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Located in the northern part of San Diego County is Fallbrook, also known as the ”Avocado Capital of the World.” The area produced olives as its major crop in the 1920s, but by the 1940s, it had become part of the rapidly growing California avocado and floral industry. Today, Fallbrook, California, is a thriving community of about 30,000 people. While the city is most famous for its annual Avocado Festival, there are plenty of things to see and do to make Fallbrook an exciting day trip destination.
Live Oak County Park
The 26-acre Live Oak County Park is a great spot for picnics or hiking. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful parks in San Diego, it is filled with shady old live oaks and bubbling streams. The park features an expansive play area for the little ones, ball fields, and a volleyball court. Interpretive programs are scheduled during the year. 2746 Reche Rd, Fallbrook, California. Website.
Emerald Forest Bird Gardens
Another stop on your trip to Fallbrook should be the Emerald Forest Bird Gardens. Located on private property, this hidden gem up in the mountains is a sanctuary for nearly 350 feathered friends, including various toucans and other exotic birds. Tours are only available by calling and scheduling in advance. 38420 Dos Cameos Dr, Fallbrook, CA. Website.
Gorgeous Gourds at Welburn Gourd Farm
The Welburn Gourd Farm is the largest supplier of quality, organic hard-shell gourds in the USA, producing over 375,000 annually. Gorgeous Gords can be used for artwork, planters, decorations, and anything you can think of. Open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 40635 De Luz Road. Website.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm Fallbrook
Kenny’s is a fun place to take the kids. The strawberries are always large and juicy, and the price is comparable to that of other U-Pick strawberry farms. Strawberries are typically available from February to July, or until the fields are completely picked clean. Watermelon is available in July, and pumpkins in October—953 Rainbow Valley Blvd. website.
Fallbrook Art Center
For art lovers, the Fallbrook Art Center is the cornerstone of the charming downtown district, and the Brandon Gallery is its centerpiece. It is the oldest co-op art gallery in Southern California, offering a diverse assortment of artistic works created by local and regional artists in various media, styles, and genres. 103 S Main Ave. Website.
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
Held each year in the spring, the community of Fallbrook puts on a festival that you’ve never seen, including a giant inflatable avocado and hundreds of food and craft booths that line Fallbrook’s main drag. The festival attracts thousands for fun, fabulous food, and live entertainment.
Getting There
Fallbrook is situated less than one hour from any point in San Diego and approximately one and a half hours from Orange County. Fallbrook is an easy day trip from both San Diego and Los Angeles. If you decide to spend the night in the area, there are plenty of hotels offering some of the best deals in nearby Temecula.
Fallbrook Nearby Points of Interest
Temecula Wine Country (9.6 miles away): More wineries, hot air balloon rides, and Old Town Temecula’s historic charm. Temecula Valley is a well-known wine-tasting destination in Southern California, with almost 40 wineries along Rancho California and De Portola Roads. Thanks to the cool coastal breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean in San Diego, Temecula has the perfect climate for outdoor activities and grape growing. As a result, it has become Southern California’s version of the Napa Valley Wine Country.
Oceanside Pier (15 miles): Stroll the iconic pier or relax on the beach. The dock is a beautiful walk and a popular spot for fishing. No water activity is allowed within 100 feet of the pier. Still, plenty of covered picnic tables, benches, and barbecues are available, and some fire rings are on the adjacent sand. Pier View South is Oceanside’s most famous beach. If you don’t mind crowds, you will be comfortable here.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park (25 miles): A sprawling wildlife park with safari experiences. San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers an authentic African safari adventure, a short drive from downtown San Diego. Safari Park has 1800-plus acres of exotic animals and botanical gardens carved out of the picturesque San Pasqual Valley’s hills and canyons outside Escondido, California.
Mission San Luis Rey (11 miles): A historic Spanish mission with beautiful grounds. The church is a spiritual and historic site that visitors can enter as part of the self-guided tour. Photos are allowed in the church, but they can be distracting to those who are praying. The Lavanderia is to the south of the Mission. It was an open-air laundry used as a bathing site and a place to wash clothes. The structure also channeled water into the Mission’s gardens and fields for irrigation.