Top Rated Parks to Visit in Rancho Bernardo

"Like no place else in the country, Balboa Park offers a magnificent combination of art, architecture, history and agriculture in one expansive park. Spanning approximately 1,200 acres, Balboa Park was once known as City Park and was founded more than 125 years ago. Today, the park is home to 15 museums, theaters, marvelous gardens, restaurants, shopping and the world-famous San Diego Zoo."

"Balboa Park is more than just a green space in the city — it’s a cultural oasis — home to more than 17 museums, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo. There are several playgrounds and a miniature railroad to keep the kids entertained, and various restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat. The iconic botanical building is a lovely visit with thousands of plants and a lilypond."

"3146 Mission Boulevard San Diego, CA 92109 858-488-1549 Ride Hours: Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00am-8:00pm Ride Hours: Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00am-9:00pm Store hours vary 5 Stores plus multiple kiosks Major Attractions: Roller Coaster, Beach Blaster, Wave House and Specialty Shops"

"With a gigantic wooden roller coaster that winds around the San Diego coastline, it’s the kind of destination that will stop you right in your tracks. The roller coaster is just the beginning. For high-octane fun, you’ll have your choice of slides, carousels, ziplines, tilt-a-whirls, vertical plunges and bumper cars."

"A Mission Beach linchpin, Belmont Park was opened by the sugar magnate John D. Spreckels back in 1925. This amusement park has 12 rides, three oceanfront eateries, an 18-hole Tiki-themed mini golf course and a host of smaller attractions. But the king of Belmont Park has to be the time-honoured Giant Dipper."

"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."

"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."

"Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to visit is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the ocean panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues."

"For the best ocean views in town, visit Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: a 68-acre park where people do indeed come to take in the colorful sunsets. The promise of a gorgeous Pacific panorama has made the area incredibly popular with hikers, surfers and birdwatchers."

"Moonlight State Beach in the seaside town of Encinitas is one of the most visited beaches in North County because of its spacious sandy area and fun amenities like fire pits, sand volleyball courts, and a snack bar. There's also a large section of the beach that is reserved exclusively for swimmers, so you can hang out in the water and not worry about colliding with a surfboard (if you want to surf, nearby Swami's Beach is known as the surfing mecca in Encinitas). There is a paid parking lot near the beach as well as free street parking around the entrance."

"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."

"After breakfast, you can continue north through the cute coastal towns of Solana Beach and Cardiff , until you get up to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. READ MORE: The Best San Diego Beachfront Hotels"

"This is more of a cozy picnic spot than a park, but for those interested in enjoying lunch with an ocean view?. It’s good to know about. When Ellen Browning Scripps Park gets crowded and you want to gaze at the ocean in a quieter space, come here."

"Scenic mountain and ocean views can be seen from this unique watershed habitat. With the Escondido Creek flowing year-round, it provides a unique home for plants and animals. With 11 miles of trails, picnic spots and views, there are plenty of options to enjoy nature here."

"Set in a downtown La Jolla Yoga studio, Trilogy Sanctuary is a vegan rooftop restaurant and juice bar that boasts Boho chic décor and beautiful ocean views and serves a menu of organic, vegan, and gluten-free fare, super smoothies, and fresh juices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features favorites such as “eggs” Benedict served with cauliflower cheese “eggs,” avocado, sprouts, “Hollandaise” sauce and eggplant “bacon” on a toasted gluten-free bun, the Sunflower Sprout Raw Pizza, and the Kale Superfood Salad. Trilogy Sanctuary also offers detox programs and catering services."

"When you’re seeking a quick bite to eat, without giving up anything in regards to quality and test, Trilogy Sanctuary is an excellent choice. Stop by this rooftop cafe for organic and vegan favorites, ranging from smoothies to grain bowls and everything in between. While you’re eating, you’ll enjoy ocean views and the cool breeze."

"What we found: Trilogy Sanctuary was highly recommended on the Happy Cow app. We decided to stop by for lunch on Thursday after visiting the beautiful beach in La Jolla. The all-vegan, 100% organic restaurant is only one part of Trilogy Sanctuary."

"North Park is without a doubt a great neighborhood to get a decent cup of coffee, and Young Hickory blends into that environment perfectly. However, this is a San Diego coffee shop with a twist: apart from great coffee, they also serve (more than 30) craft beers here!. As a matter of fact, even some breweries from Europe are represented in the shop, too."

"Young Hickory is a hipster café and espresso bar offering sandwiches, salads and a wide selection of craft canned beers. Choose from a selection of flavored hot teas and iced teas. Also, on the menu is drip coffees, Just a Shot, Americano, Hammerhead, Cappuccino, Latte, Mexican Mocha, Chai Latte, Iced Coffee."

"This makes this coffee shop a great place for hanging out, working, and studying, which is great!. Besides that, their coffees are very delicious. They roast the coffee themselves, which means the flavors you find here are unique!"

"Coffee Cycle is an amazing and very small location right on the edge of Pacific Beach that’s a great place to go if you want to just be in and out and not have to deal with crowds. The best thing about this coffee shop is its neighborhood feel. Coffee Cycle is not the best place to go if you want to get comfortable and work due to the fact that it has very little seating and lots of street noise."

"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)"

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."