Travel

Borrego Springs may conjure up visions of sun-baked desolation, but a longer look reveals this small, unincorporated East San Diego community as a local treasure with a storied charm as colorful as a blaze of wildflowers after a storm.

The Borrego Springs lifestyle sways with the desert breeze at a slower pace. You won’t find a single stoplight or chain store. You will, as the Chamber of Commerce accurately declares, find “solitude, sunshine, stars and so much more.”

Exploring the Backcountry
We met with Joe Raffetto, owner of California Overland Desert Excursions. At 600,000 acres, Anza Borrego State Park is the largest desert state park in the United States. Only a small fraction of the park is accessible to family cars. California Overland unlocks some of the most beautiful sights in the farther reaches of the desert backcountry.

Raffetto is a wealth of geohistorical knowledge, sharing fascinating details about each point of interest with spry humor. He managed to keep our sons’ attention (not always an easy thing) for three hours. As we moved deeper into the desert, we relished rare, quenching bursts of flowering color in a wash of browns, reds, greens and golds.

We rumbled past a few “closed area” signs—California Overland is authorized to be in these areas, and treats them with utmost respect. We arrived at Clark Dry Lake, which, according to Raffetto, was a shimmering, deep freshwater lake until about 8,000 years ago. WWII naval aviators trained here, and the rake stations, fortified positions for flight instructors and observers, remain standing. A wartime collision between two training aircraft left an impact crater, surrounded by small debris. The larger chunks were hauled out by the Navy, but we saw black, decaying rubberized fuel bladders, bits of wiring, scraps of fuselage and a few .50-caliber bullets and shells. As historic relics, visitors are not to remove these items, but Raffetto handed the pieces around for us to examine—a satisfying, tangible time capsule experience.

At Font’s Point, the stunning Badlands formations are spliced with red earth from the Grand Canyon. The San Jacinto fault, the most active branch of the San Andreas, buckles through the Anza Borrego, with up to 230 quakes a day. Though most are imperceptible to visitors, the shifting landscape panorama tells its shaking tale.

Stellar Stargazing
Anza Borrego is one of only four designated Dark Sky Communities in the world and one of the Top 10 stargazing sites in the United States, according to USA Today. We were privileged to join noted astronomer, astrophotographer and author Dennis Mammana for a night of stargazing. Mammana has held planetarium positions at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air & Space Museum and San Diego’s Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

The full moon was magnificent but it was not ideal for stargazing. However, even with the bright gaze of the moon, Mammana guided us to a number of celestial sights with a telescope the size of a lanky child.

The visual treats included Albireo, a lovely bi-color double star at the beak end of Cygnus the swan, the brilliant stars in the Summer Triangle, Cassiopeia, Pleiades and the dazzling Double Cluster.

Then, with considerable effort given the bright moon, Mammana located the Andromeda galaxy and we were awed by ancient starlight traveling to us from beyond our home galaxy. We brought binoculars, lawn chairs and blankets, and were glad we did as winter temps drop quickly after sundown.

Mammana’s patience and enthusiasm left us hankering to learn more about the cosmos. We’d love to return to Borrego Springs during a new moon to take full advantage of the blazing night sky.

Glorious Galleta Meadows

From La Casa del Zorro we made our way to Galleta Meadows, to enjoy Ricardo Breceda’s fantastical steel sculptures of animals both historical and mystical. Breceda’s welded metal “sky art” menagerie must be seen to be believed. These muscular, passionate works create a jaw-dropping dreamscape. We journeyed along, stopping to marvel at a number of the creatures jutting high above the desert brush and cacti. We saw the 350-foot serpent, several of the horses, and original inhabitants of the desert, such as the Gompothere, Camelops, Merriam’s Tapir, and Columbian Mammoth. Fossils from these prehistoric beasts have been found close to Borrego Springs.

The late philanthropist Dennis Avery (1940-2012) commissioned Breceda’s works, a true gift for the generations. We were unable to see all 129 creatures and hope to make a return pilgrimage one day. As we drove away, we pondered how fluently these static metal forms convey movement and even emotion.

Our memories were filled with wonderful stories of the desert, the stars and time spent together as a family.

Borrego Springs — IF YOU GO

Anza Borrego Desert State Park
www.abdsp.org
Visit the site for must-read safety tips and info on the Visitors Center, camping and family-friendly trails.

Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association Desert Store and Nature Center
652 Palm Canyon Dr.
www.abdnha.org
“Just for Kids” section, desert exploration activities.

