Fun things to do with Family and Friends
Places to go
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Where the wonders of the ocean come alive! Home to the giant kelp tank, living tide pool, sea dragons, jellies and much more. Plus exhibits on critical topics like global warming - from the researchers at Scripps. A wide array of school and summer programs for kids.
Other info:
• Scripps Institution
of Oceanography
Image courtesy:
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Mission Trails Regional Park
"... nearly 5,800 acres of both natural and developed recreational acres." It is "one of the largest urban parks in the United States."
"Originally used by the Kumeyaay, the park is the site of the Old Mission Dam, built to store water for the Mission San Diego de Alcala."
Tijuana Estuary and Border Field State Park
"The Tijuana River Estuary is one of the few salt marshes remaining in Southern California, where over 90% of wetland habitat has been lost to development. The site is an essential breeding, feeding and nesting ground and key stopover point on the Pacific Flyway for over 370 species of migratory and native birds, including six endangered species."
More info:
• Tijuana Estuary
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
"Five-hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the California Desert."
A great place to see wildflowers after a good winter rain.
Photographer:
Ian Parker
Palomar Mountain and Observatory
Find forests and meadows close to town. Spend a day with a telescope, picnicking, hiking or camping too. Expect a windy road and make sure to check road conditions and closures before you go on a rainy or snowy day. Palomar Mountain is a great place to experinece snow close to town, but chains may be required by CHP on snowy days. The Palomar Observatory can be enjoyed for free, but some guided tours have modest fees. Check with California State Parks regarding vehicle entry fees and other fees in State Park areas.
Related info:
• Calif. State Parks
• Observatory
• Recreational info
Photographer:
Memorie Yasuda
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
"The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is the jewel in the crown of America's scenic trails, spanning 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states. ... Thousands of hikers and equestrians enjoy this national treasure each year. Some only travel a few miles, while others complete every mile in a single season!"
Related info:
• So. Cal. Segment
Cleveland National Forest
The Cleveland National Forest offers "a wide variety of terrains and recreational opportunities. Most areas of the forest are open year round offering campers a variety of recreational activities. Mountain biking, picinicking, hunting, backpacking, OHV and recreational shooting are just a few." Also snow play and the scenic vistas of the Sunrise Highway.
Related info:
• So. Cal. Segment
• Union Tribune
• SD Historical Society
Cabrillo National Monument / Pt. Loma
A great place to take in a panoramic view of downtown San Diego, tour the Pt. Loma Lighthouse, see migrating whales, tidepool, hike and see a glimpse of San Diego history.
From Cabrillo, you can see whales without going out to sea!
Related info:
• Whales
Photographer:
Paul Grupp
©2007-2008 by Earthguide
at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
All rights reserved.
Home