Archaeology is an interest of mine, and I make sure to set aside time to visit any place that preserves ancient history, whenever one is nearby. A visit to Phoenix, Arizona meant an opportunity to visit Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This monument preserves the structural dwellings of the Hohokam people who lived and thrived in this desert area. The centerpiece of this attraction is the big house, which is only partially intact, as some of it has eroded over time. There is a roof that was built in more recent times, presumably to help protect the structure. It looks a little odd, and certainly not natural, but I get why the National Park officials did this. There are other, smaller structures surrounding the big house, plus educational information available as you walk around. No one is completely sure what this structure was used for but, given the presence of holes in the sides of the structure that align with the solstices, there is a good chance that astronomy was part of its purpose. The parking lot at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is large, and there is a visitor’s center and bookstore. One thing to keep in mind is that the visitor’s center may not be open when you visit, for example on Sunday’s during part of the year. But the monument itself will still be open for exploring the structures, even if the visitor’s center is locked. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument isn’t very big, and you can be in and out in about an hour or so. It’s certainly a site worth seeing, and a good side trip option for archaeological lovers who happen to be in the Phoenix area.

Drove to Ruins on Monday Oct 6th. Got there 10 AM. Although the park website and NPS app state that the Visitor Center is open, the park is in fact closed. I can understand that the park is closed due to the government shutdown, but please update the information to state that it is. Hopefully this post will be helpful to others who are looking to visit during this time.

I have been visiting this site since I was in school in the 1990s Good location for a day trip from Phoenix and Tucson There is a lot to learn here Visit at different times of year to get an idea of life year round back in those days Check out the gift shop too, many cool items there you won't fi nd other places

Interesting and informative national monument with intriguing artifacts. Excellent film that runs regularly. Nicely appointed gift shop. Well worth the trip!

Beautiful ruins. Easy access to walk up to. Informative signs. Clean public restrooms and no fee. Picnic benches and some shade available if you'd like to sit or eat.

The visitor center isn't open on Sunday which doesn't make sense. Why close on most people's free day? The signs are also confusibg. I walked to the ruins, and realized the way I walked had keep out signs.

What a find! Randomly turned down the access road to this monument to see what it was all about. It was beautiful, historic and well worth the stop. Free to park in the ample lot and walk through the exhibit. The adjacent museum has great artifacts and information along with AC, flush toilets, and a few snacks. Accessible for wheelchairs to the monument, as well.

This is one of the more unusual parks in the area. ⛰️ First because it has hosts who live in their RVs on the property. There is a daily admission charge per vehicle regardless of residency. And secondly because it's multi-purpose. The trails may have horses 🐎or bicycles 🚴🏻‍♂️ or hikers 🚶🏻‍♂️🥾 or all at the same time. This lends itself to some inherent hazards.💩 I don't really have a problem with horses or wild animals. But I cannot understand how someone can go hiking with their dog, bag up the poop, 💩 and then just leave the bag there on the side of the trail?🤷🏻‍♂️ If you don't want to carry dog poop on your hike then don't bring your damn dog! Or if you're that lazy and entitled then don't put it in a bag! 🤦🏻‍♂️ At least let it dry out and deteriorate 🤷🏻‍♂️. And if you are responsible enough to carry the poop after your 🐕 dog does its thing, there is a place to deposit it as you leave the trail! ☑️ The trails are very nice.😎 There's a choice of several. All the trails will circle around and end up back where you started. And they are well marked.❌ There's even a bicycle maintenance station 👨🏻‍🔧

Love this place to hike. Not overly crowded. Lots of different trails. Easy to add distance or difficulty because of the many junctions where trails intersect. Workers are always pleasant and helpful. Trails are maintained and marked. Every week I go and will continue to

Many miles of well maintained trails, and a nice nature center/gift shop for a regional park, with a few desert animals, local floral and fauna guides, and drinks and snacks. The restrooms are well maintained and the staff is very friendly. The San Tan Mountains are not the most dramatic landscape in the area, but it is very representative of the Sonoran Desert, and there are many beautiful views. For trails that are wide, well maintained, and appropriate for all ages, this park is fantastic. I would definitely call this a must-visit park for San Tan Valley residents.

Today's hike at San Tan Regional Park was truly memorable. The park offers a wonderful combination of natural beauty and accessible trails for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into hiking, biking, or horseback riding, this place has something for everyone. I appreciated being able to bring my leashed canine companion along with me on the adventure as well. It's definitely a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to soak up some Arizona sunshine and enjoy the great outdoors!

The mountain bike trails are fine for beginners. Otherwise, it’s not a system to build on your skills as an experienced rider. Also, you’ll encounter many hikers as you descend Dynamite.

What I appreciate most about STMRP is the variety of trails available for beginning hikers, cyclists, & runners to advanced craving a challenge and/ or training for a marathon. It has some beautiful views and plenty of spots to sit alone in peace and soak up the beauty. Winter is the most beautiful time of year for outdoor adventures here.

This place is gorgeous! They did a great job of setting up a mix of flat and elevated trails. You can walk a short loop or go for a while. Parking is $7, but they offer season passes. Many dogs with respectful owners. Dogs are always on leashes and sensitive pups are pulled to the side to let you pass. There tend to be horses on the trails. Many respectful bicyclists. Everyone is nice and the views are gorgeous. Unfortunately, it appears that there are some developments happening near the park.

Beautiful, enormous park. Always a lot of people here but it is so big and there are plenty of ramadas, benches, and picnic tables that out doesn't feel overly busy. My 9 and 10 year olds love coming here every weekend. Also, clean bathrooms and a couple vending machines.

They need to monitor their new pickle ball courts better. They say “first come first serve, no teams or organized events”, but every time we’ve come there is definitely an unauthorized organized event from teams all around Phoenix. We’ve come multiple times 5 and 6a - full of teams. 8-10p full of teams. You need to kick the teams out and have a sign up system for time blocks online, because the current system is flawed and does not allow for locals to use the courts.

A very happening place. A perfect park for all age kids to play around. Ramada’s (requires prior reservation) around play area are great to celebrate bday and have family get together events. Has plenty of parking space!

My kids took classes here and they loved it. City of Chandler has a lot of classes/events here! Basketball courts, computer area, gym, bathrooms inside and outside by classrooms. Picnic tables inside building and in the grass area/playground area

Beautiful park, many picnic areas across the park, and rest areas. You can spend the evening with your family easily or plan for a team play. Nicely maintained walking trails around the park, I think you can keep walking for hours 😃. There is huge play area for kids and also a huge picking area. The TRC building is in the same areas, which has gym on upper level and activity areas in lower level. My dog loves to walk I this park. This park also has tennis courts, several huge stadium size fields, see the pictures.

Good for morning walks/jogs around the park. Lots of grass, decent amount of trees for shade. Lots of trash bins. Good parking. Seems to be well maintained. A large kids playground. Doggy stations had grocery bags and were sparse. Did not see any doggy water fountains. Cross country team sometimes shows up at the park for training. Various other events are scheduled at the park from time to time.

This was my first visit to the park and I was amazed to see such a lush green lawn during the summer. No doubt that this place is maintained very well. Has good spots to have food with friends and family, a covered play area for the kids, and an ample amount of parking space. This is one of those places in Phoenix where I would definitely be going back again.

Truly unbelievable and concentrated collection of western art, mainly presenting art from The Cowboy Artists of America. Free to attend (thank you Basha family). Unfortunately, the museum will be closing permanently on November 30th 2023 so if you have any interest in seeing art of the west, then get there fast before it's broken up.

Fabulous collection from a lifetime of trading with the tribes of the Southwest by Eddie Basha. It's closing down in a few weeks, and that is a great shame. The Heard Museum will only be able to display a little at a time.

Stunning pieces of artwork that Eddie Basha acquired. I believe around 3000 pieces! Free admission and so impressed with the quality and displays!

Unfortunately, it closed the day after we got there. The collection will be divided between the Heard and the Museum of the SW in Scottsdale.

The collection is nothing less than spectacular. It is sad and happy that this collection is being donated to the Heard Museum and the Western Spirit, Scottsdale Museum of Western Art. So, the collection will remain available to see and in the hands of two prestigious guardians of art, culture, and our history.

I wasn't sure about going, but once I was there, I was amazed! Beautiful art that looks like it is coming alive right in front of you. I highly recommend visiting!!!

Unbelievable collection of bronze art, paintings, baskets, wood and stone sculptures, jewelry etc. It was absolutely fantastic.

We hiked the Kiwanis Loop Trail. Its an easy to moderate trail. The first 1.5 miles were the easiest. There's a lookout tower at the 1.5 mile mark. You can see most of the valleys on both sides of South Mountain. This hike would be great for families. Take lots of water and start early in the morning.

Beautiful mountain drive with many places to stop and hike! Picturesque views of Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs! Plenty of picnic spots and a very informative visitor center. There is also horse tours available close by. Totally worth the drive and completely FREE!

One of my favorite local cycling climbs. The new parking area and covered lookouts at the TV towers are great after making the final ascent. San Juan is an awesome add on for more miles and some easier climbs after the towers. Park ranger staff are excellent and always there to help.

One of my favorite local hikes. Mormona trail coss on National to Fatman's pass, thru hidden Valley back to Mormon trailhead loop. ❤️

Absolutely loved hiking the South Mountain Park trails! The views were beautiful, the paths were peaceful, and the whole experience was so refreshing. Definitely will be going again with my brothers and sisters.

