Best of San Diego: Ramona

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ramona

Ramona is  near the intersection of State Route 67 and State Route 78 and near the economic center of Ramona. The elevation is 1,391 ft. above sea level.

Because Ramona is not an incorporated city, there are no city limits by which to measure its area. There are primarily three geographic areas by which the land area of Ramona is measured: 1. The boundaries of the Ramona Municipal Water District  2. The boundaries of the Ramona Unified School District, and; 3. The boundaries of the Ramona Community Planning Area. The last is the primary area utilized by San Diego County’s regional planning agency, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).

Fun fact:

Before it was permanently settled, the Ramona area was inhabited by Diegueño semi-nomadic people, who established temporary settlements there as they moved between coastal and inland grounds. Their presence is indicated by archeological evidence such as rock paintings, etchings, and grinding stones used to grind acorns into meal for bread

 

Hello! My name is Sandra and I had the pleasure of living in Ramona for 12 years. I moved there when my kids were 9 and 7. We stayed until they graduated and moved away for college. My love of the mountains and wide open spaces is what led me there. Little did I know that the people would fill my heart as well. I formed life long friendships and made memories that will stay with me forever. 

Photo courtesy of Ramonaevents.com

Old Town Ramona – Main Street
Ramona, CA 92065

Antique Shops on Main Street – If antique shopping is your thing then Ramona’s antique shops on Main Street will not disappoint. There are also a variety of shops and places to eat on Main Street. Take a cruise and check it out for yourself.

 

Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail
Off  Route 67 North , Ramona, CA 92065

Mt Woodson Hike to Potato Chip Rock – I know we’ve all seen the pictures. The infamous potato chip rock that people take carefully thought out pictures on. Even those that do not hike, will hike for the potato chip. There are two trails to the potato chip, Poway side and Ramona side. The Ramona side is just a little ol’ 4.1 mile, paved hike. Easy peasy. But be prepared to wait for a picture on the chip, especially if you go on the weekends.

 

Photo courtesy of alltrails.com

Cedar Creek Falls Trail
15519 Thornbush Road, Ramona, CA 92065

Famous for its waterfall and views, Cedar Creek Falls is worth the 5 mile roundtrip hike. Hot weather conditions should be taken into account before considering hiking this trail. It is a steep descend to the waterfall making it a climb to get back to your car. Permits are required to make the journey. Get your permit here, Recreation.gov

Dos Picos County Park
17953 Dos Picos Park Road, Ramona CA 92065

Whether you’re hiking, having a picnic or fishing in the pond, this beautiful park is a great place to spend the day. This park is also great for campers with a range of camping sites.  Sites available are partial hook-up sites, tent sites, cabins and a youth group area.

Ramona Cafe
628 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 789-8656

Who doesn’t like cinnamon roles? Ramona cafe has a vast array of delectable dishes but their cinnamon roles are my favorite! Just ask Guy Fieri! This community’s go-to restaurant was featured on Diners, Dive-ins and Drives. Check out their menu! Menu

Kountry Kitchen

The Kountry Kitchen
826 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 789-3200

Biscuits and Gravy, the Wrangler, the Rustler, or the Roundup, need I say more? True to its name, the Kountry Kitchen has delicious country cookin’ that will not disappoint! Check out their menu here. Menu

Other Notable Restaurants to Try: 

The Oaks Grill and Par Lounge 24157 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone : 760-789-8290

Marinade on Main  865 Main Street, Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: 760-440-3171

Mariscos Mar de Cortez  109 10th St, Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 789-750

Pinto Thai 2330 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 788-4478

Amici’s Pizza, Pasta, Subs 1429 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 788-4800

Ramona Wineries
Map of Ramona Wineries

Did somebody say wine? Most people don’t know this but there are over 20 wineries in Ramona. Beautiful views and award winning wines make Ramona’s wine country one that should not be overlooked.

Photo courtesy of baronaspeedway.com

Barona Speedway
1754 Wildcat Canyon Rd., Lakeside, CA 92040 | Phone: (619) 749-8115

If fast is your speed than Barona Speedway is for you. Hold on to your seats as you watch races for Street Stocks, Pony Stocks, Pure Stocks, IMCA Mods, Mini Dwarfs, Jr. Sprints and even some So Cal Mowers. 

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

Oasis Camel Dairy
26757 Highway 78, Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 787-0983

Who doesn’t love camels? Visit Oasis Camel Dairy farm to find some rare camel milk soap and skin care. While you’re there spend some time with camels up close and personal. Private tours and camel camp is also available.

Photo courtesy of San Diego is Awesome

Guy B Woodward Museum
645 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 789-7644

Guy B. Woodward did extensive research into his Ramona roots. He started collecting artifacts in the 1940’s. A visit to the museum will take you back in time to the Western days culture complete with antiques and an Old West Town.

Adults $5.00 | Children age 12 and under $1.00 |Historical Society members Free

Photo courtesy of Ramona MainStage

Ramona Mainstage
626 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 789-7008

Operating now as a performing arts facility, Ramona Mainstage has a calendar full of live entertainment and music and much, much more. Having first opened its doors back in 1947, Ramona Mainstage is a Ramona treasure. Click here, Calendar, for the Ramona Mainstage calendar.

Cheers
2475 Main St., Ramona, Ca. 92065 | (760) 789-7008

“Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name
And they’re always glad you came”…

Live music, Karaoke, Bingo and Pool Tournaments are just a few of the events Cheers has going on at different times of the month. A fun place for an adult beverage and a good time!

Up the Hill Grill and Waypoint Saloon  1270 Main St., Ramona, CA | Phone: (760) 440-9365

 

Photo courtesy of Ramona Family Naturals

Ramona Family Naturals Market
326 6th St., Ramona, CA 92065 | Phone: (760) 789-5987

I absolutely love this place! You can shop for fresh, organic produce or order from the deli for sandwiches and soups made fresh daily with 99% certified organic ingredients. The market stocks over 2,000 organic products and gluten-free products also. Did I mention they have a smoothie bar? Yummy!