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Wineries in Ramona: Must-Visit Spots

For award-winning wines, famous vineyards, and charming tasting rooms with stunning valley views, visit these top wineries in Ramona! 

Ramona is home to some of the best wineries and vineyards in the state. With its rolling hills and picturesque views, it’s no surprise that Ramona has become a popular destination for wine tasting.

Ramona vineyards offer various wines, from handcrafted artisanal blends to traditional varietals. This is one of the reasons why wine tasting in Ramona is so popular. Keep reading for a tour of the best wineries in Ramona.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

Lay of the Land

Before we dig into the fantastic wineries located in Ramona, let me give you some useful intel.

There are 60 vineyards and 30 wineries in Ramona.  Because of this, there are a lot of options when it comes to wine tasting.

The wineries open to the public are located in three different areas.  Within those areas, there are sub-areas or clusters.  Planning a visit to the area does not get overwhelming when you see things in this way.  You can stick to an area one day, and then visit another one the next day.

Below, I will group the wineries by area (to make planning easier for you).  Please note that some wineries may be considered part of more than one area (there may be some overlap).

Important: Most wineries on Ramona are open Friday to Sunday.

Wineries in Ramona – East End

Here is a list of wineries located east of Downtown.

Turtle Rock Ridge

Sub-area: Central Ramona

Turtle Rock Ridge Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned winery that offers a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. 

Visit this winery to savor some of the best wines in San Diego County from the outdoor patio that offers gorgeous views of the rolling hills or in the cozy indoor seating area. And, of course, a set of stairs (a very short walk) takes you to an area where you can see the rock giving the property its name.  This is one of the many places to snap great photos.

Turtle Ridge specializes in premium, handcrafted wines including Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre.

The tasting area is spacious but keep in mind this is a popular winery.  It can get crowded in the late afternoon.

La Finquita Winery and Vineyard

Sub-area: Central Ramona

Aptly named La Finquita, which means “the little farm,” this 8-acre property is home to a unique natural wellspring. 

The winery was established in 2009 by the Hensel family, who had a vision to produce high-quality wines using sustainable and organic farming practices.

Add La Finquita Winery and Vineyard to your itinerary if you want to sample delicious varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Viognier. 

The Cabernet Franc stands out since it has been described as elegant and complex, with notes of blackberry and vanilla.  Make sure to stop by if you enjoy this type of full bodied wine.

Pamo Valley Winery

Sub-area: Central Ramona

Pamo Valley Winery is a small family-operated winery that produces various handmade, premium wines. 

Located in the heart of Old Town Ramona, the winery has a beautiful tasting room and gift shop with a wide selection of red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot). The winery has its own vineyards and sources grapes from local providers.  This allows for a more varied wine brand.

Feel free to bring your dog when you stop by to sample their award-winning wines. 

Chuparosa Vineyards

Sub-area: Central Ramona

Chuparosa Vineyards is an estate-grown winery specializing in 100% estate-grown, produced, and bottled wines. 

You can sample their award-winning wines in a tasting room overlooking a stunning vineyard. You can go for the reds, which include Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. If you are more into white wines, do not miss their Albarino. Having Albarino is a treat since it is not a varietal commonly cultivated in California (its most notable region is Galicia, Spain).

The winery also produces olive oil from olives grown on their estate.  However, it sells like hot bread.  You need to keep an eye at harvest times.

Milagro Winery

Sub-area: Old Julian Highway

Milagro Winery was established in 2010 by the Hart family, who had a passion for winemaking and a vision to create a unique and memorable experience for visitors.

The winery’s property spans over 100 acres, with 30 acres dedicated to vineyards planted with a variety of grape varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese. The winery also produces a popular Chardonnay and a crisp and refreshing Rosé.

Milagro Winery is also home to the Barrel Room, an underground space that features large oak barrels used for aging the winery’s wines.

The winery’s tasting room is situated in a beautifully restored barn, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The tasting room also features a large outdoor patio, where visitors can take in the stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and hills.

Vineyard Grant James

Sub-area: Old Julian Highway

Vineyard Grant James is a family-run winery located in the hills of Ramona. Don’t miss this winery if you’re into sipping wines while enjoying sweeping vineyard views from a tasting veranda. This is one of my favorite places in the area!

They have a long list of wines to try including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Syrah, and plenty of interesting blends (for example, orange muscat and chardonnay). 

