Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Rancho Peñasquitos

"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."

"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. Looking for a SIM Card in the USA?. If you’re visiting from overseas and want to pick up a SIM Card for calls and data while you’re away, I highly recommend TelAway. The number of SIM companies to choose from is baffling but Telaway arranged my SIM card very quickly, the set up was non-existent (put it into your unlocked phone and you’re up and running) and included so much data (UNLIMITED!) I could even stream Netflix on long train journeys."

"The cement pathway lining the sand from the southern end of Mission Beach north to Pacific Beach is always bustling with activity. Cyclists…"

"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."

"Or, make your way up to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to stroll the cliffs and experience the panoramic pink, purple, and bright-orange majesty as the sun goes down. Finish off the day over the hill at Officine Buona Forchetta, where some of the city’s best Italian dishes include handmade pasta and authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza."

"If you want something simple, straightforward, and kid-friendly, this small Solana Beach spot sports a nice grassy area, and also has a playground for kids who get bored of swimming. Fletcher Cove also has picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and a beach wash station. This beach is best for walking, playing (there’s a basketball court, too) and boogie or body boarding, but if you’re looking to lounge on the sand all day, try somewhere else because the sand is limited here and sometimes completely swallowed by high tides."

"The main beach in Solana Beach is Fletcher Cove, aka “Pillbox” (because a WWII gunnery installation is there), located where Lomas Santa Fe Boulevard meets the coast and just across Highway 101 from the Solana Beach train station. There are public restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables and a basketball court on the bluffs above the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 8 a.m."

"The track is the largest indoor karting track on the West Coast. The high performance electric karts allow fast acceleration and the adrenaline needed to provide an unforgettable experience. By taking advantage of their Arrive and Drive race packages, parents can have the buffer time they need in order to get to and from the track with no reservation required."

"If you thought you could only find go-karts at some amusement parks, think again. By heading into K1 Speed of Carlsbad you can hop into a go-kart and race your way through their track in no time. It’s thrilling, it’s exciting, and when all is said and done you can enjoy their authentic racing memorabilia and snacks before you head out."

"Founded in 2003, K1 Speed provides indoor karting services featuring professionally-designed tracks, modern safety barriers, private function rooms, arcades, and an onsite restaurant. Co-founded by Boris Said, an American racing driver and Susan Danglard, the company now owns more than 40 locations worldwide."

"It's not stunning skyline views you'll find here at Bartiquitos Lagoon, but great views of a different sort: endangered birds that occupy the tranquil lagoons situated near the hustle and bustle of San Diego. Located between Carlsbad and Encinitas and identified as one of the few remaining tidal wetlands in southern California, the area is perfect for hiking and provides outstanding opportunities for bird watching. Interpretive signs along the trails assist with identifying these rare birds."

"Carlsbad’s oceanic atmosphere isn’t nearly complete without Batiquitos Lagoon!. Recognized by the state as an ecological reserve, this haven for endangered plants and animals is open to the public for your uninterrupted exploration!. Recognized as one of the few tidal wetlands remaining in Southern California, the Batiquitos Lagoon allows you to enjoy the company of perfect weather and non-profit marine preservation."

"Hikers at Batiquitos can look forward to a low-elevation, wetland walk on a 3.25-mile trail that winds through a park-like environment. If you go, you’ll encounter lots of families, dog walkers, and more than a few bird watchers. Owls, ducks, swans and other water-loving birds make Batiquitos their home in large numbers."

"Not all pop-up food retailers find the success necessary to graduate to a brick-and-mortar, but then again not all pop-ups feature bites as decadent nor as memorable as Maya’s Cookies. Born out of the desire to find vegan cookies that passed the taste, texture, and aroma test, owner Maya Madsen got to work crafting what would become the nation’s largest and most successful female and Black-owned vegan cookie retailer. Flavors vary from White Chocolate Espresso to Birthday Cake and Brown Sugar Butterscotch to Classic Chocolate Chip with several gluten-free options."

