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  Balboa ParkThe nation's largest urban cultural park of over 1,200 acres and dubbed "The Smithsonian of the West," Balboa Park is home to 15 major museums, beautiful gardens and the San Diego Zoo. View the Dead Sea Scrolls, an exhibition of some of the world's greatest archaeological treasures including parchment and papyrus scrolls authored around 250 BCE to 68 CE. In addition, guests can now observe the park with a fascinating one-and-a-half-hour audio tour, available at the Park's Visitor's Center. 1549 El Prado, San Diego 92101 BeachesIn San Diego, the beach is a way of life, a source of pride and joy, a defining influence in people's lives. For some, the mere memory of a mid-summer sunset melting into the Pacific is reward enough. Others have a more intimate relationship with the sea: surfing and sailing, biking and running, swimming and diving along San Diego's many coastal beaches and bays. As if just hanging out at the beach isn't fun enough, people have invented all kinds of ingenious ways to enjoy it even more - surfing, windsurfing, bodysurfing, body boarding, skim boarding, kite boarding, wakeboarding, skateboarding, roller skating, rollerblading, rollercoastering, sailing, boating, jet skiing, waterskiing, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, volleyball and a myriad of other activities. Whether you are an accomplished expert or taking up a new sport for the first time, you'll find everything you need to do it right in San Diego, from equipment and rentals to charters and instruction. Birch Aquarium at ScrippsTravel through the Hall of Fishes and see more than sixty habitats featuring life from the cold waters of the Northern Pacific coast down to the Caribbean. Don't miss the 13,000 gallon Shark Reef tank, admire vibrant colorful coral reefs, and discover the Tide Pool Plaza, where a variety of animals including hermit crabs and sea anemones make their home. Finally, at the newest exhibit "Feeling the Heat, The Climate Challenge," fast-forward to the year 2050 for a broadcast of California's weather report and view stunning images from around the planet that offer insight into the staggering environmental changes. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla 92037 Del Mar Race Track and Thoroughbred ClubThe Del Mar Thoroughbred club, "where the turf meets the surf," is an American horse-racing track located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds north of La Jolla. Opened in 1937, it features over 40 days of thoroughbred racing. Ladies bring your hats for Opening Day, the place to see and be seen on July 22nd. The $1 Million Pacific Classic, one of the most prestigious races on the west coast is on September 6th. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar 92014 DiningInspirational and innovative cuisine is served in the main dining room at Rancho Valencia, featuring Coastal Ranch cuisine prepared by executive chef C. Barclay Dodge. There are many dining options available in the nearby town of Rancho Santa Fe and beyond, from casual dining for the entire family to intimate upscale establishments ideal for two. The Flower Fields of CarlsbadExperience one of San Diego's natural wonders as vibrant waves of color cover 50 acres of foothills and overlook the Pacific Ocean. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is an annual display of horticultural beauty that opens in March where kids run and adults linger. For the 2008 season be sure to visit Sweat Pea Maze, stroll the Historic Poinsettia Display, and revere the American Flag of Flowers, a brilliantly hued flag composed of red, white and blue flowers strategically planted on a 300 by 170 foot hillside. 5600 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad 92008 LEGOLAND® CaliforniaAn interactive family theme park on 128 acres filled with rides, shows and attractions. Perfect for youngsters ages 3-11, sail the seas as a pirate aboard the galleon, man the fire trucks at Fun Town Fire Academy, or become an ace driver at the Volvo Driving School. The land of adventure, mystery and intrigue. One Lego Drive, Carlsbad 92008 NightlifeEvenings come alive in the historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp District is an exciting 16-block area designated as a national historic district with Victorian-style buildings and an abundance of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, galleries and shops. San Diego Polo ClubHome to U.S.P.A. competitions such as the Rossmore Cup and the Spreckle's cup, the San Diego Polo club has one of the longest seasons in the country, May through October, and features some of the world's finest players and horses. Sunday's pre-game events include picnics, tailgating, children's activities and a complete food and beverage service. 14555 El Camino Real, Rancho Santa Fe 92067 San Diego Wild Animal ParkSet foot inside the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, located in North San Diego, and be transported to one of the most exotic places on earth. The 1,800 acre wildlife park is home to thousands of animals roaming together on the vast open plains. You can hand-feed a gentle giraffe, traipse through a Congo Fishing Village, get face-to-face with big cats at Lion Camp and walk a 2 mile back-country path on the Kilimanjaro Safari Walk. Throughout Journey into Africa glimpse the amazing variety of animals living on earth's largest continent and develop a new appreciation for just how huge a rhinoceros or buffalo is. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido 92027 San Diego ZooThe world-famous zoo features over 4,000 animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies of rare and endangered birds, mammals and reptiles. Observe exotic plants and explore the Ituri Forest, Giant Panda Research Station and the Polar Bear Plunge. The newest exhibit, Monkey Trails and Forest Tails, is a habitat home to over 30 species of African and Asian birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. You can enjoy a three-dimensional journey into the depths of the tropical forest by either an elevated walkway or an Asian forest path. Park Blvd. & Zoo Place, San Diego 92112 Seaport VillageSeaport Village, located on the harbor near the San Diego downtown Gaslamp District, features 50 plus one-of-a-kind shops, 17 unique eateries including award-winning restaurants, and entertainment on the Bay. Stroll the picturesque Village for a full day or just for an hour, and find "everything under the sun." 849 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego 92101 SeaWorld San DiegoEnjoy Killer whales, dolphins, manatees and more at the water themed adventure park located near Mission Bay. Experience the innovative Shamu Rocks show, set to a background of rock 'n' roll music, the grand-reopening of Penguin Encounter, and the new Brewmaster's Club for 30 minutes of food pairings with Anheuser-Busch products. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego 92109 ShoppingUnlimited choice for shopping are available from the charming Oceanside villages of Del Mar and La Jolla, featuring upscale boutiques and a luxurious outdoor mall in Fashion Valley. The Cedros Design District is just minutes from the resort and features an eclectic mix of boutique shops featuring home design, arts and crafts, jewelry, and clothing. Also visit the nearby Carlsbad Outlets and Turn-of-the-Century specialty shops featuring fabulous bay front scenery at Seaport Village. Sporting EventsShare the excitement of thoroughbred horse racing at The Del Mar Racetrack or San Diego Polo Club, both just minutes from Rancho Valencia. Experience the pride of San Diego at an explosive Chargers or Padres game at the Petco Park in downtown San Diego. Torrey Pines State ReserveLocated 15 minutes from the resort enjoy a picnic or hike at the Torrey Pines State Reserve. The 2,000 acre Torrey Pines State Reserve offers 8 miles of trails, a visitor center, and guided nature walks on weekends and holidays. Through the ups and downs of the trail, you will find stunning overlooks, peaceful trails and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Point. 12600 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego CA 92037(858) 755-2063 | www.torreypine.org San Diego Destination Guide For more information about San Diego events and attractions please contact concierge at 858-756-1123 or concierge@ranchovalencia.com |
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