The Olivenhain Meeting Hall is a small treasure. Built in 1895 by Colony Olivenhain, the Hall was…read morethe social and community center of Olivenhain. It's one of those rare historic buildings in San Diego County that have been preserved and/or restored. It provides a glimpse into 19th century life in this area.

I love this place. I just think it's so cool and really gives Olivenhain a sweet, old-timey vibe…read more I took some pictures and posted up here on Yelp. These were taken on an overcast day, so the details don't come out as nicely as I hoped. Anyway, if you're along this stretch of Rancho Santa Fe Road in Olivenhain, just pull over and find some street parking nearby. You can walk through the grounds and check it all out. We're really lucky to have this little jewel preserved in North County. Pretty neat to think of what settler life was like back in day.

The Encinitas Historical Society dedicates itself to preserving history and educating people…read more Volunteers have successfully saved the oldest building in town and a schoolhouse (which happens to be located on prime property) from greedy developers. Passionate individuals donate their time at all of the local street fares and other community events. They also sponsor free 90 minute walking tours with docents who love to share broad knowledge, helping people interpret the region's history. Ecninitas Historcal Society is a local success story and we are truly blessed to have such generous people working to preserve what is left of Encinitas' rich history.

When I knew I'd be spending a few days in Escondido, I started looking into all that this San Diego…read moresuburb comes to offer. After checking out TripAdvisor, Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden stood out. I'm all about art, especially when the scale is impressive like it is here. We stopped by on a Tuesday morning around 9:30 a.m. Make sure to check out their website to see when they're open because their hours are quite limited (Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. when I was there and every fourth Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.). It's located inside Kit Carson Park. I didn't have any trouble parking in their lot and then walking to the sculpture garden. Once you arrive, take in all the artist, Niki de Saint Phalle, created. It's weird, it's cool, and it's trippy all in one. There's some information you can read to learn more and while we were there, there were some members of the non-profit that is involved with the art installation there that told us more about it. Walk around and take it all in. You can easily do it in 10-15 minutes and it's a free attraction. Saint Phalle has other artwork in San Diego, but the Magical Circle Garden, is by far the most expansive one in terms of scope. And the most interesting in my book.

Very creative and interesting garden to observe and explore. The maze/ garden takes about 30…read moreminutes with picture options available. We were lucky to get the opportunity to speak with the docents and sign their guest book. A unique place to visit and worth a visit. Every Tuesday & Thursday open currently 9-12p and specific Saturday's. Make sure to review their site so you plan accordingly and the best part it's FREE!

Sightseeing in San Diego, California…read more.. I don't remember why I had this place on my List of Things To See, but we stumbled across the Historic Alvarado House when we visited the San Diego County Fair on 6-25-23. The person who actually spotted this exhibit is Emmett T. I thought that the house was a functional structure in a residential area, but no... Not now. It used to be - in 1885 when it was sold for $600 to Don Diego de Jesus. Currently, the house is located near the Garden/landscaping contest displays, the Historic Alvarado House was on the edge of the "Blue Zone" of the Fair. The most recent owner of house donated it to the Del Mar Historical Society. Plans are in the works to move the house somewhere else and present it as a museum. We arrived at the San Diego County Fair around 6pm and the house was closed for tours. Maybe if we return and get there earlier, we would be able to walk through the house and observe the contents? Thanks to Emmett (again) for being a great tour guide!

This place is an absolute gem hidden off of Melrose! You turn down in here and you see so many…read morebeautiful things. There are peacocks during the early morning time roaming around. They have a beautiful little movie theater where you can watch a show about how it all began and a tiny little gift shop. Then you can walk around and see all of the horse stables, houses, and beautiful reflection pool.

We got the opportunity to walk with a docent/guide during a light rain we had in May. It was s nice…read moreto walk in the rain and hear stories of the past at Leo Carrillo Ranch. The cacti were in blossom which was a unique treat! We saw peacocks, a wide variety of local biota and enjoyed talking story with a knowledgeable elder.

I went for fashion week San Diego. That's where they hosted it this year. The shows were great. Too…read morebad Friday got a bit rained out. Saturday show was amazing but very small space for the show. It would have been great if the stage was a bit more raised. As for the gallery, it's a beautiful and Small gallery that gives you the opportunity to interact with the artist creating the artwork. It's worth walking along the short path which features sculptures among the plants and has a nice little out door venue area between all the art. Great little local place to check out if you have never been

I am so thrilled that Lux Art Institute exists in Encinitas! I say this, because I had no idea that…read moreit does exist. I've driven by a million times, and for some reason thought it was apartments. Yikes! It most certainly is not. It is a beautiful and well curated space that displays art by the current artist in residence. (I believe they stay two months at a time.) Today was my first visit and I didn't have time to see everything, so I will come back this weekend. What I did see was some extraordinary embroidery work. The people who work at the institute introduced themselves and approached me with inspiring information about the art when they saw me looking at it and heard that it was my first visit. I love this place! I agree with the other reviewer that it feels warm and inclusive and inviting. No attitude here. Can't wait to come back.

This cute little town south of Encinitas and north of San Diego is a nice place to stroll around…read moreand go shopping for house decor items (lots of interior design businesses here), gifts for the ones you love, or just to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. The area on Cedros Avenue is like a walkable business district that has lots of free parking and many varied stores to shop. That business district has about 85 merchants, artisans, one-of-a-kind curators and collectors. Fashion boutiques, fine jewelry, art galleries, outdoor cafes and more, all clustered along a peaceful 2 1/2 blocks in North County's nearby Solana Beach. We loved spending time in this part of San Diego county. Relaxing and cute.

A wonderful small town feel. Since sand has been drudged to the beach, anytime (high tide or low)…read moreis now a great time to go to Solana Beach. We love this beach because there's usually lower crowds. Fletcher Cove is the main beach in Solana with bathrooms. Yet there are smaller less crowded beaches on either side with stairs going down to the water. If the suns out, sunrise or sunset is a perfect time to be there!

Admission was free. It was very interesting because I love crafting. Also because there was a…read morescavenger hunt that I completed and got a little lizard 3d print.

This is a really fascinating small museum in Carlsbad. The tiny engines and machines are…read moreremarkable. Worth checking out, especially with kids. It's free to enter and the docents are very helpful.

This is THE MOST AMAZING HIDDEN JEWEL of San Diego County! The History is so very deep,…read moremulticultural, humbling and beautiful. A small remnant of our distant past here in Southern California. You and your Family are blessed to have the opportunity to visit. AND it is just beyond BEAUTIFUL. Peaceful. Deep. Spirit filled and spiritual. Full of stories, ghosts and history. This should be something that everyone in North County knows and Loves!!!! Just a Godsend and Blessing!

This is a a great place to take portraits, the staff is friendly. It's also a great place to just…read moresimply go for a walk and enjoy the nature that surround you.