La Casa del Zorro
3845 Yaqui Pass Rd.
Reservations: 760-767-0100
www.lacasadelzorro.com
Though La Casa del Zorro allows pets for an extra fee, pets are not allowed on desert hiking trails, due to dangers of wildlife, dehydration and scalded paws.
Dining:
The Butterfield Room: A romantic, candlelit restaurant. Dinner entrees priced at $30+; ample breakfasts are offered for $10-$15.
The Fox Den: More casual dining but still elegant with fire in the hearth. Dinners range $12-$15. Try the house-made “Fox chips.”

California Overland Desert Excursions
www.californiaoverland.com
Layer up! Extremes in desert temperatures are to be expected, including depleting heat and cool winds. Lunch and dinner options available.

San Diego Tourism Authority
www.sandiego.org/eastcounty

Dennis Mammana: Stargaze Borrego

www.stargazeborrego.com
dennismammana.com

Borrego Art Institute
www.borregoartinstitute.org

Bike Borrego
www.bikeborrego.com

---------------------
Ondine Brooks Kuraoka is a writer who lives with her family in San Carlos.

Per a recent AAA survey, more than a third of Americans plan to take a family trip this year. As the holidays approach, family travel takes on added significance, with parents taking kids across state lines and national borders to visit family and friends. According to AAA, nearly 70 percent of family trips are road trips—likely as a result of lower fuel costs in recent months—but whether families reach their destinations by plane, train, or auto, traveling with children can present a host of unique challenges. Here’s an age-by-age guide of how to keep family travel a happy experience for all.

Look Ahead (ages 0–5)
Toddlers and preschoolers may seem too young to involve in trip preparations, but leaving tots out of travel planning can be an oversight, says travel agent R. D. Gavel. Children as young as 2 can share in the joy of anticipating a family trip. “Anticipation is a wonderful way to extend the pleasure of your vacation,” she says. “Watch a DVD or video clip about your destination and talk about what you might do and see there.” For children 3 and up, make a calendar and mark off the days until you leave.

Ask your child for ideas about activities to help occupy travel time; preschoolers can pick out picture books, coloring supplies, small activities and snacks, and help pack a small travel bag for the plane or car. Anticipating a family trip helps build excitement while teaching the importance of waiting for something desirable—a skill that pays off down the (literal and figurative) road.

Schedule Savvy (ages 6–12)
School-age children can be fantastic travel companions: No longer in need of car seats, strollers or special accommodations in restaurants, tweens are old enough to travel more easily than their younger counterparts, yet still young enough to appreciate the wonder and discovery of a trip.

But don’t give in to the temptation of over-scheduling a family trip with school-age kids, says Gavel.
“It's no fun traveling with cranky, bored children, or irritable, exhausted parents,” she notes. When planning your trip, leave plenty of time for rest and running around, and make “educational” segments of the trip stimulating and brief.

Once you arrive at your destination, having one to two activities planned for each day helps head off “What are we going to do today?” questions, says travel agent Jane Borman. For multi-generational family trips, a flexible, multi-faceted agenda can work for the whole brood. Scheduling a group activity every other day and allowing some daily downtime for rest or exploration helps ensure a happy trip for all.  

Tech Talk (ages 13­–18)
There’s no way around it: Your wired teen will likely be attached to a device for much of the trip, checking in with social media and staying connected to friends back home. Instead of fighting a teen’s tendency to plug in, take advantage of their tech savvy by appointing your teen the family’s digital historian. Put him in charge of documenting the trip by snapping photos and taking videos; a teen with a flair for digital media can prepare a simple iMovie to commemorate your trip, share a slideshow on Facebook, or upload a video collage to YouTube to share with extended family online.

But you want your teen to make some memories, not just capture them, says Gavel. Reflection, or looking back at the trip, is one of the most valuable aspects of travel, she says; “The actual trip is the briefest part of the whole experience!” So don’t be afraid to designate unplugged time each day to ensure that your teen engages with family members, and not just a screen. Striking a balance between personal time and family time helps foster travel memories to last a lifetime, both on-screen and off.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

Published December 2016

Thrill-seeking families have so many awesome amusement parks and exhilarating rides to choose from! From corporate amusement parks to smaller family-owned venues, here are some top picks in North America. Start planning your family vacations!

Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio
Touted as the best amusement park in the world, Cedar Point is filled with thrilling coasters, family attractions and great views of Lake Erie. It has 16 world-class roller coasters, and a new one for 2018. Some notable coasters are Millennium Force, a 310-foot giga coaster; Maverick, a multi-launch coaster loaded with intense turns; and Top Thrill Dragster, a short-but-sweet ride that is the second tallest in the world at 420 feet. Steel Vengeance (built by fan-favorite manufacturer, Rocky Mountain Construction) debuts this year. It offers airtime galore, guaranteeing Cedar Point will remain one of the most visited amusement parks in North America.

