Lovingly known as the “avocado capital of the world” because of its endless expanse of avocado groves, Fallbrook is a charming small town that is enjoyable all year long. The vibrant, historic, and friendly community is a fabulous destination for vacationers who want to spend their time enjoying art, culture, nature, and a delicious glass of wine. One of the best California weekend getaways, here you can explore through the many local wineries, nature trails, gardens, farms, golf greens, or the downtown farmer’s market.
Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens
Established by the McDougal family in 1984, the Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens is an awe-inspiring thirty-acre property filled with thematic gardens, a heart-shaped lake, and seven waterfalls. It’s extremely popular with people, residents and visitors, as a reception and wedding venue. Visitors are invited to tour the grounds and its botanical gardens to delve in the local flora and fauna. There are private docent tours which are perfect for amateur photographers, as well as their Veranda Restaurant, which is wonderful to dine in while looking out at the stunning views from their outdoor patio. Their weekend brunch is extremely popular, so be sure to dine there if you’re in the area.
220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-728-6466
Live Oak County Park
Live Oak County Park is an ideal place in Fallbrook, California for taking a stroll, having a picnic lunch, or simply spending time with friends and family. A long-time cornerstone of the local community, this 27-acre area of oak forest that is now the park was first inhabited by Native Americans and today attracts visitors of all ages with its sprawling canopy of giant oak trees. Live Oak County Park includes facilities for sports, such as basketball courts, volleyball courts, soccer fields, and softball fields. There’s also restroom facilities, horseshoe pits, an amphitheater, leash-free dog area, reservable picnic areas, and playgrounds.
2746 Reche Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028, 760-728-2303
Kenny's Strawberry Farm
Open seasonally, Kenny's Strawberry Farm is a family-owned, u-pick style farm that is renowned for their fresh, locally grown produce. Take the whole family along to experience the farm life, have a picnic, and of course, pick and take back all the strawberries you can hold. Unlike other farms, at Kenny’s you can walk right out onto the field to pick your strawberries rather than choose from bundles of already-picked ones. Keep in mind that even if you choose to purchase at the stands, it’s guaranteed to have been picked fresh that morning. It’s a great experience that the entire family will surely cherish, so if you’re in Fallbrook, be sure to stop by Kenny’s Strawberry Farm.
Kenny's Strawberry Farm, 953 Rainbow Valley Boulevard, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 951-212-5805
Fallbrook Art Center
Offering a unique art experience for over twenty years, the Fallbrook Art Center has several sections: the Janice Griffiths Gallery, the Rosalie & Spencer Lehmann Gallery, and the Salon Gallery. The nonprofit visual arts center is a favored attraction by Fallbrook residents and visitors alike. They have a wide variety of rotating exhibits featuring works by regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists. Some of the annual shows held at the main exhibition space, the Janice Griffiths Gallery, include Art of the Holiday, Galaxy of Glass, World of Watercolor & Beyond, and Reflections of Nature. The art center is housed in the 1961 Rexall Pharmacy building and still has the Cafe des Artistes, which is an art-filled restaurant you can dine in during your visit.
103 S. Main Avenue, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-728-1414
Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Museum
The Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Museum promotes the research, appreciation, and display of minerals, gems, jewelry, paleontology, and related lapidary arts and earth sciences. Visitors will be able to see a diverse collection at the museum with specimens from all around the world. You can also learn about the local mines and the science behind the gems and minerals through the educational displays, workshops, and the many diverse speakers that are invited to speak there throughout the year. The museum hosts several gem shows and street fairs annually as well, so be sure to stop by one if you happen to be in Fallbrook during that time.
123 W. Alvarado Street, Suite B, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-728-1130
Casa Tiene Vista Vineyard
Casa Tiene Vista Vineyard is a gorgeous space which resembles the charm and beauty of an Old-World European vineyard. You can walk row after row of the luscious grape vines and take in the beauty of the property - which also has several Italian spruces and numerous rose bushes. The vineyard has a park filled with romantic spots which overlook the surroundings, which you can enjoy with a glass of their delicious wine. You’ll feel as if you’re strolling the streets of Florence when you walk their lighted pathways at night. Overall, it’s a wonderful experience and a great place to spend the day with your loved one while in Fallbrook.
Casa Tiene Vista Vineyard, 4150 Rock Mountain Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-731-2356
The Golf Club of California
Offering North San Diego’s premier golf experience, The Golf Club of California is situated right on the rolling hills of Fallbrook. The scenic location boasts a beautiful 18-hole semi-private championship golf course. They also have practice facilities with a double-ended driving range, putting green, and a chipping area. Resort to the stunning Mediterranean club house after a day on the greens, where you will surely be met with superb amenities and outstanding service. There are several tournaments and events held there throughout the year for visitors to partake in or enjoy as a spectator - you can even book your own private event for an exciting time with friends and family.
The Golf Club of California, 3742 Flowerwood Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-451-3737
Los Jilgueros Preserve
The Los Jilgueros Preserve is a 46-acre, beautiful nature preserve located near the middle of Fallbrook and features several different trail loops that total more than two miles through riparian forest and fields. Opportunities for bird watching can be found in the mature tree groves, wetland areas, and pond areas. Originally land used as a farm and orchard, old farm equipment can be seen in various spots around the land that now makes up the Los Jilgueros Preserve. Due to the easy access, abundant parking, and convenient location, the preserve is a popular destination for bikers, birders, and walkers.