I've been hiking South Mountain Park since 2020. The variations in trails and trail difficulty makes this area one of my favorites!

This is a favorite spot . I think of my girl Leti C.. when I come here. Catching a cloud or 2 with her was unforgettable.

My class got there for our field trip around 10am and they said that we were very late, and therefore had to be rushed through everything. We were not even but a few minutes late, and didn’t get to really enjoy it at all. We also could not hear the lady speaking on the tram car, like the speakers weren’t working properly. My class loves cows and learning new things, so I was kind of disappointed by this.

A great facility. Very clean, organized, and informative. My toddler son and I enjoyed seeing the cows, where they are milked, and interacting with the calfs. They have a gift shop, picknick tables for a packed lunch, and small play ground, and you get to sample some of shamrock's products (milk and ice cream) Overall a great experience.

Beautiful facility. Very valuable information. Not only does it teach, it is very fun! If you haven't been here, I highly recommend anyone to visit. Very pleasantly surprised with all that they offer. Kids seem to love it, too!

Great tour of the dairy farm, was really surprised about how nice the facilities are compared to other dairy farms we've been to and driven by. Kids loved it, would definitely recommend. Only wish we could tie the processing plant in Phoenix.

What a fun and interesting tour of Shamrock Farms near Stanfield AZ! Definitely kid-friendly, but people of all ages can enjoy and learn something new. You can purchase tickets in advance online so check-in is really fast and easy. The mostly outdoor tour is about an hour long and the 10-11 time slot is perfect if you plan to have lunch there too. They serve a hotdog lunch with variety of Shamrock milk and ice cream available. The cost of lunch is very affordable for families with kids. You’ll also want to visit the gift shop while you are there! They sell a variety of Shamrock merchandise for adults and kids, including clothes, stuffed animals, and other fun stuff!

Great place to take the kiddos on a field trip I home school and was able to make it out with other homeschool group great tour learned a lot that I didn't even know we did in Phoenix

We did the tour with my wife and almost 2 year old. My daughter wasn't old enough to understand everything but still enjoyed the playground and baby cows at the end. (She also loved the strawberry milk). The area itself is beautiful. The main barn gift shop was fantastic with VERY affordable items for purchase. The farm is very clean and well taken care of. The staff was extremely helpful, from booking the reservation to asking questions during the tour. Every person I spoke to had excellent knowledge of the operation and clearly took great pride in what they do. I learned a LOT - they made a dairy farm tour one of my favorite family outings.

First time setting foot on this property. From check-in to check-out it was an absolute pleasure to stay here! Been to Vegas, stayed at a resort in Scottsdale, so I had a little apprehension about stating further out of the Phoenix area. This property has everything you need to enjoy a vacation with the family or stay on business. Rooms were beautiful, comfortable, and clean. Great selection of slot machines, a seperate smoking section with slot machines, lots of table games with reasonable minimum bet levels. We also had the opportunity to play Ak-Chin Southern Dunes golf course. I don't tote myself as anything close to a golfer, but have had opportunities to play unbelievable courses across Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Oregon, and Nevada. This golf course is well worth planning an entire weekend getaway! Back to the hotel. They have an in-house Dunkin Donuts that opens early, and a wicked steakhouse, along with a couple of other restaurants in the hotel. I love my whiskies and bourbons and Chop l, Block, and Brew did not disappoint with their selection. We even walked over to the adjoining bowling alleys and threw some stones. My only regret was that I didn't get to check out the pool, but I did see it from my hotel room, and it looked wonderful. All staff from the front desk, the security guards, the staff at all the different restaurants, the casino dealers, to the gift shop were always pleasant and wonderful to talk to.

Hubs and I wanted to have a nice romantic staycay getaway for just the two of us. We had heard that this place was amazing and very reasonable priced. That was not our take at all. We first arrived and we checked in no warm welcome. Very confusing check in set up. We got to our room and we had been given 3 keys but no reason was to why. We tried to turn on the ac and it did not work below 75F . I went back downstairs and asked why the ac was not working. I was told at first that it sho7be working if we put a key by the front door and not to remove it or the ac would go off again. I we t back upstairs and to,d my husband and we sat there and tried to relax. However he started to have an asthma attack really bad. I called down to the front and advised them if would could switch rooms, we were told due to us being there for an extended period of time we could not move rooms. We also asked if there was any rooms that had balcony doors that could open and the guy said no. Funny bc we were looking right out the window and saw the balcony door… We spoke to a supervisor and she said we could transfer rooms but we would have to pay the difference between our room and the new room. We agreed , moved rooms bug it did not help. We were miserable and the room still stunk was smaller and we were charged more for less. We could not sleep well .my husband kept his I g asthma attacks and did not rest well at all. After our Check out the next day they charge our card a total of like 260.00 bucks for one night. They said there was a 50 extra hold in case of room charges we were never told this. They did end up crediting the 50 fee and the room change charge We were totally unhappy with the entire time and did not enjoy and of it at all. we will definitely not be going bsck. Communication is definitely lacking, room cleanliness is terrible. They entire night was horrible.

WARNING! Be prepared to pay unexpected fees. we arrived a before the 4 PM check in time. So they charged an extra $38.78 I have checked in early at many hotels, many chains all across the country and at resorts worldwide and never had this happen. Also, if you like a rock hard bed and very small room this is the place for you if you prefer a comfortable bed and a place to sit then definitely not. Pool area feels more like a prison compound than it does like a resort. I recommend traveling a little further north and going to a truly nice casino hotel.

So, we didn't know what to think of the hotel, being it was so economically priced. It was very clean, everything was stocked and,well... GREAT! It was pet friendly and the amenities were outstanding. We plan on visiting the hotel again, but next time we plan on staying and using resort for at least a few days! We have not one bad thing to say about "Harrah's" AK-CHIN Hotel and casino. It was amazing! Also, the staff and the parking were amazing. Thanks again!

We enjoy Ak-Chin .. even tho it's 45min to an hr drive, so worth it!! The restaurants are vey nice, always GREAT service, Nicole at Oak & Fork is sooo great at customer service!! .. Everyone @ Chop & Block too (the food & desserts are so yummy!!) We have stayed and the rooms are nice, very comfy ... Slot machines (love the variety) Table game dealers are nice and willing to help teach you the game! .. Summer we loved the pool & cabanas ... Yup, it's one of our favorite places for fun!!

The hotel is conveniently located 5-10 min from the friend I was visiting. The room was average. The service was very good. My issue was with Caesar rewards. Apparently, even though I called the Harrah's to make the reservation, I was transferred to a 3rd party vendor. Harrah's refused to award me the Caesar reward points that I should have gotten for our stay. The rewards were one of my main reasons for choosing the hotel since there is a Laquinta down the street that's even closer to my friends house.

We did not stay at the hotel. We have been going to this Casino for over 11 years. We went last Saturday and I am a diamond plus member with a Caesars Reward visa card. I went to play after 25 points no free play. I went to the total rewards desk and asked why I didn't have any free play. She said they changed my free play from M-F. I told her it was always Saturday thru Sunday. She said they have made changes. She was very nice, she gave me a local number to call. I waited until Monday and called. I called that number and was told to call another number after 9 am. I finally got through at 9:30 am. I explained what happen She had me hold on and called marketing. She told me they wanted more patrons to come during the week. I said I would like to talk to Marketing. She took my name and number and stated they would call me back that same day. I have not heard one word. Here is the kicker my husband is also a diamond plus member and he still gets free play on the weekend. I actually have more points than him. They have taken most of the perks away so why should we keep patronizing this casino. They are on a path of losing more customers.

This is an awesome golf course. It felt like a video game. We’ve never played on a desert dune course before, and it was really cool. All the bunkers and how they enter played with the natural desert sands was really cool. The greens were in great shape. I highly recommend this course.

A Sanctuary in the Desert – Southern Dunes Golf Club Over the past eight months, while caring for my terminally ill father, I found myself needing somewhere to breathe, to reset, and to reconnect with life—even for just a few hours at a time. That place, without question, became Southern Dunes Golf Club. It wasn’t just a golf course—it was my sanctuary. And in every possible way, it exceeded all expectations. From the moment you drive up to the facility, the experience begins. The course itself is stunning—immaculately maintained fairways stretch across the desert landscape, with breathtaking views that constantly remind you why Arizona is one of the most majestic golf destinations in the country. The layout is challenging but fair, a true player’s course with thoughtful design that rewards precision while never punishing creativity. Every round felt like a privilege. But what truly separates Southern Dunes from the hundreds of courses I’ve played is the people. I’ve never met anyone at a golf club—anywhere—who left such an impression on me as Tim, who handles check-ins. Tim is not only the kind of professional every club wishes they had; he is a genuinely remarkable human being. Warm, sharp, and incredibly insightful, Tim has a way of making you feel grounded, even during life’s hardest moments. Our brief conversations were often the highlight of my day—his wisdom and calm presence offered more than customer service. They offered comfort. Bree is another gem—a constant ray of sunshine. Every time I encountered her, she was welcoming, gracious, and kind. In an environment that prides itself on excellence, Bree upholds and enhances that standard. She treats every guest like a regular, and every regular like family. The on-course experience is also phenomenal. In the sweltering summer heat, they bring cold towels out to the course. Let that sink in. That kind of above-and-beyond hospitality is what sets Southern Dunes apart from even the most prestigious country clubs. Small details like that, and the attentiveness of the staff across the board, make every round feel like an escape—luxurious without ever being pretentious. The food? Spectacular. Whether you’re grabbing something at the turn or settling in for a proper post-round meal, the quality and consistency rival high-end restaurants. The clubhouse atmosphere is elevated, but relaxed—exactly the kind of environment that makes you want to stay long after your last putt drops. That said, if I had to offer one piece of constructive feedback, it would be this: Please replace the ball washers. Having functional, clean washers equipped with towels at every tee box would be the final touch in what is otherwise a flawless facility. It’s a small thing—but details matter when everything else is so thoughtfully done. In closing, Southern Dunes didn’t just offer me a great golf experience. It gave me peace. During one of the hardest periods of my life, I found something deeply meaningful in the fairways, in the rhythm of the game, in the beauty of the land—and in the kindness of the people who run it. I cannot thank this club enough. For the memories. For the moments of calm. For the excellence in everything you do. Southern Dunes, you are truly a treasure. — Andrew Wiggin

One of the better maintained desert courses in AZ! The greens were in spectacular condition with few ball marks, the fairways were challenging, and the bunkers were in good shape.

