Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in El Cajon

"Located in the southwest corner of San Diego, the Tijuana Estuary is a wetlands area with beach, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats that are free to explore. Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the trails, flora and fauna (many are rare or endangered), and various things to do during your visit. Kids can earn junior rangers here and they offer a variety of environmental education resources online."

"At the southernmost tip of San Diego is one of the most serene places that few people know about. Where the Tijuana River meets the sea is where you’ll find the Tijuana Slough with over 2,000 acres of wetlands. Over 370 bird species have been observed there with 5 of them being endangered species that are regularly seen."

"Way down in sometimes-forgotten Imperial Beach is found a favorite landscape for many people in San Diego. This Tijuana Estuary is connected to some couple of parks. You are going to find amazing places such as Tijuana River County Open Space Reserve and Border Field State Park."

"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."

"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."

"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Imperial BeachConveniently located right at the entrance to the Imperial Beach Pier, Cow-A Bunga Ice Cream has been serving its handcrafted ice cream to locals since 2000. Grab a cone, ice cream sandwich, or sundae and go for a stroll on the pier or along the beach. They also serve huge shave ice treats, delicious coffee drinks, and smoothies.How to:Limited seating is available on a first-come basis."

"This Imperial Beach spot has been owned by French Chef Fabrice Gaunin for 17 years. With prime views of the pier, Cow-A-Bunga serves equally impressive ice cream. Along with his wife, Nelly, each flavor is handmade in the shop one bucket at a time, sourcing farmers markets for local ingredients, like raspberries and strawberries for special batches."

"This new dessert joint offers handmade French pastries, amazing macarons, and some to-die-for truffles. Be sure to visit, and try their coconut salted caramel macarons as well as the creme brulee and chocolate truffles!"

"If you’ve ever wished you could order a donut with whatever combination of toppings you want, no matter how odd that combination might be, then we may have just found your new favorite place in all of San Diego. Sometimes you get weird cravings, and there’s not really anything you can do to satisfy them unless you go out of your way to combine them. Pickles and peanut butter anyone?"

"This dual-location shop on Linda Vista Road nabs fourth place, with EDSD members applauding the chocolate glazed with coconut, buttermilk old fashioned, red velvet and maple bar flavors. Linda Vista: 5201 Linda Vista Rd., 619.294.8856 and 7612 Linda Vista Rd., 858.560.8452"

"I'm kind of curious if the other two Rose Donuts in relatively near proximity are related to this one, but keep an eye on the address if you're..."

"Dubbed the best doughnuts in San Diego last year by San Diego Magazine, Nomad has must-try flavors that change frequently but could include creative takes like chocolate potato chip and orange cream chamomile. The North Park restaurant recently expanded its breakfast menu, which includes breakfast sandwiches made with their own wood-fired bagels."

"This travel-inspired eatery got so popular that it moved to a larger space on University Avenue in August 2017. Once in the new location, executive pastry chef Kristianna Zabala was able to expand her menu (which changes daily) to include..."

"Nomad Donuts in North Park really has some of the most unique donut flavors you will ever see. Every one in San Diego is an açaí fan. Mix açaí and a donut together, and it's every San Diegan's dream."