Must See Sights and Landmarks in Rancho Peñasquitos Area

"The San Diego Padres have been San Diego’s Major Baseball League Team since 1969. They have a large following of fans that include both San Diego residents and baseball enthusiasts around the country. Their stadium, PETCO Park, is known for its architecturally attractive design and for capturing the spirit and natural beauty of the city."

"First, it’s close to Petco Park, and second, it’s rooftop bar, Altitudes, is a great spot for a sunset cocktail!. There are several Marriotts in the Gaslamp quarter, so make sure to double-check the name when you make your reservation!"

"A time warp back to the mid-19th century, the State Historical Park in the Old Town is scattered with restored historic buildings, including five original adobes, as well as detailed replicas. The finest of the adobes is the Casa de Estudillo from 1827, one of the oldest remaining pieces of Spanish architecture in California. The park is free to enter and gives a sense of the intersecting cultures, as a Mexican pueblo became an American settlement."

"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."

"Located in Old Town, second oldest cemetery in San Diego had burials from 1849 to 1880. In 1933, the San Diego Historical Society restored in the cemetery based on descriptions and photographs, but over the years some of the boundaries have been moved to accommodate for city development. In 1889 a horse-drawn streetcar line was built through part of the cemetery, which later became San Diego Avenue."

"Visit the rumored 'most haunted house in America' located in Old Town San Diego and take a tour of the beautiful home. Explore the two-story Greek Revival-style mansion and see rooms that once served as a general store, San Diego's first commercial theater, a courthouse, and more. A tour of the Whaley House is a tour of San Diego's history."

"San Diego’s first two-storey brick-built building, the Old Town’s Whaley House dates to 1857. What kindles fascination about the building is its spooky goings-on. This National Historic Landmark was designated “haunted” by the U.S."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user RightCowLeftCoast used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead is a wonderful museum where visitors can learn about what life used to be like in Escondido, California. Tour the farmstead and garden, and marvel at the simple comforts of times gone by."

"There is a nice dirt trail nearby for biking, hiking, or walking. Nearby there is a farmer’s market. There are a few great trails that extend east and west into the valley."

"San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the best things to do in San Diego for kids though plenty of adults go for the safaris, to see the animals, and learn more about conservation. Large free-range enclosures are designed to closely mimic the natural habitats of exotic animals like rhinos, camels, cheetahs, gorillas, giraffes, lions, tigers, warthogs, wild cattle, and zebras. More than 3,000 animals representing 300 species roam freely throughout the park, and you can see them from trams, golf carts, trucks, large helium balloons, and zip lines."

"Escondido’s best-known attraction is Safari Park, the sister park to the San Diego Zoo. The Safari Park is 1800-plus acres of exotic animals and botanical gardens galore, carved out of the hills just outside Escondido."

"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."

"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."

"Prepare yourself for an explosion of mosaics at this American sculpture garden, the last major international project created by Niki de Saint Phalle (born France, 1930-2002), who was inspired by California’s rich history and culture. The garden consists of several large sculptures including a circular “snake wall’ measuring 400 feet in length (with heights varying from 4 to 9 feet) that surrounds the garden and open into a maze with walls and floors that are covered with black, white and mirrored tiles. The curved bodies of the monumental playful serpents slithering along the top of the wall form a pattern of solids and voids that allows visitors to see landscape vistas beyond the garden."

"Reservations are recommended at this decades-old power lunch spot in the Gaslamp, famed for it’s continental flair and welcoming ambiance. In addition to the eatery's signature mussel bisque you can also fill up on gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads for around $8-$14. Larger entrées include wild mushroom risotto and a petite filet mignon."

"Known for their Californian fare, this upscale eatery has been serving seafood lovers for more than three decades. Today, Dobson's Bar & Restaurant is a San Diego landmark, conside..."

"My family and I stayed in the gaslamp district recently and were dissappointed with the many tourist trap restaurant settings..."

"If you’re in the mood for sushi, head to Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar. The freshness of the ingredients is beyond fault, while its selection of specialty cocktails makes the perfect accompaniment to dishes like caramelized eggplant, crispy soft-shell crab, jalapeno slaw, caterpillar roll, and heart attack roll. If you can’t be tempted by all the delectable sushi on offer, you’ll still have plenty of options to try, including a superb pork belly robata and a stunning five-spice duck taco served in a coconut scallion crepe and accompanied by mint napa slaw, hoisin lime, and fried ginger."

"2958 Madison St, Carlsbad, CA 92008-2359Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, AsianLunch, DinnerTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service760-434-4959http://www.blueoceanrobatasushi.com"