Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

We've collected top 10 mentioned nature and wildlife areas in Cardiff-by-the-Sea from other articles such as Hotel Hidden Valley, Busy Tourist, Humphreys Half Moon Inn.

Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
4.8 (11036 ratings)4.5 (3514 ratings)
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkState parkNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
4.7 (17303 ratings)4.5 (3695 ratings)
Visitor tours of a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 300 species of African & Asian animals.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
ZooZoos & AquariumsAnimal protection organizationWildlife refugeNature & Wildlife Areas
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
25 Fun Things to do in Escondido, CA - Attractions and Activities
"San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the best things to do in San Diego for kids though plenty of adults go for the safaris, to see the animals, and learn more about conservation. Large free-range enclosures are designed to closely mimic the natural habitats of exotic animals like rhinos, camels, cheetahs, gorillas, giraffes, lions, tigers, warthogs, wild cattle, and zebras. More than 3,000 animals representing 300 species roam freely throughout the park, and you can see them from trams, golf carts, trucks, large helium balloons, and zip lines."
Mentioned by Town & Tourist
Travel Destination: Escondido, California!
"The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the Park’s 1,800 acres have been set aside as protected native species habitat."
Mentioned by San Diego Travel Blog
San Diego's Hottest Neighborhoods: Escondido
"Where: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.Transport yourself to the savannah quicker than you can say “Look at that leaping lemur!. ” Sidle up to giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes on the Africa Tram. Track Sumatran tigers on the three-exhibit Tiger Trail."
Batiquitos Lagoon
Batiquitos Lagoon
4.7 (53 ratings)4.5 (184 ratings)
Scenic, protected coastal wetland with a nature center & 2-mile hiking trail with guided walks.
California, USA
LagoonNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
Mentioned by Trip101
Top 15 Things To Do In Carlsbad, California - Updated 2021
"Carlsbad’s oceanic atmosphere isn’t nearly complete without Batiquitos Lagoon!. Recognized by the state as an ecological reserve, this haven for endangered plants and animals is open to the public for your uninterrupted exploration!. Recognized as one of the few tidal wetlands remaining in Southern California, the Batiquitos Lagoon allows you to enjoy the company of perfect weather and non-profit marine preservation."
Mentioned by Bob Baker Mazda
Best Hiking Trails Near Carlsbad CA
"With various parking areas on the northern side, Batiquitos Lagoon is a great stop for a two-mile hike. Just east of Interstate 5, the area is home to 610 acres of lagoon space and has been preserved for public enjoyment from oceanic silt buildup. Bicycles are not allowed, though pets are – provided they are on a leash."
Mentioned by Hidden San Diego
9 HIDDEN GEMS OF CARLSBAD
"The nature center offers an educational insight into the lagoon with plant and animal information. Make sure to pick up a pamphlet at the center to help you identify different plants on your walk!. We found a tunnel for those of you into that thing."
Daley Ranch
Daley Ranch
4.7 (989 ratings)4 (42 ratings)
Conservation area featuring 20+ miles of trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding, plus views.
3024 La Honda Dr, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
25 Fun Things to do in Escondido, CA - Attractions and Activities
"This 3,000-acre conservation area near Dixon Lake was established in 1996 to help preserve biologically unique habitats. There are six trails totaling more than 20 miles that are good for walking, biking, and horseback riding. Rangers offer tours of the Daley Ranch House and its outbuildings every second Sunday."
Mentioned by Trip101
15 Best Things To Do In Escondido, CA
"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."
Mentioned by Lifetime Smiles
Hiking in the Escondido Area
"Daley Ranch has everything a hiker, biker, or runner could ask for. Some trails provide excellent views of Dixon Lake. Dixon Lake will give you immediate shade and a shoreline trail."
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
4.6 (307 ratings)4.5 (67 ratings)
Nature reserve with 7 miles of trails plus a visitor center with exhibits overlooking the lagoon.
2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
Kit Carson Park
Kit Carson Park
4.6 (2024 ratings)4.5 (29 ratings)
Park with many hiking trails, 3 ponds & several sports fields, plus a 5-acre arboretum.
3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
ParkFun & GamesDisc golf coursePlaygroundsGardensNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Mentioned by lyft.com
Top 7 Most Visited Parks in Escondido
"The park was named after Christopher (Kit) Carson, the famous scout who guided Captain John C. Fremont over the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a government exploration expedition. The City of Escondido acquired the land for its largest regional park from the City of San Diego in 1967. Address:3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025"
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
4.7 (437 ratings)4.5 (44 ratings)
Preserve (name means "little cliffs") has trails across 3,500+ acres of Peñasquitos & Lopez canyons.
12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksCanyonsNature & Wildlife AreasState Parks
Mentioned by Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Beginner Hikes in San Diego
"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."
Lindo Lake County Park
Lindo Lake County Park
4.4 (1223 ratings)4 (31 ratings)
12660 Lindo Ln, Lakeside, CA 92040, USA
ParkNature & ParksNature & Wildlife AreasBodies of Water
Mt. Helix Park
Mt. Helix Park
4.8 (1211 ratings)4.5 (128 ratings)
High point offering views of San Diego, with a large amphitheater hosting plays, lectures & events.
4905 Mt Helix Dr, La Mesa, CA 91941, USA
ParkNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas

