Just recently went to the garden and it was beautiful. Very well kept and had great signage. Mostly…read moresucculents and water saving plants found here. Loved the gift shop, great gifts! A volunteer told me that most of the items in there are actually handmade by the volunteers themselves! How cool. I went around noon in July and it was HOT! They did have a cool zone with AC but highly recommend to bring water and a hat. Very helpful volunteers, great monthly scavenger hunt at the beginning for the kids, and we loved it so much we got a membership. Now my family can go all year to this garden but also they told us it includes over 300 other botanical gardens in the US. If you are looking for a fun thing to do in east county, check out this hidden gem.

Tim T and Yally did a great job telling us more about this beautiful garden. Was so excited to do…read morethe self-guided tour and enjoy the calm scenery. Plants were delight tolerant and blooming. Loved every minute of it! Can easily spend and hour or two here.

This small museum and gift shop is a nice stop when visiting the Cuyamaca Ranch State Park. You'll…read morelearn about the surrounding wildlife the local botany and the rich history of these once gold rich mountains. Perhaps the biggest reason to visit this center is that on Sundays from 10AM to 12PM there are free art programs for the kids. On our trip both Max and Carmen shared their wealth of knowledge of the park and organized several fun activities. Other things to see here: - Cold Stream Trail - Dyar House - Restrooms

August Stop 15 Came…read morehere just to stop by after camping the night before. Their hours are very limited so be aware of that! Inside is a small museum and a little gift shop. The museum focuses a lot on the wildlife and provides a ton of historical information about the state park. The gift shop also had some cool trinkets and apparel available to purchase! Such a great stop for kids and it is sweet to know it is run by volunteers. The volunteer ranger at the shop was really nice and even gave us tips about our upcoming visit to Julian!

There are so many things that are in History yet when you live in a town or city that is just rich…read morein History and the many places that are right on your street . Today's times and the many changes that are going on is many places that do get torn down and with out checking if they have historical nature and background . The on e location that was the place that you could buy freshly baked bread and get fresh cakes made it was the Grove Bakery that was in the City of Lemon Grove since 1947 . The only bakery that you could see the many people that would come for coffee and doughnuts and the many fresh baked goods the beautiful cakes and the decorated wedding cakes that you could see when you walked in the door . The many cakes and the many different kids of baked cookies they would have in the display case there would be wedding couples that would come to taste cakes for weddings . The original owners of the bakery were from Holland and the history of the bakery has so much more History that with its ties after the war and the great creations the bakery had made . When you go by the old bakery you will see several historical murals that that show the true history and the many centuries that the city of Lemon Grove has been around the many people and the tribes that have been upon the land . Yes there is History that is in Lemon Grove with College that was acting transit point between the East County and the City of Down Town San Diego .

I got married in this place in 2011, and had a party yesterday. I cant stop recommending thus place…read morefor an event its gorgeous. The structure is very well taken care of, very clean. Great charm your guests will be surprised. Both times guests left talking of what a great venue it is. Since its all grass weve rented a dance floor. Great spot for anything you like.

I saw an ad on Instagram (I know, beware) and we decided to go sort of last minute. Instagram ead…read moreof driving up North for some spooky fun I figured try something new and a little more local. And I am so glad we did! Can't believe we have been missing out all these years (I believe this is their 15th year) We had VIP entry for 7pm and at 1st I thought I could have saved some money and gone general entry but ended up the extra cost was well worth the money. The general entry line wasn't super long at 1st but for sure it started getting packed. We were 1st in line and eager to check everything out and get some good scares. The trial is a bit uneven but is well lit and actually not too bad to walk. The scareators were amazing, the props as well and the staff superb! The scares are enhanced knowing you are literally walking through the buildings and area of the old amusement park. We were in the first group to enter and what I liked not is we were spaced out. Even though there were roughly 8 of us we all got a chance to get scared. There was no overcrowding or trying to fit too many people through at once. It was perfect. Parking is free and easy in and out (dirt lot but we'll maintained). Depending on the time and date you go might help factor in which ticket option you want. There are three options, general line, fast pass, and VIP. Each allow you to stand in or bypass the line. Later in the season I would for sure go with fast pass at least. I can picture this haunt getting busier. Overall a great local haunt, well priced, easy to get to and awesome people. Can't wait to go back!

I had a really nice time with my friends... I think the…read moreticket price is worth it for the art you get to experience. Yeah we did have to wait a little after opening to actually get in, but it wasn't that bad, and it was opening night after all. One thing I would suggest is having some Halloween music to listen to while in the queue. All of the actors were so cool and did a great job. It was a nice long experience and I liked not being rushed through (at Seaworld and some other big ones they had security guards everywhere which kinda ruined the atmosphere). I'm so grateful that there were sections of the trail where I was just completely alone. The roominess of this haunt really helps sell it, along with the location in the mountains. It's a beautiful place to be even when you're scared.