Kings Island
Mason, Ohio
Just 3½ hours from Cedar Point, this well-rounded park has a great variety of coasters. The Golden Ticket Awards (Amusement Today’s annual theme park awards show) has given Kings Island the honor of “Best Kid’s Area” ever since they started in 2001. They also won “Best New Ride” in 2017 for Mystic Timbers, one of the best wooden coasters in America. Other notable coasters are The Beast, the world’s longest wooden coaster; Diamondback, an airtime-filled hyper-coaster; and Banshee, the world’s longest inverted coaster. With all the critical acclaim, this park is a must-visit destination.

Canada’s Wonderland
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
The only Canadian park on this list, Canada’s Wonderland wins guests over with its fun atmosphere and unique attractions. It features some of the most notable non-coaster thrill rides, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These include Sledgehammer, an overall disorientating experience full of spinning and sudden drops; Soaring Timbers, another bizarre and crazy experience with riders going every direction; and Skyhawk, where riders control the experience. When it comes to coasters, Canada’s Wonderland’s major attractions are Leviathan, a super tall and fast giga-coaster; and Behemoth, an out-of-your-seat hyper-coaster loaded with unique and graceful turns.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Santa Claus, Indiana
This holiday-themed park, known for its charming vibe and awesome wooden roller coasters, has areas for Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. The Voyage is a world-class wooden roller coaster with loads of airtime and intensity. Thunderbird is an out-of-the-ordinary, steel coaster where riders sit on both sides of the track, instead of on top. The employees at Holiday World have a stellar reputation, which adds to the calming and fun vibe of the park. Make time for Holiday World’s Splashing Safari, considered the best water park in the U.S. with two water coasters and tons of other fun slides. This is an absolute must for thrill-seekers and holiday enthusiasts.

Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson, New Jersey
Known by many as the best in the Six Flags chain, Great Adventure offers some of the biggest thrills in the country. This massive park is home to Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world; El Toro, perhaps the best wooden roller coaster ever made; and Nitro, a super speedy and tall hyper-coaster. The park is half amusement park, half zoo, featuring tons of animals, from gorillas to lions. The park also has a massive Bugs Bunny-themed section for the little ones to enjoy. This park is great for families with kids of all ages, from younger children to teens.

--------

Connor Gilbert is a freshman at Mission Bay High school and avid coaster enthusiast.

--------

Ah, fall. A wonderful season with beautiful autumn colors and falling leaves. But in San Diego, these seasonal favorites can be few and far between, so many locals head to the small town of Julian, just 60 miles northeast of San Diego.

Julian, San Diego County
www.julianca.com

One hour east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian’s small-town charm is big on history. Julian got its start back in the 1870s when gold was discovered in the area, and you can still pan for gold and head home with a nugget in your pocket. Today, Julian is also well known for its apple orchards, quaint shops and picturesque setting. Celebrate the fall season in Julian with these seasonal spots:

Julian Cider Mill
2103 Main St.
www.juliancidermillinc.com
Stop in for a caramel apple or bag of candy for munching while you stroll around town. Don’t miss a free sample of cider made fresh from local apples.

Julian Mining Company
4444 State Hwy 78
951-313-0166
www.julianminingcompany.com
Harvest Hoedowns will be hosted in October featuring: dinner, a Sleepy Hollow event, pumpkin carving and seed spitting contests and more. Offers U-pick pumpkin patch, U-pick raspberries, U-press cider, candle dipping, gold panning and gem sluicing.

Mom’s Pies
2119 Main St.
www.momspiesjulian.com
Stand outside and let your kids watch pies being assembled through the large storefront window—they are sure to get a smile and a wave from the friendly bakers. Come inside for a slice or take home a whole pie.

Julian Pie Company
2225 Main St.
www.julianpiecompany.com
Enjoy a slice of warm, homemade pie or purchase whole pies for the family.


Where to Stay
From bedding down in a historic bed and breakfast to squirreling up in a forested campsite, Julian offers a variety of lodging choices.

Julian Gold Rush Hotel Bed and Breakfast
2032 Main St.
www.julianhotel.com
Settle in for a long winter’s nap in the heart of Julian. This hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Find other bed and breakfasts online at www.julianbnbguild.com.

William Heise County Park
4945 Heise Park Rd.
www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/Camping/heise.html
See real fall foliage or the first winter’s snow, at this 900-acre park. Bring your tent or RV—or get comfortable in a rustic wilderness cabin—and camp within mountain meadows and oak, pine and cedar forests.

