ENCINITAS VACATION RENTALS, CALIFORNIA

The Quail Botanical Gardens, located about 20 minutes north of San Diego, boasts of the largest collection of bamboos including rare bamboo groves. Other highlights of the garden include desert gardens, native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes, and a tropical rainforest giving an insight into the varied ecological biodiversity of the region. The garden, spread over 30 acres of land is famous for its rare flora and fauna including exotic tropical plants, palms, cacti, Mediterranean, Australian, and other unusual collections of flowers. A nature lover’s delight, the gardens are crisscrossed with interesting trails, scenic walkways dotted with benches and picnic tables.

For the children there is the West Coast's first interactive children's garden, the Seeds of Wonder. Landscaping for Fire Safety and a subtropical fruit garden, and the Undersea Succulent Garden are also worth checking out. The garden is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily except for on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The cost of ticket is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $5 for children between the age of 3 and 12, and free for children aged 2 and under.

• The theme park, by the world’s famous toys LEGOLAND®, is located about 40 minutes from downtown San Diego. This beautifully landscaped park offers a full day of fun and entertainment for the entire family. The major attractions are undoubtedly the 5,000 LEGO models, rides, shows and other attractions. Then there are also the models of international landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Sydney Opera House made of course from the LEGO bricks. The latest addition to the park is the Knights' Tournament, a ‘robo-coaster’ that allows you to choose the intensity of your ride experience. For the older kids, there are the LEGO TECHNIC car races. The cost of a one-day ticket is $57 for adults and $44 for seniors and children between the age of 3 and 12.

• This seaside hermitage is a must visit for those looking for self-realization and meditation in the serene surroundings. Founded by Swami Paramhansa, a renowned spiritual master whose teachings on meditation, compassion and spiritual realization have touched a chord in the hearts of many across the globe. The retreat has ample koi-filled ponds and quiet nooks for meditation and the sense of peace will surely prove to be an enlightening experience. Admission is free, and the gardens are open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.

• Travel back into time at San Dieguito Heritage Museum, which has on display exhibits that interpret the history of the region dating back to10, 000 years. Of special interest are the Native American artifacts and over 8,000 photographs of the original Diegueño, Luiseño and Kumeyaay tribes and the Ranchero period. The exhibits give an interesting insight into the lives of the people who inhabited the land centuries ago. The museum is open from 12 PM to 4 PM from Wednesdays through Fridays.