12 Best Things to Do in Fallbrook, California

Many top things to do in Fallbrook involve the outdoors or a component of nature, one way or another. A stroll along the historic downtown will reveal that many of the wooden buildings still standing are, in fact, historic.

The local Historical Society Museum highlights the important aspects of local history through the preservation of model trains and vintage cars, which trace the developments of the town from its pioneering past. 

Although it’s not directly accessible from the highways or other major roads, getting around Fallbrook becomes easier once you’re inside and have your transportation plans. That’s why it’s highly recommended to carefully prepare your itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with kids or seniors.

Read on for more travel tips and recommendations in and around Fallbrook.

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – Fallbrook Railroad Heritage Park
• Park to visit – Live Oak Park
• Free activites – Los Jilgueros Preserve
• Activity for kids – Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
• Activity for adults – Fallbrook Winery
• Place to eat – Nessy’s Burgers
• Nightlife – Aqua Terra Restaurant
• Place to stay – Estate d’Iacobelli Winery

Things to Do in Fallbrook, California

1. Fallbrook Art Center

Address: 103 S. Main Ave., Fallbrook, CA 92028

Local art scenes say a lot about the community they are in. If you want to get a quick taste of art appreciation while in Fallbrook, head over to the Fallbrook Art Center.

Since its establishment in 1996, it has become a home for homegrown artists showcasing their creativity. The art center, located in the historic downtown, is also open for exhibitions featuring artists recognized in other parts of the region, as well as those from the international scene. 

Apart from regular rotating exhibits, the Fallbrook Art Center also offers Guild membership, which lets them participate in an annual juried show. They also offer other artists opportunities through calls for show entries in their various galleries. 

Take a break from all the breathtaking and awe-inspiring artwork in the center. Head over to their restaurant, Café des Artistes, where you can get a refreshing drink from the vintage soda fountain equipment originally used by the former occupants of the building, Rexall Pharmacy. 

Beyond the soda fountain treats, you can also fill up healthy Mediterranean food from their menu. Pair it with coffee, wine, or beer so you can go back in for the rest of the galleries more energized.

The Fallbrook Art Center is open daily except for Sundays. You can find free on-street parking, as well as the lot right behind the building. It’s also a huge plus that it’s one of the free things to do in Fallbrook, California. Check out their ongoing exhibitions right here.

Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? This lovely mid-20th Century, the 3-bedroom rental property has a pool and a patio just a few blocks away.

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2. Kenny’s Strawberry Farm

Address: 935 Rainbow Valley Boulevard, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is a great destination for kids and adults alike! Perfect for those looking for a wholesome family activity that everyone can enjoy, this U-Pick-style farm gives the best strawberry-picking experience across its vast fields. 

The important thing you have to note is that this family-owned strawberry farm follows a seasonal operation. This means you should plan your trip to ensure you will be accommodated. 

To give you an idea, they grow their berries from February to July. Within this period, February and March give them time to open for U-Pick harvesting, and then they close the farm to the public for the rest of the planting period. 

Apart from that short but sweet window early in the year, they typically re-open their gates once more in October, in time for the pumpkin season. So, if you’re going to be in the area, you might as well stop and drop by the strawberry farm.

Add strawberry picking at the farm to your list of things to do in Fallbrook with kids. Not only will you be able to pick fresh strawberries yourself directly from the farm, but even the ones you can buy from the stands are guaranteed to have been picked fresh that morning, too.

To learn more about their farm schedule and if you have any other questions regarding your visit, visit their website for details.

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3. Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Museum

Address: 123 W. Alvarado Street., Fallbrook, CA 92028

What’s the best little gem in Fallbrook, California?

Do you love seeing and learning all about shiny gems and minerals dug out of the earth? If so, the Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Museum is the perfect spot for you! 

This museum is actually run by the nonprofit organization, the Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society. Apart from their generous display of beautiful gems and minerals, they also provide research and education about jewelry, other lapidary arts, paleontology, and general earth sciences.

