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.
Named for newspaper heiress and early La Jolla resident Ellen Browning Scripps, this community park offers one of the best views along the Southern California coastline. The park overlooks La Jolla Cove where clear Pacific waters crash against the rocky shoreline. Countless tourists and locals flock to this park for daytime picnics on the perfectly manicured lawns surrounded by palm trees. The grounds are also ideal for evening strolls while watching glorious sunsets. For those seeking a glimpse of the local seal population Children's Pool Beach is located at the south end of the park.
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.
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.
Set overlooking the lush Mildred MacPherson Park, Univ Studio is a truly multipurpose event venue that hosts everything from music performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals. Their community open mic nights are extremely popular with the locals.
If geography interests you as well the knowledge about the continents then head to the Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla. The featured maps at the museum include the a map of Boston Decorative and Historical, a hysterical map of the Yellowstone Park, Historic and Scenic Reaches of the Nation's Capital and many more. They are also open on the first and third Saturdays of every month at regular times.
Quint Gallery is a top gallery for contemporary modern art in oil, watercolor, mixed media and photography. Sculpture in various media is also shown. The gallery has a strong list of abstract and representational artists, who cover still life, landscape and inspirational themes. A different artist is featured in exhibition each month. Viewing can also be arranged by appointment.