We had a group of 9 down from Canada for a golf trip. Our morning round was nice, so we paid $25 for a 3pm replay. With nobody else on the course, we played a scramble with a group of 5 and a group of 4. Apparently, a 5some is "bad optics," so we got kicked off the course. Our front 9 took 1.5 hours... there was nobody else on the course. The marshal's were great, attendants great, but management was questionable.

Flew in and went straight to the course. I did not book a tee time in advance. I paid when I got there. No military discount for retired military. Statement of fact - not a complaint. The course overall is beautiful. Some of the bunkers were unplayable and the course looked like they were trying to fix them but there were so many that looked out of play. The greens were super slow. It was like putting on shag carpet. The course tried to pair me with someone but no one wanted to join up. A two some in front of me with caddy let me play through after about 5 holes. The GPS on the cart they gave me wouldn’t turn on. It was cart path only due to the normal overseeding in late part of the year. Free water on the course. Never saw the cart girl. Food in the restaurant seemed really good. Good value. Menu seemed to have a lot of new additions according to the staff. Unfortunately I’m a little disappointed after hearing so many good things about this course. Didn’t feel like it matched its price point.

This was our first time golfing and a worker there named Mike Frey made our experience very unpleasant. The very first thing he yells at us is “One ball!”. There was no “Hello, how are you doing? How can I help you?” None of that just a startling “One ball!” suddenly from behind. I guess we were moving too slow for Mike Frey but he offered no suggestions on how we could speed things up. We told him we were dropping another ball to drive because finding the ball I sliced to the middle of nowhere would take much more time than simply hitting another one better. He made no sense because he was scolding us to hurry but also told us we had to go find the ball I sliced to oblivion. We politely tried to explain that this would be much quicker but his senile mind would not have it and sat and argued with us for several minutes even after we told him we’d try to move quicker (even though we were hustling and running to our balls the whole time). In his senile mind we must have been sitting there driving balls all day because he condescendingly scolded us that “This isn’t a driving range” even though the reality is we ever only drove a second ball if we sliced one to oblivion and moved on. The problem is we just suck at golf but we didn’t need this jerk, disrespectful worker to come scold us instead of helping us with suggestions to move faster. For instance, later from a friend we learned we can drive on the grass but did Mike Frey tell us that? No. First thing he did was start scolding us for being behind. I think he spent too much time out in the Sun and was just looking for a long drawn out argument. He wasted so much of our time that it put us even waaaayyy further behind. Mike Frey needs to find something else to do rather than harass and scold adults doing their best at golf. As I said we weren’t lollygagging at all, just not very good. And although it was fun and something we would definitely do some more, we won’t be doing it there thanks to Mike Frey. He’s a loose canon.

Unbiased review: •top 10 golf course in Arizona 100%, maybe top 5! •summer rates are really good which makes this a 5 star review. •super tough course which I love! Super pretty course as well, honestly doesn’t even feel like your playing in Arizona, reminds me of like Australia. It’s worth the drive!!

I've only ever been to PIR once but really enjoyed the three days of racing that I managed to see. Craftsman Truck Series, Busch and NASCAR over a Friday/Saturday/Sunday race weekend. Bench seats are uncomfortable, as is true in pretty much every racing venue I have ever been in. We were able to move around a fair bit on the Friday and sit in the shaded stands as many fans only come for the Saturday and Sunday race. Easy access to the infield and some areas you can walk around (but not the garages of course). Decent midway on the outside with the usual souvenir and food trucks. A bridge over the entrance lane to the pits allows for a few good shots but you cant stay there long (others want their turn) and its not accessible during the races. Decent overall facility, but its an arid and hot area so bring water with you. We had corporate village access on the race day sue to our provider Inside Track. Its a nice spot just outside the track where drivers may show up and where they have TV's in case you want to stay in the shade of the village during the race.

Very well organized. Great choice of food and drinks. The barn is exceptional. A little pricey but totally worth it.

This was the second year I was able to go to the championship 4 for Nascar. although phoenix always provides a great time 2026 will find it empty when it comes to the last race. There is always a full camping venue its best if you take a trailer not tent. The showers and porta potty can be a good hike to get too. Always go with someone you get along great with or a great time could be downgraded to just fair. The racing is really good, and one unfortunate incident is almost fatal due to the small track. Food is extremely expensive 19.00 bucks for a corn dog is outrageous in my opinion so eat alto before going into the track.

So many things that could be done better. Better entertainment (take a lesson from the Super Bowl) … sitting in the infield and the TVs don’t show what going on. During qualification they couldn’t even keep up. In the photos we are listening to them introduce drivers but we r watching advertisements. 🙄

Great venue; been coming for years for Championship Weekend. Food vendor Pigglys stated the had baked potato and they didn't and the clerk blamed the track's contract...not.

First time going to NASCAR it was a great experience. But leaving the venue was horrible we waited in the car over an hour and a half.

Love taking the Family out every year, and creating memories in this fun filled family, or Stag environment! You are guaranteed fun, laughter, with a great wholesome time. We like to camp, positive side of camping Trash is picked up Daily, and the dirt roads are dust controlled Daily as well. They do have water trucks that drive around, if your RV needs a fill. Down fall: can not alway pick your neighbors lol! You may get a weirdo every once in a while, but the majority everyone is friendly! Recommend going out if you have never done it. Touch dirt, disconnect, have a great time. Enjoy!

Great way to see the Guardians, up close. We had seats behind home plate, though the last row so we could sit in the shade on an 82 degree day in February. Parking is convenient, easy access. Great view.

The best MLB spring training ballpark! It’s very family friendly. The tickets are reasonably priced, parking is easy, and the staff are wonderful!

Nice ballpark, clean restrooms, free parking and easy to get to. But please improve your food offerings! Compared to all of the other spring training parks, this is the worst. Limited selections, the lines are super long and you ran out of Skyline chili dogs at yesterday's game well before the game ended. This is our only chance to get Skyline chili dogs for those of us that don't live in Indiana or Ohio.

Great place for events, ballgames and pretty much anything else. Very nice facility.

Every single worker I came across was so pleasant. They have sunscreen available for free in the restrooms which is a nice touch. The only negative is there isn’t a ton of shade and those seats in the sun get HOT. Go Guards!

Ticket prices were affordable. Parking was easy and FREE! Food choices are limited and the lines were long. The ballpark was at best at 50% capacity. Family friendly environment.

The stadium is beautiful. The restrooms are clean, the workers are great. The parking lot experience is a different story. We've been sorting here for over an hour, in one place. There is no one directing traffic out of the 3rd base lot. This is the handicapped lot, you would think they would be a bit more on the ball.

Short drive off the highway on paved/graded road to one of the most concentrated collections of petroglyphs I've seen. Shaded areas, camp sites and clean bathrooms are available. A side trip diversion worth your time!

This is an incredíble pile of rocks with petroglyphs from various times and groups on them. It was apparently a popular meeting place for centuries, for ancient indigenous groups, armied, and explorers. It's especially beautiful with the rising or setting of the sun, and the play of light and shadows make many drawings stand out. There are several recognizable symbols, and even some names and dates in more recent etchings. Definitely worth seeing.

It is one stop that is very worth the drive off Hwy 8. Very great information boards and some amazing history Petroglyphs. We also camped here in our Motorhome. Great sites and easy in and out with our 43' coach pulling our 28' enclosed trailer. All dry camping.

