Pauma Valley is a lush agricultural center located in North San Diego County off I-15 and SR 76.  It is well worth the hour plus drive from San Diego. There are several casinos located in valley or close to it.  So bring along some spare change.

For starters, enjoy the miles and miles of citrus trees, the valley is home to some of the best orange groves in Southern California with most of its fruit going to Sunkist packing houses for distribution to markets all over the world.  Also located in the valley are avocado groves and one of the largest nursery operations in the country.

The Pala reservation is also home to the third and smallest of San Diego's missions. It is the only mission in California still serving in its original parishioners--the Indians of the Pala reservation. The mission is reached from a well-marked cut-off on Rt. 76 across the highway from the casino.

Surrounded by walls, gardens and its cemetery, the mission drowses in the sun much as it must of when it was first built in the valley. Tours are self-guided, be sure to notice the wall paintings and the charming choir loft. There is a museum containing many of the original fittings of the church as well as other artifacts. There is also a gift shop. 

The Lazy H is a rustic small hotel and restaurant. The food is continental and the ambiance is Western dude ranch. 

You can also climb or drive up to the top of Palomar mountain. The view is spectacular with expansive outlook of the valley.  The top is home to the famous Palomar Observatory run by CalTech. View the 200-inch telescope as well as the smaller ones. There is a museum and gift shop.