One of the larger of the rural communities in the area, its inhabitants tend either to be long-distance San Diego commuters or local farmers. The town holds remarkably little of interest, though the Ramona Pioneer Society and Guy B. Woodward Museum (http://www.ramonachamber.com/museums), 645 Main Street, with several restored frontier-era buildings and a 19thC house. With many original features, might take half an hour. The photo shows typical rural rural surroundings of Ramona – its Grassland Reserve.

Detour – The Amy Strong Castle

Turn off Hwy-67 just south of Ramona along Archie Moore Road and you’ll quickly reach the Amy Strong Castle, a mansion created from granite boulders during the 1920s. An exploration of the 27-room “castle” (open weekends only) reveals the tale of Amy Strong, a local seamstress of great repute and considerable means.