Between San Diego And Palm Springs Lies A Historic City With Hiking Trails And Family Fun

Southern California visitors have a wide variety of vacation possibilities, from big cities like Los Angeles to desert getaways like Palm Springs and small, charming historic communities, so you may feel spoiled for choice. However, if the latter sounds like it's right up your alley, there is one such place around 23 miles northeast of San Diego and roughly 110 miles southwest of Palm Springs. Poway, California, offers a mix of historic activities and outdoor adventures for the entire family. You can enjoy things like boating on Lake Poway, hiking up to a fascinatingly shaped mountain rock, and exploring a historic park, including riding a restored steam train. 

Opportunities to learn about California history abound in this town. Kumeyaay-Ipai communities lived in the Pauwai Valley long before Spanish colonization. You can learn more about the area's Kumeyaay-Ipai history at the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center. The center is open on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for tours. You can also spend the day in Old Poway Park, which evokes life around the turn of the 20th century, with shopping, dining, and tours. Poway is also located close to some of the major family tourist hotspots in San Diego County, including the famous San Diego Zoo and Legoland, so it can serve as a home base for further exploration as well.

If you love outdoor activities, Poway has hiking trails ranging from lake loops to mountain peaks. On the easy side is the Lake Poway Loop Trail, a 2.8-mile route with a 456-foot elevation gain. This kid- and dog-friendly trail, as you might expect, takes you around Lake Poway, with lovely views. Dogs must remain leashed. You can also try the moderate Iron Mountain Trail, which is a 5.7-mile trek with a 1,125-foot elevation gain. According to AllTrails, you might be able to see the beautiful California island of Catalina from the summit if the weather is clear. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as parts of the trail can be rocky.

If you're looking for a real challenge, try the charmingly named Potato Chip Rock and Mt. Woodson Summit Trail. This 7.2-mile out-and-back trail climbs more than 2,000 feet and has views stretching to the Pacific Ocean. Near the summit, you'll see the unusual rock outcropping that looks like a potato chip. These routes are largely exposed,  so bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks.

For more outdoor activities, you can head over to the Lake Poway Recreation Area. There you'll find an archery range, available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation, or you can do some fishing with a permit. There is seasonal tent camping as well. If you want to take a boat out, you can rent one right at the lake. While you're there, grab some food and drinks at The Lookout Restaurant and Tackle Shop, which also has supplies for camping and fishing, duck food, snacks, rental fishing poles, and permits. Note that non-residents must pay a $10 parking fee on weekends and holidays, though Poway residents and active military personnel with ID park for free.

One of Poway's big family-friendly draws is Old Poway Park, an area that recreates life in the town around the early 20th century, with lots of green space and picnic tables for a day out, historic buildings, and locally owned shops and eateries. On select weekends, you can ride the Poway Midland Railroad, whose collection includes a restored 1907 Baldwin steam locomotive. It leaves from a time-period-accurate depot and circles the area.

The Nelson House is also in the park. This structure, once owned by the town's Nelson family, who were successful Poway ranchers and some of the oldest settlers in San Diego County, was moved to its current location and restored. You can tour it on Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is also a Saturday morning farmers market and a Heritage Museum, which is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. You can eat at Hamburger Factory in the park, which serves burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, and classic comfort food, while nearby Smokin J's BBQ specializes in smoked meat like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. For a more grown-up stop, the award-winning Uvas Winery is in the heart of the park and offers wine tastings.

If you're looking for more family-friendly activities nearby, Poway is around 23 miles from the San Diego Zoo, one of California's top tourist hot spots, and about 32 miles from Legoland California Resort. You can also drive around 23 miles to the charming beach city of Encinitas if the kids want to splash in the ocean. The closest airport to Poway is San Diego International Airport (SAN), while the smaller McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is 25 miles away. Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) is about 40 miles away, but travelers should allow time for the international border crossing.