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San Diego Nature Parks
 The City of San Diego has a diverse array of parks and open spaces, a portion of which are Natural Areas. They contain rich and diverse plant and animal communities that differ dramatically from one another.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
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| Is the largest desert state park in the contiguous United States, offering more than 600,000 acres. 500 miles of dirt roads, two huge wilderness areas and 110 miles of riding and hiking trails present visitors with the wonders of the Colorado Desert. Named after the Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word "borrego," referring to bighorn sheep, the park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. Visitors may also see roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as desert iguanas, chuckwallas and four species of rattlesnake. Depending on winter rainfall, the natural beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is enhanced by the magical appearance of desert wildflowers in the spring. 760-767-4684 |
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760-767-4684
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Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Trail
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| Is the best way to explore the spectacular Batiquitos Lagoon in south Carlsbad. The 2-mile long trail follows the waters edge through a serene Eucalyptus forest. It starts just east of Interstate 5 and goes most of the way to El Camino Real. Be prepared to see lots of birds and animals. Five public parking lots provide access to the trail, one by the Nature Center on Batiquitos Drive in Aviara. Take the Poinsettia Lane exit from I-5 and head east. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation gives scheduled walks and talks most weekends. |
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760-931-0800
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Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserv
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| Is a vast and beautiful natural open space located between the I-5 and I-15 freeways. It's made up of two large coastal canyons covering more than 4000 acres and stretching some 7 miles. Los Peñasquitos Canyon and its tributary, Lopez Canyon, are characterized by perennial streams and steep slopes rising from flat, densely vegetated canyon bottoms. The scenery ranges from woodland to open grassland that rises abruptly onto brush-covered slopes. Midway in Los Peñasquitos Canyon is a boulder-studded waterfall set against an untouched backdrop of rolling hills. The area has 130 different birds, 26 species of mammals, 22 kinds of amphibians and 90 kinds of plants. Some of the bigger mammals include mule deer, bobcats, and even mountain lions. Miles of trails provide a haven for hiking and bike riding. |
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| Is a 4,300-acre aquatic park with 27 miles of shoreline and 19 miles of sandy beaches. It was originally named False Bay by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who came upon it in 1542. In those days, it was a vast tidal marsh that could confuse mariners into believing it was San Diego Bay, the larger bay just to the south. It was dredged in the 1960's to form a monumental man-made bay with vast stretches of beaches, lawns, marinas and resort hotels. Mission Bay is used by motorboaters, sailboaters, rowers, waterskiers, picnickers, joggers and swimmers. It is also home to many species of birds, fish and other animals and has a nature reserve at it's northern end near Crown Point. A paved path around the entire park is a great way to spend the day exploring this San Diego attraction. |
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Mission Trails Regional Park
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| Encompasses nearly 5,800 acres of rugged hills, valleys and natural open space that represent the way San Diego looked in the early days. Only eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, Mission Trails Regional Park provides a quick, natural escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Established in 1974, it's one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Originally used by the Kumeyaay Indians, the park is the site of the Old Mission Dam, built to store water for the Mission San Diego de Alcala. With over 40 miles of trails, boating on Lake Murray, camping at Kumeyaay Lake, numerous informative hikes and a Visitor & Interpretive Center, Mission Trails Regional Park has something to offer everyone. One of the top San Diego attractions. |
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Rose Canyon Open Space Park
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| Is located in the University City neighborhood of San Diego. Named after San Diego entrepreneur Louis Rose, it's approximately 4 miles long and is very narrow, averaging less than 1/4 mile wide. Yet, here you'll find riparian, oak woodland and field habitats and a great variety of plants and animals. Rose Canyon Open Space Park is a welcome respite from the growing urban environment, with hiking trails, wildlife viewing and a place to relax. |
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858-597-0220
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| Is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon with friends and family. This 125-acre park at the east end of Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach, is operated by the County of San Diego. Only minutes from the ocean, it's cooled by sea breezes during the warm summer months. The four reservable picnic areas are set among towering eucalyptus groves that characterize this part of the county. A ball field, basketball court, play areas and hiking trails are nearby for visitors to enjoy. The lower area of the 125-park has a large open grassy area that's devoted to picnics. Other highlights include a duck pond and gazebo. |
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Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
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| Is a 68-acre resource-based park dedicated in 1983. It stretches along the Pacific Ocean bordering the western edge of Point Loma. 18 acres lie to the west of Sunset Cliffs Blvd. between Adair and Ladera Streets. The 50-acre hillside section is a designated multiple species conservation area. The Park's topography includes intricately carved coastal bluffs, arches and sea caves. It affords inspiring panoramic ocean views. From the cliffs, the California Gray Whale can be seen migrating annually from the Bering Sea to Baja California. |
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Tecolote Canyon Natural Park
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| offers visitors educational and recreational opportunities with scenic vistas, varied terrain and an 18-hole golf course nestled in the middle. Located just minutes from the city center near Mission Bay, the park's 900 acres include over six miles of trails for hiking and biking, plus a Nature Center with exhibits on the animal and plant life of the Canyon. Tecolote means "owl" in Spanish. Centuries ago, the Kumeyaay Indians found food and shelter in Tecolote Canyon, a place that today is rich with history. It was dedicated as a natural park in 1978 |
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Torrey Pines State Reserve
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| One of San Diego's greatest treasures is located on the coast between La Jolla and Del Mar. It remains one of wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast. 2000 acres of land have been preserved with native plants including chaparral and the rare and elegant Torrey Pine trees. Enjoy miles of unspoiled beaches, a lagoon that's vital to migrating seabirds, eight miles of trails, a visitor center and guided nature walks on weekends and holidays. Torrey Pines visitors rest at the stunning overlooks, walk the peaceful trails or exercise in a clean, beautiful environment. One of the favorite San Diego attractions. |
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