Enjoying Nature in San Diego

San Diego is rich with natural resources. San Diego County is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty. With 70 miles of coastline, mountains, and state parks with miles of rugged terrains, it is very easy to fall in love with the place.

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge

The Tijuana Slough NWR is comprised of 1,051 acres of wetlands. It is home to almost 400 endangered birds, including the California Brown Pelican, the Light- footed Clapper Rail and the California Least Tern.

The Tijuana Slough NWR is one of the largest salt marshes remaining in Southern California and the only salt marsh that is not divided by roads or rail lines.

There is one endangered plant inside the refuge and that is the Salt Marsh Bird’s Beak.

Mission Bay Park

With 4,235-acre recreation area, the Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the nation. It is made of 54% water and 46% land.

The park offers a variety of activities including pathways that run 27 miles. It is perfect for people who like taking long walks, jogging or riding their bikes.

You’ll see a many people doing a lot of water sports activities.
Jet skiing, waterskiing and kayaking are very popular in this area.

Mission Bay Park is also a favorite spot to fly a kite. I just love watching all the different colorful kites lined up in the sky. The ways the tails sway remind me of a dancing ballerina. It’s graceful and so much fun to watch.

Tecolote Canyon Natural Park

The Tecolote Canyon Natural Park is located between Clairemont and Linda Vista. The 900-acre park offers a 6.7-miles of trails for walking, jogging and mountain biking.

The word Tecolote in Spanish means “owl.” There are owls living in here, for sure.
The only available facility at the canyon is the Tecolote Canyon Nature Center. The center offers the only parking lot; otherwise you park along the side of the street.

At the end of the day, families and friends could gather ‘round the fire rings to stay warm or watch an endangered plant bloom or listen to songbirds sings. But whatever you do, you’ll enjoy the nature San Diego has to offer.