Location: Vista
Top Things to do in Vista
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What to do and see in Vista, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Vista (/ˈvɪstə/; Spanish: view) is a city in Southern California and is located in northwestern San Diego County. Vista is a medium-sized city within the San Diego Metropolitan Area and has a population of 101,659. Vista's sphere of influence also includes portions of unincorporated San Diego County to north and east, with a county island in the central west. Located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, it has a Mediterranean climate.
Restaurants in Vista
1. Moonlight Ampitheatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By davishert - Vista, California
The Moonlight amphitheater in Vista has become the pride of Vista. Their summer productions continue entertain even as their reputation grows. Indeed, as their reputation has grown, it has provided them increased opportunities to reach out and get new talent. If you're in the area during the summer months, it's a must do.
2. The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 128 reviews
The museum features wood and metalworking craftsmanship at the small end of the size scale. Exhibits include running internal and external combustion engines, model ships, aircraft and autos, tools, clocks, jewelry, guns and dollhouses. Small Engines are run in our working machine shop each day at 10, 12 and 2 PM. Admission is free, and regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9 to 4. The museum is sponsored by the non-profit Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship and partially funded by Sherline Products Miniature Machine Tools.
Reviewed By Brackstead - Carlsbad CA
Great small (but not tiny) museum tucked away in Industrial buildings. Its inland Carlsbad near Bressi Ranch.
Fascinating to me and sons and Grandsons. Anyone who appreciates engineering and making precision working models to scale will totally appreciate this. Some of the models take your breath away particularly the miniature cars with working engines. There must be thousands of people years invested in creating this stuff.
There are Dolls house and other models so all can appreciate this.
Children can take away a lot from the experience regarding design, mechanical engineering, patience and dedication to perfection etc. plus respect for craftsmanship.
Leave a donation.
Docents very helpful. Its fun for children plus they do have some working demos. There is a very Heath Robinson style clock which is set off from time to time. Phone and ask whats on before going. Lots of Parking beside Museum. No food in Museum but jugs of coffee.
3. Double Peak Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By ExploringViking96 - San Diego, California
This is the perfect park to check out the best views you can find in the entire county. You can see on a clear day from Mt. Laguna to Catalina Island and all of downtown San Diego. By far a great location to soak up the views and check out the sunset!!!
4. Mother Earth Brew Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By twofromLA - Riverside, California
Nice place to hang out in downtown.
Had a sampler and enjoyed all the beers.
We were there on Friday and it was convenient that ME was open when the Vista breweries in the warehouse areas don't open until 3pm on weekdays :(
There is an excellent pizza restaurant across the street
5. Mission San Luis Rey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Founded in 1798, Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the "King of the Missions," is a National Historic Landmark. The largest of all the 21 California missions, it is home to a community of Franciscan Friars and is open daily to the public in the Franciscan tradition of heritage and hospitality. Facilities include a Retreat Center with day and overnight programs for spiritual renewal, multi-function meeting spaces, a Cemetery open to all people, Mission Gift Shop, Historic Church and interpretive Museum.
Reviewed By Starviagera - Los Angeles, California
Very interesting history of California. The land keeps changing hands. Hispanics once more the majority. Visit the museum and the labanderia
6. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 51 reviews
Open year round, this museum features exhibits such as historic gasoline-and-steam powered farming equipment.
Reviewed By Christine92057 - San Diego, California
Where should I start with my favorite place in town? I thought I should start here. I can easily say that this is my favorite place to relax on weekends and just take a deep breathe from school. This facility holds many things to do all day. From model trains to model A/T's to steam engine tractors this place offers many things to see and do. They offer blacksmithing classes and even allow you to adopt a restoration project. There are lots of hands-on experiences waiting to be had. Each time I visit which is often, I see something new and exciting. I am 18 and I very much enjoy antiques more than most my age. All I want to do here is learn and really get my hands dirty. If you are looking to learn a thing or two about the past then this is the place for you. Written by Ian M Brown
7. Museum of Making Music
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
This unique museum provides an exciting documentary of the last 100 years of American music through interactive displays, a focus on six different musical eras and a collection of musical instruments.
Reviewed By Kevin W - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
We went to the Jack Tempchin concert celebrating the 45th anniversary of the release of the Peaceful Easy Feeling song, one that he wrote. The capacity of the concert hall is about 130, so it was cozy and intimate. The concert was outstanding, afterward Jack Tempchin greeted attendees and signed autographs until all were signed. We noted that there were many upcoming concerts for the Museum that would be very entertaining in this atmosphere. If we lived in San Diego we would attend shows at this venue as much as possible. You should just do this one.
8. The Wave Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Sami G
Yea admission is a low price, but that's because it's a lame place. So tiny. Too crowded. Kinda ghetto. Just skip it. The only reason why I didn't give it a "1 star" is because we were only there for 10 mins & wanted to leave & luckily they refunded us our money. Very thankful for that!!
9. Iron Fist Brewing Co
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Julian V
Went to the Iron Fist Tasting Room in Barrio Logan. Which is just a 3 minutes from downtown. The space is industrial and has some amazing local brews on tap. The owners were very accommodating to our group. Great for families as children are allowed and huge outdoor patio seating. Great for large groups such as ours.
10. Carlsbad Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Downtown Carlsbad offers antique and curio stores, lots of good eating places and a great place to cool off after spending hours on the nearby beach.
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765 - Tucson
It's been a couple of years since we were here last and it is still as delightful now as it was then. Be aware that Carlsbad Village Drive (the street) pretty much divides the city between the Barrio neighborhood (on one side) and the Village on the other. Stay on the Village side for the vast majority of the finest Carlsbad has to offer.
Shopping, dining, sight-seeing, all the things we travel to Carlsbad to see are in the Village. The barrio side of the street has a few Mexican restaurants with a nice home style vibe (as in nothing fancy) but not all that much more. It tends to be composed of more older residential and business-oriented buildings (like banking, etc.) If time is at a premium, make your choices accordingly.
When we visited recently, we stayed in Oceanside and walked up the Rail Trail path to Carlsbad (maybe 2 miles, not anymore) and you can always take the train back if the walk is too much.
The street-post banners announce where the "Village" is and there is always something exciting going on somewhere in the "Village." The Farmers Market takes place here, the train station is here, cafes, antique shops and high-end specialty shops are here, hotels are here ... I dont think I missed anything.
This is a geat place to spend the day.
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