Top Rated Parks to Visit in Poway

"One of San Diego’s gems, Balboa Park, is teeming with free things to do in San Diego. There are over 65 miles of walking trails at Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America. In addition, there are gorgeous gardens, botanical gardens and spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to see."

"A post shared by Daniel Deming (@grubyoface619) on May 10, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT. Wander through the attractions in Balboa Park before you make your way to The Prado. This full-service restaurant is perfect for a relaxing dinner where you can spend quality time together."

"Balboa Park is incredibly overdone, unless you are going to venture out some little bit. You will love spending your time walking around it's less popular locations. There are attractive gardens and lawns surrounding the park."

"With a lovely old-style look and feel, the historic Belmont Park certainly makes for a fun day out thanks to its roller coasters and rides, attractions, and eateries. Since 1925, the beachfront amusement park has been one of Mission Beach’s main draws and can be reached in just fifteen minutes from downtown San Diego. Although it is home to some charming carnival rides such as a carousel and bumper cars, the park’s standout sight is its iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster which is now a National Historic Landmark."

"Built in 1925 by sugar magnate John D. Spreckles, this amusement park reopened in the late 1980s and is the only beachside amusement park in Southern California. Perhaps the biggest draw is the Giant Dipper, the original wooden roller coaster. The Plunge, the largest indoor heated pool in California, has its fans, as does the Wavehouse, a huge fitness center that shares the same building."

"For some old-fashioned oceanfront fun, wrap up your San Diego Day at Belmont Park. It is like an old fashioned fair and arcade, plus is located directly on Mission Beach. It’s the perfect spot to catch an amazing sunset."

"Trek through the history of California’s birthplace at Old Town, San Diego’s first downtown. There is a distinct feeling of Old Mexico within this 6-block, 12-acre park, with historical sites covering shops, restaurants, museums, preserved adobe buildings and more. It’s easily one of the most authentic free things to do in San Diego."

"Built in 1825 after attacks from the Spaniards’ enemies waned, Old Town San Diego was the first town in the city to have ever been built."

"Many people recommended we take in one of the famous San Diego sunsets from Sunset Cliffs, which is just a couple of miles south of the Ocean Beach pier. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre City of San Diego regional park which extends 1½ miles along the Point Loma peninsula’s western shoreline. You get expansive ocean views, dramatic cliff formations and caves, an intertidal area, and in some spaces plenty of space and rocks for the kids to run over way back from the edge."

"On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools. There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset. And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has been offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the western edge of Point Loma since 1983, making it a staple in lists featuring the most famous things to see in San Diego."

"If all you need is a change of scenery and an outlet for play, the Aviara Community Park is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. The park itself is central to Carlsbad’s landscape and offers everything from a synthetic turf fields for sports to covered and lighted picnic areas, outdoor basketball courts, and barbeques. In addition to all of the perks that a community park has to offer, Aviara Community Park has the joy of a themed play area for kids of all ages."

"Grape Day Park is the oldest park in Escondido, and its rich history alone makes it worth the visit. It’s known mostly for its ability to cater to larger gatherings thanks to picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and restrooms, and there’s also a lot more to do. Explore the children’s tile art wall, the military tribute, the swimming pool, Heritage Walk, and the vinehenge to make a day of it."

"The Grape Day Park, civic center, and the California Center for the Arts, which features two theaters, a visual arts museum, an educational complex, and a conference center at the heart of downtown. Also located in Grape Day Park are the Escondido Children’s Museum and the Escondido History Center. 321 North Broadway, Escondido."

"Azerbaijan, Café 21 is an eclectic restaurant with two locations in the Gaslamp Quarter and University Heights. In a warm and rustic interior, this café, serves up cuisine infused with international flavours. The menu presents diners with many sweet and savoury dishes, which are all made with fresh organic ingredients when possible, and handcrafted libations."

"Located about 1.5 miles away from Qualcomm Stadium, Cafe 21 is a great option for any reason. This extremely popular restaurant is Turkish and if you don't order the baklava... well, let's just say you should."

"This international vegan restaurant chain has an especially wide selection of dishes based on local produce. If you’re visiting Loving Hut in San Diego, try their vegan quesadillas or the soy sea nuggets. There’s also a rich selection of burgers and sandwiches to grab if you’re in a hurry."

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"We are a locally owned, family-owned small business in La Jolla, California. Our ice cream shop serves all natural ice cream with tons of unique flavors, crepes, and we are also one of the best local coffee shops in the area!. We serve vegan ice cream!"

"A small chain in California with 10 outlets where they make all their natural ice cream in small batches. What sets them apart from everybody else is their incredible unique and exciting flavours, as well as their gorgeous waffle cones. They also rotate and create new flavours every quarter to ensure you never get bored."

"To do so, Cauldron Ice Cream uses liquid nitrogen to freeze their sweet treats. LAB Desserts and Coffee – 4817 Convoy Street"