"What began as a way to earn extra income to put her sons through college grew into a beloved San Diego company that pleases anyone with a sweet treat, vegan or not. Maya Madsen, founder of Maya’s Cookies, wants her customers to know that she and her crew welcome questions and love hearing about their experience with the decadent goodies. “We focus on the quality of the ingredients and everything is artisanal and hand-scooped,” Madsen said."

"Maya now has the number one Black-owned and women-owned vegan cookie company in the country. Since June 2020, when Black Lives Matter supporters began showing her some love, her business took off and she now has her own storefront in Grantville/Mission Valley East. People drive from far and wide to buy her award-winning cookies that she’s been selling at local farmer’s markets since 2015."

"Established in 2009, Evolution is San Diego’s original vegan fast food outlet and the vegetarian’s answer to the universal fast food burger joint, including the drive-thru window. Following the successful formula of meat-centric burger joints, the restaurant has a menu of burgers, tacos, and wraps, including the gluten-free Evo Burger with either a black bean or house-made tempeh patty stacked with fresh lettuce, pickles, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, tomato, and a creamy Thousand Island dressing. Pair burgers with a side of chili cheese fries and organic shakes or smoothies."

"In addition to a drive-thru option, this restaurant offers grab-and-go goodies, a selection of raw foods, fresh smoothies and shakes, and more. Delicious desserts include cakes and pastries that rotate seasonally, along with the unique offering of a vegan soft-serve. 2965 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (6.3 miles away)https://www.evolutionfastfood.com/"

"Evolution offers all the convenience of a fast food restaurant, including a drive-thru, but serves an entirely vegetarian and vegan menu. That means burgers, sandwiches, tacos, fries, chicken tenders, smoothies, shakes, desserts, and even a few raw options. Everything is made in-house, and the containers and utensils are environmentally friendly."

"You can invite all your friends to join you at My Yard Live. From BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and mac n' cheese to a giant treehouse for little ones to explore and locally brewed beer, you can eat and drink while the kids play corn hole, ping pong, 80s arcade games and more at this cool new restaurant in San Marcos that's designed to resemble your dream yard. Head here on a Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m."

"Although they claim to be “just a neighborhood burger joint,” Burger Lounge serves up more than your average fast food stop. Focusing on simplicity, their ingredients are locally-sourced, fair trade, organic, and small batch. Even though the food is simple, the menu is highly customizable and you can eat there or takeout."

"– Home of the original Grass Fed Burger, this is my favorite spot to grab a burger in La Jolla. Limited seating, but a great casual atmosphere in the heart of the Village."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Burger Lounge (@burgerlounge)"

"IF YOU HAVE NEVER EATEN AT THIS RESTERANT RUN TO THE DOOR. THE FOOD THERE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. ITS SO FRESH AND FAVORFUL YOU…"

"If you're a fan of the annual Miramar Air Show, then the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is a good place for you to visit. What sets this museum apart from all others is the fact that it is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the incredible contributions made by Marine Corps Aviators and their ground support personnel. Located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the museum is comprised of an outdoor area, displaying an average of at least twenty five vintage aircraft and an indoor display of memorabilia and artifacts dating to the earliest days of Marine Corps Aviation."

"The Flying Leatherneck Museum is the only museum in the world that primarily showcases the United States Marine Corps (USMC) aviation. You’ll be able to take an up-close look at 48 historical aircraft in their gallery. Check their event calendar to see what’s on tap during your visit."

"With its unassuming yellow paint and perfectly square foundation, the William Heath Davis House bears the distinct honor of being the oldest building in San Diego. Erected in 1850, this historic saltbox-style home now serves as a museum, transporting everyone who steps through its doors back in time to the Victorian era of yore. While it once was the home of one of our earliest settlers, William Heath Davis himself, it now affords its visitors a glimpse into our past."

"Throughout the year’s many historical figures have visited the William Heath Davis House. As visitors tour the house, they will see each room is dedicated to a different period in the house’s history, and most of it was restored to its 1850’s glory. Rumor also has it that this house hosts its own ghostly visitors as well."