Rancho Bernardo - San Diego, CA Area Guide

The area that would become Rancho Bernardo was part of the Rancho San Bernardo Mexican land grant in 1842. The master planned community was built in the 1960s after Rancho Bernardo real estate was granted incorporation rights from the AVCO Community Developers. Strong Santa Ana winds have resulted in a number of wildfires in the area over the years, including the Witch Creek Fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes in the region in 2007. The region has since rebounded and hosts Hewlett-Packard, Eastman Kodak Company, Nokia and the corporate headquarters of Sony U.S. among others.

Rancho Bernardo remains a popular tourist spot due to annual events such as the RB Alive carnival and street fair, which features live entertainment, child-friendly activities, over 300 arts and crafts booths, carnival rides and yummy treats from a variety of vendors. The Rancho Bernardo Historical Museum provides guests a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the area.

No matter what you crave, you can find plenty of tasty cuisine and exciting nightlife any day of the week in Rancho Bernardo. For a night filled with fine wine, wonderful food and good company, head to The Barrel Room. The unique, homey atmosphere mixes casual comfort with a touch of elegance for an unforgettable dining experience. Unwind with friends while sharing the spinach and artichoke Rangoon appetizer before ordering the champagne Dover sole or Bordeaux short ribs. The menu provides suggestions for which type of wine goes best with each meal to help you choose the ideal combination. Come for Sunday brunch or stop by to pick up your favorite bottle of Merlot at North County's only retail wine and food establishment.

If you like Vietnamese and Asian-fusion in a clean, laid-back setting, visit Pho Ca Dao & Grill. Serving up traditional pho with your choice of broth, Pho Ca lets you have it plain or choose between beef, chicken or shrimp. Order some spring rolls to complement your shrimp vermicelli and top it off with a signature glass of avocado bubble tea at this warm, family-friendly spot.

Put on your Sunday best and make your way to the upscale AVANT for a truly exceptional meal. Featuring the finest in innovative flavor combinations made with the freshest ingredients from both land and sea, AVANT encourages you to explore a variety of culinary options. Each dish features items that have been locally farmed, picked, fished or hunted for healthy eating with a contemporary California flair. The indoor-outdoor setting and modern decor lets you enjoy the braised lamb shank or braised oxtail agnolotti with a perfectly handcrafted cocktail. Finish your meal with a scoop of lavender ice cream and crystallized lavender flower.

Round up a group of friends on the weekend for a game of pool or darts as you listen to your favorite tunes on the old-fashioned jukebox at Instant Replay. The classic, casual setting and great drink specials allow you to kick back and relax after a long week. The friendly owner and welcoming crowd make you feel right at home while the retro decor provides just the right amount of kitsch.

Strap on your dancing shoes and take a short ride to Cheers Bar & Grill to enjoy a night filled with live music performed by local bands. Show off your best moves on the dance floor before purchasing everything you need from the bar to cook your own meal on the in-house barbecue grill. The high-energy crowd and terrific drink specials add to the quirky charm of this distinctive nightclub.

Rancho Bernardo's scenic views and close proximity to Interstate 15 create a pleasant commute by car or public transit. If you don't have your own car, use the Uber app on your smartphone to hire a taxi or private shuttle service. The Metropolitan Transit System runs four separate routes throughout the area. The terrain doesn't lend itself to bicycling or walking to areas outside of the community, though you can enjoy the outdoors throughout the immediate neighborhood.

When traveling to downtown San Diego, you can take comfort in knowing your car stays safe in one of the many secure public parking garages available. The Park-it-on-Market structure provides six levels and 500 spaces, charging $1 per hour with a maximum fee of $15 for the whole day.

The typically warm climate in Rancho Bernardo allows residents to enjoy the outdoors all year round. Pack a lunch and head to Webb Park to enjoy the lush greenery and small, tranquil pond. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and cranes before grabbing a snack to share with the numerous ducks eager for your attention. Put a leash on the dog and take a quick stroll in this quiet park, which charges no admission fee.

For more family-oriented, admission-free fun, try Valle Verde Park on Valle Verde and Espola Roads. Watch the younger kids climb the play structure before making castles in the sand, then head to the baseball and soccer fields to watch your older ones get some exercise in the form of friendly competition. Bring the dog along to a family cook-out when you attend the annual carnival that celebrates the end of the school year.

Living in the luxurious community of Rancho Bernardo carries a price, with housing costing 7 percent more than in the rest of San Diego. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,489 per month, while a pint of beer at a local pub will set you back about $6. Expect to pay $5 for a one-day pass on the MTS, unless you prefer to spend around 10 percent more than the national average on gas for your own vehicle.

Whether you prefer upscale boutiques or all-in-one shopping at the mall, Rancho Bernardo and the surrounding areas provide something for everyone. Head downtown to Fashion Valley on Friars Road for a mix of both high-end and high-value stores, including Louis Vuitton, Armani Exchange, Forever 21 and JC Penney. Browse the accessories at Gucci before grabbing a bargain on a trendy pair of capris from Old Navy. Stop by Prada to admire the latest in designer handbags, then treat yourself to a box of chocolates from See's Candies at this beautifully maintained mall.

Add some fun patterns and bright colors to your wardrobe at Cotton Cottage on Paseo Del Verano. Specializing in women's fashions and accessories, this small boutique knows how to blend comfort with style. The friendly owner delights in showing you the perfect piece of accent jewelry to match your new skirt and comfortable top as you pick out a classic sun hat to complete your casual-chic ensemble.

Help support local businesses while buying healthy foods at the Rancho Bernardo Farmers Market. This year-round spot has everything from fresh produce, handmade soaps and baked goods to handcrafted accessories and bushels of seasonal flowers. Its location inside the Bernardo Winery makes it a wonderful place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Find your everyday goods at Vons grocery store on Bernardo Plaza Drive. The convenient in-store pharmacy allows you to take care of health care needs, while the fresh bakery and stocked deli help you plan your daily meals. Pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers to add a special touch to your next home-cooked family dinner.