View Attractions Related to: North County Inland
by TourGuideTimExplore Visitor Attractions in North County Inland San Diego
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The wide open land northeast of downtown San Diego provides the space needed for one of the best safari-type experiences outside of Africa and the darkness needed for one of the world’s most powerful telescopes to study the night sky.
The region, better known as the North County Inland, is home to mountains, wildlife institutes, vineyards, Indian reservations, and visitor attractions that lure travelers to the rural areas of San Diego County.
The area first became notable after California’s largest skirmish during the Mexican-American War took place at the San Pasqual Battlefield in 1846.
By the early 1900s, this region of San Diego became known around the world for its gems, and in particular, pink tourmaline, which was a favorite of the Chinese.
During the 1930′s, spectators across the nation flocked to their local railway as the mirror for a 200-inch telescope was transported across the country from New York to its eventual home at the Palomar Observatory.
Today, visitors can still explore the attractions that made this area famous with previous generations. Travelers can also enjoy the Wild Animal Safari Park, local wineries, and Indian casinos on their visit to this part of San Diego.
Start your journey to relive this history by selecting each of the picture tabs above to learn more about the area attractions.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Location: San Pasqual Valley (33 Miles / 40 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 9AM – 5PM (8PM during Summer)
Cost: $42 ($32 for Kids ages 3-11; Discounts available). Parking is $9.
Features: African Safari-like Experience; 3,500 Animals on 1,800 Acres; Tours; Sleepovers; Lion Camp; Formerly Known as the Wild Animal Park, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a separate animal park from the San Diego Zoo.
Orfila Vineyard & Winery
Location: San Pasqual (28 Miles / 35 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 10AM – 6PM
Cost: $6 for Wine Tasting
Features: Wine Tasting with an Award Winning Winery near the Wild Animal Park
San Diego Archaeological Center
Location: San Pasqual Valley (35 Miles / 40 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 9AM – 4PM. (10AM-2PM on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays.)
Cost: $2 Donation / $5 per Family
Features: 10,000 Years Worth of Archaeological Artifacts Found in San Diego County.
San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park & Museum
Location: San Pasqual Valley (34 Miles / 40 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)
Open Weekends: 10AM – 5PM. (Closed Weekdays)
Cost: Free
Features: Bloodiest Battleground in the Mexican-American War. Also, the Most Controversial Battle Site in the War.
Bernardo Winery and Village Shops
Location: Rancho Bernardo (26 Miles / 30 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 8:30AM – 5PM
Cost: $5 for Wine Tasting
Features: Quaint Village of Artisans, Cafe, Bakery, and Winery
Mission San Luis Rey Museum
Location: Oceanside (42 Miles / 45 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: Entry Allowed 10AM – 4PM
Cost: $6 ($5 for Seniors 65+, $4 for Kids 6-18)
Features: Largest Mission in California; Historic Water Conservation System; Oil Paintings; Abraham Lincoln Signed Document
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
Location: Vista (44 Miles / 50 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 10AM – 4PM (Closed on Christmas and New Year’s)
Cost: $3 ($2 for Kids and Seniors)
Features: 55 Acre Farm Serves as a Museum for Thousands of Antique Farm Artifacts; Recreates the Typical California Farm from the 1850s – 1950s; Dozens of Items Used in Hollywood Movies.
The Wave Waterpark
Location: Vista (43 Miles / 45 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego); Near a Sprinter Train Station.
Open Daily: First Weekend in June – Middle of August; Generally 10AM – 4PM (Check schedule for specific hours and additional dates in May & September.)
Cost: Several options starting at $16 ($12 for Kids under 42″ and $11 for Seniors 60+). Parking is Free.
Features: Five Water Slides; a Competitive Pool for Swimming; Simulated Wave Maker; Early Morning Lap Swims.
Maderas Golf Course
Location: Poway (32 Miles / 40 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: Year-Round; Dawn – Dusk
Cost: $170 – $210; Discounts for San Diego County Residents
Features: One of the Top Luxury Golf Courses in San Diego
Poway-Midland Railroad and Train Rides
Location: Poway (23 Miles / 30 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)
Hours: 10AM – 4PM on Saturdays and 11AM – 2PM on Most Sundays.
Cost: Starting at $1.50 for Adults and 50¢ for Kids.
Features: Ride Antique Trains, Shop in the Train Hobby Store; Enjoy Special Train Celebrations
Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Museum
Location: Fallbrook (53 Miles / 55 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)
Cost: Free
Hours: 11AM-3PM (Thursday – Saturdays)
Features: Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Museum; Specimens from around the World, including California Tourmaline; History of San Diego Mining; Fluorescent Mineral Display; Gift Shop

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