Best Zoo in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

EcoVivarium
EcoVivarium
4.9 (48 ratings)5 (2 ratings)
Nonprofit museum dedicated to reptiles, amphibians & arthropods with hands-on encounters.
641 E Pennsylvania Ave, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
ZooZoos & AquariumsChildren's museumMuseumNon-profit organization
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
25 Fun Things to do in Escondido, CA - Attractions and Activities
"If your children love hands-on experiences and interacting with real live animals, check out this museum/conservation center that’s home to reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. All the animals that call the Ecovivarium home are rescues that have been rehabilitated (and in some cases, trained) by staff."
Mentioned by Your North County
15+ Things to Do in Escondido with Kids (Guide) | YNC
"The Ecovivarium is a living museum that features reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. Each visit includes several hands-on experiences with the animal ambassadors. Over 98% of the animals at the Ecovivarium are rescues that have been rehabilitated and trained by the dedicated staff."
Northern Frontier
Northern Frontier
4.7 (202 ratings)
Zoo Pl, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Zoo
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
4.7 (17303 ratings)4.5 (3695 ratings)
Visitor tours of a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 300 species of African & Asian animals.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
ZooZoos & AquariumsAnimal protection organizationWildlife refugeNature & Wildlife Areas
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
25 Fun Things to do in Escondido, CA - Attractions and Activities
"San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the best things to do in San Diego for kids though plenty of adults go for the safaris, to see the animals, and learn more about conservation. Large free-range enclosures are designed to closely mimic the natural habitats of exotic animals like rhinos, camels, cheetahs, gorillas, giraffes, lions, tigers, warthogs, wild cattle, and zebras. More than 3,000 animals representing 300 species roam freely throughout the park, and you can see them from trams, golf carts, trucks, large helium balloons, and zip lines."
Mentioned by Town & Tourist
Travel Destination: Escondido, California!
"The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the Park’s 1,800 acres have been set aside as protected native species habitat."
Mentioned by San Diego Travel Blog
San Diego's Hottest Neighborhoods: Escondido
"Where: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.Transport yourself to the savannah quicker than you can say “Look at that leaping lemur!. ” Sidle up to giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes on the Africa Tram. Track Sumatran tigers on the three-exhibit Tiger Trail."

Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
4.7 (264 ratings)4.5 (184 ratings)
Open green space along the coast offering panoramic ocean views, including seals & sunsets.
92037 California, La Jolla, Coast Blvd, USA
ParkNature & Parks
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
4.7 (437 ratings)4.5 (44 ratings)
Preserve (name means "little cliffs") has trails across 3,500+ acres of Peñasquitos & Lopez canyons.
12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksCanyonsNature & Wildlife AreasState Parks
Mentioned by Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Beginner Hikes in San Diego
"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach
4.5 (1155 ratings)
Pacific Beach is a relaxed neighborhood by the beach, popular with sunbathers and surfers. Trendy hotel bars and casual cafes line the boardwalk, while Mission Boulevard and the surrounding streets are dotted with women’s clothing boutiques, yoga studios and casual drinking spots that draw a young, bar-hopping crowd. Inland, the grassy slope of Kate Sessions Park has sweeping views of the city and San Diego Bay.
San Diego, CA, USA
Nature & ParksBeaches
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
San Diego – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
"If you want a beach that’s bit more lively, you can head down to Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Both beaches are great for people-watching on the boardwalk. Make sure to grab drinks at a beachy bar, and even perfect your surfing skills at The Wave House. Yep, at The Wave House, you can surf an artificial wave (or watch others do it)!"
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary – What to See and Do
"Head even further north from Mission Beach and you’ll arrive at Pacific Beach. Known among the locals as P.B., if you’re looking for the stereotype of Californian beach life, you’re going to find it here. If you’re looking for a place to have a go at surfing, many newbies start out in the white water around P.B."

Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Town and Country San Diego
Town and Country San Diego
3.8 (3902 ratings)
Laid-back resort hotel with a BBQ restaurant, 3 pools, a spa & a conference center.
500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
HotelBanquet hallConference centerConvention centerEvent venueResort hotelWedding venue
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
18 Best Hotel Pools in San Diego (2021) - Water Slides, Day Passes, More
"Location: Mission ValleyWater slides: Yes (kids must be 48″ tall to ride)Adults-only pool: No (but the Regency pool is quieter). Town and Country Resort in San Diego has reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation that emphasized its mid-century modern roots and created a large outdoor swimming pool complex. Guests can enjoy a zero-entry pool, a children’s pool, and a four-story, 150′ “Twister” water slide."
Hamilton's Tavern
Hamilton's Tavern
4.7 (1026 ratings)
Bustling brewpub is known for its extensive selection of beers, housemade sausages & other pub fare.
1521 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102, USA
BarPub
The Casbah
The Casbah
4.6 (616 ratings)
Happening rock club famed for showcasing name bands & up-and-comers in an intimate, laid-back space.
2501 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Event venueLive music venue

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Hampton by Hilton Encinitas-Cardiff Beach Area
Hotel
$264 /night
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WanderJaunt - Luxe Carmel Valley Apts
Apartment
$137 /night
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2.0 (1 review)
Oceanview Private House 20 min to Everywhere
Guest Suite · 9 Guests · 3 Bedrooms
$483 /night*
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* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.