What is there to do on Palomar Mountain? For those of us who live up here, we often share that our wonderful life on Palomar is a delightful step back in time. There is so much waiting to explore on the mountain and close by. Here is just a quick peek:
General Store – Gifts from around the world, ice cream, s’mores supplies and all things camping.
Mother’s Kitchen Restaurant – Remodeling now to open again soon!
Post Office – One of the smallest post offices in the US. No line to mail a package or buy stamps. Also a lending library, bring a book and leave a book.
BAILEYS RESORT
Ceramic Classes Relax and enjoy learning how to paint ceramics with family and friends. Meet some of the locals learning a new craft in the wonderful old dance hall. Reservations only. Terri 619-244-2242 Book your very fun class now!
‘FIELD TRIPS’ to visit:
Cecelia’s Farm – Delightful farm to visit with eggs, goat cheese, milk, and a loom room with yarn in many colors. So fun for all ages!
Palomar Mountain Woodworks – Bears, snowmen, pumpkins, chainsaw carving, hand crafted furniture, and commissions.
Glenn’s Organic Coffee – Organic coffee from around the world, mountain roasted and available as beans or freshly ground for your sipping pleasure.
Lake Henshaw Resort and Cafe – Fishing, boat rentals, camping and great restaurant 22 minutes from the top of the mountain
Water Park – 20 minutes down the road at La Jolla Reservation
ALL ABOUT PALOMAR:
Amateur Radio Club – Click to learn all about it.
Christian Conference Center – Sign your kids up for Adventure Camp, Horse Camp, Science Camp or retreats for Scouts, Trail Life, Peace Officers Associations, Church Group or School.
Explore the Stars – Monthly, April through October at Observatory Campground. Visitors welcomed.
Flowers of the Mountain – Daffodils, tulips, dogwoods plus delightful wildflowers to discover all along the the way.
Forest Fire Lookouts – Boucher Lookout is staffed May – Oct in the State Park. Take the stairs to the top and go out on the cat-walk with a tour by the volunteers. Amazing Views! It’s Free!
Friends of Palomar State Park – Camping, hiking, picnicking and info on how you can get involved
Mountain History – Curl up in a chair and get lost in stories of days gone by. Historical photos, books and so much more.
Mountain Lions – Stay safe and how to report
Nate Harrison – Born a Slave, died a Pioneer. Hours of reading and archeology digs to observe occasionally.
Nate Harrison Grade – 9 miles of adventure from the State Park all the way down to Hwy 76.
Observatory – Visit the largest Observatory in the World for 45 years. Weekend Guided Tours for $5.00 per person book ahead and bring a jacket – even on warm days – it’s cold in there for the mirror!
Observatory Trail Moderate hike. 4.4 miles round trip with beautiful views
Palomar Mountain News – Scroll the archives as there might be a concert or fun event to get in on. Simply subscribe for all the news of our favorite mountain right to your inbox.
Palomar Mountain Park – Go up Crestline Road to Mile Marker 4, turn left. Open 9:30 to 7:00 day use.
Palomar Properties Real Estate – Dreaming of a ranch, cabin, home or land? Let’s take off on a tour!
Snow Info and Pix – Chains usually required and mid-week is best. Be sure to see all the photo links.
State Park Trails – In addition to the trails shown on the link, another easy trail to take is by parking just before the large Palomar Mountain State Park sign, in the parking area to your right. Directly across from the sign is an almost hidden entrance to the easy trail that takes you along the rim, about a mile and a half, for fabulous off mountain views. Pack a picnic lunch as it ends in the Silvercrest picnic area where you’ll also find bathrooms. Be sure to walk to the area off to your left. It burned in a fire years ago so find the little trails in and discover hundreds of Indian grinding holes. Be sure to have your camera!
State Park Trail and Picnicking Map – Picnic tables around Doane Pond or at Silvercrest
Vacation Rentals – Book your favorite for your next escape on Palomar Mountain!
Water Park – Cool off just 20 minutes down the road at newly remodeled La Jolla Water Park
Wildlife – Animals and birds you may encounter out and about.
RESTAURANTS CLOSE BY
Lake Henshaw Cafe – Great breakfasts, ribs, burgers, pizza, Mexican food, best fries and onion rings. Twenty two minutes from the top of the mountain. (760) 782-9180
Lazy H Ranch – Steak, seafood, burgers. 25 minutes down the South Grade. Call for hours (760) 742-3669
Jilberto’s Mexican Food at the Round-About at the South Grade and Hwy 78. (760) 742-1896
Agrusa’s Restaurant at the Travel Center and Gas Station at Rincon Casino – Sandwiches, Banana Bowls and Ice Cream Sandwiches. (So yummy!)
Boar’s Head Deli in the Rincon Market – Fabulous sandwiches 34323 Valley Center Rd, Valley Center, CA
Lots of restaurants in Casino Resorts and Spas: Harrah’s Rincon, Pauma Valley, Pala or Valley View
CLOSEST MARKET
The mountain locals cheered when Rincon Market recently opened for many essentials. 30 minutes away. Great produce, deli, sparkling clean. Major markets are in Escondido or Temecula and an hour one way.
JULIAN and SANTA YSABEL
Julian – Many restaurants and so much to see and do in the historic town of Julian
Dudley’s Bakery and Gifts – fabulous bread, pastries, and gifts.
Olive and Oak Antiques, Gifts and Garden
Petals and Potions Boutique – Organic Skin Care and Facials
BORREGO SPRINGS
Anza Borrego State Park – Just an hour down to the desert to explore the largest State Park in CA
Galleta Metal Sculptures – Over 130 amazing pieces of art. Link includes a map to go exploring.
This is just the beginning of a resource that can also be used for folks visiting Palomar and as a link provided to vacation rental guests.
Stay tuned for additions and updates. Do YOU have something to add or correct? Just send it my way.
Enjoy getting out and about on the Mountain!
Bonnie Phelps, Resident Realtor since the beginning of the Century
Always glad to open those doors and give tours of our beautiful mountain!
Call or Text 760-533-1742 CAL/DRE 01293655 Updated November 2024
Palomar Mountain News 
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