Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Cleveland National Forest

"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 […]"

"Just fifteen minutes’ drive west of downtown San Diego, you can find a stunning stretch of coastline known as the Sunset Cliffs. Now protected as a natural park, the area is named for its steep coastal cliffs that look out over the ocean and is a very popular place to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Tumbling their way down to the ocean, the sheer cliffs and craggy coastal bluffs certainly make for a dramatic sight with hidden coves, tidal pools, and beaches lying at their foot."

"For the best ocean views in town, visit Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: a 68-acre park where people do indeed come to take in the colorful sunsets. The promise of a gorgeous Pacific panorama has made the area incredibly popular with hikers, surfers and birdwatchers."

"Although the beach below this steep hillside waterfront park is nicknamed Garbage Beach, it is anything but. However, a visit to this beautiful spot has to be earned. The descent is so steep that a fixed rope has been installed for safety."

"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)."

"This two-mile strip of secluded beach below the cliffs of the Torrey Pines Gliderport (adjacent to the UC San Diego campus immediately south of Torrey Pines State Beach) is known for two things: (i) nude beach, and (ii) surfing. The beach is named for the Black family, who formerly owned a farm on the cliffs above. They later sold the farm, and it was developed into the expensive residential homes of La Jolla Farms."

"A beautiful section of beach south of Torrey Pines and located in the northern part of La Jolla, this beach is known as a de facto nude beach. Popular with nudists and naturalists, this beach is one of the last nude beaches in the state. Do not venture to the south side of the beach unless you are prepared to see more than just marine life in its natural state."

"This whopping 5,800-acre natural preserve is inside San Diego’s city limits to the northeast, and is the sixth-largest municipal park in the United States. Snaking off into this rugged wilderness of scrubby hills and canyons are 60 miles of marked hiking, cycling and horse riding trails. One route will take you to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 486 metres and with a panorama of San Diego County that merits the climb."

"Mission Trails Regional Park is a 7200-acre open space preserve comprised mostly of rugged canyons and hills with some developed areas mixed in. Go to walk, run, or bike the trails. Spot birds, native plants, and other wildlife."

"This is also another big place that packs plenty of alternatives for your landscape photography. The paths here are quite romantic with amazing views of the hills. And the sky usually reflects attractively of the peaceful lake."

"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)."

"You can hike, bike, and ride horses on 11 miles of trails set on 784 acres of natural woodland. There are picnic areas and scenic spots, and the reserve is staffed with docents and park rangers who give guided tours and share ideas for self-guided activities. That’s not all that brings people to this Escondido attraction, however."

"Somehow, they find the creepy crawlies fun, mysterious and intriguing. If you have a kid that loves bugs, Bill the Bug Guy is for you. Bill Burkhardt is a docent at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and has been fascinated by bugs since he was a child."

"Alga Norte Community Park consists of 32 acres and is San Diego County’s largest state park. It features shaded picnic areas with barbecues, several basketball courts, three ball fields, a shaded playground, and an off-leash dog park. The park’s aquatic center includes a 56-meter competition pool, several diving boards, a 25-yard instruction pool with 12 lanes, a children’s splash pool, and a fitness room."

"Located just four miles away from the Best Western Carlsbad, you will find Alga Norte Community Park. The park is 32-acres and is home to an aquatic center that has a full competition sized pool, diving boards, kids splash park and a dine-in grill restaurant. The park also has basketball courts, skate park, dog park, baseball fields and a picnic area where you can barbeque."

"There are places offering Chinese delivery until 0am in San Diego. One late-night option is PB Oriental in Pacific Beach. However late it is, enter your delivery address to find out what’s open and available near you."

"Although they claim to be “just a neighborhood burger joint,” Burger Lounge serves up more than your average fast food stop. Focusing on simplicity, their ingredients are locally-sourced, fair trade, organic, and small batch. Even though the food is simple, the menu is highly customizable and you can eat there or takeout."

"– Home of the original Grass Fed Burger, this is my favorite spot to grab a burger in La Jolla. Limited seating, but a great casual atmosphere in the heart of the Village."

"Hosp Grove was founded by a group of investors called The Hosp Eucalyptus Corp in 1908. They planted 219 acres of trees in this Carlsbad grove hoping they could be harvested & sold to the Santa Fe Railroad as railroad ties. Much of the grove has been sold off, but what remains are fun, forested trails with plenty of inclines and twists & turns."

"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."

"This 3,000-acre conservation area near Dixon Lake was established in 1996 to help preserve biologically unique habitats. There are six trails totaling more than 20 miles that are good for walking, biking, and horseback riding. Rangers offer tours of the Daley Ranch House and its outbuildings every second Sunday."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Downtowngal used under CC BY-SA 3.0. A great way to explore true southwestern California, the way you’re supposed to, Daley Ranch has fresh air and rustic ambiance in a gorgeous location. The hiking trails are lovely, offering breathtaking views over Escondido ranch land."

"Peaceful, aromatic, and oh so colorful, the San Diego Botanic Gardens are where we go when we just need some time to ourselves. Stroll through gardens in different stages of bloom, admiring the beauty that surrounds you as you feel your mind quiet down. Open every day from 9-5 (closed on Christmas!), you can’t have the same experience twice!"