LOCAL PowayShop Local
All itineraries

2 days

A Weekend in Poway

Two days is enough to see the whole shape of Poway — the reservoir and trail network, the historic core at Old Poway Park, and a taste of what's just outside the city. This plan front-loads the outdoors and saves a coast run for Sunday.

Best for: Couples and weekend travelersBudget: $150–$350 per person

Saturday

Lake, trails, and Old Poway Park

  1. 7:00 AMFree

    Iron Mountain hike

    Iron Mountain Trail

    A steep, satisfying climb to a 360-degree summit view of inland North County — less crowded than Mt. Woodson and just as rewarding.

    Next: 15 min drive

  2. 11:00 AM$$

    Boat rentals at Lake Poway

    Lake Poway Recreation Area

    Rent a boat or just walk the shoreline loop trail before lunch.

    Next: 10 min drive

  3. 1:00 PM$$

    Farmers market and lunch at Old Poway Park

    Old Poway Park

    If it's Saturday, the farmers market fills the park with produce stands, food vendors and live music — an easy, unhurried lunch.

    Next: Walk

  4. 3:00 PM$

    Train ride and the Heritage Museum

    Old Poway Park

    Catch a ride on the Poway–Midland Railroad and browse the Heritage Museum's exhibits on the city's ranching past.

    Next: Stay

  5. 7:00 PM$$–$$$

    Dinner and a show at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts

    Poway Center for the Performing Arts

    Check the season schedule for a concert or community theater production to close out the night.

Sunday

Coast day trip

  1. 9:00 AMFree–$$

    Drive to Del Mar

    Del Mar

    About 25 to 30 minutes from Poway. Walk the beach, browse the village shops, and check the racetrack schedule if it's racing season.

    Next: 15 min drive

  2. 12:00 PM$ parking

    Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

    Torrey Pines

    Hike the bluff trails above the ocean for a coastal counterpoint to Poway's inland hills.

    Next: 30 min drive back

  3. 3:00 PM$$

    Back to Poway for a quiet finish

    Poway

    Head back inland and unwind at Community Park or with an early dinner on Poway Road before the drive home.

Local tips

  • •Book a Poway Center for the Performing Arts show ahead — the season sells out for popular touring acts.
  • •Sunday morning traffic toward Del Mar is light; afternoon return traffic on the I-15 can be slower.
  • •Bring layers for the coast — it's often ten to fifteen degrees cooler than inland Poway.

Other plans

1 day

24 Hours in Poway

1 day

Family Day in Poway

3 days

Three Days: Poway and Inland North County