Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

A winding blue lake surrounded by green hills and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Step into Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, a 784-acre nature haven near Escondido filled with winding trails, oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and creekside beauty. Hike the scenic “Way Up” trail or explore the gentler botanical loop, cross a creek, and soak in views of Olivenhain Dam, the Pacific, and mountain ridgelines.

Address: 8833 Harmony Grove Road Escondido, CA 92029

View other area attractions

Balboa Park Golf Course

The oldest public golf course in the city, it features fantastic views of downtown San Diego, Point Loma, and the Pacific Ocean.

Birch Aquarium

Come visit the Birch Aquarium At Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Marvel at the wonders of the ocean through interactive exhibits that showcase vibrant marine life.