Desiree’s Guidebook
Local Attractions
These are some of our favorite places to visit in the San Diego Area!
Located less than 10 minutes from our home, the Safari is a must see when staying in the Escondido Area! You will love the chance to see a huge variety of wildlife in such a beautiful, open, setting.
Tip: Go early! Animals are more active in the morning, more "babies" are out, and temperatures are cooler!
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Taman Safari Zoo San Diego
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdLocated less than 10 minutes from our home, the Safari is a must see when staying in the Escondido Area! You will love the chance to see a huge variety of wildlife in such a beautiful, open, setting.
Tip: Go early! Animals are more active in the morning, more "babies" are out, and temperatures are cooler!
Don't miss Legoland if you have a Lego enthusiast in your family! Complete with rides, amazing lego creations, a water park, and aquarium, there is a ton of fun to be had!
Tip: Crowds are smaller on weekdays. Search for deals and coupons like "Buy One, Get One Free." Best suited for children under 12.
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LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrDon't miss Legoland if you have a Lego enthusiast in your family! Complete with rides, amazing lego creations, a water park, and aquarium, there is a ton of fun to be had!
Tip: Crowds are smaller on weekdays. Search for deals and coupons like "Buy One, Get One Free." Best suited for children under 12.
A San Diego Classic! Sea World remains one of the top attractions in San Diego and with good reason! With the beautiful sea life, educational and entertaining shows, and recent additions of thrill rides, there is something for everyone in your party to enjoy!
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SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.A San Diego Classic! Sea World remains one of the top attractions in San Diego and with good reason! With the beautiful sea life, educational and entertaining shows, and recent additions of thrill rides, there is something for everyone in your party to enjoy!
The San Diego Zoo just keeps getting better and expanding its impressive displays! If you're not up for walking, included in your ticket is a guided bus tour, allowing you to comfortably see the highlights of the zoo!
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Zoo San Diego
2920 Zoo DrThe San Diego Zoo just keeps getting better and expanding its impressive displays! If you're not up for walking, included in your ticket is a guided bus tour, allowing you to comfortably see the highlights of the zoo!
Point Loma has beautiful views, interesting history, and fun tide pools to explore! Check the tide schedule or call ahead to find out the best time of day to visit!
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Point Loma
Point Loma has beautiful views, interesting history, and fun tide pools to explore! Check the tide schedule or call ahead to find out the best time of day to visit!
There is much to see and do in Old Town San Diego! Eat delicious food, visit fun shops, and learn about early San Diego history!
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Old Town San Diego
4002 Wallace StThere is much to see and do in Old Town San Diego! Eat delicious food, visit fun shops, and learn about early San Diego history!
This is a great activity for the adventurous members of your group! Head out into the ocean aboard kayaks and experience beautiful views of La Jolla! If the conditions are right, you can even go inside the sea caves. Check Airbnb and Groupon for deals!
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La Jolla Kayak
2199 Avenida De La PlayaThis is a great activity for the adventurous members of your group! Head out into the ocean aboard kayaks and experience beautiful views of La Jolla! If the conditions are right, you can even go inside the sea caves. Check Airbnb and Groupon for deals!
La Jolla Cove is one of the most popular and beautiful San Diego destinations! There are gorgeous views from the grassy bluffs where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic, and you can venture down steps to see tide pools, caves, and best of all, seals and sea lions napping on the sand and playing in the water! This area is very popular, so free parking is often full, but you can drop off your party and park in nearby paid garages if all of the close spots are taken.
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La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdLa Jolla Cove is one of the most popular and beautiful San Diego destinations! There are gorgeous views from the grassy bluffs where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic, and you can venture down steps to see tide pools, caves, and best of all, seals and sea lions napping on the sand and playing in the water! This area is very popular, so free parking is often full, but you can drop off your party and park in nearby paid garages if all of the close spots are taken.
Escondido Gems
There is plenty to do and see in beautiful Escondido! Here are a few of our favorites!
A mere 5 miles away, the Safari is a must see during your visit!
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Taman Safari Zoo San Diego
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdA mere 5 miles away, the Safari is a must see during your visit!
On Friday nights a time warp hits downtown Escondido! The streets are filled with strolling people of all ages, while a parade of pre-1970s vintage cars slowly cruise up and down Grand Avenue. All kinds of vintage cars—from American Hot Rods, Classics, Antiques, and Customs—help make seven blocks of Escondido the place to be on Friday nights!
