This nature preserve spans over 1,900 acres and offers 13.5 miles of hiking, from moderate to more advanced trails. It's just one of the natural wonders and striking landscapes that have drawn residents and visitors to Valley Center for years. Start your visit by discovering relics from the area's frontier past at the Valley Center History Museum at the Valley Center Library, including a historic stagecoach that dates to 1848. The museum also has celebrity memorabilia from the likes of John Wayne and Fred Astaire, each of whom visited the area over the years.
The Valley Center History Museum also features a stuffed California Grizzly Bear. The largest bear ever killed in recorded history, weighing in at 2,200 pounds, was reportedly captured in the area. Thanks to this notorious event, the community initially took the name Bear Valley before undergoing a few name changes and finally settling on Valley Center in 1887.
Valley Center has managed to retain its welcoming rural character over the years, and it's economy remains largely centered around farming crops like avocados, citrus fruit, nuts, and lavender. It's no wonder you'll find some of the freshest produce around in Valley Center. For example, at the Bar 2 Ranch, you can stop into the fruit stand to pick up a bucket and then head off into the orchards to pluck your own persimmons. It doesn't get fresher than that!
In recent decades two major casinos have sprung up in and around Valley Center. Harrah's Rincon and Valley View have introduced exciting new nightlife, entertainment, and dining options to the area. Valley View Casino and Hotel is a destination that offers 2,000 slot machines, numerous table games, and 6 distinct restaurants, while Harrah's Resort Southern California brings a bit of Vegas to Southern California with a sleek outdoor pool area and Vegas-style gaming and dining.
Other attractions have sprung up around the casinos as businesses in Valley Center and the surrounding communities have made strides to publicize the area's natural beauty, agricultural tourism programs, and family friendly experiences.
Stone Brewing is a booming world-class brewery located in Escondido which hosts many popular beer-centric events in its one-acre outdoor garden. The brewery offers 32 rotating taps and over 100 bottled craft beers to enjoy. For wine lovers, numerous local vineyards serve up excellent wines under spreading oak trees, such as Triple B Ranches, or Hill Top Winery in Valley Center which also serves brunch and lunch.
Whether you want to hit the tables at the casino, relax at a winery, visit an orchard, or just reconnect with nature, you can do it all in and around Valley Center, California.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Valley Center, California?
Valley Center, California, is famous for being the place where the largest California grizzly bear was captured. This happened in 1866 when a bear weighing 2,200 pounds was killed in Lovette House — a site that has now been demolished.
You will find a warm-summer Mediterranean climate when visiting Valley Center, making it a great place to explore during the warmer months. The town and its surrounding area are brimming with agriculture. Here, farmers grow oranges, lemon, and avocados, as well as the sweet-smelling lavender flower.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Valley Center, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Valley Center, CA. Analyze these charts to calculate the cheapest dates to make a reservation in Valley Center for any future trips.
Which Are the Luxury Hotels in Valley Center, California?
4 Star Average Prices: $181.54
Located 29.74 miles southwest of Valley Center, California, Luxury Beachfront Estate & Private Beach is one of the upscale accommodations you should consider when next you're visiting. This luxury hotel is one minute from Windansea Beach and a seven-minute drive from La Jolla Cove. Mission Beach is 3.9 miles away, and Mission Bay is 4.1 miles away from this posh property.
Indulge yourself while staying here, as rooms come with all modern amenities such as premium bedding; some of the guestrooms even come with private pools.
Another luxury option is Beach Village at The Del, Curio Collection by Hilton. Situated 37.68 miles south of Valley Center, this deluxe hotel is a 4-minute walk from Coronado Beach and a 3-minute drive from San Diego Coronado Bridge. Petco Park is 5 miles away, and San Diego City College is 5.2 miles away. The rooms here come with LCD televisions and premium bedding, as well as sofa beds. On-site, there is a full-service spa where you can get massages, facials, and body treatments. There are also three outdoor swimming pools, three spa tubs, and a 24-hour fitness center.
From its elegant design and inspired essentials, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel that merits its inclusion in this list. Located 17.8 miles southwest of Valley Center, this hotel is a 10-minute drive from San Diego Polo Fields and Del Mar Horse Park. It is also 6.2 miles from Del Mar Racetrack and 6.5 miles from Del Mar Fairgrounds. At Rancho Valencia, you can take advantage of their full-service spa, two swimming pools, outdoor tennis courts, and a sauna. There are two restaurants on-site, and 24-hour room service is available.
Which Are the Affordable Hotel Options Near Valley Center, California?
3 Star Average Prices: $134.58
Found Hotel San Diego is an affordable accommodation you should check out when you visit Valley Center, California. This hotel is 34.56 miles south of the town, in Little Italy. Balboa Park and Waterfront Park are a 10-minute walk from this hotel. What's more, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is 0.6 miles away, while Port San Diego is one mile away. The rooms at this property all have air conditioning and flat-screen televisions. You will also find a terrace and a garden on-site.
Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos is another affordable option, and it is located 34.56 south of Valley Center. All the rooms at this hotel have air conditioning, and they come with refrigerators and microwaves. There is an outdoor pool on-site, too.
Staying at this hotel will put you near some landmarks. Twin Oaks Golf Club and Palomar College are a 10-minute drive from Days Inn. From this hotel, you will be within 9.5 miles of Carlsbad Premium Outlets and 10.6 miles of Legoland California.
Motel 6 Carlsbad East also offers friendly rates. Located around Oceanside Lake, this lodge is a 15-minute drive from Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base and Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Legoland California is 9.5 miles away, and the Flower Fields of Carlsbad is 5.9 miles away. There's an outdoor pool on-site for guests who want to make a splash.