**🏞️ Painted Rock Petroglyph Park – A Stunning Window into Ancient History!** If you love history, art, or just the thrill of standing where ancient people once stood, **Painted Rock Petroglyph Park is an absolute must-see!** This incredible site is **packed with centuries-old petroglyphs**—carvings etched into stone by Native American cultures—all concentrated in a surprisingly small area. The sheer density of these ancient artworks makes it feel like an **open-air museum of the past**, where every rock tells a story. ### **✨ What Makes It Special:** - **A Treasure Trove of Petroglyphs:** Spirals, animals, human figures, and mysterious symbols cover the rocks, offering a **fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and lives of the people who created them**. - **Easy Accessibility:** Unlike some remote archaeological sites, this one is **easy to visit and explore**, with well-marked trails and interpretive signs (where available). - **Sacred & Historical Significance:** These carvings aren’t just art—they’re **cultural heritage**, a sacred connection to the indigenous peoples of this land. ### **😔 The Sad Reality: Modern Vandalism** It’s **heartbreaking** to see that some visitors have **defaced these ancient treasures with modern graffiti**. This isn’t just disrespectful—it’s **destructive and irreversible**. Thankfully, awareness is growing, and hopefully, future visitors will **leave only footprints and take only photos**. ### **Final Thoughts: Protect & Preserve!** Painted Rock is a **true hidden gem**, a place where history feels alive. If you visit, **tread lightly, respect the site, and help spread the word**—these petroglyphs deserve to endure for generations to come. **⭐ 5/5 Stars – An unforgettable experience (if we all do our part to keep it that way).** *"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but awe."* 🌄

Lots to look at and contemplate on these two connected volcanic cones. Petroglyphs mostly on the south and east sides. However, the other cone has a tree that seems significant. Campground: Hassel to check in. Lots of sites. Close to petroglyphs. Bathrooms were clean.

First time coming here to camp and it wasn’t very busy thankfully as the spots are first come first serve. Was easy to pay and there are no hook ups. Most spots are large enough we brought the rv and a trailer. They even have a few spots for handicap. There was no host but it’s super clean even the pit toilets. Will definitely be coming back again.

Highly recommend I've never seen so many petroglyphs in one spot. Great information on the marquee to learn and understand meaning and timeline.

We drove down here from Palm Springs. Had the date shakes which were really disappointing, not enough dates and ice cream was icy, so not a creamy texture at all, and almost too runny to eat with a spoon. I also bought a package of dates and didn't realize they were not pitted. Price was higher than equivalent pitted dates at Shields in Indio. Lots of tacky souvenirs in the small gift shop.

A Taste of Time – The Date Milkshake Stop That Became a Legacy There’s a little spot in the middle of the desert—halfway to everywhere and yet somehow in the heart of everything. Forty years ago, my parents would stop here with us, their children, on our way to vacations that now live as golden snapshots in my memory. Back then, it was the only stop we ever needed. One place, one moment, one perfect milkshake. I remember the first sip of that date milkshake: cool, sweet, and rich with the taste of the oasis. It wasn’t just a drink—it was a promise that the road ahead was still full of wonder. We’d laugh, stretch our legs, look around at the odd treasures the place sold—things with no real use, but full of character, like they carried stories waiting to be imagined. And somehow, every time, we wanted to buy it all. Now, decades later, I found myself behind the wheel, not in the backseat. My own children were dozing in the back as we approached the familiar spot—aged, but still standing, like a memory made solid. I stopped. We stepped out. And there it was: the same date milkshake. The same dusty wind. The same magic. As I watched my kids sip their milkshakes and giggle at the quirky curios around them, I felt the years collapse into a single moment. My hope is simple: that one day, they’ll stop here with their children. And they’ll tell them about the first time their grandpa brought them. And they’ll remember that sometimes, halfway through a long road, there’s a place that offers more than just a drink—it offers connection, memory, and something a little like home. Highly recommended. A must-stop oasis of flavor and feeling. The best date milkshake in the desert—and perhaps, in the world.

They have a lot of data related stuff including food. It’s got a lot of Arizona type stuff as well if you know what I mean. A lot of knickknacks and stuff like that. Restrooms are clean, date farm nearby is cool to look at

If you like dates, this is a place you must visit. If not, you should still experience being here. They have a lot of nick knacks. Shakes are very good. It was a very nice stop on our way to our destination.

Great rest stop and filled up on gas! Had been driving for 2.5 hours from Tucson and felt great to stretch my legs. Bathrooms were clean, walked around the little shop and bought some souvenirs, dates and medjool to try and see if we taste a difference. We also ordered a date and banana shake and it was very good.

First time I ever been in there, it has truck parking in the back, not everything is overly expensive, low price items and a great selection of things. I will be back next time I come through this area

Delicious shakes, we always grab one when traveling from AZ to CA.

This place is incredible. I stumbled upon it when I was in Yuma and decided to visit for my grandmother‘s birthday. What a treat. Fascinating to see the old mining town, and what it would look like to live back in the 1800s. I’m definitely going again and this time, I’ll take the whole day to tour the 1.5 mile town. I’m so excited!!! So many unbelievable and mind blowing artifacts….takes you back to a more simplistic time where hard-work and friendship were common, danger, trust, togetherness and community reigned supreme. A spectacular visit, incredible craftsmanship, preserved history up close and personal. I am so blessed and grateful to have experienced this amazing place, even if just for a day. 😍

It was a little too hot to walk the entire town, but the drive to the mine and the mine was so cool! There were so many awesome sculptures that the drive to the mine itself felt like its own experience. The fluorescent walls almost seem unreal! We didn't realize we were coming during the off season but the owner was nice enough to give us a tour. Absolutely loved it! As long as you respect the rules and do your research, you'll have a good time. A hidden gem for sure!

Very nice self guided tour of the old town. Cost is $20 just for the town. If you pay $75 for the mine tour the town tour is free or included. Highly recommend the mine tour! The UV wall of stones is breath taking. Our guide was the owner of the mine and it was fun to hear his story. Well worth a visit. Very unique. Dog friendly on the walking tour but not recommended in mine. Allow 4-5 hrs. Mine tours are only at 1 & 3pm

Amazing place! Worth every penny. Town needs a couple hours. The mine tour was very interesting, and the rocks under those lights were beautiful.

Great experience for only $20 each! We didn't take the $75 mine tour. We instead enjoyed the $20 stroll around the old mining town. They let us bring our Chupacabra too. Beautiful easy walk through Arizona Mining history.

This is one of the best ghost towns I've been to. You can walk into almost every building and actually touch things. The owner is very knowledgeable, and the bonus is... THE MINE TOUR. It's worth the cost of admission.

Very friendly and polite staff. The guide to the mines was awesome! We had a great time. Highly recommend taking the tour of the mine. The town has so many historical artifacts. The owners have done an amazing job conserving this historical place. If you happen to travel to Yuma definitely check this place out.

Bring binoculars and sunscreen. Visitor Center building was closed. No staff and restroom. Self guided tour of path with labeled plants, 2 elevated viewing areas nice. Can't see much water due too tall reeds. Saw coots in pond, pelican and great egret in air. Slow drive on Martinez Lk Rd to look for wild burros on drive through Army Proving Grounds. We saw 3 in a tight group. Roadside poop gave notice of their proximity. Hot, dry, desolate and beautiful environment.

The volunteers at the refuge were great and had lots of info. The refuge had still wildlife to show what you can see on the trails. The painted trail on red cloud road was about a 1.8 mile easy walk. It is a self guided walk. Map is available at the refuge center. We didn't see any wildlife but it is recommended to go at sunset for the views.

Lots of beautiful views with lots of loud nose from off roading vehicles. Tons of SxS in the main road so be aware. A sedan can handle many sections for the main road at least until the hiking trial. Visitor center is only open Thurs - Sun due to staffing shortage. The viewing platform there is also closed for repairs.

Great short trail, the Painted Desert trail. Mostly level and a couple hills. Check out the different overlooks. Check out the visitors center.

Beautiful. The roads to the overlooks are rugged. If you take a regular car, be careful. 4wd/ high clearance vehicles won't have a problem. If you hike the 1.3 mile Painted Desert trail, take water and trail shoes. There are a couple of steep hills, so if you have knee/hip/ankle problems, be careful. The river was up, and we saw lots of water fowl! Take your binoculars, lawn chair, and lunch and enjoy the view.

The visitor center wasn't open, but don't let that stop you from your visit. If you have a decent vehicle with 4×4 capacity, take a ride through the hiking trails on red cloud mine road, see wild burrow, mule dear, long horn sheep, and see some of the most beautiful scenery. Clean bathrooms and roads decent to a point without 4x4. Recommend for those who love adventure, the outdoors, and wildlife.

The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is a great refuge to visit. There are observation points, hiking trails, and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend visiting and spending a half day exploring the refuge and seeing everything that it has to offer.

Went on date date with my husband 😄 cute experience to have and to learn about how dates are grown. They have a video inside the cafe area playing at times so definitely check that out to learn about how dates are grown. Then we got a peanut butter date shake to share and it is super creamy and yummy. Definitely recommend the experience 🥰

The dates in boxes were a little hard. The date shake was great though. Pretty drive out there

So much fun and educational. The process of growing dates is amazing! The grounds are nice with lots of outdoor seating. Inside they sell dates, of course, and date shakes...DELICIOUS! We actually went back a couple days later and got a bacon date shake. Yum!! Although we didn't eat, they offered sandwiches, and salads, I believe. We will go back next year for sure...at least once.

Great dates and date shakes. The dates are a little expensive but taste great. Nice patio area to sit while you enjoy your shake

Loved visiting a real date farm and learning about growing dates. They have a great video in the back room explaining all about growing dates. We were very sad though when we found out that they could not make us a vegan date shake. They sell many date desserts, but none are vegan. They do have date rolls covered in either walnuts, coconut, pecans, or almonds that are vegan. Also, we bought 55 lbs of dates to bring back to Dallas since we were traveling by car/truck.

A visit here was such a treat! I love dates, and this was the first time I have ever had them so fresh, or seen them actually growing on the trees! Magical! The store is large, well stocked with many choices and varieties. You'll do yourself a terrible disservice if you don't treat yourself to a "date shake" while visting! They will even ship your gifts to friends and family right from the store! I sent some back to VT to my daughter and daughter-in-law law, and they loved them! They even have a cafe there as well! And the date nut bread, is to die for!!

