Where is the absolute best place to stay in San Diego? Escondido, California. Why?
WEATHER. Let’s not beat around the bush, one of San Diego’s most prized attributes is it’s gentle mild sun-filled weather. Too many people think that the sun is always shining at the beach but unfortunately this is not the case. Escondido benefits from being located just far enough inland where it is unaffected by the overcast doldrums that ‘sock-in’ the coastline from typically April to August. Escondido benefits from more warmth and sunshine 78% more often than the coastline. Because this San Diego bed and breakfast is located on top of a prominent hill, there is always a gentle breeze that maintains the perfect balmy temperature.
RESTAURANTS. If you haven’t noticed too many restaurants in San Diego charge exhorbitant amounts for average quality food. Escondido leads the charge as having the most authentic cuisine and restaurants in all of San Diego County.
Click here for a specific list of recommended restaurants only minutes from this San Diego bed and breakfast.
ORFILA VINEYARD (2.8 miles/5 minute drive). If you miss an afternoon trip here, you have missed a bucolic setting never thought imaginable in San Diego County and it’s located only minutes from this San Diego b & b. Rows of verdant vineyards flow across a valley with a backdrop ALMOST as gorgeous as the one that you’ll enjoy when you return to the finest San Diego weekend retreat. The patio and loggia at Orfila is tastefully decorated and flows with rustic charm, don’t miss it. Click here for a link to their website.
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS (2 mile/5 minute drive). Recognized in an ArtsMarket study as having the most diverse performing arts audience and programming in the region, the Center has been home to several world-renowned artists. Some of our most noted performers include Wynton Marsalis, Julio Iglesias, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Itzhak Perlman, Natalie Merchant, Faith Hill, The Moody Blues, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, Vicky Lawrence, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Jewel, Paco de Lucia, Bill Maher, Steven Wright and The Moscow State Radio Symphony, in addition to many, many more.
HIKING LAKE HODGES (.8 mile/5 minute drive). Almost a duh?! There beneath you lies Lake Hodges a gorgeous body of water surrounded by charming trails that afford nature lovers beautiful views around every corner. The dirt hiking and riding trails around much of the lake wind through ever-changing terrain and biological settings which include streams, lush river valleys, canopied oak forests, arid rocky terrain and open fields. The topography changes from elevated vistas to marsh-like wetlands. There are accessible staging areas at five locations along the 7-mile primary route. For more information on Hodges trails, visit the web site for San Dieguito River Park.
STONE BREWERY & STONE WORLD BISTRO (3.3 miles/8 minute drive). Alright ladies, we’ve got to throw something in here for the guys. Stone Brewery’s Zen Garden offers a little something for everyone with firepits, an impressive indoor outdoor flow, wondeful appetizers, a huge wine selection, brewery tours and of course beer and lot’s of it. Located 5 minutes from the most romantic San Diego getaway. Click here for a link to the Stone Brewery and click here for a map of driving directions from the bed and breakfast.
SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK recently renamed the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (5.5 miles/10 minute drive). Don’t think for an instant that the Wild Animal Park is just for kids. Animal lovers alike will be impressed with what is known as the finest animal park in the world. Daily shows and activities make each visit unique. Pack a lunch or picnic as this is allowed.
Shopping Mall Westview North County Fair (1.5 miles/4 minute drive). Gotta shop? This mall pretty much has it all from Nordstroms to Victoria Secret.
The Beaches of North County (11.5 miles to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California).
The charming historic mining town of Julian (30 miles/ 45 minute drive). Julian, this premier mountain getaway, just an hour east of San Diego, in the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains. Take a step back in time to the days of Julian’s beginning rooted in the 1870s gold rush. Get away from the hectic rush of city life . . . discover the charms of Julian. See where gold was discovered, shop in stores housed in historic buildings some dating back to the 1870s. Sample Julian’s famous apple pies. Hike and picnic amid oaks and pines. Ride down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy! OK if there any candy lovers in the crowd, you cannot miss the Julian Cider Mill which sells the finest hand-made candy in San Diego. Handmade all-natural red twists (red vines) like they used to made chewy and sweet, etc.