Grand Avenue from Orange to Ivy Streets
Escondido, CA 92025
Fridays, 5:00-9:00 pm
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Cruisin' Grand
North BroadwayOn Friday nights a time warp hits downtown Escondido! The streets are filled with strolling people of all ages, while a parade of pre-1970s vintage cars slowly cruise up and down Grand Avenue. All kinds of vintage cars—from American Hot Rods, Classics, Antiques, and Customs—help make seven blocks of Escondido the place to be on Friday nights!
Grand Avenue from Orange to Ivy Streets
Escondido, CA 92025
Fridays, 5:00-9:00 pm
You can't go wrong with a visit to this picturesque winery. Be sure to enjoy the tasting room, live music, and a family friendly picnic area during your Escondido visit!
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Orfila Vineyards and Winery
13455 San Pasqual RdYou can't go wrong with a visit to this picturesque winery. Be sure to enjoy the tasting room, live music, and a family friendly picnic area during your Escondido visit!
This is a great stop for the history buff in your midst! Located near the Safari Park (but only open on the weekends), it is worth a stop to learn about this important battle during the Mexican-American War.
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San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
15808 San Pasqual Valley RdThis is a great stop for the history buff in your midst! Located near the Safari Park (but only open on the weekends), it is worth a stop to learn about this important battle during the Mexican-American War.
Beaches!
Our family LOVES the beach and spends as much time there as possible! Here are some of our favorites!
Tips:
Crowds are high during the summer, so arrive early to find good parking and to claim your perfect spot!
If you don't want to battle for free parking spots, State Beaches offer paid parking lots.
This is a popular beach and for good reason! Beautiful views, fire pits, volleyball courts, a snack shack, and playground make this a great overall beach experience!
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Pantai Moonlight
400 B StThis is a popular beach and for good reason! Beautiful views, fire pits, volleyball courts, a snack shack, and playground make this a great overall beach experience!
This is one of our favorite beaches. The sand is soft and the waves are gentle! There are nearby rental and lesson shops if you want to try surfing. You can also book a kayaking tour to the La Jolla Caves.
Parking is free, but fills up fast, so it's best to arrive early when visiting this beach!
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La Jolla Shores Hotel
8110 Camino Del OroThis is one of our favorite beaches. The sand is soft and the waves are gentle! There are nearby rental and lesson shops if you want to try surfing. You can also book a kayaking tour to the La Jolla Caves.
Parking is free, but fills up fast, so it's best to arrive early when visiting this beach!
This is favorite secret beach spot. I guess it won't be so secret after sharing it with you, but I couldn't not share! It's a bit of a walk down to this pretty cove, but once you are at the bottom, you are nestled by beautiful sandstone cliffs! At the top of the bluffs is a nice grassy area with beautiful views, a playground, and basketball court. There are some great restaurants nearby, including one of our favorite pizza places - Pizza Port!
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Fletcher Cove Beach Park
111 S Sierra AveThis is favorite secret beach spot. I guess it won't be so secret after sharing it with you, but I couldn't not share! It's a bit of a walk down to this pretty cove, but once you are at the bottom, you are nestled by beautiful sandstone cliffs! At the top of the bluffs is a nice grassy area with beautiful views, a playground, and basketball court. There are some great restaurants nearby, including one of our favorite pizza places - Pizza Port!
Mission Beach is all about fun! A long boardwalk is a great place to walk, bike, or rollerblade. A wide, sandy beach assures plenty of room for kids to run and play. Adjacent Belmont Park has fun beach shops, restaurants, and various rides, including a wooden roller coaster!
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Mission Beach Boardwalk
Mission Beach is all about fun! A long boardwalk is a great place to walk, bike, or rollerblade. A wide, sandy beach assures plenty of room for kids to run and play. Adjacent Belmont Park has fun beach shops, restaurants, and various rides, including a wooden roller coaster!
South Ponto State Beach is a beautiful place to spend the day! There are paid and free parking options.
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Ponto State Beach Jetty
South Ponto State Beach is a beautiful place to spend the day! There are paid and free parking options.
Torrey Pines is one of the closest beaches to us via the I-15 South and CA-56 West. It is beautiful and expansive with both paid and free parking options. It is also near Torrey Pines State Reserve, a popular nature destination.
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Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines is one of the closest beaches to us via the I-15 South and CA-56 West. It is beautiful and expansive with both paid and free parking options. It is also near Torrey Pines State Reserve, a popular nature destination.
