La Mesa California: Jewel of the Hills

La Mesa, located to the east of San Diego, is a mix of quaint charm and bustling metropolitan activity. Its nickname, “jewel of the hills,” fits La Mesa and its panoramic beauty of lush rolling hills, majestic mountains, refreshing lake, and native flora.

Renowned in the early 1900s as an excellent location for avocado trees and lemon ranches, La Mesa experienced an influx of residents pretty much as it experiences an influx of visitors currently. Bungalows, farmhouses, lemon ranches, and cottages are just a few examples of the homes interspersed throughout the scenic landscape.

A charming display of historic homes in various architectural styles is nestled on the slopes and hills of the mountains of La Mesa. Resting on one of the slopes of Mt. Nebo or Mt. Helix, the homes portray influences of popular styles of architecture during the era of the early 1920s including the prairie style featuring front porches and shed dormers, French Colonial with wrap around veranda and high foundation, and the Mission Revival style of architecture. Real estate in La Mesa is in popular demand.

La Mesa, currently a dynamic community with roots in quaintness and small town charm, is home to a wealth of exciting recreational activities and unique community events. Keeping physically fit is a cinch with weekly walks scheduled throughout this charmingly appealing town.

Take a walking tour or a shopping excursion through the delightful shops offering antiques and collectibles in La Mesa Village, where numerous buildings have their roots in the early 1900s. Public stairways to navigate from one section of La Mesa to the next were incorporated many years ago. Today, they remain as an integral part of this community that fascinates newcomers and tourists alike.

Award winning golf courses and country clubs with carefully manicured greens offer an excellent spot to tee off and enjoy the day’s sunny weather. Annual parades, the Summer Concert Series, and Festivals are exciting moments sprinkled throughout the year in La Mesa. Patriotic events are staples of this area, including the Flag Day Parade.

The annual La Mesa Oktoberfest is an exciting time of entertainment, food tasting, and dancing for residents and visitors alike. The Thursday Night Car Show running from April through September offers a wonderful outing for the car enthusiast. La Mesa Farmer’s Market that features an open-air experience of delightful fresh produce, brilliantly colored flowers, and delicious baked goods.

Mission Trails Regional Park provides forty miles of trails, as well as several informative hiking tours. Lake Murray is located in the Park offering a serene place to fish, boat, picnic, bike, jog, or simply walk. The avid fisherman can enjoy the challenge of attempting to snag bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, or channel catfish.

La Mesa is situated in a central location to many additional avenues of adventure including a mere fifteen miles from the Pacific Ocean, twenty-five miles from Mexico, and within thirty minutes of four colleges and universities. A short drive on any direction opens up the door to even more adventure.

Tasty culinary morsels in a wide variety of ethnic flavorings can be found at outdoor cafes and trendy restaurants. From the traditional Mexican and Italian fare to the trendy African and Californian dishes, La Mesa has a taste that is sure to satisfy everyone.

Numerous inns and La Mesa hotels offer a delightful respite from a day’s travel and entertainment in the area, while providing all of the necessary amenities. La Mesa real estate and homes, scattered throughout the area in well-defined communities, offer affordable or luxury living in the midst of serenity. Charming homes with spectacular views and exciting activities make this location a wonderful place to live or vacation.