Are you planning a fun day trip around San Diego? If so, you’ve landed on the right page. In this blog, we’ll tell you about the top things to do in North County San Diego and why it’s worth a visit. Explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, enjoy a delicious lunch at luxurious Del Mar Plaza, go on a scenic hike, or relax at the beach. Either way, you won’t have a minute to get bored! Read on and get ready for an adventure.
Learn more about the wonderful things San Diego has to offer in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find top recommendations for your vacation, including the best local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.
We can’t talk about the best things attractions in the area without mentioning the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Not only is the zoo a fabulous outdoor experience, but it’s also a great activity if you are traveling with children. Spend a few hours marveling at the exotic species and attend one of the zoo’s renowned shows.
After a fun visit to the zoo, you’ll be ready for lunch! We know just the place to go. Del Mar is a lovely coastal town in North County San Diego, and the plaza is the place to go for high-end shopping and dining. Gaze at the ocean as you enjoy a luxurious lunch at Il Fornario or Pacifica Del Mar!
Are you a nature enthusiast? Then you cannot miss the incredible hikes in North County, some of which offer fabulous waterfall views. Penasquitos Canyon Trail, for example, is only 20 minutes north of San Diego and features a stellar canyon backdrop as well as a unique rock formation where you can stop for a snack.
No day trip itinerary is complete without some time at the beach. This is California, after all! La Jolla beaches are among the most beautiful on the coast and are truly the gems of North County. If you’re looking for a place to go with your little ones, then La Jolla Shores is ideal. If you prefer a more intimate and scenic option, we highly recommend Shell Beach. It even has tide pools!
After enjoying the best of North County San Diego, take a short drive back to your home with Monarch Luxury Villas. We have so many incredible properties to choose from! Will you stay in an oceanfront home where you can admire the sunset over a glass of champagne? Or will you go for an inland villa with lots of privacy and luxury? Whether you are traveling with your significant other or with the entire family, we’ve got you covered.
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Our area is full of great entertainment opportunities, but you’ll find some of the best children’s activities in North County, San Diego. We’ve made a list of our favorites to guide you in the right direction. From marine life encounters to exclusive park tours, this trip will be one that your kids will never forget.
We have only scratched the surface of possibilities for your family getaway. Access our Travel Guide to discover the best places to find fine dining to exclusive experiences. Our complimentary concierge service is ready to create your dream vacation.
You’ll have no problem finding ways to spend a day exploring the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. You can experience San Diego’s most impressive wildlife sanctuary by caravan, zipline, or safari cart. Whatever you choose, the tours will immerse you and your little ones into the world of the African Plains! The park offers a wide variety of tours that can accommodate any ages or interests. While each of the safari tours offers something different, the Ultimate Safari is your one-stop-shop for the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll get a unique, personalized tour through the park that can last up to 8 hours. It allows you to go behind the scenes, witness exclusive exhibits, and interact with some of the animals. This tour will be the highlight of the trip for any young animal lover!
Get ready for an action-packed day! Head to Legoland for wholesome family fun, and endless activities. From kid-friendly rollercoasters and games to famous model cities, you’ll never run out of things to do at this park. As if that isn’t enough, you’ll also find a waterpark and aquarium that add even more exciting opportunities! We recommend bringing a change of clothes to have on-hand.
Local Tip: Download the Legoland app to gain access to live wait times and an interactive map of the park.
You can go to an aquarium anytime, but nothing is quite as exciting as witnessing sea creatures in their natural habitat. Head to the rocky area of Swami’s on Pacific Coast Highway during low tide. You’ll find not only fossils and shells but also an array of marine life! Search the sediment for sea urchins, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, octopus, sea slugs, and more! Check San Diego’s tide tracker before planning your trip.
Local Tip: Your experience will be even better if you can go during the winter months to avoid the crowds.
You’ll have no problem finding a variety of ways to have fun in the sun at Carlsbad Lagoon. It’s the best area in North County, San Diego, for all things watersports. You’ll find jet ski, kayak, paddleboard, and boat rentals along with so much more.
Do any of these adventures sound like the right fit for your family? Let us craft the ultimate itinerary for you! These activities offer just a taste of what you can experience during your San Diego vacation. We’ll craft unique, exclusive experiences just for you and provide any additional services you may need. Whether you require grocery delivery or childcare services, we handle the small details so you can get the most out of your vacation.
In addition to uniquely curated experiences, you will also stay in San Diego’s most luxurious homes. The Encinitas Oceanfront Retreat is a Tuscan oasis on the shore. You’ll enjoy a private patio, panoramic ocean views from your bedroom, and nearby beach access. There is no better place to spend your San Diego getaway.