If you grow anything and or have an interest in furthering your understanding of gardening…read morepractices then check out their website and and subscribe to their facebook to get updates on their events. This place is a real working and educational farm. You must come to visit. There are not many places that I know of that offer this type of shared insight and opportunities to take part. A couple of months back I was in Ecuador visiting a farm to learn about Permaculture, various composting, and different methods of growing techniques. The name of that particular farm is Rio Muchaho Organic Farm and Eco-Lodge. Wild Willows will teach you much in the same way but there is no where to actually stay. It's a place to visit, study, and work for the day. I am currently taking an Herbal Medicine class that is 2 days long Saturday and Sunday from 10-5pm. First day we discussed herbs in the field, there was engaging lecture, hands on experiencing learning how to make fermented foods, made natural beauty products like cream and salves. Lunch was included and was sooooo delicious and fresh. The class was full and this tells you that many people have an interest in these topics. The other class mates were kind and super interesting. At the end of Day we got to take home jars of yumminess and tins of body cream and salves. How wonderful is that! It can get very hot. Check the weather. Bring a big sun hat, a light wrap to cover your shoulders from the sun. A water container that can keep your water cool. You will learn lots and make new friends who share the same curiosity about nature. Go check out their next events. Last thing... there were several people in class that drove from afar to come to this class. They made a weekend trip just to attend. For people who live in San Diego or across the border... this resource is right in our city... do take advantage of this unique resource as you don't have to spend as much on gas or hotel to get access to this experience. Come with open mind and heart and enjoy!

Came here for a field trip and the staff is very nice. The kids had lots of fun and was very cool…read morecause there is a lot of hands on stuff to do.

This is the most special place I have ever been to, I've never been more happy. If you love animals…read moreyou have to check this place out! First off it's huge and you are allowed to feed and pet ALL of the animals! They have so much to see! Cows, pigs, camels, and even a zebra!! I never thought in my life I'd pet a zebra, this experience is just incredible! They even have turkeys and peacocks that roam and even came up to us for some food! All of the animals were super friendly and adorable. We even saw the smallest mini horse ever that was so cute. There are also cats that roam the property and one of them followed us throughout the whole place. Can you ask for a cuter tour guide?! They also grow their own produce and sell eggs. We picked and cut our own pumpkins and left with some duck eggs as well! Overall this was just the most fun experience I've ever had. I regret not purchasing the membership because ever since I left I keep thinking about how bad I want to come back! This is definitely a hidden gem and a fantastic experience.

If you love animals and want to support a truly heart-driven cause, Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm is…read morethe place to visit. I've been in touch with Agnes, the owner and operator, for a few years now and she does it all. It's inspiring to see how much love and effort goes into keeping this sanctuary running for the animals who call it home. They offer family-friendly daily tours where you can feed the animals directly- horses, pigs, bison, goats, ducks, tortoises, camels, bulls, and more! Pro tip: go early in the morning before it gets too warm. Hours are 10 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas). They also host birthday parties and private events. I actually celebrated my 37th birthday here with about 25 friends and kids. We got a private tour with Agnes herself, and the best part? Our donation was tax-deductible since they're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It felt meaningful knowing our celebration helped sustain the farm's mission. To help fund operations, they also grow their own vegetables, herbs, greens, and squash onsite. You can text 866-612-6520 to get on their weekly veggie list and orders can be picked up at the farm or Wednesdays at Kohl's in Santee. They even offer volunteer opportunities year-round. We brought my 16-year-old nephew once to help clean the goat area. It was a hands-on, memorable experience to give back and see the difference a few hours can make. If you're looking for something wholesome, local, and purposeful......this is it!!

Great little museum well run by very dedicated volunteers that are also super welcoming to locals…read moreand tourists visiting the winery. It used to be located inside the same premises, but in a small barrack and now occupies the place of 2 former boutiques together. The museum is impeccable clean and neat, and you can read and observe pictures of the history of this great neighborhood village type called Rancho Bernardo. From the Kumeyay native Americans to the Spaniards, Mexicans and different conquests until what is today, the visitor can know it all. Many cultures have populated this area in the past couple of centuries, so RB is more than the sleepy village next to Lake Hodges that curiously belongs to San Diego instead of be on its own, as Poway or other similar country looking places. Free entrance, lots of parking at the entrance of the winery, you can get even a poster depicting some photos of the before and after of certain landmarks and also you can buy some postcards and help this museum thrive. Well done!

This has got to be the world's tiniest museum. It's so cute! Just one room off to the side of the…read moreRancho Bernardo shopping area. The displays are set up very well and the photography is excellent. But what makes the visit is the guy working there who gave us probably the most comprehensive regional history lesson I've ever gotten. I can't remember his name -- I want to say Ralph? -- but he was a lot of fun. It's free to come in and poke around, but you can leave a donation if you'd like.

Great family experience just outside San Diego! A real operating Alpaca Farm with a newly installed…read morepetting zoo. Had a great guide, JJ, learned so much about their animals, farm, production mill and great products in the store. (the dryer balls are a must have).

My son and his wife found about the tour of the Alpaca Farm....and suggested we all (out of town…read morecompany) do this together...our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a nice tour....however, it was a bit too hot...maybe a little pricey....