Top Rated Parks to Visit in Lake Poway

"Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego, filled with world-class museums, restaurants, and beautiful greenery. The lush, 1,200-acre urban oasis is also home to nearly 30 museums and cultural centers, plus the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are more than a dozen attractions in the park, each with its own events and special exhibitions."

"It’s located in Balboa Park which also features a lot of great museums, such as the Science Center and Natural History Museum. If you have little kids you can also consider visiting the carousel and miniature railroad."

"Not only does Timken Museum house American, French and Russian works of art, but it’s one of the most important Mid-Century buildings in San Diego. Find it in the Plaza de Panama. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars."

"Belmont Park is an amusement park and entertainment center located along Mission Beach. The historic Giant Dipper roller coaster has been around for over 95 years, and there are many other classic rides to enjoy, such as bumper cars and a carousel. Get a hole-in-one at the tiki miniature golf course or battle against your enemies in the Tron-themed laser tag experience."

"This is one of the most fabulous family-friendly tourist attractions in San Diego. Plus, it has a lot of history. It provides an opportunity for amusements, games, and food at a historical, classic American boardwalk."

"In 1968, the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation established Old Town State Historic Park to preserve the rich heritage that characterized San Diego during the 1821 to 1872 period. Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began."

"There are numerous historic buildings located in this area, dating back to the early 1800s. It was the first European settlement in California. One notable building is Whaley House which Travel Channel named as the most haunted house in America."

"Many people recommended we take in one of the famous San Diego sunsets from Sunset Cliffs, which is just a couple of miles south of the Ocean Beach pier. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre City of San Diego regional park which extends 1½ miles along the Point Loma peninsula’s western shoreline. You get expansive ocean views, dramatic cliff formations and caves, an intertidal area, and in some spaces plenty of space and rocks for the kids to run over way back from the edge."

"On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools. There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset. And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has been offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the western edge of Point Loma since 1983, making it a staple in lists featuring the most famous things to see in San Diego."

"The colorful and whimsical architecture of Horton Plaza sets it apart from any shopping mall in the region. The complex has become somewhat of a San Diego icon since its construction in the 1980s. It is credited with jumpstarting the revival of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and continues to appeal to visitors alike to this day."

"Horton Plaza's construction in the mid-1980s jump-started the Gaslamp renaissance. Its multi-level, somewhat confusing whimsical architecture is a must-see for any San Diego visitor. Nordstrom, Macy's and a wide array of shops and eateries make this the noontime stop for downtown workers."

"All hands in the water spray at these interactive pop jets in Horton Plaza park. Grab a cup of coffee or have lunch at this nice urban retreat. 900 4th Ave.San Diego, CA 92101Online: hortonplazapark.com"

"A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 25+ of San Diego's best street food vendors, with delicious drinks, coffee, desserts and craft stalls. Relax in a beautiful outdoor environment and enjoy the sunshine and great vibe."

"Technically it’s in the neighboring city of Encinitas, but it’s litterally just a 1/2 mile outside Carlsbad. We have been going here for years, it was actually the first place our son Shea ever saw the ocean. Families flock to this area because it has a little bit of everything: a cute playground for the little ones, plenty of sand for football games or Frisbee throwing, a volleyball court for the sport enthusiast out there, fire pits for chilly weather, and a snack bar that serves up all your favorite foods to keep you energized for more play."

"This beach earns its name because residents in the early 1900s used to picnic under the stars here. Today, Moonlight State Beach is a popular beach choice with North County San Diego locals and visitors. A picnic area, restrooms, volleyball courts, tennis courts, equipment rentals, a snack bar and more are just a few of the conveniences offered here."

"If you go further north, you will find Moonlight Beach which is the state beach. It is very popular among the hotels around here and that’s because there are a ton of amenities for families here. You will find everything from picnic tables to fire rights to volleyball courts to equipment rentals."

"Bar Dynamite's interesting history includes a former life as Club Nagasaki which catered mostly to San Diego's thriving aerospace industry. It became Bar Dynamite and in the 80s and 90s it was pretty much a dive bar for people who liked an early tipple and local bands. In 1999, a radical shift to underground DJs and cutting-edge technology overhauled the vibe into what it is today, 7 days a week."

"Located on the 7th floor at the hotel Andaz San Diego, and up here you get an absolutely magical 360-degree view of the San Diego skyline. Both rooftop restaurant and bar, offering American fare with a creative SoCal twists from lunch and onwards, along with a wide range of signature cocktails, local beers on draft, wines and bottle service. Relaxing lunch and lounge on weekdays, while on weekends the space transforms into a high-energy, chic nightclub."

"Rooftop STK is Andaz San Diego's newly refreshed and rebranded poolside lounge that offers incredibly picturesque views of the Downtown San Diego skyline. It is a sexy, swanky and scenic spot to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and delicious dishes from a menu specially created by Executive Chef J.C. Colón. By day, The Rooftop by STK will sweep you away with stunning views and creative regional cuisine for breakfast and lunch."

"There’s never a bad time to hit the multi-faceted RoofTop600. Beginning at 6:30, there’s breakfast with private cabanas, then a bevy of sunbathers take over the pool area, offering eye-candy all around. At night, DJs spin hip-hop, top 40, and EDM making this space an open-air nightclub worthy of note."

"For those Temecula residents looking for fine Italian cuisine, be sure to check out Sopranos Pizza and Restaurant. From their tasty pies to their classic Italian dishes, there is something on the menu for everyone."

"in Syrah Wineries, Sauvignon / Fume Blanc Wineries, Merlot Wineries, Chardonnay Wineries, Cabernet Sauvignon Wineries. A family-owned and operated vineyard that takes pride in the craftsmanship of quality wines and of the labor practiced for ages in the old country. The winery is a lifelong dream realized; a reflection of the love and passion."

"Rosa and Gerardo Cordiano moved from Italy to San Diego in the early 1990s. They opened several Italian restaurants here but their first love was actually winemaking. Eventually, they sold the restaurants and Cordiano Winery was born."