8 Best Sights in North County and Around, California

Five blocks east of the center of Julian you can take an hour-long tour of an authentic family-owned gold mine from 1870, and even pan for gold. Displays along the route include authentic tools and machinery, gold extraction process, and gold quartz–bearing veins. A small rock shop and gold-mining museum are also on the premises.

The largest bulb-production farm in Southern California has hillsides abloom here each spring, when thousands of Giant Tecolote ranunculus produce a stunning 55-acre display of color against the backdrop of the blue Pacific Ocean. Other knockouts include the rose gardens—with examples of every All-American Rose Selection award-winner since 1940—and a historical display of Paul Ecke poinsettias. Peak bloom season generally runs from early March through early May. Open to the public during this time, the farm offers family activities that include wagon rides, panning for gold, and a kids' playground.

At Galleta Meadows, camels, llamas, saber-toothed tigers, tortoises, and monumental gomphotherium (a sort of ancient elephant) appear to roam the Earth again. These life-size bronze figures are of prehistoric animals whose fossils can be found in the Borrego Badlands. The collection of more than 130 sculptures, created by Ricardo Breceda, was commissioned by the late Dennis Avery, who installed the works of art on property he owned for the entertainment of locals and visitors. Maps are available from Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Designed for families with children ages 2–12, LEGOLAND California features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, along with SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Water Park, and two on-site hotels, the LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. The park’s newest land, Dino Valley, features three rides, an interactive build-and-play area, and new costumed characters. There's also the LEGO Ferrari Build & Race where you can build and race your own LEGO vehicle; the LEGO MOVIE WORLD, based on the blockbuster films, where fans can ride on Emmet’s triple-decker flying couch and explore the streets of Bricksburg; and LEGO NINJAGO WORLD. MINILAND U.S.A. features a miniature, interactive collection of iconic U.S. cities including MINILAND San Diego, and LEGOLAND California's beloved Driving School attractions got a facelift in 2025 and now feature new courses with exciting, interactive elements for young drivers to explore. If you have time, the LEGOLAND Water Park and LEGO Chima Water Park (additional fee) has slides, rides, a pirate shipwreck–themed area, and more.

Be sure to try Granny's Apple Fries, Knights’ Smokehouse BBQ, and Pizza & Pasta Buffet for pizzas and salads. The Market near the entrance has excellent coffee, fresh fruit, and yogurt. The LEGOLAND Hotel is worth a visit even if you're not staying overnight. There are activities and a LEGO pit in the lobby that will entertain kids while parents recover with a cocktail.

Purchase tickets online for discounted pricing and check out the Resort Hopper Ticket, which includes admission to the LEGOLAND Theme Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the LEGOLAND Water Park. If you can, go midweek to avoid the crowds and add a second day for just $35 more. All tickets are date-specific.

Its large parking areas, many facilities, and proximity to the quaint coastal town of Encinitas make this beach tucked into a break in the cliffs a great getaway; it's perfect for families with young kids. The volleyball courts on the northern end attract many competent players, and professionals can be spotted surfing the break known locally as "D Street." Moonlight is easily accessible from the Encinitas Coaster train station and Coast Highway 101, which runs right through town and is lined with great shops, restaurants, and bars; there's a large free parking lot near the corner of 3rd and B Street. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming.

Once a hangout for cowboys, Old Town is in full swing with boutique shops, good restaurants, a children’s museum, and a theater, while retaining its Old West appearance. A walking tour put together by the Temecula Valley Historical Society, starting at the Temecula Valley Museum, covers some of the old buildings; most are identified with bronze plaques. Free maps can be downloaded from their website ( www.temeculahistoricalsociety.org). A walking tour ($5) of Old Town Temecula is given every Saturday 10–11:30, departing from the Temecula Valley Museum, located in the Sam Hicks Monument Park directly across from the weekly Farmer’s Market.

A branch of the San Diego Zoo, 35 miles to the north, the 1,800-acre preserve in the San Pasqual Valley is designed to protect endangered species from around the world. Exhibit areas have been carved out of the dry, dusty canyons and mesas to represent the animals' natural habitats in various parts of Africa and Asia. The best way to see these preserves is to take the 25-minute, 2½-mile Africa tram safari, included with admission. More than 3,500 animals of more than 400 species roam or fly above the expansive grounds. Predators are separated from prey by deep moats, but only the elephants, tigers, lions, and cheetahs are kept in enclosures. Good viewpoints are at the Elephant Viewing Patio, African Plains Outlook, and Kilmia Point. The park's newest project is the Tull Family Tiger Trail, a Sumatran tiger habitat where you can get face-to-face (with a glass between) with the gorgeous cats. The 5-acre exhibit features a waterfall and swimming hole, and addresses poaching and other environmental threats to the species. For a more focused view of the park, you can take one of several other safaris that are well worth the additional charge. You can choose from several behind-the-scenes safaris, fly above it all via the zipline safari, or get up close to giraffes and rhinos on a caravan safari.

The park is also a botanical garden featuring cacti and succulents from Baja California, a bonsai collection, a fuchsia display, native plants, and protea. The gift shops are well worth a visit for their limited-edition items, and there are lots of restaurants, snack bars, and some picnic areas. Rental lockers, strollers, and wheelchairs are available.

In summer, when the park stays open late, the trip is especially enjoyable in the early evening, when the heat has subsided and the animals are active and feeding. When the tram travels through the park after dark, sodium-vapor lamps illuminate the active animals. Photographers with zoom lenses can get spectacular shots of zebras, gazelles, and rhinos.

A visit to this family-owned winery can be an enlightenment with its combinations of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its big reds like Refugio Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as its Amour de L'Orange sparkling wine, which pairs well with breakfast dishes and hors d'oeuvres. There's live music Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.