Oceanside has a lot of beach options and is hopping with fun! You can walk along the Oceanside Pier and eat at Ruby's or one of the many delicious restaurants in Oceanside. Our favorite spot is Harney Sushi!
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Oceanside
Oceanside has a lot of beach options and is hopping with fun! You can walk along the Oceanside Pier and eat at Ruby's or one of the many delicious restaurants in Oceanside. Our favorite spot is Harney Sushi!
This is a great surfing beach and a fun place to spend the day, located in beautiful Encinitas! Parking is limited, but if you can grab a spot, it's worth it!
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Cardiff State Beach
This is a great surfing beach and a fun place to spend the day, located in beautiful Encinitas! Parking is limited, but if you can grab a spot, it's worth it!
Escondido Restaurants
There are so many amazing restaurants in the area and these are just a few of our favorites!
The Brigantine will hit the spot for your seafood cravings! The food is fresh and flavorful and service is great!
Tip: Every Tuesday is "Taco Tuesday" and a variety of delicious tacos are available at discounted prices!
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Brigantine
3263 Camino Del MarThe Brigantine will hit the spot for your seafood cravings! The food is fresh and flavorful and service is great!
Tip: Every Tuesday is "Taco Tuesday" and a variety of delicious tacos are available at discounted prices!
The Vintana menu is on the pricey side, but it's well worth it when you are looking for a special night out. The food is filling, full of flavor and exquisite in presentation. They have Happy Hour from 6-8 and fun special events like "Luau on the Lanai" so check their calendar for the latest!
Tip: It is located on the penthouse level of the local Lexus dealership, so don't be surprised when your GPS leads you to a car dealership. You're at the right place!
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Vintana Wine + Dine
1205 Auto Park WayThe Vintana menu is on the pricey side, but it's well worth it when you are looking for a special night out. The food is filling, full of flavor and exquisite in presentation. They have Happy Hour from 6-8 and fun special events like "Luau on the Lanai" so check their calendar for the latest!
Tip: It is located on the penthouse level of the local Lexus dealership, so don't be surprised when your GPS leads you to a car dealership. You're at the right place!
If you are in the mood for a burger, look no further! Located in downtown Escondido, Burger Bench has delicious burgers, sandwiches and more! On weekends, they also serve breakfast!
Don't miss this great family-owned restaurant and be sure and try the Truffle Parmesan French Fries! So good!
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Burger Bench
237 E Grand AveIf you are in the mood for a burger, look no further! Located in downtown Escondido, Burger Bench has delicious burgers, sandwiches and more! On weekends, they also serve breakfast!
Don't miss this great family-owned restaurant and be sure and try the Truffle Parmesan French Fries! So good!
Lourdes is known for their famous chicken soup, but they also have delicous tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare!
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Lourdes Mexican Food
650 S Escondido BlvdLourdes is known for their famous chicken soup, but they also have delicous tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare!
Having a late night dessert craving? You're in luck! Peterson's Donut Corner is open 24 hours a day! They have a large selection of donuts and don't be surprised to find a long line of customers no matter what time of day it is!
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Peterson's Donut Corner
903 S Escondido BlvdHaving a late night dessert craving? You're in luck! Peterson's Donut Corner is open 24 hours a day! They have a large selection of donuts and don't be surprised to find a long line of customers no matter what time of day it is!
If you are looking for authentic street tacos, TJ Tacos is your place! This is not a fine dining establishment, but they know how to do Mexican food right! They make fresh tortillas and carve the meat right in front of you! Our favorites are the adobada pork and carne asada tacos, but if you are feeling adventurous, they have even more unique selections!
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TJ Tacos
802 E Valley PkwyIf you are looking for authentic street tacos, TJ Tacos is your place! This is not a fine dining establishment, but they know how to do Mexican food right! They make fresh tortillas and carve the meat right in front of you! Our favorites are the adobada pork and carne asada tacos, but if you are feeling adventurous, they have even more unique selections!
Swami's is a local favorite! There are multiple locations in San Diego, and one is in Escondido! They serve omelettes, sandwiches, burgers and much more!
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Swami's Cafe
202 N Coast HwySwami's is a local favorite! There are multiple locations in San Diego, and one is in Escondido! They serve omelettes, sandwiches, burgers and much more!
The Broken Yolk Cafe is just a hop skip and a jump away at the North County Mall and is a great option for breakfast and lunch! We love their french toast and omelettes! Delivery through Ubereats is an option as well!
