San Diego, California, is a hot-spot for vacations, tourism, and local attractions. Don’t skip some of the best parts by leaving out North County! Plan a day trip with the family and explore all that North County San Diego has to offer.
1. Del Mar
Toward the southern end of North County, the coastal town of Del Mar offers families many exciting activities for those who love the outdoors.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
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Just 15 minutes east of Del Mar, the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve offers plenty to do for the active family. The nature preserve boasts 4,000 acres made up of more than 500 plant species, over 175 different birds, and various reptiles, amphibians, and mammals that live there. The scenery of the canyon includes water features such as a waterfall and stream, sycamore trees and giant California live oaks, Native American artifacts, and a freshwater marsh. The not-too-strenuous hiking trails are great for strolling with the family or even mountain biking. Click here to view the preserve’s trail map. For the animal lovers, try a horseback ride through the preserve. Check out horseback riding tours by the Grand Del Mar and other adventures they offer here.
Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
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Free Flight, a small bird sanctuary and non-profit organization, is a unique and inexpensive family activity. Only $5 for adults and $2 for children, the Del Mar attraction is open seven days a week and offers up-close experiences with exotic birds. A friendly staff is there to educate visitors about the birds, as well as help visitors interact with and feed the birds. Free Flight also has a koi pond filled with the serene and brightly-colored fish. Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary is a great way to have a memorable animal experience and support a local organization.
Del Mar City Beach
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If a relaxing day in the sun sounds right for your family, check out Del Mar City Beach. A popular destination, families can enjoy walking on the beach, building sandcastles, and surfing. See all the great buzz about this beach on Trip Advisor by clicking here. If you can’t part with your pooch for the day, go to “Dog Beach”. Officially titled North Beach, this dog-friendly area even hosts an annual Dog Surf-a-Thon.
Del Mar Race Track
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The Del Mar Race Track is perhaps the attraction most often associated with Del Mar. Experience the excitement of the races with super-speedy horses and cheering crowds. A seasonal event, the 2014 Del Mar Race Season runs from July 17-September 3, November 7-November 30.
2. Carlsbad
With multiple attractions, Carlsbad is a great place to experience big-ticket attractions with a small-town atmosphere.
LEGOLAND California
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LEGOLAND California Resort has enough activities to last all day and is a must-see for kids. With more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, a water park, and the SEA LIFE aquarium, LEGOLAND will dazzle the whole family. If your family is easily bored, this Carlsbad attraction is a one-stop shop for activities that will keep the fun going all day.
Carlsbad Lagoon
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Get your fix of watersports at the Carlsbad Lagoon. Enjoy a day of relaxing paddleboarding, kayaking, or aqua-biking in this calm-watered lagoon. Close to the beach, Carlsbad Lagoon offers water sports in less intense waters, making a new activity easy for the whole family to participate in. If high-energy is your thing, you can also rent waverunners, boats, or a waterskiing activity. Click here for avaiable rentals and rental rates.
Carlsbad Flower Fields
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This spring-only attraction begins in 2014 on March 1. The beautiful fields showcase 50 acres of multi-colored Ranunculus flowers. The Carlsbad Flower Fields offer tons of fun family attractions that include an Arts and Crafts Celebration, Kid’s Day, Bluegrass Day, and a Mother’s Day Celebration. For more information, check out the Flower Fields calendar.
3. Oceanside
Boasting popular beach-side attractions and the historic Highway 101, Oceanside makes for the perfect family getaway.
Oceanside Pier
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At 1,942 feet long, Oceanside Pier is one of the longest piers on the west coast. Housing Ruby’s Diner at the end, the pier is a great place to walk to see fishermen, pelicans, and ocean views before grabbing classic American diner food. The made-to-order milkshakes are a must-order! Diners can also check out the Tin Fish on the beach under the pier to satisfy their fish taco cravings.
Highway 101
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The historic Highway 101 is a great road for a scenic afternoon of biking. The road links scenic coastal communities from Oceanside to La Jolla. For some good food and historical fun, stop in at the 101 Cafe. The American eats, historical charm, and vintage photos are a crowd-pleasing introduction to the history of the highway.
Oceanside Harbor
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Full of restaurants and shops, Oceanside Harbor offers a pleasant boardwalk where visitors can enjoy views of the docked boats, watch the sun set, or even catch a glimpse of the seals who often sunbathe there. A great location to enjoy the afternoon or wind down at the end of the day. Close to the beach, the harbor can easily be combined with a day at the beach and the Oceanside pier.
While North County offers beautiful beaches, ample sun, and awesome food for family day trips, we hope this post shows the range of fun activities for San Diego County families and visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for high-energy activities, a relaxing day, or an animal encounter, North County is the perfect spot to explore.
Don’t start a road trip without auto insurance. Click here to check out the auto coverage that HWP Insurance offers.
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