Looking for more Fall activities? Find Fall in San Diego >>, or Find Fall in Oak Glen, San Bernardino >> or Explore Julian to find more activities.

-----------------
Fall is Ronni Rowland’s favorite season and she always looks forward to simmering apples, cinnamon and vanilla on the stovetop each year.

Updated: September 2014

Here are family-friendly things to do in the beach town of Ventura, just a few hours up the coast from San Diego. Find more at http://visitventuraca.com.

WHAT TO DO

There is always something fun going on at Ventura Harbor Village (VHV). Nestled between the harbor and an awesome stretch of somewhat secluded beach, VHV has a collection of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants and an arcade and indoor carousel for kids. Parking is complimentary. Check www.VenturaHarborVillage.com for the latest information and current events at the Village.

During our visit, my teen daughters and I rented kayaks from Ventura Boat Rentals (located right at the harbor, down the ramp from Coastal Cone). Exploring sea caves by kayak is not really our thing, so cruising through the waters of the peaceful marina was right up our alley. Well, except for when a huge yacht snuck up behind us and got our hearts racing briefly! We simply paddled to the side and let the yacht go by. A sea lion even swam alongside us for a while (just 10 feet away)—that was a real treat! Visit www.VenturaBoatRentals.com for rates on single or double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats. 

Be sure to take the kids to the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center at 1901 Spinnaker Dr. (at the end of the VHV parking lot) to learn about local marine life and experience their ocean exhibit (new this year). We were very impressed by the clever transformation of a stairwell leading to the lookout tower, featuring beautifully painted murals and interactive displays. Kids can earn a free badge and patch (while supplies last) through the Junior Ranger Discovery Program when activities are completed in a booklet provided by a volunteer or park ranger on site. Exhibits and Junior Ranger materials are in English and Spanish. www.nps.gov/chis/

Having lunch at the Harbor? Be sure to stop at Boatyard Café for a sandwich, salad or delicious bowl of clam chowder. Kids menu available. www.theboatyardcafe.com

True confession: We went to Coastal Cone twice in less than 24 hours. Why, you ask? Dole Pineapple Whip, 40 flavors of Thrifty ice cream, homemade waffle cones, brownie sundaes and chocolate-covered bananas. Enough said. www.coastalcone.com

Rent beach cruisers or a surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals at the Marriott or Crowne Plaza and take a ride on the Ventura Beach Promenade (bike/walking path). Bike north a couple miles to Ventura River Estuary where you can spy birds and other wildlife.

Marina Park at 2950 Pierpont Blvd. is an absolute gem for families. It boasts a large grassy area, sand, two playgrounds (one with a pirate ship and zipline!), views of the bay and marina, a paved walkway, even beach access.

Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers will want to spend a day exploring the Channel Islands. Whether you prefer to hike, camp, explore tidepools, take a kayak tour, embark on a wildlife cruise or go whale watching, there’s something for everyone. Find information at www.islandpackers.com and read more about visiting the Channel Islands at www.SanDiegoFamily.com/travel/family-travel/1521.

WHAT TO DO—Downtown Ventura

Tip! The free Downtown Harbor Trolley runs Wed.–Sun. (varies on holiday weeks) between downtown and Ventura Harbor. It will pick up at several area hotels if requested in advance by the concierge. www.downtownventura.org/downtown-harbor-trolley

Shopping downtown was a trip highlight for my 13-year-old, Naomi. She loved the eclectic mix of unique boutique shops and thrift stores and could have spent several hours walking up and down East Main Street.

At first, my teens were less than enthusiastic about going to a museum. But I was intrigued by “The Changing Face of Abraham Lincoln,” a collection of George Stuart Historical Figures that was on display at Museum of Ventura County on E. Main St. The one-room exhibit illustrated pivotal moments of Lincoln’s life and presidency. Even Naomi was fascinated by the compelling sculptures and historic photographs. In fact, she was the last one to leave the exhibit. Check the website for current exhibit information and special kid-friendly events. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. www.venturamuseum.org

We learned a new term on our trip: a “boutique bowling alley” has fewer than 16 lanes and the focus is on serving great upscale food. That’s what you’ll find at Discovery Ventura at 1888 E. Thompson Blvd. The retro bowling lanes are super cool (pins are attached to strings!) and we had an awesome dinner, but we decided Discovery Ventura is best for date night, or ages 10 & up. They frequently host concerts and social events for adults, so be sure to check the schedule in advance. www.discoveryventura.com

GOOD EATS AND TREATS—Downtown Ventura

Locals recommend breakfast on the patio of Cafe Nouveau at 1497 E. Thompson Blvd. Try the Maple Bacon Beignets or Bananas Foster French Toast.

