Things to do On Fathers Day San Diego

June 21, Fathers Day is just around the corner. Don't settle for a necktie or six pack of beer, take dad somewhere special this year. Out to breakfast is cool, a healthy bike ride or hike is invigorating, seeing the latest action movie should keep dad happy. If these Ideas are not quite what your looking for here is a list of things to do on Fathers Day in San Diego.

USS Midway Museum - Every dad should love going to the Midway. Jets, helicopters and a massive warship. Dad will get a kick out of visiting this historic ship in downtown San Diego.

La Jolla Kayak Tour - Take dad on an adventure to the sea caves at La Jolla. Plan on getting a little wet. Book early all tours will fill up fast.

San Diego Zoo - You belong in the zoo and so does dad. This fathers day trip will take all day but is surprisingly affordable.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm Fathers Day Barbecue - Celebrate the First Annual Harvest Festival. Enjoy live music, tasty BBQ for purchase, Keys Creek Lavender Plant Sale and Essential Oil Demonstration - plus much more.

Balboa Park - Free parking and lots of free things to do. For people on a budget Balboa Park is a great place to visit on Fathers Day.

Gaslamp Quarter - Downtown San Diego's historic heart. Pull up a to one of the sidewalk bars and restaurants and have lunch or dinner with your favorite father figure.

San Diego Wild Animal Park - The wild animal park is another surprisingly affordable place to spend the day. For a real adventure try the parks new zip line.

Mission Trails Regional Park - Tell dad to take a hike. Mission hills has lots of trails to work off that Fathers day breakfast.

Chula Vista Nature Center - This is a fun place for a Fathers Day outing. Not too far away and a nice place for family time.

Harvey House Railroad Depot Barstow California

On your next trip to Las Vegas Harvey House Railroad Depot in Barstow is a great place to get out of the car and stretch your legs. At one time the Harvey House was a stooping off point for passengers on the Santa Fe Railroad. Full service dining and overnight lodging were provided to hungry and tired travelers on their trip across the desert. After trains started providing on board meals Casa Del Desierto went into decline and was abandoned. Today the restored building houses a train museum and a route 66 museum. More about Barstow Harvey House Railroad Depot.

Things To Do On Mothers Day Los Angeles

Skip the box of chocolates and take Mom out for the day on Mothers Day. There are unique places to go in the Los Angeles area and mother will appreciate spending the day with her family. A short day trip in the morning and an early dinner will keep mom smiling all day long. Here is a list of things to do on Mothers Day in and around Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles Farmers Market - Have breakfast or lunch at the original 1934 Los Angeles Farmers Market. Shopping at the specialty shops and then head next door to the Grove to check out the upscale stores and take in a movie.

Temecula Valley Wine Tasting - Many of the wineries are having special Mothers Day events including brunches and concerts. Temecula is about an 90 minute drive form Los Angeles.

Santa Catalina Island Take Mom on a trip to Catalina and she will have a very special day. Lots of things to do and see plus some really great restaurants in Avalon.

Mother's Day Festival on Olvera Street Live music, festive food, carnival rides and games, free health screenings for women and free gifts for Moms. Arrive early this place gets busy.

Crystal Cove Beach One of the few places left in Orange County where you can walk for miles along the coastline and see it in its natural state. Have lunch at the Beachcomber Cafe on the beach at Crystal Cove.

Griffith Observatory Here is a treat for Mom and the kids plus its free. Great views on a clear day, lots of hands on things to do for kids, and there is even a Cafe at the End of the Universe (operated by Wolfgang Puck) for lunch.

Point Dume Nature Preserve one of the best views you will find anywhere along the Southern California coast. On a clear day you can see the Malibu coast and Santa Monica beyond. Take Mom on a Sunday drive to this wonderful place.

J. Paul Getty Museum The beautiful gardens and spectacular architecture will dazzle Mom and make a memorable Mothers Day. There is a full service restaurant with views of the Santa Monica Mountains for Mothers day lunch. Admission is free to Getty Museum. parking is ten dollars.

Free Places To Go On a tight budget then here is a list of free places to go in Southern California. Mom won't mind if its free as long as she gets to spend the day with family she will have a great day!

