Rancho Peñasquitos is bound on the north by Rancho Bernardo, on the east by Carmel Mountain Ranch, on the west by Torrey Highlands and on the south by Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The neighborhood covers about 7,000 acres and includes the Black Mountain regional Park. 34% of Black Mountain is designated as open spaces and parks and the 2,500 foot high mountain is the neighborhood’s most prominent feature. The community has a country feel due to being slightly cut off from the rest of San Diego by hills and canyons and because of the many open green spaces. The homes built on the sides of the hills and many of the houses have brilliant green views. The convenient access to I-15 and the Ted Williams Parkway (Route 56) make coming and going from Rancho Peñasquitos easy. The neighborhood is known for having one of the best school systems in San Diego County. PQ, as the neighborhood is known, has about 55,000 residents. The spiritual needs of the community are met by several places of worship including the St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church.
Recreation, Culture and Entertainment
The YMCA and local library offer cultural and recreational activities and events. Golf enthusiasts can play at the Doubletree Golf Resort which also has a swimming pool and large gym. The Rancho Peñasquitos Tennis Center has won awards for outstanding facilities, here you can play and get lessons. You can visit the original ranch house which was the first settlement in this area. The Rancho de los Peñasquitos National Historic and Archaeological District offers tours of the Ranch House.
Outdoor Activities
The Hilltop Park and Recreation Center has playgrounds for kids and it is a good place to watch the 4th of July fireworks. Dogs can also have fun in the Rancho Peñasquitos Off-Leash Area where there are separate areas for small and large dogs. Nearby Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve offers an opportunity to hike, horse ride or cycle on well maintained trails. Rancho Peñasquitos Little League is extremely popular there is also the PQ skate park. Of the many green spaces in the area there is the Peñasquitos Creek Park, Rolling Hills Park, Black Mountain Open Space Park and the Two Trails Neighborhood Park. Take to the hills and visit the Black Mountain Park, play a game at the Arbolitos Sports Field,
Restaurants and Cafes
The community has a range of restaurant options like the Luna Grill which Urbanspoon names as Rancho Peñasquitos best restaurant. Yenchim Garden is good for Asian food, Sushihana for Japanese cuisine and Rodrigo’s Taco Shop for Mexican food.
Festivals and Special Events
The neighborhood is full of fun events like ballroom dancing at Dance for 2; Run for Fun at the Fashion Valley Mall; Tai Chi Chuan at the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego; the Temecula Farmers Market; the Farmstead Market and Lunch Time Yoga at the Eye of Buddha.
The Halloween Carnival at Sunset Hills is great and on the first Sunday of May there is a community street fair – Fiesta de los Peñasquitos. The fiesta is held by the Vons Shopping Center and is a day full of activities, crafts and about 150 stalls. December 10th to 31st sees Christmas Card Lane.