If you want to do more than look at the educational displays, you can get hands-on experience through their different practical workshops. You can also sign up for small conferences featuring various speakers.

This great place is one of the best cheap activities for kids in Fallbrook. The Society also hosts special events such as annual street fairs and gem shows, so make sure to check those out if you ever catch one while you’re in the area.

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4. The Fallbrook Library

Address: 124 S. Mission Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028

Not all travel adventures need to be action-packed and frenzied with non-stop adventure. Sometimes, a little downtime with peace can provide the balance you need for a more sustainable itinerary.

Drop by and settle in at the Fallbrook Library for a quick break from all the walking and tourist activities. It may look unassuming, but it has more character and history than meets the eye.

For one, did you know that it is, in fact, the pioneer branch of the San Diego County Public Library? Thanks to the Sunday Afternoon Club, the library was founded in 1913 and is now home to an impressive catalog of 33.7 million books, films, and music. 

Apart from its overwhelming collections, Fallbrook Library hosts various events, from book clubs to yoga and meditation sessions. 

Whatever your reasons for dropping by–whether it’s too hot a day out or cold and raining–you will have time well spent in the library. You can also lodge at the Fallbrook Country Inn during your visit to the library.

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5. Emerald Forest Bird Gardens

Address: 38420 Dos Cameos Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Do you love birds? If yes, the Emerald Forest Bird Gardens is a must-visit on your Fallbrook trip. If you don’t, drop by anyway, and you’ll find yourself leaving as a bird-lover. 

The Emerald Forest Bird Gardens sits on a hill within forty acres of riparian woodlands. Here, you will find one of the most exquisite private collections anyone could find anywhere in the world!

It is so renowned that its fame is known far and wide–even international news and magazines have featured it! You will surely experience a truly world-class garden amidst a semi-tropical setting.

See for yourself the beauty and magnificence of exotic birds like peacocks, parrots, toucans, and cockatoos, among many others. You can pick from the onsite tours, such as the guided general tour or the photography excursion. 

The other great thing about the Emerald Forest Bird Gardens is that it’s great for curious visitors and hobbyists, researching scientists, and budding enthusiasts. The studies and research they support and promote here have helped deepen our understanding of the birds’ health and behavior.

So come and visit the Emerald Forest Bird Gardens. You never know; you might even walk away as a brand new owner of an exotic bird. That’s right; they also allow some of their birds to be adopted. 

You can read more about their process of buying birds here if you’re interested.

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6. California Watercolor

Address: 560 C Industrial Way, Fallbrook, CA 92028

California Watercolor along Industrial Way is another artsy space you can check out while in Fallbrook. This gallery also acts as a workshop space and features a wide variety of fine art from the early 20th Century to today. 

Vintage art prints, HD giclée art prints, handcrafted artwork, and even books are available here. Their focus, however, is primarily watercolor art, having recognized the vast wealth of creative talents for the medium in California.

What stands out the most about these watercolor paintings is that they were painted directly on the canvas, without any preliminary outlines or drawings. As artists became more confident with the use of the medium, their skills and techniques further developed as well.

Today, their collections include vast selections of beautiful California and American watercolor paintings. The gallery is open daily except Sundays, so please drop by at your most convenient time. 

You might as well think about making room for some new art in your home because the pieces are for sale at affordable prices in the gallery. 

Check out their collection of original California Art and American paintings here, in case you’d like to take your pick. You can also contact them here if you want to get an appraisal for artwork.

7. Los Jilgueros Preserve

Address: S Mission Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Can’t get enough of the beautiful outdoors in Fallbrook? Add the Los Jilgueros Preserve to your itinerary to explore more! 

This preserve covers up to 46 acres of different wildlife areas, giving you plenty of room for bird-watching activities in the wetlands, ponds, and among the tree groves of live oaks. As outdoorsy as it is, though, Los Jilgueros is still pretty convenient for most travelers. 