My wife is grew up in San Luis so we go to Yuma County very often. Martha's Garden is is a local treasure to the community. The beautiful hacienda style grounds offer a welcoming ambiance. We enjoyed the bacon date shake, and variety pack of dates. We will be back to visit once it cools down. Keep up the awesome work guys!

Said to be one of the most haunted destinations in Yuma, Arizona, we found the prison to be fun for the whole family. It is educational, historical and full of surprises. Prices are $10 per adult and $5 perchild, free parking. There is an indoor museum and an outdoor interactive Prison setting. There is also a dark cave (with bats you can actually see) and plenty of photo ops. We loved that there was a shaded space for a picnic should you chose to bring a lunch. Staff is welcoming, friendly and informative and we would highly recommend this tourist attraction.

I loved the history here! I spent almost two hours here and I would have stayed longer if it wasn't for the heat! There's so much to read and interact with as you learn about this historical place. Mike, the staff member inside the museum, was great to talk to and knowledgeable. I was able to comfortably geek-out on the history and enjoy myself. Highly recommend

My wife and I, along with a few friends, visited the Yuma Territorial Prison Historical State Park on October 3rd, 2025, and we absolutely loved it. The museum is packed with fascinating history about the prison, its prisoners, and the many stories that shaped this place. You can really feel the weight of the past as you walk through the old cells and read about the people who once lived here. The exhibits are well organized, informative, and engaging — it’s easy to spend a couple of hours exploring everything. The staff were friendly and clearly passionate about preserving the history of the prison. The views of the Colorado River from the grounds are also beautiful and worth taking in before you leave. Overall, it’s a must-visit if you’re in Yuma. A great mix of history, atmosphere, and storytelling!

Took our horses and everyone on the trail was respectful to each other. Lose dogs we're extremely well mannered, no issues with dogs or children. Beautiful trails and a great sot to take the horses to explore the natural habitat of Yuma county.

Very nice! Well keeped grounds. If you are going through Yuma, a must stop! You can spend an hour or more, well worth the time.

Very interesting! Well-curated, and quite historical. The outside facilities were largely lost and destroyed after the prison closed in the early 30th century, but preservationists knew its history should be preserved. It’s easily self-guided, and one of the more interesting, if sad parts is the plain, unadorned rock graveyard, adjacent to the prison grounds: make sure to visit that. You can also pose as an inmate, holding signs like the prisoners themselves held!

Well curated with good explanations as to the need for the prison and how it operated over the years. Many interesting stories of prison life and of the lives of various inmates.

Extraordinary experience! There’s not much to do, but lots of Art to see - could seem scary but feel very safe on the contrary. The staff were friendly and happy to chat (they also gifted us some postcards!) Remember to bring some water as can become very hot and humid in summer time.

I went to Slab City to visit my brother who lives there. I took him to the mountain. It was beautiful! A reminder of God's love for everyone... Rich or poor, we are all blessed by HIS presence. The art is from the soul and what a talent! Leonard made this from adobe and concrete! The walk up was steep, be careful! I was out of breath, but I made it! And WHAT A VIEW!! The staff are friendly and there are portapaddies there.

Great place to be reminded that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, and we are saved by faith alone! It's nice that there is a docent on site to answer questions. Listen to the audio tour while walking.

Huell Howser would be proud! Visiting this small painted hill in the middle of nowhere is a spiritual journey. Coming around that last bend in the road, it appears. You know you have arrived. This was one man's singular mission. He had something to say, something he wanted the world to know, and he found a unique way of expressing this, in the desert wasteland east of the Salton Sea. It is to be seen. For me, it was on my bucket list. Be aware. The road out there is not as you would imagine. It is worse. It has not been maintained in many decades. The docent who greeted all visitors was kind, friendly, and helpful. I took his photo with his permission. I met a lot of good people there.

This is a special place (also when you're not religious). The staff is very friendly and sweet. Artist Ron was painting some old parts and I could paint a bit with him. Lovely place, lovely people.

Very unique and cool art installation and dedication to one’s savior. I’m personally not religious but found this pretty neat. Be aware as of today, you’re not allowed to walk up/inside some parts due to renovations. Got here on a Sunday around 3:30pm and there was no one here. Prime for picture taking.

beautiful piece of public art surrounded by a vibrant community of desert artists who are so committed to keeping the original vision alive! talked to one of the main preservationists and he explained that it gets painted daily and cared for very thoroughly. felt like being in another world and everyone was so kind. very spiritual experience even for those who are not all about jesus

The place looked like it was really impressive at one point but when we went even though my kids had a great time, also everything was broken or out of order. Very few things worked or were completed and almost no signs to indicate you're wasting your time on it.

Went to see a couple 3D movies. Excellent features at a great price. Very clean, decent snack bar, and had a very cool interactive kids area/ museum. Nice park area as well.

Its so fun with your kids and lots to play with them

A good place to take your children. Unfortunately the place was lacking in making everything functional. I just feel, if you are going to charge a premium and all the activities are very low maintenance and low technology, the equipment should be operational for the children to enjoy themselves.

A lot of fun and interactive activities for kids

There's a lot to see and it wasn't crowded at all.

Still it is a suitable place to learn. I recommend you program visits with whole school. It has an accessible and affordable price to access the entire Museum. This place also conserves all games in good shape.

This place was very informative, and to think we almost missed it on the freeway. To be honest, we had a great time talking to the host and learning about the history behind the tower. Afterward, we spent an hour and a half exploring the huge rocks while encountering new creatures around every corner that had been carved into the very rocks we were climbing under and over. Do not get discouraged by the hills. Have eyes vibe the road taking you there provokes. What waits at the end is truly worth the ride. This diamond in the rough, hidden on the side of the road, needs to be seen and remembered

A very interesting landmark and viewpoint outside of the San Diego city borders. Went here because I wanted to see something different, and surely found that. The price of admission is worth the view alone, and you can go to the boulder park. Be prepared for strong gusts and strong sunlight, you're basically in the desert here. The owner is in for an interesting chat, and has some lovely pet dogs. If you like to travel back to San Diego from here, try old highway 80, it's a more scenic experience than just travelling the regular highway.

Google maps list the hours of operation as open until 1800. But the locals living near the tower will tell you it closes at 1700. You can still see the outside of the tower but the gift shoppe will be closed after 1700 (5pm). There are walking paths in the boulders behind the tower and a red box for cash donations. The people residing up there have many dogs, guineafowls, and I saw a peacock. There is an older couple that sit outside their travel trailer and watch visitors. They don’t wave or express any hospitality, they just watch you - creepy. The tower is awesome, and the view is majestic. It is worth the stop.

Amazing trip, well worth a visit. £9.50 entrance fee per person which really isn’t much to keep such an iconic space open. Lots to look at, interesting books and amazing bolder garden!!

I had searched maps for a fun adventure to take the kids. They each said hands down this was the best place yet! We were too late to view inside the tower - closes at 5, and we were 15 min late, but a guy showed up and said we could tour the rock caves. I'm grateful he clarified that. Thank you for allowing my grandbabies some fun and amazing memories.

Shout-out to Sam for the great hospitality. Lived all my life in the valley and always wanted to explore the tower, it didn't disappoint. Step inside the tower to shop for souvenirs and have a walk around to say hi to the beautiful birds❤️

This place is an absolute gem! I'm so glad I stopped here! I wish I had more time to fully appreciate everything they have to offer! I fully intend on returning, hopefully with loved ones!

A very well maintained sprawling state park with tons of beautiful trails and serene desert campsites and well maintained bathrooms and a gorgeous visitor center! Be aware that most if not all trails from what I can tell do not allow dogs, even on leashes

Really stunning area with lots to explore. We focused on the sculptures during our visit, spent hours but still didn't explore all! Will be back for sure.

This place is one of my favorite places in California because of the amazing hike into the canyon. I love the dinosaurs nearby and the town feels like it was frozen in time. Very much old California and the Wild West. Plus you have the mountains that are snowcapped in the winter about half an hour away and the beach 2 hours away. Beautiful place to explore the desert and see wild sheep (borregos) if you are lucky! 🐏

We had an amazing visit! We went early spring and several things were blooming. The stars were wonderful. The hiking was great. Especially the Palm Canyon trail! The oasis is amazing and some bighorn sheep came close to the trail. The welcome center is nice and the volunteers there are incredibly helpful. One of the naturalists (Ms. Bussey I think, sorry if that's wrong) helped us decided between two trail and her advice was so valuable.

Off roading is a family favorite! We go a few times a year and use the showers and restroom provided by the park and tent or trailer camp. There is nothing better than waking up to the smell of a 2 stroke and the sound of fun!

This is an incredible desert park and is a gift that keeps on giving. Plenty of off roading, primitive camping, a great visitor center and a genuinely welcoming town. The desert is beautiful 365 days a year but always pay attention to the weather and park rangers’ advice!

Huge area to spread out in, great hiking trails for all abilities, a few cool towns to shop and resupply...mostly great campers from all over the country. Camp grounds were loud with the "city folk" on the weekends but boondocking is better as long as we all respect the minimal rules. Thank you CA parks!

