Must See Sights and Landmarks in Carmel Mountain Area

"The San Diego Padres' home is one of the few stadiums in America with a water view. And the non-baseball-related appeal doesn't stop there. Local craft brew options are stellar, with more than 40 varieties of poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium, which include the Stone Brewing Company beer garden on the upper deck, and more than 50 dining options."

"The San Diego Padres play at Petco Park, which you can find downtown. Thanks to the year-round sun, a ball game is usually a good excuse to sit outside at any point in the season. If baseball isn’t your thing, though, the stadium also hosts a variety of other sports and concerts."

"First, it’s close to Petco Park, and second, it’s rooftop bar, Altitudes, is a great spot for a sunset cocktail!. There are several Marriotts in the Gaslamp quarter, so make sure to double-check the name when you make your reservation!"

"A time warp back to the mid-19th century, the State Historical Park in the Old Town is scattered with restored historic buildings, including five original adobes, as well as detailed replicas. The finest of the adobes is the Casa de Estudillo from 1827, one of the oldest remaining pieces of Spanish architecture in California. The park is free to enter and gives a sense of the intersecting cultures, as a Mexican pueblo became an American settlement."

"Spend a long morning in Old Town State Historic Park, exploring the adobe buildings and browsing the many gift shops. You’ll be tempted to sit down for a Mexican lunch at one of the tourist restaurants, but save your appetite for a more genuine experience at El Indio, just up the street in Mission Hills."

"There are numerous historic buildings located in this area, dating back to the early 1800s. It was the first European settlement in California. One notable building is Whaley House which Travel Channel named as the most haunted house in America."

"Prepare yourself for an explosion of mosaics at this American sculpture garden, the last major international project created by Niki de Saint Phalle (born France, 1930-2002), who was inspired by California’s rich history and culture. The garden consists of several large sculptures including a circular “snake wall’ measuring 400 feet in length (with heights varying from 4 to 9 feet) that surrounds the garden and open into a maze with walls and floors that are covered with black, white and mirrored tiles. The curved bodies of the monumental playful serpents slithering along the top of the wall form a pattern of solids and voids that allows visitors to see landscape vistas beyond the garden."

"In Kit Carson Park and the Iris Sankey Arboretum, you’ll find this magical sculpture garden created by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. There are nine huge sculptural works, plus a maze and a 400-foot-long undulating snake wall decorated with colorful mosaics. The star piece in this unique art garden is the sculpture of Queen Califia riding on the back of a five-legged eagle."

"Previously owned and established by screen actor Leo Carrillo who portrayed the role of Pancho; Cisco’s sidekick in the western television show called “The Cisco Kid. This luscious 27-acre ranch is now owned and maintained by the City of Carlsbad and connects to the citywide trails system via the 4-mile long Rancho Carrillo trail."

"Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a municipal park that sits in a 27-acre canyon and one of the best things to do in Carlsbad, California. Opened in 2003 and designated as a Historic National Landmark, the park is a former working ranch that was at one time owned by actor Leo Carrillo."

"The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park was built originally as a weekend retreat for a famous actor. Today, it’s a 27-acre park that’s listed on the US National Register of Historic Places."

"So head to Old Town, a festive spot filled with amazing Mexican restaurants, to toast your beach day with margaritas and burritos. Day five – A Bonus Day"

"Day 2: Old Town, The Midway & Coronado [Skip to Page] Day 3: La Jolla, the beaches, Cabrillo Point & Point Loma [Skip to Page]"

"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"

"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 Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."

"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 Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."