Visitor’s Center Loop

Hiking San Diego: Visitor Center Loop at Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States.  At its heart is a state-of-the-art visitor’s center.  One of the most family friendly hikes in the park is the short Visitor Center Loop Trail. Starting Point: Visitor Center, Mission Trails Regional Park Length: 1.5 mile Elevation: 150 foot gain…

Hiking San Diego: Climbers Loop at Mission Trails Regional Park

Hiking San Diego: Climbers Loop at Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park is great for hiking.  However, it is also a paradise for rock climbers.  Climbers Loop Trail is a short 1-mile trail that takes you to the best rock-climbing areas. Starting Point: Father Junipero Serra Trail near Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor’s Center Length: 1 mile Elevation: 400 foot gain and loss…

 Biking San Diego: Father Junipero Serra Trail

 Biking San Diego: Father Junipero Serra Trail

Mission Trails Regional Park is great for hiking.  There are also plenty of mountain biking trails.  For those looking for an easier ride through the park the paved 2-mile Father Junipero Serra Trail is great for a family bike ride. Starting Point: Old Mission Dam or Visitor’s Center, Mission Trails Regional Park Length: 4 miles…

Kwaay Paay Peak

San Diego Hikes: Kwaay Paay Peak Trail at Mission Trails

Mission Trails Regional Park introduced the 5-Peak Challenge in 2015 in order to get hikers to explore more trails.  Kwaay Paay Peak is an incredibly scenic hike that also remains uncrowded. Starting Point: Old Mission Dam, Mission Trails Regional Park Length: 2.5 to 3 miles Elevation: 900 foot gain and loss Type: out-and-back with loop…

Swami’s Beach

San Diego Beaches: Swami’s Beach Encinitas

Encinitas is a classic Southern California beach town.  Swami’s Beach is a noted surfing spot right below the famed Self-Realization Fellowship. Beach Type: Isolated sandy beach backed by cliffs Access: Either from La Shores North parking lot or 15th Street in Del Mar Parking: Free street parking, paid parking at La Jolla Shores North and…

Las Cuatro Milpas

San Diego’s Best Mexican Restaurants: Las Cuatro Milpas

On any respectable list of San Diego’s best Mexican food you will find Las Cuatro Milpas.  This busy restaurant in the Barrio Logan district has been operating since the 1930s.  Las Cuatro Milpas feels like your stepping back in time. http://www.las-cuatro-milpas.com/ Type: Taco Stand Location: What to Order: Taquitos, Tamales, Burritos, Rice and Beans Salsa…

Self-Realization Fellowship

Meditation Gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship Center

Encinitas is a beach town just north of San Diego.  One of the best places to visit is the free Meditation Gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship.  Located on the cliffs above the beach, this is one of the most scenic areas in coastal San Diego County. WEBSITE: http://www.encinitastemple.org/ You cannot miss the Self-Realization Fellowship as…