Top Rated Parks to Visit in Olivenhain

"In the heart of downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is 1,400 gorgeous acres of green space. (By comparison, New York City’s Central Park is 842 acres.) In 1915, Balboa Park was the setting for the Panama-California Exposition celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal and securing San Diego’s place as a port, which is why several of the city’s oldest and most ornate buildings can be found here. Many of those historic buildings now house robust museums such as the San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego Museum of Art and family-friendly San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT)."

"Watch the pandas cuddle and the polar bears swim, then go next door to Balboa Park for lunch at Panama 66, a sculpture garden-restaurant with hot sandwiches and a terrific tap list. Your first stop for an afternoon of museum-hopping is to peruse the minor masterpieces at the San Diego Museum of Art. Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building."

"With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Passport, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions for one fee. The Zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 15 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"San Diego’s answer to the east coast’s Coney Island, Belmont Park is one of the main attractions at Mission Beach, which sits north of Ocean Beach. Get your stomach rollercoaster-ready or if you’re still feeling the heat of your Ocean Beach tacos, just take a nice long stroll along the Boardwalk."

"A wooden roller coaster, a carousel and a 175-foot long indoor swimming pool are part of this Oceanside amusement park’s allure. The Big Dipper, built in 1925 and now a California Historic Monument, is known for turbulent twists and g-forces."

"For some old-fashioned oceanfront fun, wrap up your San Diego Day at Belmont Park. It is like an old fashioned fair and arcade, plus is located directly on Mission Beach. It’s the perfect spot to catch an amazing sunset."

"Old Town State Park is known as the birthplace of California. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, a small group of Mexican settlers began building homes at the foot of the hillside below the first mission and Presidio. Because wood was scarce at the time, sun-dried adobe bricks were used."

"Looking for historic places to visit in San Diego with kids?. Old Town is one of the top San Diego points of interest. San Diego County is not just about the amazing beaches and delicious food."

"Built in 1825 after attacks from the Spaniards’ enemies waned, Old Town San Diego was the first town in the city to have ever been built."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."

"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."

"Crosby Street Park is a tiny little park that just happens to have a pier that extends way out into San Diego Bay which allows you to get some cool shots of the Coronado Bridge that most people may not have seen. Along the pier there are tug boats and military ships in the yards being fixed so it can give you some pretty interesting pictures. The park has lots of parking and this place is almost always deserted so  you will probably have it all to yourself."

"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"

"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."

"Chef Patrick Ponsaty’s will tempt you with his menu (Oscetra Petrossian caviar, lacquered Maine lobster, côte de boeuf for two) and you’ll be seriously seduced at table 3, an ultra-elegant private space with it’s own magical chandelier. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. (858) 771-1871 or ponsatys.com"

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"The menu at The Burger Den is said to include vegetarian options."

"Spacious restaurant, high ceilings plenty of distance between patrons and mask optional. Delicious, light food at a reasonable price. Tasty infused drin..."