4S Ranch is a traditional neighborhood community in San Diego County located about 25 miles north of San Diego. 4S Ranch covers 2,900 acres and has a population of about 17600 in just over 6,000 households. The core of the community is a traditional town center, 4S Commons, where everything is within walking distance and you can find stores, restaurants and more. The neighborhood retains its green, rural feel with plenty of parks and open spaces. The unusual name is thought to have originated from a local landowner Francisco Snook who was one of 4 brothers. The religious fabric of the community includes the GC2 Church, City Church and Maranatha Church all of which are open to newcomers and people of different backgrounds.

Recreation, Culture and Entertainment

4S Ranch has several parks: 4S Ranch Community Park has ball courts, picnic areas, and a playground; 4S Heritage Park has basketball parks, 2 playgrounds, picnic areas and walking paths; 4S Homestead Park has playgrounds, and picnic spots and 4S Patriot Park has basketball courts, 2 playgrounds, picnic areas and 4 acres of turf. The 4S Ranch Sports Park is within a 25 acre park and has 5 baseball fields, 5 soccer fields, 2 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts and a roller-hockey rink as well as playgrounds. The 4S Ranch Community Pool hosts events like “Dive-In Movie Night” and you can get swimming lessons, join the swim team or just come for the fun and let your kids enjoy the pool’s water slide.
The 4S Ranch Library holds a wide range of activities including yoga classes, play-to-learn classes for kids, Zumba classes, chess club, homework help, fitness classes for kids and tween craft night. Kid Ventures 4S Ranch offers indoor play areas for kids as well as crafts and “eduentertainment.” The Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego has a branch in the town where there are a myriad of activities for kids.

Outdoor Activities

4S Ranch has several urban trails for hiking, jogging and running, if you want to see some nature follow the Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail  to Black Mountain Open Space Park. Close by is the Wild Animal Park.
If shopping is your kind of recreation then the 4S Ranch Village Center is the place to go. You’ll find popular stores in the center that covers 31,000 square feet. If you’d rather work out indoors rather than following trails then go to LA Fitness a 38,000 square foot gym.

Restaurants and Cafés

The majority of the neighborhood restaurants are family orientated and with prices to match. You can get great BBQ at Brett’s BBQ, Italian food at Capri Blu, Chinese at Gourmet China Express and Los Primos serves Mexican cuisine. One of the local coffee houses is Panera Bread. All of the restaurants you need are located conveniently in 4S Ranch Commons.

Festival and special events

The 4S Ranch Fall Festival is held annually and features film screenings, Kiddieland, arts and crafts, food stalls and activities in local churches and businesses. There is an annual community Easter egg hunt, a Thanksgiving Day 5K walk, an annual pumpkin festival, concerts in the park and a festive 4th of July fair including fireworks!