Snapper Jack’s Taco Shack at 533 E. Main St. is a great little place to get friendly service and a tasty, quick lunch. Favorites are the crispy tacos and salsa bar. www.snapperjackstacoshack.com

Pick up a sweet or savory baked good from Sunflowers on the Square Bakery at 451 E. Main St., tucked away in the quaint El Jardin Courtyard. We enjoyed their freshly made chocolate chip, limoncello and snickerdoodle cookies during BOTH of our stops there.

Love chocolate? Get a handcrafted gourmet truffle or homemade toffee at Trufflehound’s Fine Chocolates at 607 E. Main St. www.trufflehoundsfinechocolates.com

Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop sells old school, hard-to-find candies that will take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. 105 S. Oak St., Ste. 100

Rumfish y Vino is an excellent restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining. If you have access to a babysitter, it makes a fabulous date night. We highly recommend the Caribbean Fish Stew, Creole Sea Bass and specialty cocktail. https://rumfishyvinoventura.com/

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at the Ventura Beach Marriott at 2055 E. Harbor Blvd. It has an ideal location one block from San Buenaventura State Beach and the beach bike/walking path; about a mile from Ventura Harbor Village and just two miles from downtown. Family features include a pool, koi pond, bike rentals on site and access to the free trolley (see below). We felt very welcome by the Marriott super friendly staff, who seemed genuinely happy to help. Be sure to ask about breakfast deals for families when you make hotel reservations. www.Marriott.com

The recently renovated Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach is located on the promenade, just steps from the beach, a beach playground and Ventura Pier where you can eat at Beach House Fish or Beach House Tacos. www.crowneplaza.com

Why not take a couple days this summer to do some exploring with your family? If you make a new discovery in Ventura (or elsewhere), tell me about it: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Find more information about visiting Ventura at visitventuraca.com.

----------

Lisa Gipson is the managing editor at San Diego Family Magazine. She lives in North County with her husband and two of their three daughters.

The idea of a long car ride or family road trip conjures fears of the proverbial small-fry question in an endless loop: “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” With a little planning, families can survive a road trip and create fond memories at the same time. Here’s what to bring.

Audiobooks: Listening to stories is great for all ages. Pick books with good narrators and a story long enough to engage the family for several installments. If you need ideas, your local children’s librarian can offer great recommendations tailored to your kids’ interests.

Art supplies: Invest in beanbag lap desks with storage areas, one for each kid. You’ll avoid the territorial squabbles and kids love having their own work area. Pack the lap desks with new art supplies that won’t be messy if dropped. Try square crayons, washable markers, coloring books, paper, sticker books and Wikki Stix. Plan to hold back some supplies for refilling the desks for a brighter return trip.

Magnetic games: Many games are available in a magnetic format with a travel-sized case. Take along games you know your kids will enjoy—Magnetic Bingo is great—but double check that the pieces aren’t so small they can’t be handled (I’ve played games that practically required tweezers to pick up the pieces). Try www.growingtreetoys.com.

Car travel books: A few books with conversation starters and puzzles can engage families in ways they don’t at home. Elementary-aged kids will enjoy Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car Games and Activities by Carole Terwilliger Meyers. For the older set, our family recently discovered 399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specifically Designed to Keep Your Brain Young by Nancy Linde. Other family faves are the Mad Lib series and National Geographic Kids' 125 Wacky Roadside Attractions. While you’re at it, pack a Moon Guide travel book (libraries carry many) for the area you’re visiting or try www.weirdus.com for regional legends and best kept secrets.  

Word and spy games: Young kids will enjoy license plate tag, Slug Bug and I Spy. Older kids have fun with word games. We play the Four-Letter Word Game. Here’s how: one person says a word containing four letters and the next person thinks of a four-letter word starting with the last letter of the previous word, and so on. Example: tack = keel = line. For younger kids, try a three-letter variation. We also love Snaps is the Name of the Game, a syllable game well suited to tweens and teens (www.ehow.com/how_2323315_play-game-snaps.html). For more on-the-go games and activities, visit sandiegofamily.com/travel/family-travel/971-unplugged-road-trips.  

Handheld gadgets: Many families don’t leave home without an iPad or tablet. But if you don’t want your kiddo playing hours of Angry Birds, try educational geography apps such as My Big World (ages 3-5), Scott’s Polar Trip (3-7), Barefoot World Atlas (elementary/middle), Google Earth (teen and up), and Got It—United States of America (elementary).

