Located in the northern part of the San Diego metropolitan area, the city of Vista, CA is a popular base to explore the many nature reserves and state parks that the region has to offer. If you are planning a road trip around California in your new 2023 Ford Edge ST, here are three breathtaking destinations you can reach in less than two hours.
1. Palomar Mountain State Park
Featuring plenty of campgrounds, picnic spots, and nature trails in an area of over 1,800 acres, Palomar Mountain State Park is the perfect destination to escape the urban bustle, spend some time outdoors, and breathe some fresh air. Located a little over 40 miles northeast of the Vista city center, this nature reserve can be reached in about one hour by car via route CA-76.
Open every day from dawn to dusk, Palomar Mountain State Park boasts plenty of scenic viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding mountain areas. Some of the most popular activities among visitors include hiking, birdwatching, and fishing on the waters of Doane Pond. Day passes cost $10 per vehicle and can be purchased at all official entrances.
2. Torrey Pines State Beach
If you are searching for a scenic destination with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a series of impressive sandstone cliffs, Torrey Pines State Beach is the place to be. Established in 1957 and located just over 25 miles south of the Vista downtown area, this place can be reached in less than half an hour by car via route I-5.
Covering over 1,700 acres of seaside woodlands and offering several miles of pristine sand beaches, Torrey Pines State Beach is a well-known destination among surfers from all over the San Diego metropolitan area. This place also features a series of designated swimming spots that draw thousands of visitors every day during the summer months. Managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, this place is also a popular birdwatching destination.
3. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Boasting an area of nearly 25,000 acres, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park was established in 1933 and features an extensive network of meadows crisscrossed by hiking and mountain biking trails. Some of the amenities you can find here include campgrounds, picnic spots, and the ruins of a former gold mine. Located about 65 miles southeast of the Vista city center, this state park can be reached in about one hour and 45 minutes via route CA-78.
If you are searching for a sedan, a pickup truck, or an SUV to travel around California and explore its most beautiful nature reserves, we’ve got your back! Stop by North County Ford today, check out our latest models, and ask our agents about the convenient financing plans we have available.
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