William & Holly’s guidebook
Some Cool Areas in Elfin Forest
Elfin Forest offers just the right combination of country living, mountain retreats, and coastal beauty. A few fun areas to visit nearby are listed in our recommendations.
The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve has something for everyone. You can hike the trails starting from the Reserve entrance, or you can join the trails at various locations off of Harmony Grove Road and Elfin Forest Road. The roads run adjacent to a stream where an abundant array of wildlife, especially birds can be found. Additionally, it is an excellent representation of tree and plant life native to San Diego and California. On the weekends, guided tours and workshops are offered by the Nature Center found at the end of one of the more leisure hikes into the hills. Go to their website for weekend activities. Be there early as parking and events fill up fast on the weekends.
46 locals recommend
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
8833 Harmony Grove RdThe Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve has something for everyone. You can hike the trails starting from the Reserve entrance, or you can join the trails at various locations off of Harmony Grove Road and Elfin Forest Road. The roads run adjacent to a stream where an abundant array of wildlife, especially birds can be found. Additionally, it is an excellent representation of tree and plant life native to San Diego and California. On the weekends, guided tours and workshops are offered by the Nature Center found at the end of one of the more leisure hikes into the hills. Go to their website for weekend activities. Be there early as parking and events fill up fast on the weekends.
This park is awesome as you have spectacular 360 degree views of all the surrounding. On a clear day, you have breathtaking views of the Elfin Forest to the South, the cities of Escondido and San Marcos to the East, Vista, Carlsbad, and Oceanside to the North, and Encinitas, Del Mar, & Rancho Santa Fe to the West. Moonlight Beach can be seen in the distance as well as the inlets found in Carlsbad. You truly get a perspective of the entire terrain from this mountaintop. It's worth just stopping by to get a glimpse. It's also fun to spend an afternoon enjoying the views and having a picnic. I highly recommend this location.
45 locals recommend
Double Peak Park
900 Double Peak DrThis park is awesome as you have spectacular 360 degree views of all the surrounding. On a clear day, you have breathtaking views of the Elfin Forest to the South, the cities of Escondido and San Marcos to the East, Vista, Carlsbad, and Oceanside to the North, and Encinitas, Del Mar, & Rancho Santa Fe to the West. Moonlight Beach can be seen in the distance as well as the inlets found in Carlsbad. You truly get a perspective of the entire terrain from this mountaintop. It's worth just stopping by to get a glimpse. It's also fun to spend an afternoon enjoying the views and having a picnic. I highly recommend this location.
Walk the numerous trails starting on Elfin Forest Road. You get a good feel for country life in the Elfin Forest. A multitude of animals including horses, sheep, llamas, goats, sheep, etc. can be seen grazing on our neighbors properties. Fresh air and tranquil landscapes calm the soul, and there is much of that throughout the community. These walks are especially pleasant early in the morning hearing all the birds singing for their morning worm, or at dusk where beautiful sunsets create picturesque photo ops to remind you of this magical place. The trails are quite remarkable, especially for those who enjoy nature and community.
Elfin Forest Road
Elfin Forest RoadWalk the numerous trails starting on Elfin Forest Road. You get a good feel for country life in the Elfin Forest. A multitude of animals including horses, sheep, llamas, goats, sheep, etc. can be seen grazing on our neighbors properties. Fresh air and tranquil landscapes calm the soul, and there is much of that throughout the community. These walks are especially pleasant early in the morning hearing all the birds singing for their morning worm, or at dusk where beautiful sunsets create picturesque photo ops to remind you of this magical place. The trails are quite remarkable, especially for those who enjoy nature and community.
This is an excellent choice if you want to see animals in environments recreated to resemble their natural habitats. They roam over large swaths of terrain that they would normally find if they were in the wild. If you decide to go, definitely book a tour that takes you through their environment so you can get up close and personal. The giraffes are fun.
967 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdThis is an excellent choice if you want to see animals in environments recreated to resemble their natural habitats. They roam over large swaths of terrain that they would normally find if they were in the wild. If you decide to go, definitely book a tour that takes you through their environment so you can get up close and personal. The giraffes are fun.
Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange AveWonderful shops, galleries and restaurants. Baby Beach to see the seals. The Beverly Hills of San Diego!
492 locals recommend
La Jolla
Wonderful shops, galleries and restaurants. Baby Beach to see the seals. The Beverly Hills of San Diego!
A bit touristy, but worth a visit. Celebrates San Diego's Mexican Heritage.
1070 locals recommend
Old Town
A bit touristy, but worth a visit. Celebrates San Diego's Mexican Heritage.
Museum's, Art, Shop and Restaurants in a beautiful setting. Gorgeous architecture. Right next door to the zoo. The Old Globe Theatre is nearby.
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Museum's, Art, Shop and Restaurants in a beautiful setting. Gorgeous architecture. Right next door to the zoo. The Old Globe Theatre is nearby.
Gaslamp Quarter
Carlsbad
Del Mar Racing
2260 Jimmy Durante BlvdLegoland Drive
Legoland DriveGreat fun for the kids. We take our Grandchildren every year!!
Palm Springs
57096 Twentynine Palms HighwayJust 2 hours away. Great shops, restaurants and history.
The happiest and possibly the most crowded place on earth. Regardless, we take the Grandkid's every year. Just bring your patience and take your time. Sun Block needed. Make a restaurant reservation in advance. It will pay off when you need a break.
40 locals recommend
Disneyland Drive
Disneyland DriveThe happiest and possibly the most crowded place on earth. Regardless, we take the Grandkid's every year. Just bring your patience and take your time. Sun Block needed. Make a restaurant reservation in advance. It will pay off when you need a break.