Charcuterie boards and cheese plates can be purchased on the property but bringing your own food and snacks is encouraged.

When I visited, they had live music. Dogs are welcome (and served a treat most of the time).

Crystal Hill Vineyard

Sub-area: Old Julian Highway

Crystal Hill Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard and winery that produces award-winning wines from locally grown grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo. 

The vineyard offers an idyllic setting for weddings and other special events with its large outdoor shaded areas and resort-style seating. You can enjoy the stunning views of the vineyards while sipping some of the best wines in San Diego County.

They have live music during the weekends.

Hatfield Creek Winery

Sub-area: Highway 78

Hatfield Creek Winery is a boutique winery and vineyard known for award-winning bold, big, dry, and dark red wines. Its vineyards produce premium Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Malbec.

The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday. The Ramona Family Market delivers charcuterie boards to the winery if you order 24 hours in advance.  In addition, you can order lunch and dinner in advance (24 hours) so it is ready when you arrive.

Dogs are welcome to join their owners for tastings!

Wineries in Ramona – West End

Here is a list of wineries located west of Downtown.

Woof’n Rose Winery

Woof’n Rose Winery is a small family-owned and -operated boutique winery that overlooks the beautiful Ramona Valley (the views are awesome for real). It’s also home to several dogs and a beautiful rose garden hence the name. 

The winery produces an excellent variety of award-winning wines from Ramona Valley grapes, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Noir, and more.

This winery’s location is a bit out of the beaten path.  When we visited, we were the only ones on site.  That allowed us to have the owner all to ourselves (to discuss all things wine and other fun topics).

Principe di Tricase

If you want a natural wine experience, visit Principe di Tricase Winery for vegan and gluten-free wines.

This family-driven working farm makes Italian wines traditionally (no added sulfites, no wine filtering), using grapes from Aglianico, Nebbiolo, Malvasia, Toroldego, Sagrantino, Dolcetto, Aleatico, and more varieties. Judging by the list of grapes, you can understand this winery is the real deal.

You can also please your palate with Passito sweet dessert wines and all-natural balsamic vinegar.  Red and white sangrias are made most weekends.

Come hungry since their cart serves pinsa, Neapolitan pizza, sandwiches, tiramisu, cannoli, and seasonal dishes.

Schwaesdall Winery

Schwaesdall Winery produces premium handcrafted classic European reds and traditional California whites. 

Sip wines in the first commercially permitted straw bale constructed structure in San Diego County. Depending on your spot, you can also take in the rolling vineyards and the breathtaking Iron Mountain.

I can say this is one of the places where you are going to have the most fun in Ramona.  We visited on a Sunday and the place was packed with locals.  We were able to listen to live music while eating pizza and sipping wine.

Rashelica Winery

Rashelica Winery & Art Garden is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Raul and Sharon Tamez, who have transformed their property into a stunning oasis of art and wine. 

The property includes an art gallery, featuring works by local artists, and a sculpture garden filled with whimsical and thought-provoking pieces.  The vineyards at Rashelica are planted with a variety of grape varietals, including Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

One of the standout features of Rashelica is its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all visitors. The winery hosts regular events, including art shows and live music performances, which are open to the public. The Tamez family and their team go out of their way to make visitors feel at home, providing a personalized and memorable wine-tasting experience.

Enjoy a glass of their delicious wines paired with pizza as you take in intriguing statues and their backdrop of stunning panoramic views.

Mahogany Mountain

Southwest Ramona

Mahogany Mountain Vineyard and Winery is a small, family-owned boutique winery specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, and Merlot. It sources local organically grown grapes to produce award-winning estate wines available online for pickup at the winery or shipping within California.

I was happy to find this winery since it is located outside the well-trodden path in the area.  You can sip wine in an open, quiet space with great views.  The service is great as well.

Wineries in Ramona – Highland Valley

I have provided a good number of wine tasting recommendations for the Ramona area.  I think this is good enough to get you started.

I want to mention there is another area, the Highland Valley, that is usually considered part of Ramona. This area is located west of Ramona, more towards Escondido.  This is the area that people usually think of when they think “wine in San Diego.”  I am only highlighting one winery in this area since I consider it beyond the scope of this article (but wanted to make sure you are aware there are more tasting options here).