Excellent sculptures throughout the dessert. Can drive into area be respectful of property..owner gives permission... stay on paths already made & use car or walk around

Super beautiful road to this place. Viewing the sculptures takes from 1 hour to 1.30. There are paths between the sculptures. A great place to spend a weekend.

Fantastic and free. Recommend all wheel drive in places so you don't get stuck in the sand. Some deep ruts, high clearance recommended also otherwise just park on the side of the road and walk in.

Sculpture in the Meadows run through Borrego Springs both North and South of the roundabout in town. You can drive up to many to get a close view and see the beautiful and detailed works of the artists. This is a must do in the area and worthwhile time spent viewing.

Nice metal sculptures in Borrego Springs, by the side of the road, and free to visit.

Spectacular metal sculptures all over the place. We only visited 53 while more than 100 should be out there. Some Google Maps coordinates of certain sculptures are not correct. But that is not a real problem, because you will see most of them from a distance!

This huge outdoor art exhibit is fun to visit. In the meadow, there are no fence, no paved roads and no set trails. You can just roam around in your car and stopped anywhere to see these large metal creatures. You see scorpion vs a grasshopper at one end, T-Rex at the other, then a Chinese dragon spanning 350 feet across both sides of the Borrego Springs road. You can easily spend a day here if you want to see everything.

I was how cool this mine tour was! It was as if everything was left as it was at the end of the last shift. So much to see and experience as you walk through the main tunnel of the mine. There were several side shoots, shafts and chimenies to see along the way. It was nice and cool throughout the tunnel. I'm 6'4" and had to crouch walk most of the time, with a few places I could stand up straight. Afterwards, I got to practice panning with my own gold pan I recently purchased so I could test it out on real gold. The horse troughs where you pan are filled with sand and small chunks of real gold. There's so much gold in the troughs that you can get 5-10 30# mesh gold chunks in every pan. Unfortunately it's for training purposed only, so you have to throw it back. I highly recommend this place! I think it will exceed your expectations as it did mine!

Fun, informative experience. Original mining equipment is still here from the 1800’s. You will learn to mine for gold but you don’t get to keep what you find - and you will find some, just not anything big. You are led into the mine and learn how the miners did the work to find the gold and how to get up out of the mine. Our guide was informative and made it interesting.

This place was one of the strangest experience we have ever had! When we arrived we were showed where the restrooms were located (in a garage) and then we were told they were “short handed” so there would be no tour guide. We paid our fee and was told to go inside by ourselves. Luckily we were all able bodied because about halfway through there is a ladder you had to climb up to the next level. When we came out of the mine on the opposite side we wandered around aimlessly for a bit before ending up where we started. We attempted to pan for gold ourselves because we never saw any staff again. There was this older gentleman at the very beginning that did give us a 2 minute intro into mining but it was obvious he didn’t want to be there. It seems others had a great experience by reading the reviews. Maybe we just visited on the wrong day??

The tour guide was super smart and nice! He answered all our questions. For fifteen bucks each, we learned so much about mining and history. Plus, the memories are priceless!

Highly recommend this experience if youre in the Julian area. You get a sneak peek at how miners used to live during the gold rush era around the 1800s. Our tour guide, John was very informative and had the patience to answer any and all questions from our large group.

Absolutely fantastic tour of a historic mine and another reason why we LOVE Julian. We have learned to stay a few days so much to do!

Excellent tour guide and knowledge of history, geology, and culture on the Julian mines/ gold rush. Pretty interesting educational experience and fun to pan for gold. However, on the particular day I went, there were simply way too many people and they admitted everyone despite the crowd. My tour into the mine had 33, yes 33 people in one group with one guide. Difficult to see or hear the guide due to distance and overall experience was less intimate and enjoyable. Don’t go on a Saturday, it’s mismanaged and greedy to not have reservations and overcrowd the tour.

We had a wonderful time visiting the animal sanctuary and were happy to contribute by purchasing some donation items for the zoo. It was heartwarming to see the rescued animals being cared for, although it was sad to learn that many had been mistreated in the past. The highlight of our visit was getting tickets to feed the animals, which was an unforgettable experience. Visitors could choose to feed lions, bears, or tigers. My husband chose to feed a lion, which seemed to be the most popular option. Unfortunately, the first couple in line took a long time feeding the lion, so by the time it was our turn, we were only allowed to feed it three times. While we understand the staff needs to regulate feeding portions, it would have been nice if they managed the time more equally for everyone. This sanctuary is best suited for visitors 18 and older, as feeding the animals is an activity reserved for adults. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the venue itself is unique and versatile. It’s a cool place to host events or simply relax while spending time with the animals. We’re looking forward to staying overnight next

We can't say enough good things about the amazing work done at Lions, Tigers & Bears on Alpine, CA, just 40 minutes from downtown San Diego. It's a truly certified & accredited sanctuary - no touching the animals, no photos next to them, they are in huge enclosures with grass and dirt under their paws, and may live out their rescued lives in peace. I have close-ups of the animals, but you don't see the huge areas they live in that mimic their natural habitat as much as possible. The white tiger in with the orange tiger, we saw them when they were almost babies and maybe 20lbs, they are now 150lbs. We always see something different each time we go. Being a member is a great way to go often. San Diego is lucky to have the Zoo & Safari Park out here, but Lions, Tigers & Bears is another not to miss experience if you are nearby. These are wild animals that have been saved from lives of abuse - like two of the lions rescued from that Tiger King scum. Lions, Tigers & Bears help save 70 of all his Tigers and found accredited homes for the other 68 felines. Did you know white tigers are from specific purposeful inbreeding and they have eye and health issues due to it - pretty yes, but WRONG to be bred like that. They also just got a "liger" (pics 13&14) - purposefully bred lion & tiger - WRONG!!! So many health problems. Poor thing. In person, we could see her very faint tiger stripes. She is getting used to seeing people go by and acclimating to the sanctuary. Never stop at an unsanctioned or non-accredited roadside "zoo," nor anything involving wild animal petting, ANY animal circus, animal fights, exotic animal "hunting," or where animals are chained up and/or in small, concrete floor enclosures. Those are not safe for the animals - tell your kids "no" and that you'll take them to a real, safe zoo or sanctuary (and always check their credentials). And if it is a domestic animal farm, still look for cleanliness, do the animals look well feed, humane conditions, no choke-chains, antagonizing, or other harsh behavior. Stop by and see the Lions, Tigers & Bears whenever you can - it should be on everyone's SoCal experience list!

An absolutely beyond-this-world experience! We were deeply moved by Bobbie’s story and truly admire her courage and dedication to rescuing animals and raising awareness about the heartbreaking reality of exotic animal trafficking

The pre tour video is a bit long, and the story is sad as it describes the poor treatment the animals received in the movie and circus industries, as well as by prior individual owners. However the animals are well treated now and the volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable l. They clearly care about the animals. The tour guide on Saturday is a school teacher and did an amazing tour! Everyone in our family enjoyed the visit. A great value.

It was a great experience! You have to buy your ticket in advance, because the experience consists of an organized tour (1.5 hrs), and then you can roam the grounds on your own. Eddie the Jaguar was amazing. The sanctuary was very clean, with well-maintained enclosures and spaces that made both the animals and visitors feel safe and comfortable. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, always ready to answer questions or provide more information about the animals and their stories. You can also feed some of the animals, which is cool. The sanctuary itself was beautiful, set amidst picturesque surroundings that added to the peaceful atmosphere. It was easy to get to as well. Large highways most the way, and NO winding mountain roads, which is nice. I left feeling inspired and grateful for the work the sanctuary is doing. It’s a perfect place for animal lovers and families. However, small children may not like some of the images of abused animals during the 20-minute video at the beginning of the tour. Great experience. Highly recommend!

The park is very clean, and the animals are well taken care of. The website says to wear comfortable shoes as the paths are dirt. A more accurate description is that the pathways are gravel and sand and slippery. Had I known, I would have worn hiking boots. I slipped as I was walking down a hill on the way to my car and sprained my wrist. Badly. Railings or steps should be installed around the property. The terrain is uneven and gravelly. More attention should be paid to the people who visit and not just the animals.

My husband and I visited the sanctuary from the east coast as part of a week long vacation in California. Even though this was only two hours of our trip, it’s all we’re still talking about now that we’re home. We did the Feed With a Keeper tour and had Chris as our volunteer guide. I was impressed with how passionate and knowledgeable she was about the animals. She went out of her way to make sure we had a great experience. We even got to talk to Bobbi briefly and the lead keeper, Cody. Our tour was closer to 3 hours, even though we only paid for 2. She wanted to make sure we had plenty of opportunity to meet and feed all the amazing animals. Being that close to and interacting with the big cats and bears was absolutely awe inspiring and I’ll never forget it. I work in the animal behavior field and spent many years working in an animal shelter and was impressed with the care and enrichment the animals at the sanctuary received. Truly a special place. I wish we lived closer, we would come back again and again!

Viejas is a beautiful Casino. The chandeliers and lighting are exquisite. The rooms are beyond beautiful and the decor is priceless. They have many new slots I've never seen before with high end graphics. The only thing I found odd was that we were not allowed to use the refrigerator even though we had purchased the food at Viejas. But all and all a fantastic place. I highly recommend it. The snack shop has a lots of healthy food and is open all nite and is very reasonable. I found an interesting way to get up there rather than just taking 8 frwy. There's alot of side roads that offer beautiful scenery and no traffic at all.

