Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Carmel Mountain

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"The city also aces the race when it comes to housing various species of wildlife and plants. An ideal example of the diversity of wildlife and plants in the city, San Diego zoo Safari Park is a zoo which covers an area of almost 1800 acres. The zoo is home to more than 300 species of wildlife, with a count of almost 2600 animals."

"Hikers at Batiquitos can look forward to a low-elevation, wetland walk on a 3.25-mile trail that winds through a park-like environment. If you go, you’ll encounter lots of families, dog walkers, and more than a few bird watchers. Owls, ducks, swans and other water-loving birds make Batiquitos their home in large numbers."

"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."

"You can also volunteer for monthly trail maintenance and lagoon cleanups. During normal times, docents lead tours along the trails, pointing out various flora and fauna along the way. (Location: Carlsbad)"

"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."

"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."

"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 (“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."

"With a name like Elizabethan Desserts, you’re going to expect great things from this bakery. You won’t be disappointed because patrons say the pies are the best ever made. However, you don’t want to ignore the cupcakes or delightfully decorated cookies."

"This Encinitas bakery and its sibling bakery Betty’s Pie Whole Salon has a limited menu of cupcakes, cookies, bars plus savory and sweet pies for takeout and curbside delivery. Call ahead to place an order or pay in advance."

"Although there are quite a few bakeries, donut shops, and ice cream parlors in San Diego that offer vegan options, Starry Lane Bakery is the only place I’ve found that offers 100% vegan desserts. And, might I add, really good vegan desserts. The great thing about this bakery is that it’s good for anyone who is sensitive to food allergens, since they make all of their desserts without the top 10 most common allergens."

"Born from the minds of two sisters – one with life-threatening food allergies – all of the bakery’s products are Top 10 allergen-free. Starry Lane values the health and safety of their customers, and they achieve that through transparency and delicious food."

"The style is a mix between French desserts and Asian flavor. Serve yourself in this Korean café with a choice of donuts, pastries, sweet breads, and more. The bakers create chiffon cakes that are perfect for just about any occasion."

"I use to like this buffet but it has gone downhill recently. There is another choice in Pacific Beach that is way better."

"A post shared by JSMedina (@kulokoy) on Mar 17, 2019 at 8:26pm PDT. At this all-you-can-eat buffet, your food choices are more than you can try in one outing (so come back soon!) Chow down on a large selection of seafood, including crab legs, shrimp and scallops and serve yourself a side of sushi to go with it. End your meal with a delightful dessert such as crème brûlée, cheesecake or perhaps some Italian gelato."