Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Lemon Grove

"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."

"Of course I could not forget Rubio's, the Godfather of the Fish Taco. It was Ralph Rubio who while visiting Ensenada ate his first fish taco and from that came a vision of fish tacos everywhere. And while today everyone seems to have a fish taco on their menu it wasn’t that long ago that the idea of fish - in a taco - would elicit “ewwwwws” and “no way, dude”."

"Ranchos Cocina in North Park is known for its impressive selection of vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian options. Plus, the eatery makes its own sauces, rice, beans, and tortillas without any animal by-products. A playlist of music by the Gipsy Kings transports diners from Southern California to the hills of the region that inspired much of these dishes: Andalusia, Spain."

"While Ranchos Cocina isn’t an exclusively vegetarian restaurant, they serve a wide variety of plant-based Mexican dishes. You can order vegetable tostadas, tortillas, and tacos. In many cases, you can ask for the vegan version of their salads or their combination plates."

"North Park’s Ranchos Cocina is open for curbside pick-up of their full menu plus margaritas, sangria, and beer. Call or order online."

"Finally, over in Hillcrest, check out Uncle Biff's Killer Cookies, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 738 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bakery at 650 University Ave. (between Sixth and Seventh avenues). This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"Cookie magic is what you’ll find at NatSweets with her incredible design talent. She’ll create any kind of custom cookie that you can imagine. Plan ahead for your custom orders or stop by the shop to pick up seasonal or daily creations."

"Situated in an unassuming strip mall in Sabre Springs (west of Poway), Nutmeg has racked up its healthy share of local fans. Serving Caffe Calabria coffee, seasonal foods (breakfast, brunch, and lunch), gluten-free and vegan menu items, and sweet delights from its vast pastry case, Nutmeg makes culinary and coffee magic happen in an industrial-like, open space with bar seating, booth areas, and tables situated next to outlets. If you’re looking for an office away from home, Nutmeg is it."

"Formerly known as Giulio's of Pacific Beach, Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant has been providing guests with authentic, high-quality Italian food since 1961. The specialty here is the shrimp scampi, but the menu also offers a good assortment of delectable appetizers, freshly made salads, meat entrees, and other seafood dishes. There are also a number of specialty pasta dishes that the restaurant makes from scratch; gluten-free substitutions are offered for some of these dishes."

"Owned and operated by Chef Matt Gordon and his wife, Urban Solace in North Park offers brunch-goers two options. "Blunch" on Saturdays includes breakfast-type items such as Kitchen Sink Biscuits and Gravy, Fried Green Tomato Benny (house biscuit, poached fresh eggs, smoked ancho chili Hollandaise), salads and sandwiches. Bluegrass brunch is only on Sundays, where diners can enjoy live bluegrass music over a larger menu including braised Colorado lamb shoulder hash, butter-pecan french toast and more."

"The cheddar biscuits are a must at this hip, foodie New American in North Park famed for its comfort food with a twist paired with fun cocktails and local craft beers in a wonderful renovated building with indoor and outdoor seating. There is moderate pricing, friendly service and a fabulous Sunday brunch with bluegrass top things off. Urban Solace are committed to using the best products available to create their unique menu."

"Urban Solace has a great "Bluegrass Brunch" every Sunday where they serve five different kinds of benedicts (the pork belly benedict is AMAZING), shrimp and grits, beef cheek hash and mussels, among other dishes. While many of the dishes are delicious, the benedicts and beef cheeks are the best. Pork Belly Benedict - Urban Solace"

"You decide on a sauce, you decide on a pasta style, and you’ll soon be in pasta heaven. Start with some small plates to share like the thinly slice prosciutto or fried risotto balls, and don’t worry about trying to influence your date to get something you want to try because trust me, whatever they order you will want to try it. Industrial setting is a bit cold but don’t let that turn you off."

"There’s no better place for a bowl of carbs in San Diego, where multiple varieties, ranging from fusilli to gnocchi, are made fresh daily. Design your own bowl by selecting the sauce and pasta type. If you’ve never tried the salsiccia (Italian sausage in a spicy tomato sauce) with a broad noodle, like tagliatelle or pappardelle, now's the time."

"Bencotto Italian Kitchen offers traditional Italian cuisine and regional specialty dishes to share. Pasta is Bencotto’s signature dish and customers are free to order it al dente or cooked to their liking. Customers can also choose between eight different sauces for the pasta."