Just 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of San Diego lies Legoland, where you can spend an entire day living in the land of imagination and fun. Experience numerous fun-filled rides, adventures and shows at this incredible amusement park. The park features 128 acres (51.7 hectares) of displays including MiniLand where replicas of famous sites (Hollywood Bowl, Washington, D.C.) are created entirely from Legos. In the Imagination Zone, children under six can play with Duplos to their hearts' content, whereas kids over six can check out the 'Build & Test' center. Themed areas at the park include Castle Hill and Pirate Shores.
This is the premier place for culture in all of North County. The Broadway-style theater hosts up to 60 performances each season with guests such as Barishnykov, Stomp and Broadway musicals. Meanwhile, the museum features more than 9,000 square feet of galleries as well as an outdoor area called "Lyric Court". The focus is on 20th-century visual arts with contemporary flair. Exhibitions change frequently. Private party and reception facilities are available.
The comfortable Harrah's Rincon gives you a panoramic view of the Palomar Mountain and its valleys. Its casino boasts 1600 slots, 46 tables, and games which only Harrah's offers. The casino also allows you to choose from Rincon craps, slots, tables and volcanic roulette bingo. So, go ahead and enjoy the action in San Diego style! The over 1000 rooms at Harrah's Resort Southern California provide the utmost comfort, luxury and amenities to the guest making their stay experience wonderful and memorable.
One of only two places on the California coast where these gnarled, once nearly extinct specimens grow, visitors will witness more than 3000 Torrey Pines in this untamed 2000-acre (809 hectares) reserve. You will also see cliffs, mesas, canyons, beaches, and wetlands. Discover eight trails ranging from a 20-minute walk to a two-hour hike. Trail maps are available at the Visitor's Lodge, where you'll also find a modest natural history museum complete with a souvenir shop. Despite the shade, it can be hot in the summer, so bring your own water. See website for maps, online resources and more. Open daily from 8a
Climb 145 steps down into Sunny Jim Cave, the largest of the grottoes in La Jolla Cove. The area is now run by the Cave Store, which displays historic photographs of La Jolla and offers a small concession where visitors can purchase souvenirs, postcards, and T-shirts. A trip here provides a fascinating glimpse into what lies under, as well as over, the scenic California coastline.
The famous biological research facility, founded by renowned polio vaccine inventor Jonas Salk, is perched high above La Jolla surrounded by 26 acres (10.5 acres). Modernist architect Louis I. Kahn designed the twin-structured building in 1965. The landscape includes a courtyard area, "Stream of Life" and a foot-wide water display inspired by architect Louis Barragan which flows through the marble courtyard between the buildings.
Solana Beach is always buzzing with activity, weekdays or weekends. There's no dearth of visitors despite the countless beaches lining the coast of Southern California. The chamber, which was started to promote tourism, provides visitors with information and updates. It also offers membership to those interested, even if not residing in Solana Beach. Community events take place from time to time.
St James By the Sea Church is a place where much happens. With worship services and lots of music, there is never a dull moment out here. And if your hunger pangs act up in the midst of all the activity, fret not, for there is a quaint little Cafe to meet your needs with gourmet coffee and fresh pastries. The church can be rented out for weddings and private occasions too, for that lovely seaside ambiance.
The Blue Heron Gallery hosts works by several artists and seeks to bring in a wide variety of works for people to enjoy. Those works range from paintings to photography, silver to pottery, and various other types of art. The Blue Heron Gallery will gladly open for those unable to make it to their showroom during their regular hours, Though they have regular business hours and do not require reservations, they host eight to ten shows a year, so they recommend reservations. The Blue Heron Gallery also buys art from artists and collectors they do not normally work with. - Erick Pettersen
Part of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, the Gotthelf Art Gallery contributes to the mission of preserving and upholding the essence of Jewish culture. Housed in the Jacobs Family Campus at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, the gallery nurtures the rich and diverse cultural exquisite of Jewish origins through its varied collections and exhibits. It regularly hosts cultural activities and art events to highlight its purpose. Docent tours and art receptions are open to the privileged few who extend their support to the gallery.
Promoting meditation, self-reflection and self-actualization, Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens is garden and major green space which transports visitors into a state of tranquility. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, one can stroll through the beautiful green gardens and admire the host of colorful floral species, or simply let their worldly concerns fade away in the meditative silence of the park.