Car treats: Besides healthy snacks, which I pack individually for each child, I let my kids hit the candy aisle for a treat to start off the trip. During the trip, we look for local goodies—a fun-looking ice cream shop or a unique candy shop—and I usually have something tucked away in the car to pull out when spirits are flagging. Chewing gum or Skittles can do wonders at the right moment.  

DVD player: Popping in a movie for the kids is an easy fall-back, but it also keeps kids from noticing what’s outside the window. But when everyone needs a break, a movie can be just the ticket. Don’t forget the headphones and consider asking friends to borrow movies your kids haven’t seen, or borrowing from the library.

Stops, Stops, Stops: Building in daytime stops helps avoid burnout, especially for the little ones. If part of the road trip’s purpose is the journey itself, then plan to hit a park or playground in a town you’re passing through or search out a small town attraction.

Find lots of great travel tips, ideas and entertainment options at www.pinterest.com/sandiegofamily/travel-vacations-day-trips.

-----------------
Joanna Nesbit is a freelance writer.

Discover the historic connection between The Wonderful Wizard of Oz series and these must-see sites in Coronado California.

L. Frank Baum, the famous author of America's classic Wizard of Oz series, resided in the Midwest but spent many of his winters in Southern California. He often stayed at our own Hotel del Coronado. While staying at the hotel, not only did Baum enjoy the sunshine, but he also wrote some of his Oz books there.

Here are seven fun and surprising sights around Coronado Island that inspired Baum’s literary works or were inspired by the author's visits to the "Emerald" isle.

1. With its iconic red castle-like turrets and fairy tale setting, The Hotel del Coronado was Baum's inspiration for the Emerald City.  Did you know that Coronado is also nicknamed "the Emerald City?"

2. The Hotel del Coronado's grand Crown Room is home to four spectacular crown-shaped chandeliers designed by Baum, which visitors can still enjoy seeing today.

3. L. Frank Baum's historic Coronado home (1101 Star Park Circle), is a quaint yellow house that he rented during his stays. This is where he wrote three books in the Oz series: “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz,” “The Emerald City of Oz” and “The Road to Oz.” Baum also wrote sections of “The Marvelous Land of Oz” while staying in Corornado.  Local tip! From the sidewalk, see if you can spot the face of the Wicked Witch peering out from the side of this home.

4. The Coronado Museum of History and Art (1100 Orange Avenue) used to display the three First editions Oz books by Baum. Call ahead to inquire if artifacts, memorabilia or Wizard of Oz souvenirs are still available at the museum and gift shop. Museum admission is free.

5. The Wizard of Oz Glass Art Exhibit at the Coronado Public Library, (640 Orange Ave) where Baum's storybook jumps off the pages onto nine huge glass panels depicting Dorthy, the cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Glenda the Good Witch, Munchkins and more.

6. Want more fascinating facts and interesting tidbits about Coronado and Baum's time on the island? Book a historic guided walking tour from Coronado Touring.  The tour departs Thursdays and Saturdays from Glorietta Bay inn and travels through downtown Coronado stopping at fun sites along the way.

7. If you need a place to stay, consider spending the night in the "Author's Study" at bed and breakfast 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach.  This room features framed art prints of the glittery Ruby Slippers, Dorothy meeting the cowardly Lion and original book cover of The Wizard of Oz book, plus an autobiography on Baum.  Fun Fact!  L. Frank Baum's great grandson stayed at the 1906 Lodge in 2009.

Thanks to the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau for supplying these fun things to do in Coronado, CA!

Considering a day-trip to the Los Angeles area? In addition to Hollywood’s upscale boutiques and star-studded streets, LA offers a rich variety of museums, outdoor shopping experiences and other family-friendly activities. Look at stars of a different kind at Griffith Observatory, or find fun and sun on the Santa Monica Pier.
Choose from one of the following destinations—Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Santa Monica—to begin planning your visit.  

Central Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
www.griffithobs.org; 213-473-0800
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater features a state-of-the-art aluminum dome, Zeis star projector, digital laser projectors and theatrical lighting. Every show is narrated by a live storyteller. Grab lunch at the Café at the End of the Universe with its space-age design and healthy menu.

The Original Farmers Market
6333 West Third Street
www.farmersmarketla.com
Since 1934, this historic outdoor market has been a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The eclectic mix of grocers, shops and restaurants offers everything from homemade ice cream to fresh baked goods and local produce. During the summer, the Farmers Market offers children’s activities on weekends and a free music series. Parking available in two nearby lots: 90 minutes free with validated parking ticket from a Farmers Market vendor or two hours free with validation from select grocers.

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Drive
www.lazoo.org
Ready to stretch out after a long drive? Located at the northeast corner of Griffith Park, this hilly spacious zoo offers lots of pathways for walking. Don’t miss the children’s zoo and Campo Gorilla Reserve.

