Yeah, my girlfriend
-Blink 182. “Josie”
Takes me home when I’m too drunk to drive
And she doesn’t get all jealous
When I hang out with the guys
She laughs at my dumb jokes when no one does
She brings me Mexican food from Sombrero just because
Yeah, just because
What is Poway known for? To locals, it’s the great hikes and the inception of Blink-182. Pre Kardashian influence. We’ve put together a local’s guide for you on things to do in Poway.
Table of Contents
Sombrero
Hey, if it’s good enough for Blink 182, it’s good enough to be on our guide of things to do in Poway. Check out Sombrero Mexican Food all over the county and then stop in at the Poway location. Order some authentic San Diego Mexican food then bring it your favorite person to make their day. Sign up for Sombrero reward program and earn a free churro. Delicious.
📍 12090 Scripps Summit Dr San Diego, CA, 92131
Hamburger Factory
Is the Hamburger Factory Family Restaurant home to the best burger you’ll ever have? No, but we have that coming up next! What the Hamburger Factory does have is true old town Poway nostalgia. Grab a burger, sip a milkshake, bring a date, and never run out of things to talk about as you take in the paraphernalia on the wall.
📍 14122 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Swagyu
Voted by our readers as #7 on the list of Best burger in San Diego, is Swagyu. Voted by us, it’s numbero uno. Specializing in wagyu beef, Swagyu has their Signature Swagyu smash burger. If you can handle it, the 3×3 has 3 4oz Wagyu Smash Patties on a brioche bun and their secret sauce. It’s our go-to burger spot so make sure you check it out. The Wagyu burger can be a bit pricey but we think it’s totally worth it. The nitro fries are phenomenal, so order a side of those while you’re at it.
📍 14149 Twin Peaks Rd Suite 12, Poway, CA 92064
Old Poway Park
Steps away from the Hamburger Factory is Old Poway Park. While you can stroll along the meandering pathways or enjoy a peaceful picnic in the beautiful park, the real draw is the train. On the weekends you can take a ride around the park on the Poway Midland Railroad. View the current train schedule. Visitors can also tour the Heritage Museum to learn more about Poway’s history.
📍 14134 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Farmers Market
Is Poway a good area? I am hanging my ball cap that anywhere featuring a Farmers Market is a good area. Who would mess with a place where hard working people gather to bring their self made/grown/baked items to the community? No one.
At the Poway Farmers Market you will find local and organic produce and artisan foods. The Farmers Market currently offers over 65 vendors providing fresh produce, flowers, music, and freshly-prepared food. All produce is certified, inspected by the agricultural commission, and is brought to you fresh from the grower. Stop by between 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The waffle sandwiches from Glutenus Maximus are to drool for.
📍 14134 Midland Road, Poway, CA 92064
Artisans Market
Check out the Artisan Market and discover unique handmade treasures made by local artists. The Artisan Market has presented contemporary artists working in traditional arts and crafts to create beautiful and useful things in the spirit of the Arts & Crafts movement but relevant to today.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
January – August: 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
Labor Day Weekend – Christmas: Every Saturday
📍 14134 Midland Road, Poway, CA 92064
Mt. Woodson AKA Potato Chip Rock
Featured on our best hikes in San Diego list is Mt. Woodson AKA Potato Chip Rock. Arguably, this is the most Instagrammable hike in San Diego. It is recognized for its long rock formation that looks like a potato chip. Hikers like to flip the photos so they look like they are falling off the side, eating it, or simply embracing an amateur yoga routine on it. Is Potato Chip Rock hike hard? Not as hard as getting into Harvard Law, but we won’t out you for taking the easy way. Come for the hike and bring a Scooby Snack if you’re staying to get your photo taken. That line gets long so adventure out on a Poway Thursday to avoid the crowds! Start this hike out from Lake Poway.
📍 14644 Lake Poway Road Poway, CA 92064
Lake Poway
What can’t you do at Lake Poway? Come to fish, boat, camp, picnic, or practice your archery.
Check out the Lake Poway events schedule. We have highlighted a few things to do in Poway below.
📍 14644 Lake Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064
Summer Concert Series
The Lake Poway Summer Concert Series is every other Sunday from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM in June and July. But you should arrive early! The parking lot may be completely full by 4 PM or earlier. The concerts will have food trucks so bring your appetite, blanket, chair and good energy. Do you have to pay to get into Poway Lake? At the concert series, residents are free. Non residents will have to shell out $10 per car. Buddy up!
Camping
Lake Poway has several camping events. For their Spring to Camping dates you can sleep under the spring stars! Don’t ask us what makes these stars different from the Fall stars. Here, you can set up your tent and explore the park at your own pace. Hike the numerous trails; drop a line to catch a fish; cruise the lake on a motorboat; or simply relax by your campsite and enjoy all the natural beauty that Lake Poway offers.
They also host several Family Campouts, designed for novice campers. You can enjoy outdoor fun in a family-friendly environment. Activities include: guided evening hikes, campfire with s’mores, and family magic/comedy show. You have to bring your own camping equipment, dinner supplies to barbeque, and grill/charcoal, but still pretty low maintenance.
Fishing permits and boat rentals are not included in camping events but you can purchase them.
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is a 700-acre canyon. Fully trained Docents (a person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museum, art gallery, or zoo. I think I saw that word during SAT prep once) offer hands-on experiences to identify and observe plants and animals, resource preservation activities, and programs. Bring a group for a hike or outdoor nature program in this unique habitat. Watch out for rattlesnakes and mountain lions, not joking on this one.
📍 16275 Espola Road
