Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Mission Bay

"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."

"Fig Tree Cafe is an excellent choice for lazy Sunday brunch, as the service is slower and the atmosphere is much more relaxed than some of the other places we have listed. Fig Tree Cafe- Hillcrest, is just one of their three San Diego locations, the others residing in Pacific Beach and Liberty Station. The breakfast sushi is a popular choice, especially for first timers, as it often stands out on the menu as something different than the typical!"

"With three locations across San Diego, Fig Tree Cafe is the place to go for a creative breakfast when you’re tired of the same old waffles and OJ. They serve everything from omelets (like the Windansea Omelet, named after the local beach) to delicious takes on Eggs Benedict, pancakes and other breakfast dishes (like Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Sauteed Apples French Toast)."

"I like this cute little rustic restaurant, they have an extensive menu with all of the breakfast favorites, and a few unique items, too. Man candy bacon is a must-try, as well as a flight of coffees or the antioxidant shots, they’re really good!. Three locations, Liberty Station, Pacific Beach, Hillcrest."

"Why go: Situated within The Pendry hotel, this bright and airy restaurant combines big, bold decor with big, bold dishes. Pick up a thin-crust wood-fired pizza like the Italians make 'em, or stop by on Sunday for tableside cacio e pepe and a cannoli flight."

"Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history."

"You will find grassy greenfields, attractive architecture plus columns. There is also a wooded hilltop overlooking the San Diego Bay from that perfect angle where you can catch the sun setting about everything. What a gorgeous place to have your landscape photography!"

"A historical fort established on May 14, 1769, the Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast."

"Visit the rumored 'most haunted house in America' located in Old Town San Diego and take a tour of the beautiful home. Explore the two-story Greek Revival-style mansion and see rooms that once served as a general store, San Diego's first commercial theater, a courthouse, and more. A tour of the Whaley House is a tour of San Diego's history."

"The Whaley House, rumored as one of the most haunted houses in America. In fact, Michigan houses a museum about the historic home. San Diego, however, offers tours for the beautiful two-story mansion."

"Founded by San Diegan Roanna Canete, the newly opening Gluten Free Baking Co. offers gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan dessert boxes for pickup or curbside delivery at three spots in San Diego. Grab a dessert box filled with cream puffs, donuts, lemon bars, lava cakes, cupcakes, churros and other goodies. Even more, add-in fresh baked breads and if you’re short on non-latex gloves, toilet paper, and paper towels, (like most of us) you can add those items to your order too."

"University HeightsHaving food allergies makes buying groceries challenging, as reading labels and asking pointed questions becomes second nature. Score gluten-free comfort foods from The Gluten Free Baking Co., including bagels, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts and more lavish things like molten chocolate cakes and cream puffs. Dairy-, soy-free, and vegan options are available as well."

"Yes, they really do make sweets here that everyone can enjoy. Your non-GF friends won’t even know the gluten is missing. Everything here is 100% Gluten Free & Celiac Safe, with many additional options being vegan, dairy free and soy free."

"Breakfast, lunch and takeout baked goods make up the menu at Sugar and Scribe, which is extremely popular during breakfast and lunch hours. It’s worth a visit even just to peruse the various baked goods made fresh every day."

"From biscuits and gravy to fresh Benedicts, this place has everything you could want to start your day off the right way."