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No one would accuse San Diego of being anything but relaxed, laid-back, and cheerful.
But north of the city, in the beachfront communities lining the highway up to Orange County, the pace of life slows down even more. In towns like Carlsbad, Del Mar, Escondido, Encinitas, Oceanside, and Solana Beach, you'll find picturesque beaches, serene nature reserves, and outdoor options galore. One must-do for visitors at any time of year: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a 1,750-acre expanse of trails boasting some of the wildest and most unspoiled beaches in Southern California.
The cultural scene thrives here, too, with quaint artists' enclaves, food and wine festivals, and luxurious spas that cater to well-heeled travelers. Here, even a simple drive up Highway 101 deserves some fanfare. It's a quintessential SoCal experience, with stunning coastline views and charming seaside towns around every bend.
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A stark contrast to its well-known caverns, Carlsbad's most spectacular above-ground natural attraction is the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, which span 50 breathtaking acres of giant ranunculus flowers. In addition, gardening and nature enthusiasts can enjoy a miniature rose garden, a fragrant sweet pea maze, and a garden with more than 180 All-American Rose Selection winners, plus a spectacular display of red, white, and blue flowers planted in the shape of a huge American flag.
For visitors who relish a dash of adrenaline during their vacation, there's no better way to see the North County coast than from above. Board a 1929 open-cockpit biplane at San Diego's Montgomery Field Airport with Barnstorming Adventures and soar over picturesque locales, such as Del Mar or Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The company offers visitors the chance to participate in aerial acrobatics, complete with helmet and goggles, in a beautifully restored biplane, which is flown by a pilot in the rear seat. It's truly an experience of a lifetime, especially for aviation enthusiasts.
September is National Yoga Month! Spiritual seekers from all over come to the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple and Ashram Center, right off Highway 101 in Encinitas. With more than 500 locations worldwide, these ashrams were founded in 1920 by spiritual leader Paramahansa Yogananda, whose 1946 book Autobiography of a Yogi was one of the first texts to introduce yoga to a Western audience. Inside the stately white walls and golden lotus domes, a meditation garden with splendid beach views is open to the public for reflection and prayer.
Carlsbad's 128-acre Legoland California is swarmed with visitors in the summer. Time your visit during the winter and you'll be treated to not only fewer crowds, but a 30-foot Lego Christmas tree that's lit up nightly, along with fireworks and a visit from Santa.