Getting Oriented
- Del Mar. The coastal town is the location of the Del Mar Fairgrounds and the famed Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
- Solana Beach. Adjacent to Del Mar and Encinitas, the area is known for shopping—antiques, collectibles, and contemporary artwork—and the Cedros Design District.
- Rancho Santa Fe. Affluent town east of I–5 where you'll find the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa.
- Encinitas. The surfer town encompasses Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia, and Olivenhain. It's one of the largest flower-producing areas in the world, and is home to the longboarding favorite, Swami's Beach.
- Carlsbad. Famous for LEGOLAND, the Carlsbad Outlets, and the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.
- Oceanside. Surf shops, casual dining options, a museum, a great boardwalk, and some of the best surfing beaches.
- Rancho Bernardo. Straddling I–15 between San Diego and Escondido, the town is home to Rancho Bernardo Inn and Bernardo Winery.
- Escondido. Home to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the California Center for the Arts.
- Temecula. A darling Old Town and the center of the wine-making industry in Temecula Valley.
- Julian. The historic mining town of Julian is famous for its apple pies, B&Bs, and July 4 parade.
- Ramona. Golf at two highly rated courses (Barona Creek Golf Club and Mount Woodson Golf Club), the Barona casino, and a budding winery scene.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This is desert at its best: vast, mostly untracked wilderness where you can wander and camp; a huge repository of prehistoric beasts, illustrated by a large collection of life-size sculptures along desert roadsides; and the best wildflower display in Southern California in the springtime.
- Borrego Springs. Set in the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, this is an emerging destination for desert lovers.
