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Among the pines in Pine Valley, CA

This East County mountain town's an easy 45-minute drive from downtown.

Mount Laguna lookout, 15 minutes' drive from Pine Valley.
Mount Laguna lookout, 15 minutes' drive from Pine Valley.

As someone who has primarily lived in suburbia, I find myself escaping to small-town USA when I am in need of a change in scenery. Most San Diegans head to Julian, Palomar, or Cleveland National Forest for a quick getaway. We San Diegans seem to be especially fond of quiet mountain villages.

Speaking of which: Pine Valley is San Diego’s best-kept secret.

When to visit

Map

Pine Valley, CA

Pine Valley, CA

Pine Valley is most enjoyable in the late spring and fall. The summer and winter months bring extreme temperatures; dress in layers. Heatwaves and icy downpours are no fun!

How to get there

The mountain town is a short 45-minute drive from central San Diego. Take the Interstate 8 East, exit on Pine Valley Road, and turn left.

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Where to stay

Pine Valley Inn and Laguna Mountain Lodge are the main accommodations in the area. Alternatively, there are several Airbnb listings to choose from.

Look no further than reserving this guest cabin if you're the “glamping" type. The owners happen to be the trail guides for San Diego Horse Trail Riding (see below). More of a tent or RV person? There are plenty of campgrounds to suit your needs.

Things to do

Pine Valley is a draw for those who enjoy camping, hiking, biking, fishing, boating and horseback riding. Its rolling hills, open plains and dense woodlands offer close-to-home adventure if you're an outdoors person.

Experiencing the backcountry on horseback with San Diego Horse Trail Riding is a must. Cynthia and Christina are the real deal, and they're more than happy to take you on an adventure. When it’s time to unwind, stroll Pine Valley's downtown streets and peruse the unique shops. Parents will appreciate letting the kids burn off energy at Pine Valley County Park. The welcoming community has something for everyone.

Trail riding group at San Diego Horse Trail Riding.

What to eat

There are a few local establishments that offer your standard American fare. Major’s Diner is an authentic diner that's been in operation since 1961. Calvin’s Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that serves delicious sandwiches and salads. If you're in need of fast food, Frosty Burger is a practical option.

Pine Valley Store is the place to stock up on snacks, necessities, and supplies. Go on, pack a picnic and relax under the nearest oak tree.

Beyond Pine Valley

If you have the time, it's worth your while to visit some equally quaint destinations outside the valley. Stop in to Alpine and take a tour of the Lions Tigers & Bears animal sanctuary. Get your thrills by navigating winding roads on a joyride to Mount Laguna. Or, immerse yourself in fishing, boating and hiking at Lake Cuyamaca and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Escaping to quiet mountain villages is a literal breath of fresh air — the elevation and being surrounded by nature really does seem to do something for the soul. Pine Valley is worth the drive in my book for a day trip or a vacation. Have you been there? Please post a comment!

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Mount Laguna lookout, 15 minutes' drive from Pine Valley.
Mount Laguna lookout, 15 minutes' drive from Pine Valley.

As someone who has primarily lived in suburbia, I find myself escaping to small-town USA when I am in need of a change in scenery. Most San Diegans head to Julian, Palomar, or Cleveland National Forest for a quick getaway. We San Diegans seem to be especially fond of quiet mountain villages.

Speaking of which: Pine Valley is San Diego’s best-kept secret.

When to visit

Map

Pine Valley, CA

Pine Valley, CA

Pine Valley is most enjoyable in the late spring and fall. The summer and winter months bring extreme temperatures; dress in layers. Heatwaves and icy downpours are no fun!

How to get there

The mountain town is a short 45-minute drive from central San Diego. Take the Interstate 8 East, exit on Pine Valley Road, and turn left.

Sponsored
Sponsored

Where to stay

Pine Valley Inn and Laguna Mountain Lodge are the main accommodations in the area. Alternatively, there are several Airbnb listings to choose from.

Look no further than reserving this guest cabin if you're the “glamping" type. The owners happen to be the trail guides for San Diego Horse Trail Riding (see below). More of a tent or RV person? There are plenty of campgrounds to suit your needs.

Things to do

Pine Valley is a draw for those who enjoy camping, hiking, biking, fishing, boating and horseback riding. Its rolling hills, open plains and dense woodlands offer close-to-home adventure if you're an outdoors person.

Experiencing the backcountry on horseback with San Diego Horse Trail Riding is a must. Cynthia and Christina are the real deal, and they're more than happy to take you on an adventure. When it’s time to unwind, stroll Pine Valley's downtown streets and peruse the unique shops. Parents will appreciate letting the kids burn off energy at Pine Valley County Park. The welcoming community has something for everyone.

Trail riding group at San Diego Horse Trail Riding.

What to eat

There are a few local establishments that offer your standard American fare. Major’s Diner is an authentic diner that's been in operation since 1961. Calvin’s Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that serves delicious sandwiches and salads. If you're in need of fast food, Frosty Burger is a practical option.

Pine Valley Store is the place to stock up on snacks, necessities, and supplies. Go on, pack a picnic and relax under the nearest oak tree.

Beyond Pine Valley

If you have the time, it's worth your while to visit some equally quaint destinations outside the valley. Stop in to Alpine and take a tour of the Lions Tigers & Bears animal sanctuary. Get your thrills by navigating winding roads on a joyride to Mount Laguna. Or, immerse yourself in fishing, boating and hiking at Lake Cuyamaca and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Escaping to quiet mountain villages is a literal breath of fresh air — the elevation and being surrounded by nature really does seem to do something for the soul. Pine Valley is worth the drive in my book for a day trip or a vacation. Have you been there? Please post a comment!

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The latest copy of the Reader

Please enjoy this clickable Reader flipbook. Linked text and ads are flash-highlighted in blue for your convenience. To enhance your viewing, please open full screen mode by clicking the icon on the far right of the black flipbook toolbar.

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4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs
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