Things To Do

Hiking

Palomar Mountain State Park

Palomar is our local Sierra Nevada-esque getaway. We love hiking up here and it's also where we had our engagement photos taken! Get there around midday to check out the observatory as well. Follow the Doane Valley Nature Trail for a fairly flat one-mile stroll, or try the Thunder Spring Trail for a four-mile hike with a little under 800 feet of elevation gain - just watch out for the poison oak!

Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve

A gorgeous hike along the Santa Margarita River. The first bit is pretty easy but a bit rocky in spots. We always come here after the first rain to look for mushrooms! If you want to complete the entire out-and-back trail, expect about five and a half miles and a little over 500 feet of elevation gain (but it's pretty enough here that it's worth doing even if you aren't going all the way to the end of the trail)!

Way Up Trail

If you're looking for a decent hike in the area, check out the Way Up Trail and at the top, explore the trails and overlooks around the Olivenhain Reservoir. The trail itself is just a couple miles, but the first part is steep, covering around 600 feet of elevation in about one mile. For an easier walk, there's a short loop at the bottom of the main trail - around a mile with a natural rocky river crossing.

Potato Chip Rock

Probably San Diego's most iconic hike. It's not an easy one, but the photos on Potato Chip Rock at the top of Mount Woodson are worth it! Expect around seven and a half miles and over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Bring lots of water!

Attractions

Julian

If you're out this way (maybe visiting Palomar!) stop by Julian for a slice of apple pie and check out the cute downtown area!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

One of the more popular destinations in San Diego and absolutely worth checking out while you're here!

La Jolla Tide Pools

Visit at low tide to see some incredible rock formations and sea life. While you're here, also head to Child's Beach just up the road to see some sea lions!

San Diego Botanic Garden

Spend a few hours exploring this botanical garden! The bamboo forest is our favorite part.

Food

Campfire

Our go-to for date nights! This is a fantastic restaurant with a chill vibe that we love. Plus the cocktails are great :)

RakiRaki Ramen & Tsukemen

Our fave ramen place! We used to drive 6+ hours into San Diego for a weekend just to stop by here - it's that good.

Plumeria Vegetarian Encinitas

The best Thai food around, and it's vegetarian too! If you're here, drive or walk down 101 right around this spot to experience some of the best SoCal charm.