Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Little Italy

"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."

"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."

"Along with a lot of other classic dishes you would find at your local sushi place... But you get to serve y..."

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

"The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is one of a few private institutions dedicated to showcasing photography, film, and video. They also offer various workshops for photography enthusiasts (and I love stopping into the gift shop on my way out). Admission is free but based on a pay as you wish philosophy because one of their goals is to make their exhibitions accessible to all."

"This world-class museum features extensive collections of still photographs, videos and films. The history of the medium is illustrated, from the earliest Daguerreotypes and albumen prints to modern laser holograms. A variety of artists are represented, including Alfred Stieglitz, Ben Shahn, Alberto Korda, Ansel Adams and Margaret Bourke-White."

"An independent institution devoted to photography, film, and video. Founded in 1983, MOPA consistently addresses cultural, historical, and social issues through its visual learning programs."

"The creative French-American bistro serving goat meatballs and braised short ribs draws a dedicated following to this casually elegant neighbourhood spot in North Park. The reasonable prices, including select bottles of wine offered at half-price on Wednesdays, and warm service helps to make it worth the trek from further afield. The Smoking Goat has an upscale farmhouse vibe with exposed-brick walls and a seasonal menu."

"Smoking Goat is a true neighborhood restaurant that's attracting quite a crowd for its upscale mash-up of California and French cuisine with a local organic and sustainable sensibility. With an elegantly rustic interior featuring exposed brick in a farmhouse setting, the Smoking Goat feels authentic and welcoming. One bite of the duck fat truffle fries and you know you've come to the right place."

"Although the Smoking Goat is credited with pioneering a culinary renaissance in a once-sleepy corner of North Park, nothing else about chef Fred Piehl’s flagship restaurant screams “culinary vanguard”—and that’s..."

"This charming, modest-sized, all-day bistro is big on authentic Parisian touches and flavors. Diners are immediately greeted at the entryway with France’s two major food groups: a French/California cheese “altar” and an over-sized ice bucket filled with chilled Champagne. The bright, beach-meets-Left-Bank dining room is lined with white marble tables, a red leather banquette and traditional wicker-style bistro chairs."

"A tribute to the French neighborhood cafés that serve as the center of social and culinary life, Little Frenchie is a charming Parisian-style bistro and sidewalk cafe that locals and visitors have fallen in love with since it’s opening in May 2019. The produce is regionally sourced, and seafood is obtained from local area fishermen. Everything here is fun, fancy, and fresh."

"Little Frenchie was one of my favorite spots on Coronado Island. There are many brunch places around, but this one had to be the cutest in my opinion."