Things To Do On Mothers Day San Diego

Make Mothers Day a day to remember by taking mom out for day trip. Restaurants will have lines, flowers soon fade and chocolates have too many calories. Mom will be happy with any of these gifts but spending the day with family she will a gift she will never forget. Here are some suggestions on unique places and things to do on Mothers Day in the San Diego area.

Julian Historic Gold Town - Julian is famous apple pies and apple orchards. Located In the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains east of San Diego this 1870s gold rush town is about a two hour drive from San Diego. Getting there is half the fun on this Mothers Day Drive.

Quail Botanical Gardens - Lush gardens located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Encinitas. Features rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rain forest and California native plants. Kids Seeds will enjoy the Seeds of Wonder Children's Garden. The lookout tower has a great view of the coast.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm Mother’s Day Special. Mom’s receive a free gift. One per mom. While supplies last. The lavender fields are nestled in a serene valley described as "at the end of nowhere", provide a picturesque setting for Mothers Day. Birds chirping, babbling brooks and row upon row of lavender and rosemary.

The Flower Fields (Carlsbad) Final day the season the Flower Fields honor Moms on this special day. You won't want to miss this colorful display of flowers in Northern San Diego County.

Hotel del Coronado Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch buffet is available in the oceanfront Ballroom and in the magnificent Crown Room from 9am – 3pm. The elegant buffet will feature a variety of culinary delights, live entertainment and a rose for each mom. A special children’s buffet will be available for the little ones. Cost is $74 for adults and $32 for children ages 6-10 (not including tax and gratuity). Children 5 and under eat free.

Hornblower Cruises San Diego Bay Breathtaking views of the San Diego harbor. Come aboard a Hornblower Cruise and create the perfect gift for mom… excellent cuisine, superb service and a luxury cruise with some of the most beautiful views in the country.

Mother's Day Sleepover San Deigo Zoo Mothers are given a first class ticket to meet Zoo animals from around the world. A buffet dinner with wine will be served, while a musician playing classical guitar entertains you. The following morning, you’ll awaken to a champagne mimosa delivered to you. After a hot breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to take an early morning walk to visit an animal behind the scenes before ending your whirlwind around-the-world tour.

Wine Tasting Mothers Day Many of the local wineries in Temecula and Escondido are having Mother's Day Celebration with brunches, live entertainment and of course wine tasting. Take a drive out to Southern California's wine country and make this Mothers day a special one.

Mother's Day Brunch At the Wild Animal Park Celebrate Mom’s special day with family and friends at the Zoo’s Mother’s Day Brunch. Enjoy the casual elegance of the Treetops Room as you make selections at the omelet bar or choose the pepper-dusted smoked salmon from the generous entree choices. The cost is $34.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 3–11

Mother's Day That's The Spirit Get in the spirit this Mother’s Day, with a 4-course brunch and champagne pairing at Harrahs Rincon San Diego. 1pm Brunch in the Bordeaux Room, featuring LIVE entertainment. $75 per person (tax and gratuity included)Reservations Required

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is loacted 50 miles east of San Diego and 5500 feet above sea level. Popular activities today include camping, hiking, picnicking, snow play, horseback riding, scenic driving, photography, and nature study.

Hiking trails within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area are:
Pacific Crest Trail - 37 miles (foot & horse)
Horse thief Trail - 1.2 miles (foot)
Espinosa Trail - 6.4 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)
Noble Canyon - 10 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)
Desert View Nature Trail - 1.2 miles (foot)
Kwaaymii Cultural Trail - 0.5 miles (foot)
Lightening Ridge Trail - 1.3 miles (foot)
Indian Creek Trail - 9 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)
Big Laguna Trail - 5 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)
Wooded Hill Nature Trail - 1.5 miles (foot)
Sunset Trail - 4 miles (foot)
Pioneer Mail Trail - 3 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)

Located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. Take I-8 to Sunrise Highway Exit. Go approximately 13 miles to Laguna/El Prado Campground, just beyond the 26 mile marker. Stop at entrance for campground information and site location.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

