San Diego is home to great weather, scenic views, and interesting tourist attractions. However, the back country of San Diego can offer homespun allure that's out of the ordinary. While most visitors stay costal and enjoy the ocean views and sandy beaches, which are breathtaking, exploring the versatility of San Diego County is the only way to truly have the full tourist experience.
There are many small towns and unincorporated communities in San Diego's back country. One of the closest is Flinn Springs located about 15 minutes east of San Diego City limits. Flinn Springs is home to a quaint little gift shop and farm called Summers Past Farms. Beautiful gardens, ducks waddling free and homemade soaps are just some of the things Summers Past Farms has to offer its guests. They also boast a nursery, herb garden, and a great wedding location. For San Diego visitors who are into home arts and crafts this is a perfect little place to spend an afternoon.
Continuing east on Interstate 8 is the community of Boulevard. The residence there are known for adorning their cars with hometown bumper stickers containing their motto "where the hells Boulevard." Well, it's off business route 8, and has the cutest candy store, The Wisteria Candy Cottage. The Wisteria Candy Cottage is a favorite for many San Diego natives as they sell all the old-fashioned treats including, chocolate covered honey comb. If a scenic drive is the order of the day then the Wisteria Candy Cottage is a great pit stop for super delicious treats.
There are three casinos off the Interstate 8 within San Diego County. I personally don't recommend them for San Diego visitors, but for those who enjoy a good breakfast any time of day at a well known restaurant will enjoy eating at a back country IHOP. I know why travel to San Diego to go to IHOP? Well this particular IHOP is located in the back of the La Posta Indian Reservation Casino and has stunning views of the local beautiful uninhabited rolling hills.
Almost at the Imperial County line off of the In-Ko-Pah exit from Interstate 8 up a lonely dirt road is one of the most incredible dwellings is Southern California. The Desert Tower is eclectic, historical, and has the most magnificent full spherical windows that overlook the desert floor. The entrance/gift shop is a mixture of interesting books, native souvenirs and a greenhouse. It's set up similar to a home as the owner lives across the dirt field and his dogs are regulars in the shop. To tour the whole tower costs a small fee but the round structure is worth the cost as it's a one of a kind building. The Desert Tower also has a rock garden where boulders are carved into the shapes of animals. The rock garden is a great place to let the kids run and play.
San Diego County has a lot to offer in the way of hiking trails, in fact it is the start of one of the longest trails in the country. The Pacific Crest Trail starts at the Mexican border and ends at the Canadian border. The start of the Pacific Crest Trail is signified by a monument in Campo. It's awe inspiring to see the beginning of a 2,650 mile trek. With luck, hikers can be spotted but either way there is an entry book for all to read and contribute. It's a fun way to see who stopped by. And on the way out make sure to stop by the Ice Cream Palace for a tasty local treat.
Any San Diego brochure lists the town of Julian as can't miss; and that's absolutely true. But by taking Highway 67 to Highway 78 to get to Julian visitors drive through Santa Ysabel, a very small town that is home to a very famous San Diego bakery. Dudley's Bakery is known for their different kinds of fabulous breads. When driving through it is a necessity to stop by and pick up a few loafs.
San Diego has a lot to offer tourists from all over. The ocean and beaches are beautiful and well worth the crowds. But the back country can offer interesting alternatives to the larger attractions. Visiting the San Diego back country is a fantastic way to see all of San Diego County as well as learn some of the local history. Any way you see San Diego just be sure to enjoy it to the fullest.