Carmel Mountain (Carmel Mountain Ranch or CMR) is located 10 miles from the sea and 25 miles from Downtown San Diego. This sought after neighborhood is family orientated and has a population of approximately 13,000. The neighboring communities are Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos and Sabre Springs. CMR covers 1,489 acres. Among the churches of CMR is the Carmel Mountain Church which takes a holistic approach to faith.
Recreation, Culture and Entertainment
Golf is a popular sport in Carmel Mountain which boasts Carmel Ranch Country Club, a world class course and perhaps the main attraction to the area. There are also several other courses in the area.
Carmel Mountain Plaza is a shopping center with theatres, restaurants, stores and cinemas. Other shopping centers in the community are Carmel Mountain Ranch Town Center, Carmel Mountain Ranch Home Center, Price Plaza and The Courtyard at Camel Mountain Ranch.
At Nickel City in Carmel Mountain Plaza there are 75 games and activities for all ages like shooting games, driving games and Pacman. All of the games operate on nickels.
At the Carmel Mountain Ranch/Sabre Springs Recreation Center there is an indoor gymnasium, basketball and volleyball courts, softball courts, children’s play area and a picnic area. The center hosts regular activities and extramural activities.
CMR has many fitness centers and spa facilities, one of the popular gyms is Frog’s Fitness, a family orientated gym facility where there is one of the areas best pools as well as basketball court and tennis courts. There is playcare on the premises.
The Carmel Mountain Ranch Branch Library covers 15,000 square feet and offers a range of community services.
Outdoor Activities
Carmel Mountain Ranch Community Park has playgrounds, enjoy the many trees, and there are Little League matches in the park grounds. Here you’ll also find the Community Center, baseball fields, a basketball court and it is a venue for community events. Highland Ranch Park is another local public park.
Restaurants and Cafés
Jalapenos Mexican Food Restaurant is Urbanspoons choice for best Carmel Mountain restaurant but other top restaurants on their list include the hi-end Café Luna which serves European and Italian cuisine; Claim Jumper, an American steakhouse and Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks.
Festivals and Special Events
The Fall Festival is a major annual event where the whole community takes part. The CMR Olympics are hosted by Meadowbrook Middle School graduates every Christmas season. Also at Christmas time the Fairway Village division of CMR puts on a Christmas light show – “Holiday Magic at Fairway Village.” They also have an annual public block party on the Saturday before Christmas. At the Carmel Mountain Ranch/Sabre Springs Recreation Center you can see concerts in the park every August.
