#164 Free Flight
Free Flight in sunny Del Mar is a bird sanctuary full of paradise with a mission to promote the unique bond between birds and humans. A visit to Free Flight offers the chance to get up close and personal to interact with these gorgeous creatures. With its variety of birds and friendly atmosphere, it is one of the best experiences in San Diego.
#156 Daley Ranch Preserve
Daley Ranch Preserve is a 3,000 acre park with more than 25 miles of trails in Escondido. Robert Daley settled here to build a ranch in 1869 while Kumeyaay Native Americans have lived here for thousands of years. A 1.2 mile hike along the ranch house trail takes you to the ruins of the ranch property while winding through beautiful canyons of oak woodland.
#150 Children's Pool
Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla is the place to see harbor seals basking in the sun. A barrier was constructed in 1931 to protect the beach from waves and currents so children could enjoy the ocean. The seals soon took over and were here to stay. Harbor Seals come here to rest, sunbathe and birth their young.
#143 Kwaaymii Point
One of the most beautiful views in Southern California is Kwaaymii Point. Located on the Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountains, the point offers a jaw-dropping vista of the Colorado Desert from a mile high in Cleveland National Forest. The Pacific Crest Trail also passes this point and offers great hiking. A group of Kumeyaay Native Americans called the Kwaaymii have called this land home for thousands of years.
#137 San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the sister of the San Diego Zoo. With 1800 acres and over 2600 animals, this world class zoo receives more than 2 million visitors per year. Safari Park preserves endangered species from 6 continents and has the famous Africa Tram. This features enclosures where the animals roam free to live a more natural life. The world's largest veterinary hospital is also here which gives the animals the best care possible. Beautifully landscaped with 3,500 plant species, this Zoo is a must see in San Diego.
#134 Borrego Badlands
The Borrego Badlands in Anza Borrego Desert State Park are a wonder. Miles and miles of desert vista await among rugged golden canyons. The water sculpted lands are a fossil paradise where sea turtles, sharks, bears, ground sloths and camels once lived.
#130 Mission San Diego de Alcalá
Mission San Diego de Alcalá was the first of the 21 California Missions founded on July 16th 1769. It is known as the birthplace of Christianity in the West and was created to convert the Kumeyaay Native Americans. The Mission System was a new way of life for the Kumeyaay whose lives now consisted of living and working by the ringing bells. This linear idea of time did not serve the Kumeyaay well and the mission system crumbled during Mexican Independence. Unfortunately, many Native Americans had passed away from the diseases they were exposed to during Mission times.
#123 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Southern California. Torrey Pines, the rarest pine in America, grow along wild cliffs that drop to the ocean below. Growing only here and on Santa Rosa Island, the trees and its reserve received National Natural Landmark status in 1977. Hiking trails wind seamlessly through the landscape making it a great place for Spring wildflowers too.
#116 Santa Fe Depot
Santa Fe Depot in the heart of Downtown San Diego was built in 1915 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Originally constructed to bring in visitors to the Panama-California Exposition the same year, its Mission Revival Architecture was the grandest structure the railway had ever built in the West. Its wooden ceilings were constructed from California Redwood Trees. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Santa Fe Depot is a must see for any visit.
#107 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
High in the Laguna Mountains above San Diego lies Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Forests of oak woodland and pine surround meadows and creeks which make for a beautiful hike. At a mile in the sky, warm summers, fall colors, snow-decorated winters and spring wildflowers make this a four season destination. It will be hard to believe you are still in San Diego at this perfect recreational escape.