Los Jilgueros Preserve, S Mission Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Estate d'Iacobelli Winery
Estate d'Iacobelli Winery is the brainchild of Ronei, the son of Italian immigrants who has winemaking in his blood. He was taught the art of making wine by his grandfather in Casalvieri, a town in the Italian province of Frosinone. He continued the tradition in his garage and eventually moved up to the beautiful, rolling 20-acre land you can now explore. Their tasting room is elegant, refined, and provides a wonderful atmosphere to spend a day with family and friends. In addition to their lovingly produced wine, you can also try their extra virgin olive oil which is made from the 125-tree olive grove grown on their estate.
2175 Tecalote Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-723-0616
Fallbrook Winery
Fallbrook Winery has been voted as one of the best local wineries in the San Diego area of California. A family-owned and operated winery since the mid-1990’s, the Fallbrook Winery is dedicated to crafting elegant and balanced estate wines that are reflective of the terroir. The award-winning wines produced here are helping to put the emerging wine region of Southern California on the map. Fallbrook produced some of the highest quality white and red varietals with more than thirty acres of vineyards between the Pala Mesa Mountains and the Pacific Coast. Picnics are allowed and winery tours are available by reservation.
2554 Vía Rancheros, Fallbrook, CA 92028, 760-728-0156
Myrtle Creek Vineyards
A family owned and operated facility, Myrtle Creek Vineyards comes from the Sherman family’s passion for producing quality, hand-crafted wines. The first vines were planted in 2011 by founder Matt Sherman and his father Bruce on the family’s old orchards, which has a long history of farming avocado. You can visit them on weekends for tastings of their refreshingly delicious wines which includes the earthy 2015 Grenache and the lighter, fruitier 2015 Zinfandel. They’re constantly working on new releases and visitors can look forward to new seasonal varieties such as the Sauvignon Blanc which is harvested in the fall.
Myrtle Creek Vineyards, 1600 Via Vista, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 442-444-5066
California Watercolors
California Watercolors is a workshop space and gallery that features fine art paintings from the early 20th century all the way up to modern works by today’s artists. You’ll be able to see or purchase the works of American artists such as Ken Goldman, Hardie Gramatky, and Emil Kosa Jr. Pieces vary in mediums such as acrylic paintings, oil paintings, watercolor paintings, vintage art prints, HD giclee art prints, and much more. Some of their notable paintings include Olvera Street, 1951 by Millard Sheets and Windswept, Point Hueneme, circa 1935 by Phil Dike. You can also purchase some great books on California art while you’re there including a collection of California Watercolor Art from the Early 20th Century Through Today.
560 C Industrial Way, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-723-9270
Finch Frolic Garden Permaculture
Finch Frolic Garden Permaculture is a peaceful place that thrives with beautiful flowers, medicinal plants, food plants, and much more. You’ll be able tour the grounds and walk the winding paths through the living buildings and bridges, all of which were made with recycled materials. You can take in the fragrant smells and stunning views of the plants and blooms; other highlights of the garden include a compost bathroom, unlined pond, a cob pizza oven, and several bee hives and chickens. You can learn about varying permaculture techniques to use on your own property, go bird watching, have a picnic, or take some amazing photographs.
Finch Frolic Garden Permaculture, 390 Vista Del Indio, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Rainbow Oaks Restaurant
Though it had been closed for some time in the middle, the Rainbow Oaks Restaurant has been serving its patrons delicious foods since it was originally established in 1946. The restaurant/ sports bar, which is lovingly called ‘the oaks’, is almost like home to the many locals, travelers, and bikers who stop by for traditional American cuisine that hits the spot each and every single time. Feast on a chorizo and egg burrito for breakfast, have a barbecue chicken sandwich for lunch, or feast on a delicious Texas burger topped with jalapenos, avocado, and bacon for dinner.
4815 5th Street, Rainbow, CA 92028, Phone: 760-723-2279
Garden Center Cafe and Grill
The Garden Center Cafe and Grill is a wonderful restaurant that guarantees you’ll enjoy a fresh, delicious meal each and every single time. Their exquisite food can be had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which breakfast served all day on the weekends. Choose to dine in their lovely indoor setting or head outdoors on to their covered patio elegantly designed with twinkle lights, seasonal flowers, a fountain, and a waterfall. The Garden Center is renowned with their regular patrons for their refreshing salads, delicious sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh seafood, and their mouthwatering Certified Angus Beef Prime Rib. Be sure to pair your meal with a drink from their extensive wine, beer, and champagne list, or to finish off with a daily-made dessert.
1625 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-728-4147
The Veranda at Grand Tradition
One of North County’s most desired dining destinations, The Veranda at Grand Tradition serves fresh cuisine alongside exceptional customer service. You can enjoy your meal as you take in the breathtaking views of the restaurant’s surrounding gardens and lake; there’s even a lovely outdoor patio which you can dine from to enjoy the weather and view. Amongst their weekly array of delicious culinary concoctions, the Veranda at Grand Tradition is also extremely popular for their weekend brunch. Dishes from their menu that shouldn’t be missed include the Breakfast Egg Roll, their Club Panini, and their Prime Rib Sandwich, which is filled with top-notch shaved prime rib, smoked gouda, and house horseradish cream.
220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Phone: 760-728-6466, (website link)
