21 Aug Top Things for New Residents to Do in Poway, CA
Poway, also known as “The City in the Country,” prides itself on the fact that more than half of the city’s area is preserved as dedicated open space. The community offers a range of housing options, good schools, a thriving business park, beautiful parks and trails, community gatherings, and more making it a wonderful place to live.
Though the options may be overwhelming at first, don’t fret! If you’re a new resident of the Poway, CA area, we are here to help. Check out our list of things to do in San Diego’s North County.
Take a hike.
The City of Poway trail system has nearly 80 miles of hiking trails that range from 2.67 miles for beginner hikers to 10.23 miles for the more experienced.
Iron Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the area, but it’s no walk in the park. Hiking to the summit is tough – 5.6 miles round trip – but when you reach the top, you will be greeted with panoramic views and a picnic bench to relax on.
Experience nature by hiking at the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, a 700-acre oak-lined canyon. The reserve is home to many species of flora and fauna, and the trails are all open to the public.
And, of course, it’s not a visit to Poway without a trip to the infamous Potato Chip Rock, named because the thin slice of rock sticking out over the cliff resembles a potato chip. It’s a 7.4-mile hike to the top and a trendy area for hiking. The trail is open year-round. Don’t forget to snap a picture when you reach the top!
Explore Lake Poway.
Nestled deep in the hills of Poway, the Lake Poway Recreation Area offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages. They have everything from an archery range to boating, fishing, concessions, seasonal camping, a playground, and trails for hiking. They even offer special events throughout the year, like night fishing, a summer concert series, and family campouts.
Grab a bite.
The Mainstream Bar & Grill is a local watering hole known for its great food and comfortable atmosphere. It has a wide variety of offerings like burgers, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, and “the best darn tacos you’ll ever try,” as well as a selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails.
The Poway Sushi Lounge is a popular eatery with a wide range of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese offerings.
If you are craving fresh seafood, Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar is the spot. Brigantine is a popular chain in the area with a long-standing location in Poway. They have freshly shucked oysters, along with surf and turf, fish tacos, and other offerings on their extensive menu.
Villa Capri Trattoria and Wine Bar in the Twin Peaks Shopping Mall is the place to go for traditional, freshly-made Italian fare. Not to mention their excellent wine list. Once a month, they offer Wine Dinners, which include an exclusive wine selection from the collaborating wineries accompanied by chef specials.
If you have a large family, you may want to check out the Hamburger Factory Family Restaurant, “Poway’s most family-friendly restaurant.” Located in Old Poway Park, the Hamburger Factory offers a quirky atmosphere with an Old West theme and a menu full of American favorites. Be sure to try one of their award-winning signature hamburgers, which are 20% off if you visit on Monday.
Shop ‘til you drop.
The Poway Farmers Market is a great place to spend a few hours and spend a few bucks. The market runs on Saturdays from 8 AM through 1 PM and has more than 65 vendors selling everything from fresh flowers to locally-grown produce, tea, coffee, baked goods, freshly-prepared meals, and more. Enjoy live music from local bands as you browse.
The Poway Plaza Shopping Center on Poway Rd. is a strip mall that is home to a variety of retail establishments like Michaels, The UPS Store, SuperCuts, Five Guys, Auto Zone, Petco, and more.
The Poway Marketplace, also on Poway Rd., is a great place to stop for your shopping needs. They’ve got dining, shops, and services, including Chase Bank, CVS, Joyee’s Dumpling House, North Park Produce, Planet Fitness, and more.
Experience arts & leisure.
PowPAC Community Theatre is a volunteer-run not-for-profit dedicated to providing quality entertainment for Poway residents and visitors. The theatre hosts a wide variety of performances, including dramas, musicals, comedies, and children’s favorites.
If you are interested in how wine is made (and how it tastes!), a trip to Mission Cellars is a must. You can take a comprehensive tour of the property and learn in-depth about how their wines are made from start to finish. Then you will have the opportunity to taste some of their delicious vinos.
Alternatively, if you are more of a beer person, you will find solace at Lightning Brewery. Lightning Brewery opened back in 2016 and is Poway’s first craft brewery. You can tour the facility and sample their popular German-style lagers and ales in the tasting room.
Get a little historical.
The Creation and Earth History Museum is a unique museum dedicated to the Biblical account of science and history. It features a human anatomy exhibit, a life-size tabernacle display, the age of the Earth cave, a dinosaur discovery zone, live animals, and more.
The Poway Historical Society oversees both the Heritage Museum and the Nelson House, both of which are located in Old Poway Park. Visit and learn about Poway’s fascinating history, including its agriculture, growth and development, and people and places. The Nelson House is a re-creation of a former pioneer’s home.
Explore San Diego.
Poway is just a short drive to San Diego. San Diego is home to a plethora of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND. Check out this post from Busy Tourist featuring 57 fun things to do in San Diego, California.
Personal & Business Storage in Poway, CA.
Whether you are relocating, downsizing, or just visiting, Poway has so much to offer – we have barely scratched the surface. If you need help storing things for your move or after you’ve settled in, need storage or retail space for your business, look to Prime Storage and/or Prime Storage Commercial. Our facility on Garden Road offers both storage units and office spaces for lease. Contact us today to learn more!