We still have a property in San Diego that we had rented the past couple of years. They moved out, giving us a great opportunity to make renovations and put it on the market. We changed our travel plans and stayed in Escondido, which is the closest RV park to the house. Southern California is an amazing place and it was good to be back after a 2 year hiatus. Great year round weather without mosquitos, black flies, tornados, hail or hurricanes. Just fires and earthquakes. It’s easy to see why so many people live here and pay the insane cost of living.
Escondido, California
It’s sad there are so few RV parks in San Diego that can accommodate a 40 foot motorhome. If there is one, it’s next to a highway, party central, booked out 6 months in advance or closed for remodeling. We stayed at the Escondido RV Resort. Overall, it was a nice park, but the high price, lack of amenities, and proximity to the highway were turnoffs. We paid less to stay at the amazing Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort, which had a very nice club house, was gated, had 5 pools and hot tubs, fast internet, and a huge site without highway noise.
Overall, it was a great location for what we needed to do during our stay in San Diego.
Queen Califia’s Magic Circle
A sculpture garden created by Niki de Saint Phalle. Years ago it was accessible any time of the day, but because of vandalism, a locked fence was put around it and restricted hours for visiting were imposed.
There is a circular wall, maze, and sculpture garden made from mosaics and pebble stones. It depicts the fictional warrior queen of the mythical Island of California.
Halloween
Even though there were a few children in the RV park, most of them went to the mall for trick or treating. We did get a few but had way too much candy left over!
Wine Tasting
The Escondido and Ramona wine regions have significantly improved over the years. We enjoyed the lovely drive and wines.
A wood fire pizza and wine tasting with incredible views of Escondido.
Perfect late afternoon enjoying a Rombauer Zinfandel and a charcuterie board at our old favorite, The Barrel Room restaurant.
San Diego Property
What an amazing location and oasis our old neighborhood is. Great neighbors and a wonderfully landscaped gated community with lakes, waterfalls, walking trails and good birding. The golf course, pool, gym, dining and events were outstanding and never crowded. But it came with expensive property taxes, HOA fees and club dues. Not the kind of place to retire on a fixed budget. Still loving the RV life and change is good!
The Zinfandel vines we planted 11 years ago are producing incredible fruit.
Leucadia and Solana Beach
There are plenty of dog friendly beaches in Southern California. Come fall, the tourists are gone, kids are back in school, and the beaches are empty.
Sandy’s friend from nursing school was in San Diego while we were there. We really enjoyed visiting with Melanie and her son Dario, especially with a stunning sunset in Leucadia. It was so wonderful seeing a few of our friends and Michael’s dad as time permitted. San Diego is an amazing place where maybe one day we will move back to. Sandy says NOT!
So glad you guys had this opportunity! I hope the house sells quickly! Happy travels!
Thank you! It was so nice being back and so nice to be traveling again!