Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Olivenhain

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim1138 used under CC BY-SA 3.0. This safari is as close to the Serengeti as one could possibly get, outside of Africa!. The park is divided into various ecosystems to accommodate the wide range of animals."

"Escondido’s best-known attraction is Safari Park, the sister park to the San Diego Zoo. The Safari Park is 1800-plus acres of exotic animals and botanical gardens galore, carved out of the hills just outside Escondido."

"Hikers at Batiquitos can look forward to a low-elevation, wetland walk on a 3.25-mile trail that winds through a park-like environment. If you go, you’ll encounter lots of families, dog walkers, and more than a few bird watchers. Owls, ducks, swans and other water-loving birds make Batiquitos their home in large numbers."

"With various parking areas on the northern side, Batiquitos Lagoon is a great stop for a two-mile hike. Just east of Interstate 5, the area is home to 610 acres of lagoon space and has been preserved for public enjoyment from oceanic silt buildup. Bicycles are not allowed, though pets are – provided they are on a leash."

"You can also volunteer for monthly trail maintenance and lagoon cleanups. During normal times, docents lead tours along the trails, pointing out various flora and fauna along the way. (Location: Carlsbad)"

"After taking in some of the best restaurants in Escondido or best brunch spots in Carlsbad, head to Daley Ranch to walk off what you just ate. With over 3,000 miles of conservation area to explore, you can enjoy the natural vegetation, oak woodlands, grasslands, and more. And if you’re interested in some history, there are plenty of old buildings to explore on the property too."

"Daley Ranch has everything a hiker, biker, or runner could ask for. Some trails provide excellent views of Dixon Lake. Dixon Lake will give you immediate shade and a shoreline trail."

"The park was named after Christopher (Kit) Carson, the famous scout who guided Captain John C. Fremont over the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a government exploration expedition. The City of Escondido acquired the land for its largest regional park from the City of San Diego in 1967. Address:3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025"

"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."

"Juniper St.Get as close as you’d like to 200 rescued reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods, including a 17-foot python, a green anaconda, and an Asian water monitor. Kids and adults alike will learn a lot more than how the scales of a cuddly tegu lizard feel—they’ll get an education into threats plaguing these amazing creatures all over the world. Arrange a personal photoshoot with a few animal ambassadors to use as your next holiday card or gift."

"If your children love hands-on experiences and interacting with real live animals, check out this museum/conservation center that’s home to reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. All the animals that call the Ecovivarium home are rescues that have been rehabilitated (and in some cases, trained) by staff."

"The Ecovivarium is a living museum that features reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. Each visit includes several hands-on experiences with the animal ambassadors. Over 98% of the animals at the Ecovivarium are rescues that have been rehabilitated and trained by the dedicated staff."

"Elephant Odyssey is one of the most well known parts of the park. It’s a huge area that’s dedicated solely to several beautiful African and Asian elephants. The Elephants are free to roam among large areas, and it also includes the Elephant Care Center where you may see a zookeeper caring for one of them."

"The Elephant Odyssey is home to the African and Asian elephant habitat. This area includes the majestic elephants along with the Elephant Care Center and Fossil Portal. Guests can also see lions, jaguars, California condor, camels, and the Malayan tapir."

"The most popular San Diego tourist attraction is the San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park. It is a truly special place in that every dollar you spend goes toward the care of the animals and various conservation initiatives. Over 4500 species of plants, many of which are prized exotics, help replicate the natural habitats of the 3500 animals who call these 100 acres home."

"In all honesty we have been to so many zoos that we normally skip them when we come to a city. But there was no way we would skip the San Diego Zoo. I mean come on now, it is THE zoo."

"This Eddie V's location in the revitalized police headquarters is a big one. Occupying the space of the former courthouse, it sports a two-level interior including mixed woods, glass accents, a 20-foot wine wall, three private dining areas and a V Lounge with live jazz daily. The vibe is of an elegant steakhouse or supper club and a meal here is a splurge that very few people complain about."

"Located near Seaport Village, Eddie V’s offers an array of fresh seafood made from the freshest ingredients prepared with you in mind. Featuring hand-crafted cocktails poured with precision and an extensive wine menu. Open for dinnerDress code: Smart CasualPhone: +1 619-615-0281"

"Don't be put off by the name, or that it is part of a small chain. This fine-dining restaurant at the Headquarters at Seaport in Downtown has...Read More"

"Bar Dynamite's interesting history includes a former life as Club Nagasaki which catered mostly to San Diego's thriving aerospace industry. It became Bar Dynamite and in the 80s and 90s it was pretty much a dive bar for people who liked an early tipple and local bands. In 1999, a radical shift to underground DJs and cutting-edge technology overhauled the vibe into what it is today, 7 days a week."

"South Carlsbad State Beach is a beautiful stretch of protected coastline with white sand, coastal bluffs, and warm water. The beach offers an array of outdoor activities to enjoy –  swimming, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, scuba diving and snorkeling, fishing, shelling, and of course just hanging out. South Carlsbad State Beach is one of the top Carlsbad attractions.Carlsbad Village The bluffs above the beach offer excellent camping, and the 220-site South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is very popular with easy access to the beach and amenities such as bathrooms with showers, electricity, and water and Wi-Fi."

"South Carlsbad State Beach is a three-mile-long stretch of beach located in front of South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. The beach extends along the coast from La Costa Avenue to Palomar Airport Road. This is the beach in front of Cape Rey Carlsbad."

"South Carlsbad State Beach is a three-mile long beach on the waterfront of Carlsbad, California. Most of this state beach is in front of the linear South Carlsbad Campground that […]"