Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Carmel Mountain

"Extremely popular with locals, though strangely not crazy crowded, Carlsbad State Beach gives beach goers free parking in several areas, easy access to the beach, clean restrooms and showers, and beautiful views from the cliffs. Nearly five miles long, the beach’s south end welcomes campers and is also a favorite with surfers. If you’re visiting just for a run, there are paved jogging paths along the beach and just above the water."

"This recognized state park is the perfect outlet to relax by the shore, surf the waves, snorkel in clear waters, or camp atop Beach cliffs!. High tide decorates the shoreline with shells, and sunsets on refreshing sands rank as a truly unforgettable privilege. Carlsbad State Beach offers a family friendly setting, awash in the constantly golden glow of friendly California sun."

"Every beach lover is guaranteed to fall in love with Carlsbad State Beach. Lay back and relax while enjoying the warm weather and bright sun just perfect for a tan, or head out into the ocean and enjoy bountiful waves that fulfills every surfers craving. Ever wanted to camp right next to the ocean?"

"Or, make your way up to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to stroll the cliffs and experience the panoramic pink, purple, and bright-orange majesty as the sun goes down. Finish off the day over the hill at Officine Buona Forchetta, where some of the city’s best Italian dishes include handmade pasta and authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza."

"It gives you plenty of vantage points to enjoy the sunset and watch the waves crashing against the cliffs. There’s an arch you can jump off during the summer and a secret (not-so-secret) sea cave/sinkhole (that you can explore at your own risk). More: Comprehensive List of San Diego Beaches"

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."

"A beautiful section of beach south of Torrey Pines and located in the northern part of La Jolla, this beach is known as a de facto nude beach. Popular with nudists and naturalists, this beach is one of the last nude beaches in the state. Do not venture to the south side of the beach unless you are prepared to see more than just marine life in its natural state."

"Swimming:YesSurfing: YesBoogie Boarding: YesBest For: Hiking, Natural Bathing, and Surfing. This is the toughest beach to find, but also can be the most rewarding depending on what floats your boat!. The best way to get to Black’s Beach is to park at the Torrey Pines Glider Point."

"This is another one of San Diego’s family-friendly attractions. If you like the smell of ranunculus and the sight of sweet peas, Flower Fields will enthrall you. The rainbow-colored rows of flowers spread over 50 acres of land also make for a great backdrop for photographs."

"A post shared by The Flower Fields at Carlsbad (@the_flower_fields). The Carlsbad Flower fields are an Instagrammer’s paradise. You’ll have the best time frolicking through the fields, finding terrific photo ops."

"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."

"The lath building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you like orchids). It is open every day except for Thursdays and one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You can picnic on the grassy areas in front of it, too."

"The Botanical Building houses more than 2,000 tropical plants. Capturing the wood structure with the lily pond in front is one of the most photographed sections of Balboa Park."

"This whopping 5,800-acre natural preserve is inside San Diego’s city limits to the northeast, and is the sixth-largest municipal park in the United States. Snaking off into this rugged wilderness of scrubby hills and canyons are 60 miles of marked hiking, cycling and horse riding trails. One route will take you to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 486 metres and with a panorama of San Diego County that merits the climb."

"Located just 12 miles from downtown San Diego, Mission Trails Regional Park is an excellent spot to escape the city for hiking and mountain biking. The 8,000-acre area is mostly rugged hills and canyons, with 55+ trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Rent a boat or kayak and head out on Lake Murray or explore the visitors center to learn about the plant and animal life that can be found in the park."

"Mission Trails Regional Park is a 7200-acre open space preserve comprised mostly of rugged canyons and hills with some developed areas mixed in. Go to walk, run, or bike the trails. Spot birds, native plants, and other wildlife."

"Communal Coffee is a beautiful coffee concept serving excellent craft coffee in well-designed, welcoming environments that foster community in North Park and as of recently, a second location now open in South Park. Owner Jen Byard’s background in art and non-profit fueled the beautiful environment where customers sip Sightless Coffee, eat delicious, homemade fare and watch floral magic happen from Native Poppy. Photo:Adam Szafranski"

"Maybe there is work to be done and you need a place where you can do it in peace. Well, Communal Coffee is the best coffee shop in San Diego for that, with great workspaces that will make you feel comfortable and relaxed. As they say, their aim was to create something that “encourages creativity and fosters collaboration” and they have most certainly succeeded."

"This community-minded, local coffee shop is also very photogenic. The outside is a charming garden with ample seating and an attractive backdrop. On the inside, it is part café and part flower and gift shop."

"Swimming:YesSurfing: NoBoogie Boarding: NoBest For: Sunbathing and Swimming. Just past the sea lion’s you’ll find a small slice of sand called Shell Beach. Located right in the heart of La Jolla Village, this is an awesome place to spend some time in after watching the sea lions."

"Shell Beach is a small beach in the La Jolla community of San Diego. The beach is accessed via a flight of concrete steps that start at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Address:Coast Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037"

"Shell Beach in La Jolla is located at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. At this spot there is long set of stairs that takes you from the […]"

"Built in the 1930s, La Jolla’s Children’s Pool was created as a family beach space, but since then it's been descended on by herds of seals and sea lions. Despite the pinnipeds' particularly pungent odor, tourists come in droves to see them larking around, swimming, fighting and mating. Visitors can get extremely close via a concrete platform surrounding the cove, and the seals don't seem to mind – but there's strictly no touching, feeding or selfies to be taken with the seals."