from camping to luxury resorts. For more info call Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce at (800) 559-5524.

6. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center: An ‘underground building’, actually built under a desert garden. The Center features information about the park via literature, museum exhibits, free slide shows and video programs. It’s also home to a gift/book shop, and is open daily from October-May. Tour their spring wildflower garden (great for family photos), look for the desert pupfish, or walk the nearby ‘Visitor Center Nature Trails’. 200 Palm Canyon Dr., call about special programs and activities, (760) 767-4205, www.anzaborrego.statepark.org

7. Borrego Springs Resort: A lushly landscaped oasis offering an attractive variety of amenities, this resort allows everybody in the family to enjoy the ultimate desert experience. Rooms include a refrigerator with icemaker, microwave, in-room coffee, cable TV, ironing amenities, alarm clock, hair dryer, in-room phone, and their specialty developed ‘pink grapefruit’ line of personal care amenities. Rooms are sound proof and TV’s are volume controlled. Voted one of the best resorts and golf courses in San Diego County, enjoy fine dining; 27- hole championship golf course, 3 practice greens and a driving range; six lighted tennis courts, two swimming pools and spa, and fitness center. (888) 826-7734, www.BorregoSpringsResort.com

Julian

A historic gold-mining town up in the mountains, Julian is a fun spring adventure for families. Be dazzled by vibrant displays of daffodils, wildflowers, and blossoming apple orchards; delight in the gorgeous mountain weather that can bring bright sunny days or a white wonderland; and relive the town’s colorful heritage. Most activities are budget friendly and many lodging facilities are family-friendly including Apple Tree Inn, Angles Landing Country Inn & Resort, Julian Flat Top Mountain Retreat; Lutz Castle B&B; Julian Lodge - call or go on-line for pricings and visitor info:

8. JULIAN HISTORIC WALKING TOUR: It starts with the historic photo display in the Julian Town Hall - home of the Chamber of Commerce - where you get your ‘walking tour map’. The tour follows the plaques placed on the historic buildings, revealing Julian’s heritage from Gold Rush times to the 1920s. Some of the featured sites include: the Julian Pioneer Museum - known as ‘Julian’s Little Attic’; the Grosskopf House - a replica of an original pioneer house; Julian Pioneer Cemetery; Julian Jail where the town drunks were put overnight; Eagle & High Peak Mines - one of Julian’s original producing mines; AP Frary J. Residence - now a chocolate shop; Levi-Marks Store - now called Miner’s Diner, where olde-fashioned milk shakes, malts and sodas are served from their authentic late 1920s soda fountain; and the Bailey-King House, which is now a tea shop. The walking tour is free though some attractions require an admission fee.

9. CARRIAGE RIDES: What better way to let the charm of this quaint village come to life than to take an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street and out into the scenic countryside. Located on the corner of Washington and Main Streets. Call for family and group information. (760) 765-1471. (See cover photo.)

10. JULIAN BELL, BOOK & CANDLE SHOPPE: On weekends you can watch as candles are carved and sculpted; and children get to ‘dip their own candles’ by choosing a candle (butterfly, frog etc), then dipping it into their choice of color to create their own candle. They are located at 2007 Main St., (800) 664-5851.

11. CALIFORNIA WOLF CENTER: An educational facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of the wolf, it’s open to the public on Saturday afternoons and includes a tour of resident wolf packs and a slide show. Call for tour times, admission costs and reservations (760) 765-0300, www.CaliforniaWolfCenter.org

Vista

12. ANTIQUE GAS & STEAM ENGINE MUSEUM - With 40 acres, this is the only "early farm life" museum in Southern California. The museum provides a unique opportunity to see handweaving, blacksmithing, a farm kitchen and parlor, tractors, and gas and steam engines. Harvest Fairs are held on the third and fourth weekends of June and October. Open daily 10am-4pm. Museum admission: $3.00 adults & $2.00 Under 12 - prices are different during special events. 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Vista, CA 92083, (800) 5-TRACTOR, www.agsem.com

Oceanside

The northern most city and gateway of San Diego County, Oceanside is a fun, diverse beach community featuring over 3 miles of coastline. Home to Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. For visitor info contact the California Welcome Center at (760) 7721-1101, www.OceansideChamber.com

13. The Oceanside Pier- A prized community attraction, it is 1942 feet long and is one of the longest wooden construction recreational piers on the West Coast. This is a place where locals, tourist, fishermen and families can meet and watch the sunset or a couple can indulge in the romantic view of a starry night at sea.

