2 Best Sights in North County and Around, California

California Wolf Center

This center, just outside Julian, is one of the few places in North America where you can get an up-close view of the gray wolves that once roamed much of the continent. The center participates in breeding programs and houses several captive packs, including some rare Mexican grays, a subspecies of the North American gray wolf that came within seven individuals of extinction in the 1970s. The animals are kept secluded from public view in 3-acre pens, but some may be seen by visitors during conservation and behavioral enrichment tours, by advanced reservation only. The dirt road here is rough, so it's best to have a high-clearance vehicle.

Hwy. 79 at KQ Ranch Rd., Julian, California, 92036, USA
760-765–0030
Sights Details
Rate Includes: $30, reservations required, Closed Tues.--Thurs., Tours Fri.–Mon. with advanced reservation.

Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary

This small exotic-bird aviary adjacent to the Del Mar Fairgrounds houses a collection of parrots and other exotic birds—a guaranteed child pleaser. Visits are by reservation only.