This is because it used to be a farm, which means the infrastructure for access is readily available. It also used to be an orchard, so old farm equipment could be found randomly throughout the property. 

With plenty of parking space, you can easily get shade and rest before continuing your biking or walking activities. The Preserve also has its restoration team for native plants, which has helped restore native species to the area. Wildflowers also bloom aplenty so you can expect a bright, beautiful landscape, especially in the spring.

Don’t forget to bring your camera or canvas painting! The natural beauty of the environment around you will surely inspire your creativity. After the exploration, you can also enjoy your break at the Pala Mesa Resort.

You can also join their many recurring events on the Preserve, which you can check out here if you’d like to get some merch as a souvenir, head to their historic Palomares House & Park office or get their details here.

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8. Finch Frolic Garden Permaculture

Address: 390 Vista Del Indio, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Here’s another amazing place to visit outdoors in Fallbrook. The Finch Frolic Garden Permaculture is filled with delicately beautiful flowers, as well as food and medicinal plants. 

The garden is a fantastic lesson in sustainability, too, not only because of the natural environment it features but also because of all the recycled materials used to create living bridges and buildings. 

And because they encourage sustainable gardening practices through permaculture, you can also learn some valuable lessons on applying permaculture techniques in your garden.

It’s a souvenir that will be better than any photo or keychain because it can help you improve and nurture your garden to its fullest potential while being more efficient in your energy use. 

Once you’re done learning the necessary techniques, you can relax in the properties for the rest of your time. Take a leisurely walk through the flower gardens, sit and have a picnic, or go bird watching. 

Don’t forget to bring your camera or canvas painting! The natural beauty of the environment around you will inspire your creativity.

If you want to have more structure in your trip, sign up for their monthly tours. Check out more details here to learn what to expect and how to prepare.

9. Estate d’Iacobelli Winery

Address: 2175 Tecalote Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Estate d’Iacobelli Winery sits on 20 acres of land primed for quality grape-growing to produce top-notch wines. Transport yourself to the Mediterranean without leaving the comforts of California. 

Experience a refreshing retreat in the vineyards as you take in the breathtaking views of mountains and valleys from the property’s hilltop. There’s no need to rush because The Estate welcomes guests to stay. 

You can access the 2-bedroom main residence, fully furnished with modern amenities that fit perfectly into the traditional, rustic ambiance. The hilltop home includes a casita guest house, and sitting between these two buildings are the open courtyard and swimming pool.

If you can’t stay the night, that’s alright too. You can enjoy your stay during the day, mingling with other guests at the Tasting Room, where you can wine and dine on local wines and fresh off-the-oven pizzas or cold-cut sandwiches.

To get the full Estate d’Iacobelli Winery, you should catch their tasting room events from 12 pm to 6 pm on Fridays and Sundays. You’ll need to set an appointment for Mondays to Thursdays, so make sure to call first before making any plans.

Visit their website for more information on their Tasting Room schedules, menu, Estate accommodations, wine club, and shop.

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10. Welburn Gourd Farm

Address: 40635 De Luz Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028

After the strawberry farms, bird gardens, and flower preserves, we now come to the gourd farm–as in the Welburn Gourd Farm.

The Welburn Gourd Farm is one of the largest gourd producers in California, so if you want to see what 325,000 plants look like in a year, then this is the place to go.

Welburn Gourd Farm gives you a closer look at gourd farming, including what living on a gourd farm is like. Several accommodations are available for rent so you and your entire family can truly enjoy the rustic farm experience on your trip. 

While there, you can learn about the many products you can create from gourds! Get crafty and learn gourd-crafting techniques to create your own one-of-a-kind personal souvenir.

They also offer online classes, so you can refer to those if you want to continue your lessons after your trip. This is otherwise a good way to pick up on the skills even though you haven’t gone to the farm. 

The Welburn Gourd Farm is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday and is only open by appointment every Monday and Tuesday. Click here for more information on their availability, as well as directions on how to get there.