Highland Valley Vineyards

Highland Valley Vineyards is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Bob and Linda McWilliams, who have been producing exceptional wines for over a decade.

At the tasting room, they serve Sauvignon Blanc, Mourvedre, Petite Verdot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and a curious blend of Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon known as Super Piedmont.

They encourage visitors to bring lunch or snacks.  You want to stay a while to soak in the views.  Remember that since this winery is in a different area, you get to enjoy views of the San Pasqual Valley (not the Ramona Valley).

A Fun Add On

If you are looking to add something different to your wine tasting adventures, I recommend a visit to Blue Honey.

The winery offers unique country wines (non-grape wines) and meads (made from fermented honey), perfect for those who want to go beyond traditional wines.

With respect to country wines, their star is a concoction made with blueberries.  There are other options flavored with peaches, strawberries, and lemons.  Their mead variety is impressive as well.

Overall, this is a not to miss place!

Ramona Tasting Rooms Cost

Wine tasting in the recommended Ramona wineries will cost you $10 – $15 per tasting.  Each tasting includes 5 or 6 1oz samples.  Expect to pay more for premium wines, packages (wine tasting & tour), and experiences. Now, let me tell you wine tasting in Ramona is considerably cheaper when compared to other areas of California.  And, the quality is great.  So, go ahead and indulge!

If you are looking to save money (even though the prices are already good), take into consideration the following:

  • Look at the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association website for discounts and upcoming events
  • Search for deals and coupons on websites such as Groupon or Travelzoo
  • Go to the wineries’ websites to see if they are offering deals
  • Join the wineries newsletters.  A lot of times, they send discounts through e-mail
  • You can also save by sharing a tasting.  Do not feel obligated to get a tasting for each member of your party
  • Ask staff what are their favorite places to taste.  First of all, you can rely on their suggestions since they know the area well.  Second, they may give you a 2-for-1 tasting flyer for one of their nearby partners.  I have lost count of the times I have been given discounts just for talking and showing interest for the wine industry

Wine Tasting Considerations

You will need a car to taste wine in the Ramona Valley.

Unless you join a tour or hire a driver, have a designated driver, or use a ride-sharing service. This is serious business.  Please, do not drive under the influence.

If you are not familiar with wine, take things slow and easy.  In my opinion, two tastings would be more than enough.  Do not sub-estimate the strength of the wine.

It is perfectly fine to spit wine while tasting.  Use the designed containers for this purpose.  This will allow you to visit more tasting rooms.

Keep yourself hydrated and eat your meals at the proper times.  It is not advisable to start tasting on an empty stomach.

Location

Ramona is a charming town located in the foothills of San Diego County, California. The town is situated approximately 35 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, and is easily accessible by car.

The main access to Ramona is via State Route 67, which connects the town to the nearby cities of San Diego and Poway. The road is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Additionally, visitors to Ramona can access the town via State Route 78, which connects the town to the nearby communities of Escondido and Julian. This scenic route passes through the Cleveland National Forest and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

Sightseeing Gear

Get ready for a day of sightseeing by bringing the right gear.  Here is a list of the items I pack when exploring Ramona vineyards and tasting rooms.

Since we are in wine country, make sure to pack insulated wine tumblers, a corkscrew, a picnic set, and/or wine tote.

Hope you have enjoyed this guide loaded with wineries in Ramona!

More of Southern California

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

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200+ Places to Visit in Santa Barbara

Ventura County Bucket List

Let me know, what are your favorite wineries in Ramona?

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Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado, Camping in San Diego County, CaliforniaCamping in San Diego: Explore the Best Spots! Fall Leave, How to spend fall in San DiegoHow to Spend Fall in San Diego: Things to do and Eat

Comments

  1. Katrina Craft says

    I live in Ramona and LOVE it! I have frequented many of these amazing wineries. I do find it odd your second picture is of one you never even mention. The big red barn is at Old Julian Vineyards and Winery (*next door to Grant James). Too bad it didn’t make your article other than a picture. Their wine is excellent and they even have hand-crafted brandy. For anyone reading this, trust me you want to include them on your wine-tasting tour.

    Reply

    • Ruth says

      I prepared an article outline and for some forgot to include Old Julian Vineyards. I realized this when I was working the photos but left it out since I was pressed for time. I will add it later today. I agree it is a great place!

      Reply

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