If your looking for a total escape Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is the place for you. This unique California State Park has no roads and is only accessible by boat. "Where the waters come together" is a translation of the native American word Ahjumawi. The waters which come together are Big Lake, Tule River, Ja-She Creek, Lava Creek, and Fall River. Together they form one of the largest systems of fresh water springs in the country. Boaters, canoeists and hikers can explore the waterways, pools and lava flows. The park is also an excellent site for wildlife viewing, photography, picnics and overnight camping.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
P.O. Box 2430
Shasta, California 96087-2430
Phone: 530-225-2065

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is a great place to for a day trip or a weekend off-roading adventure. The Hollister SVRA has over 6,000 acres of oak, grasslands, and chaparral to drive around. The SVRA is divided into two areas: Lower Ranch for motorcycle and ATV use and the Upper Ranch for 4x4s.
REGISTRATION
Current California off-road vehicle registration (green and red stickers) or highway registration are required at all times when operating OHVs on public lands. Funds generated from OHV registration along with a portion of the state gas tax are used for the acquisition, development, and operation of OHV areas throughout California.
CAMPING
Facilities: The Upper Ranch has two family campgrounds, Sycamore and the Obstacle Course Camp. Each campground accommodates about 60 people. The Lower Ranch has five campgrounds. All camp sites have flush toilets. Walnut Camp in the Lower Ranch and Sycamore Camp in the Upper Ranch have showers. Camping at Hollister Hills requires no reservations and all sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you are planning going to the Upper Ranch call ahead to make sure there are no special events going on during that time.

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
7800 Cienega Road
Hollister CA 95023
+1 (408) 637-3874

Upper Little Truckee Campground

The Upper Little Truckee Campground has only 24 campsites. In the summer if your lucky enough to reserve a spot you can look forward to trout fishing, hiking, bicycling and camping alongside of the Little Truckee River. Upper Little Truckee Campground is located on Highway 89 12 miles north of Truckee. Reservations must be made 3 day in advance and a 2 night minimum on weekends and 3 night minimum on holidays. The Upper Little Truckee Campground is open May to October. A to Z list of California State Parks Campgrounds.

Calico Ghost Town Camping

Calico Ghost Town is in the mountains near the Barstow California. Once a thriving silver mining center, Calico is now a tourist stop on the way to Las Vegas just off Interstate 15. The town has quite a few of the original buildings plus it's own little railroad. If your traveling in an RV the Barstow/ Calico KOA Campground is just three miles away and offers a free shuttle up to the ghost town. This KOA features 70-foot pull through with dividing hedges, full hookups, free cable and Wi-Fi, deluxe one- and two-room lodges as well as tent sites. You'll appreciate the easy access to hiking trails and rock hounding at nearby Mule Canyon. Visit the Calico Early Man Archaeological Site, museums and numerous desert attractions. More about Calico Ghost Town.
Getting There:
Barstow / Calico KOA
35250 Outer Highway 15 North
Yermo CA 92398
7 miles north of Barstow on I-15 take Exit 191 (Ghost Town Road), left to service station, then left 0.25 mile. From I-40 take Daggett Exit 4 miles. North under I-15 bridge to Outer Highway 15N, turn left.

There is also a campground in the canyon below Calico which is run by San Bernardino County Regional Parks.

Flower Fields Carlsbad California

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad will be open on March 1st just in time fo the first day of spring. Every year thousands of visitors view this amazing site. Its possible to see the flowers from the San Diego freeway, but to really appreciate the full beauty of the event, park and walk the fields. Over 50 acres of hillside are planted with a field of color. Some of this years activities are:
Carlsbad Mining Company - Find your polished gem stones using the miner’s old method of sifting sand in water!
Sweet Pea Maze - A living maze of fragrant and colorful "old fashion" sweet pea blossoms.
Historic Poinsettia Display - Stroll a 1,500 square foot greenhouse filled with Ecke poinsettias.
American Flag of Flowers - American flag made of red, white and blue flowers planted on a 300 by 170 foot hillside.
Season: Spring (March 1 through May 10, 2009)
Hours: Open to the public seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Prices: $10.00 for Adults, $9.00 for Seniors 60+, $5.00 for Children 3 - 10,
Children 2 and under are free.
Directions
From San Diego: Head north on Interstate 5 to Palomar Airport Road exit. Head east (right turn) on Palomar Airport Road. Go one block to Paseo Del Norte and turn left. Make an immediate right into our parking lot
From Los Angeles and Orange County:
Head south on Interstate 5 to Palomar Airport Road exit. Head east (left turn) on Palomar Airport Road to Paseo Del Norte and turn left. Make an immediate right into our parking lot.
Flower Fields Carlsbad California

