Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Del Mar Heights

"State Beaches are valuable community resources for lovers of the great outdoors looking to spend a day frolicking in the surf. South Carlsbad State Beach is popular for its fine white sand, stunning cliffs, warm water, and ample sun. It also features a campground with more than 200 individual campsites."

"South Carlsbad State Beach is a three-mile-long stretch of beach located in front of South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. The beach extends along the coast from La Costa Avenue to Palomar Airport Road. This is the beach in front of Cape Rey Carlsbad."

"Just fifteen minutes’ drive west of downtown San Diego, you can find a stunning stretch of coastline known as the Sunset Cliffs. Now protected as a natural park, the area is named for its steep coastal cliffs that look out over the ocean and is a very popular place to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Tumbling their way down to the ocean, the sheer cliffs and craggy coastal bluffs certainly make for a dramatic sight with hidden coves, tidal pools, and beaches lying at their foot."

"Many people recommended we take in one of the famous San Diego sunsets from Sunset Cliffs, which is just a couple of miles south of the Ocean Beach pier. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre City of San Diego regional park which extends 1½ miles along the Point Loma peninsula’s western shoreline. You get expansive ocean views, dramatic cliff formations and caves, an intertidal area, and in some spaces plenty of space and rocks for the kids to run over way back from the edge."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park encompasses 68-acres of resource-based land that is situated along the western edge of Point Loma. Here you will find sea caves, arches, and coastal bluffs, and you’ll be privy to stunning ocean views. From the cliffs (be careful), you might be lucky enough to catch the California seasonal whale migrations and dolphins but be sure to see the sunsets."

"Famous for being a great winter surfing spot, Black’s Beach is even more famous for being a nude beach. Access is a bit tricky, but if you have the fortitude, it’s definitely worth the effort. Try not to gawk at the “nakes” as they are known, and no cameras, please; nudity is completely natural, and there is no need to make it awkward for anyone!"

"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."

"After taking in some of the best restaurants in Escondido or best brunch spots in Carlsbad, head to Daley Ranch to walk off what you just ate. With over 3,000 miles of conservation area to explore, you can enjoy the natural vegetation, oak woodlands, grasslands, and more. And if you’re interested in some history, there are plenty of old buildings to explore on the property too."

"Daley Ranch was established in 1996 and covers a ground area measuring 3058 acres. The Ranch has been used as a conservation area for protecting and housing various species of animals and plants which are considered endangered in the area. The ranch is also home to a wide range of regional plant species that are not found at other places in the world."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Downtowngal used under CC BY-SA 3.0. A great way to explore true southwestern California, the way you’re supposed to, Daley Ranch has fresh air and rustic ambiance in a gorgeous location. The hiking trails are lovely, offering breathtaking views over Escondido ranch land."

"If you want something simple, straightforward, and kid-friendly, this small Solana Beach spot sports a nice grassy area, and also has a playground for kids who get bored of swimming. Fletcher Cove also has picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and a beach wash station. This beach is best for walking, playing (there’s a basketball court, too) and boogie or body boarding, but if you’re looking to lounge on the sand all day, try somewhere else because the sand is limited here and sometimes completely swallowed by high tides."

"The main beach in Solana Beach is Fletcher Cove, aka “Pillbox” (because a WWII gunnery installation is there), located where Lomas Santa Fe Boulevard meets the coast and just across Highway 101 from the Solana Beach train station. There are public restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables and a basketball court on the bluffs above the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 8 a.m."

"Grape Day Park is the oldest park in Escondido, and its rich history alone makes it worth the visit. It’s known mostly for its ability to cater to larger gatherings thanks to picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and restrooms, and there’s also a lot more to do. Explore the children’s tile art wall, the military tribute, the swimming pool, Heritage Walk, and the vinehenge to make a day of it."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris Doig used under PUBLIC DOMAIN. Grape Day Park is the oldest park in Escondido and certainly one of the most popular. Its unique playground and climbing equipment are a hit with kids, and the vibrant green grass is the perfect place for a family picnic."

"Peaceful, aromatic, and oh so colorful, the San Diego Botanic Gardens are where we go when we just need some time to ourselves. Stroll through gardens in different stages of bloom, admiring the beauty that surrounds you as you feel your mind quiet down. Open every day from 9-5 (closed on Christmas!), you can’t have the same experience twice!"

"When the temperature climbs, it’s a sweet, creamy treat that really beats the heat. But it’s also the perfect cap to an evening out with friends or an end to a cozy date. Bobboi is renowned in the city for its commitment to using only the freshest local ingredients, experimenting with off-the-wall flavors, and for using refrigeration methods that they claim enhance the flavors and textures."

"Known for both its traditional and untraditional gelato flavors, Bobboi gelato is inspired by California yet rooted in the timeless gelato techniques of Italy. Its flavors are made from local, seasonal ingredients and the menu rotates constantly to reflect what’s available and in season. With three locations in San Diego, the shop is a favorite among locals."

"Located at 8008 Girard Ave. (between Prospect Street and South Coast Boulevard) in the La Jolla, the spot to score gelato, ice cream, frozen yogurt and other desserts is the most popular gelato spot in San Diego, boasting five stars out of 1,707 reviews on Yelp."

"You can choose to customize a crepe, waffle, or their original "brick toast." They also offer a variety of drinks ranging from coffee to Nutella banana shakes, and you can add boba to any of them. After tasting your food, Up2you will make you feel like a professional pastry chef."

"Visit this Clairemont Mesa hang out to sip milk tea from a mason jar and munch on brick toast. It’s a buttery and sweet block of toast served with various toppings like ice cream and fruits. Frequented by local college students, Up2You has funky lounge seating and games to play."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by UP 2 YOU CAFE + DESSERTS 🍡 (@up2youcafe) on Mar 28, 2019 at 10:26am PDT"

"8030 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037(858) 999-0034$ | Hidden Gem | Coffeehouse. This low-key spot has a cheery, comfortable yet funky vibe but serves up some rockin’ food suitable for every diet. Their menu is clearly marked so you don’t have to go through the trouble of reading through every single menu item until you see what you could have."

"Just stopped by for a beer on their patio with ocean views and it was wonderful. Friendly service and good beer that was reasonably priced."

"This international vegan restaurant chain has an especially wide selection of dishes based on local produce. If you’re visiting Loving Hut in San Diego, try their vegan quesadillas or the soy sea nuggets. There’s also a rich selection of burgers and sandwiches to grab if you’re in a hurry."