Travel Town Museum
5200 Zoo Drive
traveltown.org
Get hands-on with transportation history, and explore antique railroad cars and locomotives, wagons, a Japanese fighter plane from World War II and much more. Top your visit with a miniature train ride.

Good Eats in Los Angeles

American Girl Café
The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive
Gourmet lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Du-par’s Restaurant & Bakery
Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd Street, Stall #210
Homestyle breakfast and comfort food.

Long Beach

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
www.aquariumofpacific.org; 562-590-3100
See more than 500 species from exhibits that showcase the Pacific Ocean’s three regions. Buy a “Zoo Combo” ticket and visit the Los Angeles Zoo, too, for one low price.

Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virginia Road
www.rancholoscerritos.org; 562-570-1755
Built in 1844, this historic rancho offers a view into Southern California’s early days. Bring old shoes and clothes, and participate in “Mud Mania” where you can make adobe bricks, play muddy tug-o-war, run mud relay races and more. 

For more fun places to dine, shop, play and explore in Long Beach, click here. 

Santa Monica

Third Street Promenade
1920 Main Street, Suite B
www.santamonica.com/santa-monica-neighborhoods
310-319-6263
There's something for the whole family to enjoy on this pedestrian-only street. Kids will delight in the colorful street performers. Parents will love the selection of shops and restaurants. Public restrooms located in the parking structures adjacent to the Promenade.

Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Ste. A
www.santamonicapier.org
310-458-8900
Besides stunning views of the Pacific, the Pier hosts music festivals, concerts and other events year-round. Kids will love the carousel, rides, arcade and shops. Hungry? Enjoy the pier’s numerous eateries.

Good Eats in Santa Monica

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
301 Santa Monica Pier, Building 9
Seafood and one-of-a-kind smoothies.

Jinky’s Café
1447 2nd Street
Outdoor patio and diverse menu.

----------------
Ronni Rowland is a freelance writer and mom of two daughters. 

Updated: January 2021

You need not spend the night in a spooky Victorian house or wander through a Gothic-looking cemetery for ghostly happenings. Our Anza-Borrego desert offers bone-chilling tales that will keep you huddled in your tent or around the campfire until the rising of the sun.

After the tragedy of the Donner Party in 1846, travelers became wary of crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains into California and began looking for an alternate southern route. They discovered a long, desolate passage that stretched from Ft. Yuma to San Diego. Although it was free of snow, it proved to be even more deadly. It was called El Camino del Diablo (the Devil’s Highway) and travel along it was referred to as the Journey of Death. From this route came many stories, legends and folklore, including gunfights over buried treasure, lost mines that held untold riches and murdering bandits. These tales always ended in death and visits from the Other Side—spirits who wander the desert to this day.

Spirits of Yaqui Well

Traveling across the barren sands, the most precious commodity was water. Coldwater springs were rare throughout the Anza Borrego Desert. In the early 1850s, three emigrants were making their way from Yuma to a new life out West. After some time without water, they came across Yaqui Well, a natural spring. The men pounced on the well. One man drank his fill and reportedly told his companions, “Shoot me while I am happy, for I never expect to feel so good again.” His companions didn’t need to for shortly thereafter, the man fell down in incredible pain. Cramps caused his body to seize painfully. He died a horrible death.

Searching the body, his fellow companions found some gold nuggets in his pockets. Greed lit up their eyes as they circled each other around the well, looking for an opening. When one of the men stumbled, the other jumped on him and smothered him in the mud surrounding the water. The sole survivor ran off screaming into the desert, supposedly to look for the source of the gold, and was never seen again. Hot summer nights bring these three men together in death. Many travelers and outdoor enthusiasts tell of seeing three men dancing in the moonlight near the now-dry Yaqui Well. 

Haunted Stagecoach Stations
In 1857, the Butterfield Mail Company established a stagecoach route that ran from St. Louis to San Francisco, passing through the Anza-Borrego Desert. Stage stations were often the scenes of robberies, murder and other treachery. Two particular stops—Carrizo Station with its phantom stagecoach and the Vallecito Station—are reputed to be haunted.

The Carrizo Station story goes back many years, when stages traveled regularly through the desert before the Civil War. A coach carrying a strongbox of gold coins was traveling from El Paso to San Diego. In Yuma, the guard became ill and could not continue. Unable to secure a replacement, the driver carried on alone. Right before it arrived at the Carrizo Station, the coach was robbed and the driver fatally shot. The horses continued on with the dead man slumped over, still holding the reins. Campers staying near the ruins of the old station have reported seeing a phantom stagecoach arrive in the middle of the night and continue on its journey, leaving behind actual wheel marks. 