Hearst San Simeon State Park Camping

San Simeon State Park is located about 30 miles north of San Luis Obispo. The park is the closest campground to Hearst Castle and offers a fun alternative to staying at an expensive motel. The 541 acre park has about two miles of rocky shore plus two campgrounds. This tranquil getaway has many recreational options including hiking, beach combing and water sports. One of the most popular hikes is a 3.3 mile trail runs through parts of the San Simeon Natural Preserve. The trail includes scenic overlooks, rest-stop benches and interpretive panels with information on wildlife and habitat.
San Simeon Creek Campgrounds offers 115 campsites for tent camping or recreational vehicles. The maximum length for a RV is 35 feet. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. Water spigots are available throughout the campground. Restrooms with flush toilets and coin operated showers, a dump station and water fill-up for RV's, and pay phones are also available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host.
This primitive campground is approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains as well as the Pacific Ocean. Washburn campground can be accessed from the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station. Facilities here include a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite, water spigots, chemical flush toilets and use of the dump station and water fill-up.
Camping reservations can be made up to seven months in advance through Reserve America.

Valentines Day Weekend Getaway

There is still time to book an weekend Valentine Days surprise for your sweet heart. Hotels in San Diego are offering some really great packages. Some rooms are going for as low as $50.00 a night. With rain forecast for Valentines day what better time to snuggle up on an romantic adventure in San Diego. Here are some examples of the deals available for a San Diego getaway.

Tender Heart Package The Sheraton offers a Tender Heart Package with perks for parents and kids alike. Stay in two newly renovated connecting guest rooms, enjoy welcome snacks and in-room movies for the kids, and while you and your special someone taste the Heart Healthy menu at Harbor's Edge, your kids (12 and under) will eat for free. A Romance Package is also available with sunset sparkling wine service and much more.

Premium Valentine Package Visit San Diego for a romantic retreat at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa. Boasting ocean and bay views, waterfront accommodations, the award winning Atoll restaurant and a beautiful new spa with fitness center, this is the perfect escape for making memories and renewing your zest for life.


The Dana on Mission Bay With a picture-perfect waterfront setting on Mission Bay less than a mile from the beach, The Dana offers everything you want!
Shuttle service is available for arriving and departing guests only to the Airport and Amtrak. Rates from $125.00 a night.

Pacific Terrace Hotel Overlooking the white sandy beaches of San Diego, the Four-Diamond Pacific Terrace Hotel stands between the sun and the surf and strikes the perfect balance between comfort and luxury; serenity and inspiration. From $147.00 a night.

Lovers' Package Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa Your getaway package includes a deluxe guest room, three course dinner for two at Atoll restaurant and your choice of a glass of wine or champagne to accompany your meal.

So what are you waiting Valentines Day is almost here time is running out. Check ou the complete list of San Diego weekend packages.

Napa Valley State Park

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has the the only campgrounds in Napa Valley. So if your planning on spending some time in Napa Valley and on a tight budget this is the place. There's hiking trails through stands of maple and oak, picnic grounds, a swimming pool which is open in the summer and historical places of interest. There are only 37 campsites at Napa Valley State Park so during the summer reservations are a must. The park is located 5 miles north of St. Helena and 4 miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128.
Located by the entrance to the park is the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center and entrance station are open intermittently when staffing is available. Brochures (hiking maps) are also available by mail.
Next to the park's visitor center is the Native American Garden which displays some of the plants important to the first people of this area. Interpretive programs are offered throughout the year. Special programs can sometimes be arranged for groups by calling the park in advance. Campground Reservations

Bothe-Napa Valley SP
3801 ST. HELENA HWY.
Calistoga CA 94515