
Vacation rentals in Palomar Mountain
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Pinky's Nature Hideout and Retreat Hub
Loves our stay at Pinky's! The trails on the grounds were beautiful and it was such a relaxing stay! The house was perfect for my husband and I and our two dogs, the dogs loved being able to run around in the gated yard! The on site host had wonderful recommendations on things to do in the area and was very nice and responsive! We look forward to being able to visit again!

GoldenviewCabin: A-frame/swim-spa/sauna/ocean-view
We loved the beautiful cabin. It was like the photos and plan to come back. We are already imagining another stay and in the winter as well. The cabin was well stocked and comfortable.

Cottage on the Rock | Hot Tub · King Bed · Bikes
One of the best Airbnbs I’ve stayed at in a long time. The cabin was absolutely charming—thoughtfully designed, spotless, and full of character. The location was perfect for a peaceful Julian getaway, and everything about the space made us feel relaxed and at home. The host was incredibly friendly, professional, and responsive from start to finish, which made the entire experience seamless. I couldn’t be more impressed and would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for a cozy, high-quality stay in Julian.

Starhaven on Palomar Mountain
I so enjoyed this lovely, quiet cabin -- just what I needed! Wonderful hiking at the state park down the road, solid internet connection, comfy bed, great bird-watching and everything needed for cooking. Thanks, Liz!

Moonrise Cottage at Buena Terra Lavender Farm
Thank you to Heidi who is a welcoming and charming host. We found exactly what we were looking for, peaceful retreat from the busy Los Angeles, exactly as how it is described on the Airbnb page.

Cedar Crest
This is a place you can’t skip out on. We were speechless from the very beginning of the view and how great the trip was going to be. There are plenty of things to do if you bring pets. We recommend the fire road near Doane pond which is a quick 5-10 min drive from the cabin. Some areas are restricted from bringing pets as to not disturb wildlife. The place overall was perfect and we felt right at home. It was so quiet and peaceful I highly recommend this place. I will definitely come back.

La Luna Lookout - modern mountain
Beautiful surroundings! Excellent views! Great communication and easy to follow instructions.

Bailey Meadow's Cozy, Cute 1920s Mt. Cabin Nature!
My stay was wonderful. The cabin and are was quite and peaceful. Lots of wildlife and surrounded by trees Can’t wait to go back
Your guide to Palomar Mountain
All About Palomar Mountain
Nestled amongst a densely wooded timberline that includes Douglas fir and cedar varieties of pine, the town of Palomar Mountain is the highest point in greater San Diego. Grasslands and chaparral groves brand the low-lying coastal slopes of the Palomar Mountain ridge before giving way to the higher altitude forests that characterize much of the area. The 6,000-foot summit offers stunning views that extend from the Pacific Ocean to the towering Mount San Jacinto nearly 40 miles away.
Originally inhabited by many local Indigenous groups, most notably the Luiseño peoples, Palomar Mountain is now an unincorporated community renowned for its abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure. The Palomar Mountain State Park hosts various recreational activities, including hiking and fishing. For wildlife viewing, Palomar Mountain is second to none. Bobcats, coyotes, hawks, mule deer, and woodpeckers all have stable populations and live amongst the trails and woodland meadows. One of the more unique draws to the area is the Palomar Observatory, an astronomical research center run by the California Institute of Technology that is open to the public, with tours and lectures from prominent scientists available year-round, weather permitting.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Palomar Mountain
The southern Californian coastal climate in which Palomar Mountain is found remains relatively stable throughout the year, with only mild seasonal variations. April through September are characterized by warm temperatures, sunny days, clear skies, and dry conditions that are fantastic for taking advantage of the outdoor opportunities available in the region. Booking a cabin near Palomar Mountain during the summer months is also a great way to make the most of the neighboring city of San Diego with its sprawling beaches and summer events. The parts of Palomar Mountain State Park that lie in the lowlands tend to retain mild conditions through the winter with only small upticks in precipitation. As the elevation increases, however, it is not uncommon to find snow and freezing temperatures during colder months.
Top things to do in Palomar Mountain
The Weir Trail
This three-mile out and back trail that begins at the Doane Pond parking lot is an easy hike with only 100 overall feet of elevation change from start to finish. Meandering through dense coniferous forests and along babbling creeks, this leisurely stroll culminates in a historical stone weir that was once part of a failed hydroelectric project in the area.
Boucher Hill Fire Lookout
Located over a mile above sea level, the Boucher Hill Fire Lookout and summit — pronounced boo-ker — provides some of the more stunning vistas in the park. To get to the lookout, you can either walk the gently ascending path or drive along the Boucher Hill Scenic Drive, which leaves from the same trailhead. Once atop the summit, you can explore the lookout and study its history through onsite information centers.
Palomar Observatory
This mountain top observatory was constructed in the 1940s, where, at the time, it sat at the forefront of astronomical research. Today, the medley of onsite telescopes continues to provide groundbreaking data and observations for the Caltech researchers who operate it. The Palomar Observatory was built in an Art Deco architectural style, giving it a unique look. Guided tours and public lectures are available here from scientists who are on the cutting edge of discovery.
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