I feel like I'm at home whenever I visit Viejas Casino. Atmosphere is so casual & friendly. But you can dress in the finest too & feel very comfortable. Great selection of games & there promotions & free offers are outstanding. The whole surrounding area is so Serene and a beauty to look at. I feel very tranquil looking at the scenes from anywhere at Viejas. The rooms are outstanding. Very clean throughout the whole place. And every staff member are so nice, friendly & helpful. I felt like family & like I belonged. And plenty of great places to eat with some of the best food I've ever eaten.

I Actually Like This Casino, Hotel & Outlet Center. I Definitely Had A Good Time In Casino With My Friends From LA. I Definitely Found Some Good Sale's @ The Gap. We Had Lunch @ The Grab & Go. Oh Yeah The BBQ Sandwich, Fries, Clamchowder, Free Cold Drink & Cheese Cake. Oh Yeah Everything Was Delicious. I Totally Recommend This Awesome Casino.

A three sounds about right for this one. The staff is nice in all departments. The variety of slots are nice. The variety of table games isn't the great compared to others. Food is really good. Did have a problem with the pool at The Willow. I don't know how they would let someone bring glass candles to the pool. They had to shut down the pool and re drain it. I do recommend this location to other as long as an incident does happen like that again.........

We didn't stay at the hotel, we went for the ZZ Top concert. The only service we used was at the bar. Great service and a generous pour. The venue is nice under the stars but the folding chairs you sit on were not at all comfortable. They are zip tied together so you can't move them which makes sense, but the main issues are: The chairs are too close together, I was shoulder to shoulder with the guy next to me, not comfortable. The other issue with the seating is there is no center aisle. Our seats were in the middle so to get out, I would have go past about 22 people! Seriously, the rows had 45 chairs in the row and we were 23. Great seats for the concert and ZZ Top was amazing! They still got it. Loved the concert, venue, not so much.

I love this casino.... especially playing "2cent whales of cash" and the workers are nice..... they do have alot of informants walking around trying to snap a quick picture of you , acting like they are on the phone, knowing dam well theres nobody on the other end of the line.....

Coming from a NorCal avid casino goer, this was a very good casino and only 40 minutes from SD. Rooms were a little cramped and the floor had a ton of machines only feedback was the weird layout. Food options were great as well as a 24hr grab and go.

Awesome experience! The staff was kind, helpful and entertaining. Everything flows smoothly from the second you drive up. The views were incredible (my personal favorite was the 3rd zip line that brings you over the river and through the trees). I highly recommend getting out here for an adventure.

Unforgettable Zip Lining Adventure! Our zip lining experience was absolutely incredible from start to finish! The zip lines themselves were breathtaking — soaring over the trees with stunning views all around. Everything felt very well maintained and organized, and the whole experience had the perfect mix of adrenaline and fun. Huge thanks to Alan, Cory, Ray, and Joseph for an unforgettable day! From the moment we arrived, their energy and professionalism put us at ease. We’ll definitely be back and recommending this adventure to all our friends.

We had such a great experience! We were both a little nervous but they all made you feel safe and were very reassuring! Would definitely recommend! Aiden and Quinn were great! Thanks again for a fun day!

We had a great time zip lining here! So fun and the side by side zip lines are very cool. The guides were awesome and very helpful throughout the journey. Good Times!

Had an amazing time! Really great activity to do with the family. There were 6 of us and we were guided by Aiden, Codey, and Leanna who all were personable and had great energy. The entire process is pretty smooth and they essentially did everything for us in terms of suiting us up, getting us on/off, and shuttling us around. The lines are in the mountains so they prepared us for the bumpy ride up and interacted with us frequently to make sure we were still feeling safe and comfortable. Even though I got a little more anxious as we reached the top, music was playing and once I was secured in for the first line, I felt safer than I did riding up. They explained every step thoroughly, answered our questions, and took their time. There are 3 unique lines, I highly recommend taking a look around, enjoying the view, and having fun with the guides! Definitely fulfilled my adrenaline rush. Super grateful to have been guided by these three, thank you!

My first time zipling was amazing! The guides were friendly and made us laugh. We had so much fun! I was pleasantly suprised there were other activities also available to experience. I highly recommend to anyone looking to zipline. I will definitely return again with family and friends.

Me and my sisters had the best time ziplining at La Jolla Indian Adventure Park! Our guides-- Corey, Ivan, & Quinn were fantastic. They were very helpful and knew what they were doing, but also made the experience so much fun! The ziplines themselves were great and each had such beautiful views. I definitely recommend La Jolla Zip Zoom, we would all love to do it again!

Wow! Beautiful quiet property. The pool area isn't the biggest but the serenity and mountains are very relaxing. We had a wonderful complimentary stay. The slots were generous to us this trip. Doubled our winnings. I'm looking forward to returning more often and enjoying the perks of new VIP members and trying all the dining options offered. Thank you Barona!

This is regarding the Sage Restaurant. We went out to Barona after dropping off some friends in San Diego. Our initial impression of the resort and the grounds was positive. There's a big emphasis on cleanliness and friendliness. The whole resort was lovely and well kept. And every staff member we interacted with were super friendly and extremely helpful. The Sage Restaurant was large and very well laid out. We were able to be seated by the window overlooking the duck pond. It's a great view even though the weather was a little overcast. The wait staff were great. Very polite, professional and like I mentioned super friendly. We started out with a bread basket which was unusual for lunch. We were happily surprised to find it contained fresh hot fry bread. We haven't had fry bread for years and it was great. Very fresh and outstanding. For lunch we had the fried chicken and the chicken fried steak. The portions were huge and both plates were very tasty. We couldn't believe the size of the food because each plate was only $15 each. It was an amazing deal. It's unlikely that we will make it out to Barona again since it's a 2.5 hour drive from home. But if we do I will look forward to another meal at the Sage Restaurant. Again, super clean place. Super friendly and helpful staff and a great bargain on the meal which was tasty and large portions at a reasonable price.

Went to Barona for lunch. We love eating at the cafe, sitting by the windows and looking out at all the greenery. The food is always well prepared, very tasty, and well worth the price. In addition, it is wonderful that the casino is smoke free. It is now much more pleasant to walk around the building and visit the different booths/shops. As always, the staff is very friendly and helpful.

Didn't book a room here maybe in the future. The casino was smoke free which is awesome! They have a designated lounge for smokers. Good variety of restaurant. We tried the Mexican restaurant located in the food court. Reasonable price good and decentl portions. The bathrooms were sparkling clean! They also offer free nobility scooters & free ATM.

I usually dont write these. Beautiful beautiful property lets start there!! however, I been going to barona. I havent been there in a while from my mom had medical problems and had to cancel several times and my host understood and was very supportive he is a 5 star as well. I frequent Morongo quiteeeee a bite smh close to me too close!! but Barona is the place i can enjoy and relax with serenity. I was there recently. I love it the sevice is 5 star, the welcoming staff is 5 star, the food is 5 star. I usually eat at the steak house bias i guess its 5 stars as well. howevver there was a issue at the steak house. this last trip is the reason i give it a 4 star. actually i would do a 4 1/2 but can not. a couple things in the room wasnt working. but the manager she is a very sweet lady and considerate she accomadated for some. this is the only reason and the issue with the manager coming to find me about a bill that should have been billed to the room on the floor while gambling. i didnt like that! as if i didnt pay! but came to tell me that the bill was taking care of and did i enjoy the food. Hum!! well why are coming where i am and finding me on the floor to tell me that! i dont know how to receive that! HUM!! but otherwise these is the only issues i have had 1 time after going there when can. I would reccomend Barona still!! i love it still!! everyone has a off day!! :) TTYL BArona

This casino feels like im at my Nana's; house. Cleanest casino restrooms by far; which is a big must for me. I've never stayed a night here, but will be coming back. Sage restaurant; amazing! Better than your mommas chicken dinner is a must try! Great ambiance, and service. I have no complaints.

First time there. Rewards desk was super nice and helpful. A+. Lots of food options and very clean. Update as of 6/10/25. After my 4th trip in a little over 2 weeks I have to say this casino is terrific! No stranger to casinos, being Gold at MGM and Platinum at Caesers as well as various other casinos. The service and friendly people at Barona is outstanding. Wide range of slots and pretty loose compared to what I'm used to. Even being a smoker I can appreciate the no smoking. Besides the smoking room gives you a nice break from gambling to re group. The staff from security to the people in the food court are all top notch especially at the rewards desk. Shout out to Tom! I only wish I could remember the young lady that set up my rewards on my first trip, she was extremely nice and explained everything very well. Lots of food options at affordable prices especially for a casino. Can't wait to go back on my next trio to SD. Personally I can't recommend this place enough. 10 out of 10!

Went there for a wedding. Unfortunately the party did not put major details of where the wedding itself is being held so I had to roam around the casino to find it. I attempted to ask several employees where the wedding venue was and not one of them could give me any direction as to where we should be going other than follow the lighted sign that says event area. It's unfortunate that employees don't quite know where things are where they work. The wedding hall was beautiful with a nice size room. Could easily hold 100 people comfortably. The room of which we had the reception in was called the Bordeaux room. They had it set up beautifully. The food was catered by the hotel and absolutely delicious.

