
Our Favorite Places
North San Diego County
Distiction Art
Escondido
A gem of an art gallery featuring Contemporary Realism, Surrealism and Urban art. Distinction converted part of their gallery to ArtHatch, a non profit organization that rents exhibition and studio space to emerging artists and offers a free teen program.
Submitted by Lisa Carmosino

Spin Records
Carlsbad
Located right in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Spin Records will bring you back to what it was like back in the ‘ole days before Spotify and digital music.
Submitted by the Staff Center
Batiquitos Lagoon
Carlsbad
One of the few remaining tidal wetlands in Southern California, Batiquitos Lagoon is a great place for bird watching and family-friendly hiking.
Submitted by the Staff Center
Elfin Forest
Escondido
Beautiful views of the mountains on this trail. It's a challenge but worth it in the end. This is a fun trail to take your family on and get active.
Submitted by Talisha St. John
Moonlight Theater
Vista
One of the many things that I love about summer is the variety of options to enjoy live music and outdoor theater. A favorite outdoor venue for musicals and plays is Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista.
Submitted by Marcia Agnew
San Diego Botanic Garden
Encinitas
The San Diego Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to explore a variety of plants, see amazing views, and enjoy the SD weather.
Submitted by Rachel Wilson
Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside
Little bit of something for everyone at the Harbor. Take a selfie with the sea lions;
cruise out on a whale watching tour; rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or small boat,
have a beach day or grab some ice cream and coconut shrimp.
Submitted by Susan O’Connor
South San Diego County
Libery Station
Point Loma
Fly a kite, take a walk by the water, watch the planes go by or grab some food. Liberty Station, grounds of a former naval training center, has a bit of something for everyone.
The Comedy Store
La Jolla
In search of a good laugh? Visit the Comedey Store in La Jolla where you can see up and coming comedians and pros that will make your sides hurt.
Book Star
Point Loma
The 1939 Point Loma Theater was saved from demolition and turned into one of the most unqiue bookstores in San Diego.
Submitted by Susan O'Connor
And Beyond
Van Buren Drive- In
Riverside
Summer Nights @ the Van Buren Riverside Drive In Theatre offering kid friendly movies, comfort in your car, bring your own food (In N Out for us) and a delicious snack bar that offers popcorn, carne asada fries and so much more!
Submitted by Vanessa Vincent
Just a quick 4 hour drive east and you'll land in "Arizona's Playground." We love spending our days boating on the river or lounging at the beach with our dogs, Charlie and Duke. Once it cools down, we love to walk through the channel, go fishing, or watch the sunset from the desert.
Submitted by Courntey Tamone