Vallecito Station is even more notorious, boasting several spirits including a white horse that rides through the area and a lady in a white dress. The horse is supposedly the favored mount of a bandit that was shot by one of his partners shortly after they had buried their loot from a stagecoach robbery. The bandit’s loyal steed still searches for its lost rider.

The Lady in White is a famous local story. In the 1850s, riding in a stagecoach bound for Sacramento, a young frail woman braved the long desert trek. She became ill sometime after leaving Yuma and perished in the small adobe that served as the Vallecito stage station. When her belongings were searched, they found a long white gown with hand-sewn lace and pearls—her wedding gown. She was placed in the gown and laid to rest in the small cemetery near the station. Many park rangers as well as campers in the area report seeing her apparition wandering the grounds, looking for her lost love.

Ghost Lights of Borrego
The Ghost Lights of Borrego were first spotted in the late 1850s by stagecoach drivers and have continued steadily over the years. Described as flickering or burning fireballs, they arch through the sky. Some of the earlier accounts describe lights that would rise into the air and explode, similar to fireworks. Witnesses claim that they make no noise as they travel across the desert sky and some believe they mark the location of hidden treasures. Unfortunate explorers have blindly followed the lights and fallen into the surrounding ravines or caves.

There is even an unverified story of a fatality attributed to these spectral globes. A train making its way through Goat Canyon in 1977 derailed when the engineer saw some lights on the tracks and mistook them for an oncoming train. The buckling train cars tumbled down the canyon, where they remain today. The best place to view these ghost lights is near Oriflamme Mountain, not far from the town of Borrego Springs.

On the lighter side of the odd and unexplained, stories circulated in the 1960s of an “Abominable Sandman of Borrego,” a Bigfoot-like creature. Alleged casts were made of the creature’s tracks left in the sand in 1964. Don’t look too long into the dark evening of Anza-Borrego … for there is undoubtedly something looking back.

Charles Spratley is a local historian and paranormalist, who, when not giving guided tours, spends his evenings exploring the darker side of the County’s past.

Located 40 miles northeast of San Diego, Valley Center has more than 27 square miles of mostly rural beauty and 21,000 acres of agricultural land. Along with the activities mentioned here, the Chamber of Commerce website lists numerous outings for your family to enjoy: Palomar Mountain Observatory, Lakes Wohlford, Hodges and Henshaw, Sengme Oaks Water Park, Pala Mission, Hellhole Canyon hiking and horse riding trails, and an 18-hole golf course at Woods Valley.

Valley Center Chamber of Commerce
www.vcchamber.com
760-749-8472

THINGS TO DO:

Bates Nut Farm
15954 Woods Valley Rd.
www.batesnutfarm.biz
760-749-3333
Most residents would agree that no visit to Valley Center would be complete without a stop at Bates Nut Farm. Gilbert and Beatrice Bates founded the farm in 1921. The property has a picnic area and a large store chock-full of nuts, candies and treats. Kids can feed farm animals, and in the fall, find pumpkins along with many fun, seasonal activities for the family. The property, which started out as a walnut farm, is now home to many family-friendly events throughout the year like craft fairs, pancake breakfasts, dog shows, car shows and music festivals. Free parking and admission.

Valley Center Wellness Spa
28714 Valley Center Road, Suites G & H
www.valleycenterwellnessspa.com
760-751-5303
Spa-goers can enjoy massage, facials, skin treatments, wraps, spray tans and spa packages at this spa owned by Jana Limon.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm
12460 Keys Creek Rd.
www.kclfarm.com
760-742-0523
San Diego County’s only USDA-certified organic lavender farm boasts eight acres of lavender fields. Open during harvest time—May through June—it offers lavender picking, English high teas, demonstrations and workshops. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking and admission.

Western Days and Stampede Rodeo
28246 Lilac Rd.
www.westerndays.org
www.vcstampede.com
This year’s family-friendly rodeo will be the 11th for Valley Center. The week-long series of events kicks off with the Western Days Parade, the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo, a carnival and live music in the evenings after the rodeo. May 24–26.

WHERE TO EAT:

Portino’s Fresh Italian (pizza, pasta, salads)
28746 Valley Center Rd.
www.portinos.net
760-751-0077

Fat Ivor’s Rib Rack (barbecue)
27959 Valley Center Rd.
www.fativors.com
760-749-0600

Casa Reveles (Mexican food)
29000 Lilac Rd.
www.casareveles.com
760-749-8041

-----------------------
Autumn Johnson is a freelance writer and mother of two children.

Updated: January 2016