Attractions

BALBOA PARK

Free tours about history, architecture, horticulture and botanical gardens. Call for schedule. Visitors Center, House of Hospitality, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0512. Map P17 www.balboapark.org

BELMONT PARK

A beachfront landmark with the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, Wave House, Liberty Carousel, a family playland, SoCal’s largest indoor pool, arcades and more. Call for dates and hours. 3190 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, 858.488.1549.

BIRCH AQUARIUM AT SCRIPPS BIRCH AQUARIUM AT SCRIPPS

Explore one of the U.S.’s largest oceanographic museums, and enjoy a spectacular view from the tidepool plaza. Open daily 9 am–5 pm. $14; seniors $10; kids 3-17 $9.50; children 2 and under free. Three-hour courtesy parking. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu

CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT

Exhibits, whale watching, tidepools, trails, the restored Old Point Loma Lighthouse and spectacular views. Daily 9 am–5 pm. $3-5. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma, 619.557.5450.

k1-speed-carlsbadK1 Speed

Indoor kart racing offers challenging track for speed enthusiasts. Arrangements for private parties or corporate events possible. $20. 6212 Corte Del Abeto, Carlsbad, 760.929.2225. k1speed.com 

LEGOLAND

Find 50+ rides and shows and Sea Life Aquarium’s seven-foot-long Lego submarine. Also check out the recently opened waterpark complete with lazy river. Adults $72; kids 3–12 and seniors 60+ $62 (add $11/ticket for admission to aquarium or water park; add $20/ticket for admission to all three). Aquarium-only: adults $20, seniors 60+ $17, kids 3-12 $13. Parking $12–20. Call for hours. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.5346.

SAN DIEGO Zoo Safari PARK SAN DIEGO Zoo Safari PARK (Formerly the Wild Animal Park).

Take a safari adventure through the 1,800–acre wildlife preserve, home to herds of exotic animals roaming in vast enclosures resembling African and Asian plains. Safari packages start at $42 for adults; children 3–11 $32; kids 2 and under free. Cars $10–15. Daily 9-5 pm (‘til 7 pm March 24–April 15, ‘til 6 pm May 26–28). 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702. www.sdzsafaripark.org

San diego BOTANIC GARDEN

One of the world’s most diverse plant collections. Daily 9 am–5 pm. $12; seniors 60+ $8; kids 3-12 $6; kids 2 and under free. Parking $2. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036.

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAN DIEGO ZOO

World-famous zoo has more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals in state–of–the–art environment. $42; kids 3–11 $32; kids 2 and under free. Free parking. Open daily 9 am-8 pm. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. www.sandiegozoo.org

SEAWORLD

The 189-acre adventure park features thousands of marine animals including killer whales plus fish, reptiles and birds. $73; kids 3–9 $65; kids 2 and under free. Parking $14-19. Open daily; call for hours and combo rates. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay Park, 800.25.SHAMU

Spanish Village Art Center Spanish Village Art Center

This artists’ haven includes 37 working studios and an outdoor patio area where visitors can watch resident artists create original works of art. With more than 200 artists represented, the center displays a large variety of paintings, glass, gourds, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, photography, fiber arts, enamel, woodwork and more. 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park, 619.233.9050. spanishvillageart.com

 

Wineries

bernardo winery

Founded in 1899 by Sicilian winemakers, this is the oldest continuously operating Winery in SoCal. Also on-site: a restaurant, chocolatier and art galleries, including a glassblowing studio. Tastings daily. 13330 Paseo Del Verano N., Rancho Bernardo, 858.487.1866.

Carruth CellarsCARRUTH CELLARS

Urban winery and tasting room makes wine from Northern California grapes; tastings W-Su. 320 S. Cedros Ave. #400, Solana Beach, 858.847.9463. carruthcellars.com

L.A. CETTO

The largest winery in Baja’s scenic wine region, which produces 90% of Mexico’s wine. Open daily for tastings; also features olive oil, chocolates and gifts. KM 73.5 Tecate-Ensenada Highway, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico, lacetto.com.

MENGHINI WINERY

Boutique Julian winery produces just 4,000 cases of Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon annually. Tastings daily. 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, 760.765.2072.

ORFILA VINEYARDS

Growing Syrah, Viognier, Muscat Canelli and more, this boutique winery produces about 10,000 cases of Rhone-style wines annually. 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido, 760.738.6500.

PONTE FAMILY ESTATE WINERY

This 300-acre vineyard grows mostly Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay, plus other Italian varieties; tasting room open daily. 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula, 951.694.8855.

THORNTON WINERY

Medal-winning sparkling winery is housed in a vineyard-view chateau in Temecula. Tasting lounge open daily; tours on weekends. 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, 951.699.0099.

WILSON CREEK WINERY AND VINEYARD

Known for its almond champagne, this Tuscan-inspired estate also includes a restaurant and tasting room, both open daily. 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula, 951.699.9463.

WITCH CREEK WINERY

Two tasting rooms, including one in the heart of Carlsbad, offer samplings of Witch Creek’s full-bodied wines daily, each with a feline-inspired name. 2906 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, 760.765.2023, Map T22; 2000 Main St., Julian, 760.720.7499.