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3 exceptional open and green spaces to visit in Poway, CA


Poway is an inviting suburb adjacent to the northern portions of San Diego. With its well-preserved rural character and abundance of natural landscapes, it is an excellent place to start if you are looking for distinct attractions to explore in Southern California.

Want to know how Poway earned the nickname, “the City in the Country?” These three must-visit Poway, CA destinations will show you:

Old Poway Park

If you’re looking for an outstanding and popular park in Greater San Diego, Old Poway Park should be in your list. Whether you are looking for a sight-seeing stroll around winding trails or just a quiet spot for a relaxing family picnic, this place is worth your time.

Old Poway Park boasts of these outstanding attractions, too:

  • The Heritage Museum helps preserve equipment and facilities that were commonly used in the area more than a century ago. Here, you’ll find replicas of historic structures, such as a school room, post office, and general store. Guided tours are available.

  • The Poway Midland Railroad is a full-size, fully restored antique narrow-gauge railway that offers rides on a 1907 Baldwin 0-4-0 steam locomotive. The tour gives visitors a glimpse of what transportation used to be like in the late 1800s.

  • Fresh, organic produce and lively community activities are available every weekend at the Farmers Market held on the Old Poway Park premises. There is plenty to choose from with over 65 vendors selling their wares – from produce, to flowers, to food and drink.

  • More shopping can be found at the Boardwalk Craft Market. Here, contemporary artists use traditional artistic techniques to create modern and relevant works of art, wearable pieces, and other collectible items. Held multiple times a year for more than 25 years, this arts and crafts fair occupies the covered boardwalk along the Poway Midland Railroad tracks.

  • The Nelson House is a historic building that was relocated to Old Poway Park and masterfully restored to pay homage to one of the city’s founding families. Volunteer docents provide guests with educational tours and insights about the building and the rich history that surrounds it.

Lake Poway Recreation Area

Lake Poway serves an important role, supplying water for residents in the area. But not only that, it is also beloved among local residents for its outstanding recreational opportunities, set against a picturesque backdrop of the hills of Poway. Some of the activities that you can enjoy here include boating, fishing, mountain hikes, archery, and picnics.

  • Fishing on Lake Poway

Fishing is allowed on the lake from Wednesday to Sunday, either from the shoreline or on a rental boat. While California fishing licenses are not required, visitors must secure a Poway permit.

Visitors can buy bait, tackle, as well as personal refreshments from the Lake Poway Concession area. The lake has an abundance of catfish, bass, trout, bluegill, and sunfish.

Night fishing events are held every weekend from July through August. The boats go out into the lake up until 11:30 p.m.

  • Hiking around Lake Poway

Accessible via the Lake Poway Recreation Area is the Mount Woodson Trailhead. This popular San Diego hiking spot is home to the Potato Chip Rock, a famous attraction among outdoorsmen and thrill-seekers from all over. The aptly named granite boulder seemingly hangs over the edge of the mountain.

While it looks fragile from certain angles, Potato Chip Rock is solid, stable, and safe enough for stunning photo opportunities to impress your friends with. It is a popular site, so you may have to queue to get on the rock.

The roundtrip covers approximately 6.4 miles in total with challenging inclines, so some reasonable preparation is needed before taking on this hike.

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

If you love spending time in nature, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. The reserve is a 700-acre natural sanctuary for a wide range of local animal and plant species. Trails are open during daytime free of charge, with options for guided tours.

The beauty of the natural landscapes and naturally occurring wildlife in the reserve is unrivaled. From large mammals like mountain lions, deer, bobcats, and coyotes, to smaller squirrels, rabbits, and bats, the diversity of species will surely impress. Birds such as quails, roadrunners, and large raptors are also abundant here, as are various reptile and amphibian species.

Visit during the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Want to learn more about the top things to do in San Diego? Let me, Lisa Betz, show you around. Call me at 858.705.8844 or email LBetz(at)BHHSCal(dotted)com today.