Scripps Ranch

Enjoy the sunshine and an amazing sunset on one of the hiking trails in Scripps Ranch! Visit the local breweries, parks, shopping boutiques, and go fishing.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Scripps Ranch
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Hiking, Fishing & Sun in Scripps Ranch

San Diego is known for its many unique neighborhoods and communities, but some of those big-name districts, such as La Jolla, Coronado Island, Del Mar, and La Jolla, to name a few, can get pretty crowded in the busy season.

If you prefer a fun area of town that still offers plenty to do and convenience to the rest of the city, you should consider booking a stay in Scripps Ranch, San Diego.

Located in the northeastern section of the city, this inland community is not lacking in natural attractions or activities, making it perfect for those nature lovers who want a desert landscape more than a coastal view. Scripps Ranch is where you’ll find some of the favorite hiking trails in town, and with Miramar Reservoir right there, you also can enjoy some great fresh water fishing.

Scripps Ranch gets its unusual name thanks to newspaper magnate E. W. Scripps, who originally owned 400 acres of desert land that he turned into a ranch in the late 1890s. He gradually added to his land holdings, and while his original home no longer exists, the community still bears his name and a strong appreciation for the terrain that drew him to the area over a century ago. Be sure to drive down Pomerado Road to see the mature eucalyptus trees that were planted in Scripps’ time.

These days, Scripps Ranch lives by its motto: country living. You’ll find a quieter, more casual pace here which allows you to slow down and connect with your surroundings. It’s no wonder that some of the biggest names in show business and professional sports have made their homes in this neighborhood, and the influence of its more famous residents means that tourists here can take advantage of the variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options that coexist with the natural attractions.

Also, part of the Scripps Ranch community is Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. San Diego has always had a proud military tradition, and that appreciation can also be found in the neighborhood, which hosts several festivals throughout the year. When you stay in this area, be sure to check with your hotel concierge to see what’s taking place during your visit to make the most of your time in town.

Scripps Ranch
Why you'll love Scripps Ranch
Enjoy the sunshine and an amazing sunset on one of the hiking trails in Scripps Ranch! Visit the local breweries, parks, shopping boutiques, and go fishing.

Things to Do

Fishing
Fishing

Things to Do in Scripps Ranch

What do you need to do and see when you visit Scripps Ranch? Well, for starters, bring your hiking boots. The trails around town offer some beautiful vistas, and you can do a little research to learn the difficulty levels and length before you head out. Here are some of the beloved natural spots in the area:

Mount Woodson Trail

This out-and-back trail has a big payoff, especially for the Instagrammers and selfie-takers. The reward for this 7.6-mile hike is Potato Chip Rock, a boulder that looks like, well, a giant potato chip. You can also see the ocean in the distance for a special bonus. Be sure to bring water and use lots of sunscreen, though, because this trail does not offer much shade.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve offers several hiking trails to points of interest that include the El Cuervo Adobe Ruin, an equestrian center, a majestic waterfall, live oaks, and wildlife to discover. Dogs are welcome to the park, and you can explore some of the terrain on horseback if you like.

Local Tips
Go Fishing at Lake Miramar
Lake Miramar is a man-made reservoir that is great for fishing. You can find six different types of fish here; Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Catfish, Crappie, Trout and Carp.

Lake Miramar

This man-made reservoir was completed in 1960, and it has a hiking trail around the lake as well boating and fishing on the water. Kayaks, fishing boats, and motorboats are available to rent as are bikes if you rather see the lake from land.

Explore SeaWorld and SAVE

SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Check out SeaWorld San Diego for exciting rides, marine animal interactions and shows! Admission is included as part of the All-Inclusive Go City pass. Save even more when you bundle with other top attractions like the Birch Aquarium at Scripps!
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Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Popular Activities

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Discounts Available
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The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
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Surf Lessons in La Jolla
Surf Lessons in La Jolla
$134 per person
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Dining in Scripps Ranch

Eventually, you are going to step off the trail, and when you do, you’re going to want to find good eats to satisfy your appetite. Scripps Ranch offers more variety than you may have expected, with lots of multicultural options to sample. You won’t have to go far to find good Italian, Japanese, Indian, and even Afghan cuisine, but no visit to San Diego is complete without some of the best Mexican this side of, well, Mexico.

Scripps Ranch is also known for their craft breweries, and beer lovers can do a pub crawl or schedule a brewery tour to quench their thirst for small-batch brews. For tamer tastes, you can also find coffee shops and cafes for grab-and-go eats or a pick-me-up when you are out exploring.

Featured Activity

Front of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum provides history of aircraft built in California. The museum includes over 60 exhibits with restored aircraft and tours of the carrier.
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Where to Stay in Scripps Ranch

In this community, accommodations focus on comfort and convenience. You can find hotels that cater to the military site in Miramar as well as spots that work better for business or leisure travelers.

Choose from brand names that you know and trust to give you a good night’s sleep and get you out the door and on your way to the day’s adventure. Most of the hotel properties are located near Interstate 15, although some are along Scripps Poway Parkway, not far from Los Penasquitos Canyon.

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Central located in Scripps Ranch is a cozy 3 star hotel that has affordable prices.

Featured Hotel
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Central
Lobby Dinning Table at Homewood Suites By Hilton San Diego Central
Families
Families
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Kitchenette
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Shopping
3 Stars3 Stars3 Stars
Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, you have room to spare & top amenities to help you relax at Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Central.
Prices Starting at $137
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Know Before You Go & Tips

Amazing Sunsets
Amazing Sunsets
Breweries
Breweries
Cafes
Cafes
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Parks
Shopping
Shopping

Tips for Visiting Scripps Ranch

Best Time to Visit Scripps Ranch

San Diego doesn’t really have a true off season because the temperatures are mild year-round. With more sunny than cloudy days, the city is ideal for outdoor activities, and Scripps Ranch adds its own vibe to the nature scene.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the summer can bring hotter temperatures to the desert clime of Scripps Ranch, if you consider the upper 70s and lower 80s hot. You may want to book your visit for late September to November, when the daytime isn’t too steamy, or March through late July, when there is very little chance of rain. You don’t have to worry about temperatures dropping below freezing, so a light jacket may be all you need during your stay.

The Extra Details

Keep in mind that when you stay in Scripps Ranch, you should have your own transportation or plan to use rideshares to get you around town. Public transportation may not be as easy to access as it is in the heart of San Diego.

This is also a family-friendly community, so if you are looking for wild nightlife or thrilling attractions, you may want to plan time in other neighborhoods when you stay in Scripps Ranch.

Check the weather before you go and decide on some of the places you want to see so that you pack the right clothes and footwear for your visit. You may also want to bring sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and a hat or two, especially if you plan to spend lots of time outdoors. Also check out the featured Best 16 Farmers Markets in San Diego and spend your time on amazing activties to do.

Scripps Ranch
is Famous For:
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Parks
Parks
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Sunshine
Known For:
Sunsets
Sunsets
Sunshine
Sunshine
This Month's Forecast
48°F / 69°F
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52°F / 70°F
Sunny in March