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11. Live Oak County Park

Address: 2746 Reche Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028

Live Oak County Park is 27 acres of oak forest. Take your family out for a lovely stroll under the refreshing canopy of the giant oak trees, or set up a picnic for a relaxing lunch.

Follow the designated trails and proper trail etiquette as you share them with other visitors. Remember that all the park’s plants, animals, and cultural and natural features are protected and may not be removed, damaged, or harmed.

When you’re ready for more activities, you can go to their sports facilities, which include courts for basketball and volleyball, as well as fields for soccer and softball. There are also playgrounds for the young ones, where they can safely enjoy running around. 

Live Oak County Park is pet-friendly, so your furry pals can experience some outdoor fun. There’s a leash-free dog area, so you can play fetch with them to their heart’s content.

Restroom facilities are easily available and accessible, so it’s still a comfortable time outdoors. Other amenities on the property that you can enjoy are the horseshoe pits, reservable picnic areas, campsites, and a theater. Check out their brochure to learn more about Live Oak County Park’s history, rules, and regulations.

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12. Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens

Address: 220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Getting married in Fallbrook? Planning the perfect private event? Or maybe you’re just looking for romantic things to do on a date night in Fallbrook. The Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens is the perfect venue for all three!

This stunning country house set on magnificent grounds was built in 1984 by the local McDougal family to create the most idyllic wedding venue ever.

The resulting thirty-acre property with two separate reception venues, three ceremony sites, eighteen acres of thematic gardens, seven waterfalls, and a beautiful heart-shaped lake is all that and more.

The greens and botanical gardens truly are stunning and open to the public from Thursday through Sunday for an admission fee. Kids under ten and Veranda diners can enter for free, bringing me to the food.

The Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens Veranda restaurant is one of the most romantic dining establishments in town – and you don’t even have to get married to eat here (although it probably couldn’t hurt).

That said, reservations are required. The Orchid Bar can also be booked for swanky cocktail parties and wedding receptions.

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Places to Stay in Fallbrook

What is Fallbrook Known For?

Not many people know it, but it is recognized as the “Avocado Capital of the World!” Yup. Sitting quietly in a cozy nook a few dozen miles north of San Diego, the city of Fallbrook in Southern California is a true hidden gem for those looking for some worthwhile quality time, whether by themselves, with their whole family, or with best friends, minus the hustle of a typical tourist-trap vacation destination. 

How to Get Around Fallbrook

As with any other travel itinerary, preparing for transportation needs and options is crucial in truly enjoying a safe and convenient journey. 

Travel by Bus

Traveling downtown is a quick ride aboard the 306 bus the North County Transit District runs. Check out the Breeze line (Route 306) to see the available schedule for Fallbrook.

Travel by Car

Driving your car will always be the most convenient option, especially when you have several things to do in Fallbrook, California. If you’re not planning on driving the entire way, you can look for car rentals in the area so you can still visit all the Fallbrook tourist attractions you plan on visiting. 

Taxi services are also available in Fallbrook. It’s also highly recommended, along with rideshare options, if you plan on having a night out in town.

Travel by Rideshare

Like most other areas in California, Uber and Lyft are fully operational in Fallbrook. Both rideshare apps also have a feature that lets you schedule your pick-up ahead of time.

Best Way to Get Around as a Solo Traveler

Fallbrook actually falls within San Diego County, so if you’re traveling from out of state, you can fly into San Diego and then get a ride to your destination.

Meanwhile, people in Northern California can take the Amtrak and get off at Oceanside. This stop is about 15 miles from the greater Fallbrook and should take about 20-30 minutes by car.

Best Way to Get Around for Families or Groups

Renting a car or shuttle service is highly recommended if you’re traveling with kids, elders, or bigger groups. Especially if you’re not likely to fit in one vehicle, you’d still want to be able to travel closely together to make sure everyone stays on schedule.

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