CALIFORNIA
Where to go to see Ramona's California
RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM
5164 E. Telegraph Road (California 126), Piru; (805) 521-1501, www.ranchocamulos.org.
What's offered: Ranch house, gardens, small museum, big produce stand and neighboring historic structures stand together on a working ranch that dates to the 1850s. Besides weddings and special events, the ranch offers, from February through November, hourlong guided tours from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment. Tour ends with video screening of
GUAJOME COUNTY PARK
2210 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista; (760) 724-4082, www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks.>
What's offered: An 1853 ranch house, with two courtyards and neighboring chapel. Open weekends for 60-minute guided tours at 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m., and by appointment. Fee: $3 per adult, $1 for children 5 to 12. Also nearby is Guajome County Park, 3000 Guajome Lake Road, Oceanside; (858) 694-3030, with lakes, lawn, playgrounds and four miles of trails. LA CASA DE ESTUDILLO Old Town San Diego State Historic Park; 4002 Wallace St., San Diego; (619) 220-5422, www.parks.ca.gov. What's offered: The Estudillo house, formerly marketed as "Ramona's Marriage Place," dates to around 1830. The park as a whole aims to replicate San Diego as it was between 1821 and 1872. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free. RAMONA BOWL AMPHITHEATRE 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, Hemet; (800) 645-4465. What's offered: This year's performances of "America's longest-running outdoor drama" are at 4 p.m. April 18, 19, 25, 26 and May 2. Tickets, $16 to $44. WHERE TO STAY Near Rancho Camulos, the Magic Mountain area offers dozens of hotels, including familiar chains such as Best Western, Comfort Suites and Hilton Garden Inn. More info: sixflagsmagicmountain.themeparkhotelservice.com or gocalifornia.about.com/od/calamenu/tp/hotels_magic_mtn.htm Near Guajome, the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, 3075 Carlsbad Blvd.; (760) 434-7020 or (800) 235-3939, www.carlsbadinn.com. Four acres with 62 hotel rooms, 132 condos, restaurants, mini-mall, grassy courtyard, pool, table tennis. Doubles from $195, condos from $200. For condo reservations, (877) 477-7368 or www.resortime.com. Near Old Town San Diego, Best Western Hacienda Hotel Old Town, 4041 Harney St., San Diego; (800) 888-1991, www.bestwesternhacienda.com. About 200 rooms spread over eight buildings. Doubles $159 to $250, plus $5 resort fee. In Hemet, there are about half a dozen hotels, including several familiar budget brands such as Hampton Inn and Motel 6. More info: www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g32486-Hemet_California-Hotels.html
 This is a city known for great old architecture. And it's a desert spot and has a long-standing tradition of hospitality. |
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