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The Broken Yolk Cafe
1851 Garnet AveThe Broken Yolk Cafe is just a hop skip and a jump away at the North County Mall and is a great option for breakfast and lunch! We love their french toast and omelettes! Delivery through Ubereats is an option as well!
Sushi Nori is a small restaurant with big flavor! It is one of our favorite go-to locations for sushi, especially for their Baked Lobster Roll and Green Tea Cheesecake (when available).
Sushi Nori
1835 S Centre City PkwySushi Nori is a small restaurant with big flavor! It is one of our favorite go-to locations for sushi, especially for their Baked Lobster Roll and Green Tea Cheesecake (when available).
Chito's is a regular on our family's take out menu. We love their giant Carne Asada burritos and their Breakfast Burritos are our favorite! The fish tacos and supreme quesadillas are always on our order as well. Please note that they only accept cash. You can call your order in ahead to avoid a wait or dine in as well.
Chito's Taco Shop
3440 Del Lago BlvdChito's is a regular on our family's take out menu. We love their giant Carne Asada burritos and their Breakfast Burritos are our favorite! The fish tacos and supreme quesadillas are always on our order as well. Please note that they only accept cash. You can call your order in ahead to avoid a wait or dine in as well.
We love BJ's for their great pizzas, salads, entres, and Pizookies! Located just a few minutes away, next to the North County Westfield Mall, BJ's has options to please everyone!
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BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
204 E Via Rancho PkwyWe love BJ's for their great pizzas, salads, entres, and Pizookies! Located just a few minutes away, next to the North County Westfield Mall, BJ's has options to please everyone!
San Diego Area Restaurants
These are a few more of our favorite restaurants if you are out and about in the greater San Diego area!
You really can't go wrong with any of the restaurants in Old Town San Diego, but this is one of our favorites. It has a fun, colorful atmosphere, live mariachi music, and delicious Mexican cuisine!
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Casa Guadalajara
4105 Taylor StYou really can't go wrong with any of the restaurants in Old Town San Diego, but this is one of our favorites. It has a fun, colorful atmosphere, live mariachi music, and delicious Mexican cuisine!
This is on of our family's favorite restaurants! In a 50's era setting, you can enjoy burgers, milkshakes and more while listening to a DJ play hits from that era (they take requests!) and enjoy fun and entertaining service from outgoing waitresses who seem to all be named Gladys. Corvette's also has an attached arcade that kids will love! It is relatively close to San Diego Harbor and the airport and is worth a stop if you are spending time in that area!
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Corvette Diner
2965 Historic Decatur RdThis is on of our family's favorite restaurants! In a 50's era setting, you can enjoy burgers, milkshakes and more while listening to a DJ play hits from that era (they take requests!) and enjoy fun and entertaining service from outgoing waitresses who seem to all be named Gladys. Corvette's also has an attached arcade that kids will love! It is relatively close to San Diego Harbor and the airport and is worth a stop if you are spending time in that area!
There are two Harney's locations in San Diego, and it is well worth the drive if you want mouth-watering sushi in a hip, modern atmosphere!
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Harney Sushi
301 Mission AveThere are two Harney's locations in San Diego, and it is well worth the drive if you want mouth-watering sushi in a hip, modern atmosphere!
This is our favorite donut shop in all of San Diego and if you are in the Encinitas area, it is worth a stop!
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VG Donut & Bakery
106 Aberdeen DrThis is our favorite donut shop in all of San Diego and if you are in the Encinitas area, it is worth a stop!
The Taco Stand is a San Diego favorite with multiple locations! We love their tacos and carne asada fries!
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The Taco Stand
642 S Coast Hwy 101The Taco Stand is a San Diego favorite with multiple locations! We love their tacos and carne asada fries!
Our family loves to go to the beach and then hit Pizza Port on our way home! The pizza and drinks hit the spot after a long day in the sunshine and they also have some old-school arcade games that kids will love!
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Pizza Port Solana Beach
135 N Hwy 101Our family loves to go to the beach and then hit Pizza Port on our way home! The pizza and drinks hit the spot after a long day in the sunshine and they also have some old-school arcade games that kids will love!
Entertainment
The "CCAE" hosts great artists and events. Check their calendar for latest events!
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California Center for the Arts, Escondido
340 N Escondido BlvdThe "CCAE" hosts great artists and events. Check their calendar for latest events!
This is a beautiful amphitheater that hosts wonderful productions! You can bring in your own food and enjoy a picnic or purchase food and drink from their onsite restaurant.
