Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
15 Absolutely Free Things to Do in San Diego
"Yet another Westfield shopping mall, North County (Fair) serves the North County bedroom communities of Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, etc. This large, two-level indoor mall is of mid-1980s vintage with your usual allotment of department stores and shops (JC Penney, Sears, Nordstrom). Before Westfield took it over, it was known as North County Fair, and people still refer to it as that."
"Another excellent mall from the Westfield company, the Westfield North County is located in the San Diego suburb of Escondido. It is located directly off Interstate 15 on Via Rancho Parkway. The mall is approximately a half-hour north of downtown San Diego."
"Westfield North County Fair in San Diego features 127 stores and services in the indoor shopping mall, which is one of the only malls in San Diego that isn't outdoors."
"Soda & Swine has two locations, Liberty Station and North Park. Although from their name you wouldn’t guess, they have some over-the-top desserts that will definitely sweeten up your date, from over-indulgent milkshakes to good ol’ fashioned apple pie a la mode."
"Casual dining with an order at the counter approach, this humble and cozy joint offers incredible build-your-own sliders. If you are looking for a casual night with really good food and a craft cocktail after (Polite Provisions), this is your place."
"It’s a known fact that all-white plates make for the best food photos, but lately rustic plates are bucking the trend. Look out for more places like Soda & Swine that are finding new ways to mix up their dish ware."
"When you walk into this jewel of a restaurant on Columbia Street, it seems like the food couldn’t possibly live up to the panoramic view of the city and its harbor through its vast wall-length windows. Sitting on the bar seats facing out, you can drink in the sunset over the skyline with the hanging lanterns creating ambiance behind you. Luckily, the food definitely delivers as well – as do the drinks!"
"After taking in some of the best restaurants in Escondido or best brunch spots in Carlsbad, head to Daley Ranch to walk off what you just ate. With over 3,000 miles of conservation area to explore, you can enjoy the natural vegetation, oak woodlands, grasslands, and more. And if you’re interested in some history, there are plenty of old buildings to explore on the property too."
"Daley Ranch was established in 1996 and covers a ground area measuring 3058 acres. The Ranch has been used as a conservation area for protecting and housing various species of animals and plants which are considered endangered in the area. The ranch is also home to a wide range of regional plant species that are not found at other places in the world."
"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Downtowngal used under CC BY-SA 3.0. A great way to explore true southwestern California, the way you’re supposed to, Daley Ranch has fresh air and rustic ambiance in a gorgeous location. The hiking trails are lovely, offering breathtaking views over Escondido ranch land."