4 Places for Family Fun in Fallbrook

When you think of Fallbrook, avocados tend to be first to mind. But this San Diego North County community is also known as “the friendly village” that’s chock-full of adventure. Your minions will get a kick out of the beautiful gardens, a park with ancient trees, a historical stagecoach restaurant and an easy walking trail. What are you waiting for? It’s time to head north to check out Fallbrook, the “avocado capital of the world.”

Photo: Rebecca H. via Yelp

Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens & Nursery
Spend the day with your fam enjoying the lush grounds of Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens & Nursery – a one-of-a-kind experience. Chill in the shade of a huge live oak or get lost in the vast displays of flowers, plants, and gardens. Kiddos will love touring the historic Fallbrook Barn where they’ll meet some of the animals that still live there. For lunch, mosey over to Café Bloom where you must order a slice of their award-winning Myrtle Berry Pie. For a little extra fun, pick up one of their picnic baskets and lunch under an oak tree. Don’t forget to stop by Wild Bird Sanctuary and the Butterfly Gardens. These are both perfect photo ops. Finish out the day by visiting the Farmhouse Gift shop filled with artisan-crafted gifts the whole family will love. Enjoy free admission and parking.

Insider’s Tip: Try the Myrtle Berry Lemonade served up in a mason jar. It’s made with farm fresh blueberries, boysenberries and raspberries. You even get to keep the mason jar!

Know before you go! For an idea of what the grounds look like, check out this video.

2940 Reche Rd.
Fallbrook, Ca 92028
760-728-534
Online: discovermyrtlecreek.com

Photo: Andrew M. via Yelp

Live Oak Park
A Fallbrook cornerstone, Live Oak Park was once inhabited by Native Americans. Now it is home to a forest of oak trees. Enjoy a family picnic under the sprawling canopy of massive oaks or play a game of basketball, volleyball, soccer, or softball on one of the many courts and fields available. Tiny ones can get wiggles out on two large playgrounds while Fido runs amuck in the dog leash-free area. Live Oak is home to songbirds, hawks and woodpeckers that swoop in and out of these ancient trees.

Insider’s Tip: Never fear! Ample restrooms, picnic tables and drinking fountains for both dogs and their owners are situated throughout the park.

2746 Reche Rd.
Fallbrook, Ca 92028
760-728-2303
Online: sandiegocounty.gov

Photo: Ashley W. via Yelp

El Parque Stage Stop
Are the kiddos craving Mexican food? Just across the street from Live Oak Park, visit El Parque Stage Stop restaurant, a local hole-in-the-wall favorite. Tied to Fallbrook’s early days, El Parque Stage Stop was where stagecoaches stopped in the 1880s. Kiddos will get a kick out of the rustic, laid-back décor featuring oak barrel tables, a giant mirror, and western artifacts. This inexpensive mainstay features family favorites like authentic tacos, burritos, tortas, and menudo. Order a half-dozen or a dozen homemade tamales to take home. The family won’t be disappointed!

2659 Reche Rd.
Fallbrook, Ca 92028
760-731-2775
Online: elparquefallbrook.com

Photo: Natalie Galati

Santa Margarita River Trail
Hiking has never been so easy and beautiful. Santa Margarita is a wide, flat hike that the whole family can enjoy. A six-mile loop will take you along the Santa Margarita River where a few big (but manageable) boulders keep things exciting for the wee ones. Half way down the trail, kiddos will enjoy checking out the broken down 1950s station wagon. Make your way down to the river where your little trail blazers can find little shells and rocks. The best time to hit the trail is during the spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom!

De Luz Rd. and Sandia Creek Dr.
Fallbrook, Ca 92028
Online: fallbrooksource.com

What’s your favorite thing to do in Fallbrook? Tell us in the comments what we should check out next.

—Elizabeth Silva