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Ampitheatre Moonlight
1250 Vale Terrace DrThis is a beautiful amphitheater that hosts wonderful productions! You can bring in your own food and enjoy a picnic or purchase food and drink from their onsite restaurant.
Experience Broadway in San Diego at this wonderful venue!
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San Diego Civic Theatre
1100 Third AveExperience Broadway in San Diego at this wonderful venue!
Regal Escondido & IMAX
350 W Valley PkwyTake in a Padres game at unique Petco Park. In addition to a great game, you will enjoy the park-like feeling of this stadium nestled in downtown San Diego.
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Petco Park
100 Park BlvdTake in a Padres game at unique Petco Park. In addition to a great game, you will enjoy the park-like feeling of this stadium nestled in downtown San Diego.
Shopping
These are just a few of the many options for shopping in Escondido and North San Diego County. I have listed those closest and most convenient to our home, but Google Maps can help you find others in the area such as Walmart, Ralph's, Stater Bros., etc.
Target is just a few minutes away, located at the North County Mall on Via Rancho Parkway. They have a great selection of basic grocery items that you might need during your stay.
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Target
17170 Camino Del SurTarget is just a few minutes away, located at the North County Mall on Via Rancho Parkway. They have a great selection of basic grocery items that you might need during your stay.
Vons is the nearest full-service grocery store that has a bakery, deli, etc. Prices are better if you have a "club card." Please see our house manual if you would like to use our club card number for those discounts.
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Vons
351 W Felicita AveVons is the nearest full-service grocery store that has a bakery, deli, etc. Prices are better if you have a "club card." Please see our house manual if you would like to use our club card number for those discounts.
Who doesn't love Trader Joe's? Trader Joe's on Centre City Parkway has wonderful customer service and a great selection of healthy food options.
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Trader Joe's
1885 S Centre City PkwyWho doesn't love Trader Joe's? Trader Joe's on Centre City Parkway has wonderful customer service and a great selection of healthy food options.
I love the produce at Sprouts! Fresh and reasonably priced, you won't be disappointed! Tip: ask clerks for helping you pick out the perfect ripeness, they are pros!
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Sprouts Farmers Market
1260 Garnet AveI love the produce at Sprouts! Fresh and reasonably priced, you won't be disappointed! Tip: ask clerks for helping you pick out the perfect ripeness, they are pros!
This Costco is located 15 minutes south of our home, conveniently close to the I-15. It would be a good stop if you are on your way to the house from the airport or other central San Diego attractions.
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Costco Wholesale
1755 Hacienda DrThis Costco is located 15 minutes south of our home, conveniently close to the I-15. It would be a good stop if you are on your way to the house from the airport or other central San Diego attractions.
This is a wonderful mall with many shops and eateries to choose from. It is also a great indoor shopping option for hot days when you don't feel like walking around in the heat at other outdoor malls and outlets.
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Westfield North County Shopping Center
272 E Via Rancho PkwyThis is a wonderful mall with many shops and eateries to choose from. It is also a great indoor shopping option for hot days when you don't feel like walking around in the heat at other outdoor malls and outlets.
This mall is more of a drive, but convenient if you are visiting the Zoo, Sea World, Old Town, etc. It is a beautiful outdoor mall and a great place for a stroll.
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Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdThis mall is more of a drive, but convenient if you are visiting the Zoo, Sea World, Old Town, etc. It is a beautiful outdoor mall and a great place for a stroll.
The Carlsbad Outlets are a nice place to spend an afternoon. They have most of the usual outlet stores and are close to other Carlsbad attractions.
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Carlsbad Premium Outlets
5620 Paseo Del NorteThe Carlsbad Outlets are a nice place to spend an afternoon. They have most of the usual outlet stores and are close to other Carlsbad attractions.
Westfield UTC is a popular mall in the La Jolla area with great places to eat and a wonderful atmosphere.
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Westfield UTC
4545 La Jolla Village DrWestfield UTC is a popular mall in the La Jolla area with great places to eat and a wonderful atmosphere.
If swap meets and flea markets are your jam, Kobey's is the one for you. Open Friday-Sunday (check their website for hours), they have a little of everything... antiques, electronics, art, flowers, and more. It is fairly close to Sea World and Mission Bay and is a fun place to spend a few hours.
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Kobey's Swap Meet
3500 Sports Arena BlvdIf swap meets and flea markets are your jam, Kobey's is the one for you. Open Friday-Sunday (check their website for hours), they have a little of everything... antiques, electronics, art, flowers, and more. It is fairly close to Sea World and Mission Bay and is a fun place to spend a few hours.