Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in North Pacific Beach

"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."

"This popular restaurant in the Gaslamp District is one of the best spots in San Diego for a romantic lunch or dinner. The Wisconsin Cheddar fondue is one of your first course options and is served with artisan bread and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Or you can select the Wisconsin trio, which is made with fontina and white wine."

"If you and your sweetie love a gourmet meal in a slightly refined atmosphere, Island Prime is the place to visit when you’re in San Diego. Start your meal with the seafood platter that includes oysters, crab, and shrimp, or try the crab cakes with lemon aioli. You can enjoy entrees like prime rib and mashed potatoes, salmon roulade with a basil potato puree, or fire-roasted cauliflower with Japanese eggplant."

"For dinner, I’d recommend the nearby Island Prime, where you can dine with a picture-perfect view of San Diego’s skyline. READ MORE: The Best San Diego Beachfront Hotels"

"For greasy but delicious Mexican grub after a day at the beach or hiking at Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve, grab a table on the outdoor patio at Roberto’s Very Mexican Food."