Encinitas is a classic Southern California beach town. The area north from Swami’s Beach to D Street is a fairly isolated section referred to as Boneyards Beach. This is a prime scenic surfing spot backed by cliffs. Beach Type: Beach backed by bluffs Access: Walk down stairs at D Street in the north or Swami’s…
In 1869, early founders of San Diego set aside 1,400 acres as a “City Park.” Today Balboa Park is home to many museums and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. It is also home to some great urban hiking. This is our look at hiking what is currently called Balboa Park Trail 33. Starting Point: Park…
Oak Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes at San Diego’s Mission Trails Regional Park. This hike combines Oak Canyon Trail with some other trails in the park to create a 3.6 mile loop. Starting Point: Old Mission Dam, Mission Trails Regional Park Length: 3.6 miles Elevation: 300 foot gain and loss Type: Loop…
Oak Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes at San Diego’s Mission Trails Regional Park. It goes along a stream above the Old Mission Dam and during the winter and spring there will often be a waterfall. Starting Point: Old Mission Dam, Mission Trails Regional Park Length: 3.4 miles round trip Elevation: 200 foot…
The Trail to Bay Challenge is a program operated by the Living Coast Discover Center. This is a great opportunity to explore some hikes in south San Diego County. In late January, Fun Diego Family participated in the hike at Otay Lakes County Park. UPDATE: With COVID the guided tours are currently on hold. However,…
Mission Trails Regional Park introduced the 5-Peak Challenge in 2015 in order to get hikers to explore more trails. South Fortuna is the shortest mountain in the challenge, but it is just as challenging as the higher peaks. This is a 6-mile loop hike that lets you experience both sides of South Fortuna. Starting Point:…
Mission Trails Regional Park introduced the 5-Peak Challenge in 2015 in order to get hikers to explore more trails. South Fortuna is the shortest mountain in the challenge, but it is just as challenging as the higher peaks. This is a guide to hiking South Fortuna mountain from the north side along the saddle trail…
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a hidden gem in Chula Vista, about 15 minutes south of downtown San Diego. The center is a combination zoo and aquarium. There are hands-on exhibits with all kinds of animals native to the San Diego coastal area. This includes fish, sea turtles, sharks, sting rays, birds of prey…
Coming from the east coast to San Diego one of the first thing I noticed was the massive fishing piers. There are five major piers in San Diego and four of them are freely open to the public. This is our guide to San Diego Piers. Overview My first experience with fishing piers was in…
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…