Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

"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."

"Extremely popular with locals, though strangely not crazy crowded, Carlsbad State Beach gives beach goers free parking in several areas, easy access to the beach, clean restrooms and showers, and beautiful views from the cliffs. Nearly five miles long, the beach’s south end welcomes campers and is also a favorite with surfers. If you’re visiting just for a run, there are paved jogging paths along the beach and just above the water."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park encompasses 68-acres of resource-based land that is situated along the western edge of Point Loma. Here you will find sea caves, arches, and coastal bluffs, and you’ll be privy to stunning ocean views. From the cliffs (be careful), you might be lucky enough to catch the California seasonal whale migrations and dolphins but be sure to see the sunsets."

"It gives you plenty of vantage points to enjoy the sunset and watch the waves crashing against the cliffs. There’s an arch you can jump off during the summer and a secret (not-so-secret) sea cave/sinkhole (that you can explore at your own risk). More: Comprehensive List of San Diego Beaches"

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."

"It's notoriously hard to get to, involving either a treacherous climb down unstable cliffs on a trail known for accidents or a two-mile hike south from Torrey Pines State Beach (which is inaccessible at high tide). While Black Beach may be difficult to reach, the remoteness is one of the reasons that people love it. That and because it's one of the only nude beaches in San Diego County (but clothing is only optional in the north section of the beach)."

"Why go: To surf or enjoy some quiet (note that some people still go nude here). Black’s Beach is a secluded section of beach beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines, and is officially part of Torrey Pines State Beach. Black’s Beach is perhaps most notorious for its status as San Diego’s only nude beach, though that’s no longer allowed in the more southern portion managed by the City of San Diego."

"Swimming:YesSurfing: YesBoogie Boarding: YesBest For: Hiking, Natural Bathing, and Surfing. This is the toughest beach to find, but also can be the most rewarding depending on what floats your boat!. The best way to get to Black’s Beach is to park at the Torrey Pines Glider Point."

"If you want a beach that’s bit more lively, you can head down to Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Both beaches are great for people-watching on the boardwalk. Make sure to grab drinks at a beachy bar, and even perfect your surfing skills at The Wave House. Yep, at The Wave House, you can surf an artificial wave (or watch others do it)!"

"Head even further north from Mission Beach and you’ll arrive at Pacific Beach. Known among the locals as P.B., if you’re looking for the stereotype of Californian beach life, you’re going to find it here. If you’re looking for a place to have a go at surfing, many newbies start out in the white water around P.B."

"Early morning tennis at this spectacular 3 tiered tennis complex in Carlsbad. Now it's time for some real work @ Relevance 360 then Jim Crowley and I may take a hike or hang out!. Poinsettia Community Park truly has something the entire family can enjoy!"

"Grape Day Park is the oldest park in Escondido, and its rich history alone makes it worth the visit. It’s known mostly for its ability to cater to larger gatherings thanks to picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and restrooms, and there’s also a lot more to do. Explore the children’s tile art wall, the military tribute, the swimming pool, Heritage Walk, and the vinehenge to make a day of it."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris Doig used under PUBLIC DOMAIN. Grape Day Park is the oldest park in Escondido and certainly one of the most popular. Its unique playground and climbing equipment are a hit with kids, and the vibrant green grass is the perfect place for a family picnic."

"It's not stunning skyline views you'll find here at Bartiquitos Lagoon, but great views of a different sort: endangered birds that occupy the tranquil lagoons situated near the hustle and bustle of San Diego. Located between Carlsbad and Encinitas and identified as one of the few remaining tidal wetlands in southern California, the area is perfect for hiking and provides outstanding opportunities for bird watching. Interpretive signs along the trails assist with identifying these rare birds."

"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)"

"Where: 8833 Harmony Grove RoadHike, mountain bike or ride horses on 11 miles of trails through surprisingly lush, mountainous chaparral surrounding the 8-billion gallon Olivenhain Reservoir. The moderate, dog-friendly paths wind among wildflowers to six overlooks giving vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and Laguna and San Bernardino mountains. The tree-lined Escondido Creek near the trailhead beckons as a shady respite to enjoy year-round flowing water (swimming prohibited)."

"The 784-acre Elfin Forest Reserve features miles of trails that are popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The elfin forest is a term used by naturalists to describe the vegetation which formerly covered much of this area of Southern California. The Reserve is open from 8:00 a.m until 30-minutes before sundown."