My girlfriend and I had never been to Harrah's before. It was a beautiful day, so we decided to get a cabana and spend the day at the pool. Everything was great. Our pool server, Araceli, did a great job up until the bill arrived. Our bill totaled $69.00 but when the bill was presented it was $82.80. I took a harder look at the bill and saw that our server had added on a 20% tip bringing the $69.00 bill to $82.80. I also noticed that the pool will add a service charge of 20% to parties with 6 or more guests. Well, it was just the 2 of us. So what is happening is the check is presented with a tip already included and with the intention of adding another tip to the draft. This is a common form of theft in restaurants. I called the food and beverage manager 2 weeks ago to inform them of this. I was told it would take 24-48 hours before someone got back to me. It has been two very long weeks with no phone call back. I can only determine that Harrah's doesn't care about fraud being committed by their staff, and getting back to me? Keep your eyes open.

Had a nice staycation at Harrah’s with my wife a couple weeks back during the heatwave. The pool was fun and we spent almost half a day there. We got in very early and on a weekday so it wasn’t busy at all. The casinos were good, although one did end up eating out money before we ever got to play. The attendant was reluctant to return or cash but did so any way. Would definitely return.

We had a great stay at Harrah's this weekend. The front desk attendant Nolan was super helpful and friendly it's the 3rd time he has been the one to help us and it always goes so smoothly! Also this time we needed a few things from housekeeping and Alicia who was working the 4th floor in the dive tower was super warm and friendly and immediately got us everything we needed!!! The lazy river was nice because we had our young girls with us only thing there is I wish it had been a little warmer. My husband watched the girls while I did a little gambleing had a great time the alot selection seemed better this visit then some prior, and also was helped out on the floor by Elidia who was right there to help me out with a smile....the whole experience was an absolute pleasure! From start to finish. Clean room, friendly staff, nice pool and fun games what more could you ask for.

We got a cabana at the lazy river to celebrate some big achievements and while the wait staff was nice, the river itself was FREEZING. Apparently the heater broke and they didn’t bother telling anyone until it was too late. We drove an hour to get there and the kids would’ve been disappointed. So we sucked it up and froze. Not wanting to be a Karen, I didn’t say anything, so not sure if they would’ve done anything for us. It was a very disappointing experience overall. The only benefit was that because it was so cold, it wasn’t busy. I’d rather have enjoyed warm water though. The food and drinks were ok. Nothing to rave about and nothing to complain about (it was pricey, but you’ve gotta expect that at this point).

This resort has its pros and cons. Average hotel and casino. Complimentary room was large and spacious but lacked amenities. No coffee, no complimentary water. Restaurant options are great but overpriced. Spa was below average and overpriced. Location is hard to get to. Pool and lazy river and outdoor bar are great. Smokey casino with table games that are below average (especially blackjack) compared to other casinos Iv been to with more relaxed rules and table minimums. Likely won’t return.

Our favorite SoCal casino resort. Great pool with lazy river. The restaurant has very good Mexican food, chips and salsa are tasty. Very nice spa on site and gym with modern equipment on the second floor. Get a wellness room for in room yoga accessories. The onsite brewery makes some tasty brews with DJ and live music.

This is always a fantastic experience for kids, but the adults enjoyed it just as much. Ideally, go take the bus tour first thing when you get there. It gives you a good overview of the park, and you'll beat the crowds the rest of the day. The avian show was very entertaining and we of course learned a lot of fascinating info on the various birds and other bonus animals they brought out.

Brilliant park, expansive highly suggest getting the open air shuttle through the safari plains, getting close enough to see animals wandering or resting and great photo opportunities. Only complaint is “zoo radio” near the food which is too loud and not in keeping with a nature outdoor experience. Loved the tiger exhibit sounds! Can’t wait to see the new elephant exhibit later this year!

The San Diego zoo Safari Park. 15500 San Pascual Valley road in Escondido California. We are season ticket holders and pay $280.00 per year for two of us with free parking included. It is a magical place to view wildlife in their natural habitat. They also have lots of birds, flowers and plants. If you are up to it the paths are abundant and easy to walk. If not there is a tram which is included in the 76.00 each adult pays for a day pass. The tram is about a 40 minute adventure through the natural savanna reserve. The park is all handicapped accessible and they offer rental carts to ride around the paths inside. Parking is $17 dollars per carload. I have included some of our pictures from past visits. If Escondido is to far for you the San Diego Zoo near downtown is awesome at the same above listed prices. Membership includes two free passes you can use anytime.

What an excellent experience! So much fun! Took the deluxe Safari, which was well worth the additional cost even if you only pay for entrance into the park you will thoroughly enjoy yourself as there is so much to see and do. The animals are still abundant and the foliage is gorgeous!! We made it a day trip from Palm Springs and it was well worth the effort!

A wonderful park to visit! Animals in a natural environment, beautiful grounds full of interesting flora and fauna. We walked for three miles, many inclines so you will get some exercise! Plenty of benches though to take rests as needed. They offer hot air balloon rides and safari tours for an extra fee.

We had such a great experience today at the San Diego Safari Park! I want to give a special shout-out to Hailey and Clayton from the photo booth / photo print area. They were both incredibly friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful. They didn’t just take the standard photos — they actually came over to suggest better spots, better angles, and helped us capture something more meaningful. You could tell they really care about what they do. When it came time to choose and print the photos, they were just as kind and supportive, making the whole process super smooth. Because of them, we didn’t just leave with photos — we left with really special memories. Thank you both so much! 😊

What a wonderful place! It delivered on everything it was supposed to be. A great vibe and a fun place for kids. Here are some tips that can be helpful when you’re going with kids (we had 2 under 2) •bring extra water and ur own bottle (there were barely places to refill and water bottles were $$$) •bring a double stroller! •it was VERY hot when we went and there’s not much shaded areas and LOTS of walking so bring a stroller fan, hats, sunscreen •the $20 extra fee for the priority pass for the tram is worth it if you have kids bc the line was 50 minutes long •download the safari app - it has a live feature on your phone that helps you plan the day and directions to sites. So much better than walking around aimlessly! We saw all the animals and went on the Africa tram. But my highlights were: *elephant viewing inside the herb garden (you have to go in the herb garden to see them. It’s like a hidden hideaway right next to the campground area) *the atrium. These were so beautiful and calming. Highly rec This place is HUGE. Lots of walking and hills. So wear comfy shoes and clothes and bring all the things you need. Enjoy!!

An amazing place. Great view of the surrounding areas, great little spot-park on the top of the hill, beautiful cross on the top and a scenic road leading to it. Only reason I give 4 stars is that every surrounding area of the park is private property where you can not even park on the side of the road. Too many restirctions as far as stopping somewhere to enjoy the area.

One of my favorite parks in La Mesa. Sd best kept secret. Best place to watch sunrise or sunset with extraordinary views of spring valley/ Rancho sd La Mesa. Also the incline is a great workout! Bonus tip. In October they host the Halloween candlelight for the best spookiest vibes under moonlight!

Views are great, parking sucks. About enough space for 7 vehicles. All the parking on the side is gone (haven't been here for about 8yrs).

Enjoying the wonders of South California, Mt. Helix is a must because is free 🤪, they have parking at the top and portable restrooms, the views are worth the trip to get there, really enjoy my time there 🛵🦤, thanks for keeping the place clean 👍

Quiet place to enjoy with a panoramic view of the area. The parking is limited, especially around sunset hour.

Hidden gem for sure! One of the best views in San Diego. Must see destination!

Nice place to see the whole city. Quiet and clean

(Translated by Google) It's amazing to study here. They support students, guide them, and are flexible in certain situations. It's one of the newest faculties around, and it's very well maintained. There are excellent professors and academic programs, speaking for myself in the International Relations program. I have great friends here and I've learned so much; I love studying here. I'm attaching photos of this beautiful place. (Original) Es increíble estudiar aquí. Apoyan a los estudiantes, los orientan y son flexibles con ciertas situaciones. Es una de las facultades más nuevas que hay, además de que está muy bien cuidada. Hay excelentes profesores y oferta académica, hablando de mi parte por la carrera de Relaciones Internacionales. Tengo excelentes amistades aquí y he aprendido mucho, adoro estudiar aquí. Dejo fotos de este bonito lugar

(Translated by Google) A very beautiful Faculty, with magnificent facilities and functional classrooms. (Original) Una Facultad muy bonita, con magníficas instalaciones y funcionales aulas.

(Translated by Google) I took a friend to get vaccinated against covid 19 and it was fabulous. Very fast, super organized, and friendly. (Original) Llevé a una amiga a vacunar contra covid 19 y estuvo fabuloso. Rapidísimo, super ordenados, y amables.

(Translated by Google) The auditorium is very beautiful (Original) El auditorio muy bonito

(Translated by Google) I went to get vaccinated and very quickly everything was in order. I received the Astra Zeneca vaccine and I have not felt any discomfort at the moment. (Original) Fui a vacunarme y muy rápido todo en orden me toco la vacuna astra zeneca y no he sentido molestias al momento

(Translated by Google) Good facilities. Functional bathrooms. Ample parking. Too much effort in facilities for poor student demand perhaps? (Original) Buenas instalaciones. Baños funcionales. Amplio estacionamiento. Demasiado esfuerzo en instalaciones para pobre demanda estudiantil acaso ?

(Translated by Google) Nice faculty, very well-maintained facilities, quality computer equipment and good attention to students. (Original) Bonita facultad, instalaciones muy bien cuidadas, equipo de cómputo de calidad y buena atención a los alumnos.