14. Mission San Luis Rey de Francia - Named in honor of St. Louis, the King of France, it was founded by Father Fermin Francisco de Lausen. Built from adobe and faced with brick, it creates an architectural mixture of Spanish, Mexican and Moorish styles. Today, as the largest mission in California, it is known as ‘The King of the Missions.’ Here one can see California’s first pepper tree, explore the museum, picnic in the gardens or enjoy the gift store. Located at 4050 Mission Ave. (760) 757-3651

15. California Surf Museum - Highlights the strong relationship between the ocean, the lifestyle of the surfer, and the longevity of the sport that ‘wasn’t supposed to last’. Here you will find memorabilia and artifacts and rotating exhibits all to do with this exciting sport. 223 North Coast Highway, (760) 721-6876

Encinitas

Located between the San Elijo Lagoon to the south, and the Batiquitos Lagoon to the north, it’s known as the ‘Flower Capital of the World’. The historic downtown is lined with flower baskets and is part of the Historic Coast Highway 101. For visitor info call (800) 953-6041.

16. The Historical Boat Houses - Built by Miles Kellog, out of salvaged wood from two historic buildings that were demolished in 1928 - The Moonlight Beach Dance Parlor, and the third floor of the first Encinitas Hotel. They are equipped with a mariner’s wheel, chart desk in the pilot house, a gallery, portholes, cabins and a rudder. They’re now residences, and are on 726 & 732 Third Street. (760) 943-1950.

17. Quail Botanical Gardens - Home to the largest bamboo collection in the United States. Quail Botanical Gardens boasts an extraordinary collection of plants from all over the world. They have a gift store, children’s garden and are popular for their events. (760) 436-3036, www.qbgardens.com

18. The San Dieguito Heritage Museum - Explore local history through exhibits and collections dating from Pre-historic times to the present. Open to the public. (760) 6329711.

Carlsbad

‘The Village by the Sea’, Carlsbad is a picturesque coastal community surrounded by mountains, lagoons and the Pacific Ocean. Luxurious accommodations, golf and even internationally renown attractions make this the ultimate coastal getaway. Carlsbad is less than 45 miles from downtown San Diego. Info: Carlsbad Convention & Visitor Bureau at (800) 227-5722, or go online at www.VisitCarlsbad.com

19. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch - This 50 acre attraction is world-renown for its colorful and spectacular field of ranunculus and other flowers that bloom throughout March and April. A series of special events include: Mar. 27-28: Kid’s Days; Apr. 3-4: Strawberry Festival/Arts & Crafts Fair; Apr. 17-18: Flower Show. Located east of I-5 at Palomar Rd., Carlsbad. (760) 431-0352, www.TheFlowerFields.com

20. Museum of Making Music - Features exhibits with more than 450 vintage instruments and samples of some of the most memorable songs from over 100 years. It is located within the National Association of Music Merchants at 5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad. Open from 10am-5pm, Tues-Sun. (877) 551-9967. www.MuseumofMakingMusic.org

21. The Children’s Discovery Museum of North County - A hands-on museum and learning center where families explore fun, and interactive exhibits together and discover creativity. Recently moved to it’s new location of 2787 State St., in Carlsbad’s Village area. Call for hours, exhibits and admission. (760) 720-0737, www.museumforchildren.org

Palomar Mountain

A popular destination for families who love the outdoors and enjoy fresh mountain air; Palomar Mountain is a world of adventure. Visit the Palomar State Park and enjoy their nature and hiking trails, beautiful spring wildflowers, bird watching; and don’ t forget to visit The Palomar Observatory. Family camping is popular and budget-friendly at establishments like Bailey’s Palomar Resort. Bailey’s has been family owned and operated for over 115 years. Situated on 60 acres of mountain top, they offer rustic camping from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s a great place to soak in the area’s history - ask them to show you their ‘family museum’. Give them a call at (760) 742-1859.