Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in La Jolla Shores

"Located in the southwest corner of San Diego, the Tijuana Estuary is a wetlands area with beach, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats that are free to explore. Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the trails, flora and fauna (many are rare or endangered), and various things to do during your visit. Kids can earn junior rangers here and they offer a variety of environmental education resources online."

"At the southernmost tip of San Diego is one of the most serene places that few people know about. Where the Tijuana River meets the sea is where you’ll find the Tijuana Slough with over 2,000 acres of wetlands. Over 370 bird species have been observed there with 5 of them being endangered species that are regularly seen."

"Way down in sometimes-forgotten Imperial Beach is found a favorite landscape for many people in San Diego. This Tijuana Estuary is connected to some couple of parks. You are going to find amazing places such as Tijuana River County Open Space Reserve and Border Field State Park."

"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."

"Built by William Heath Davis in 1850, many fascinating people, including Alonzo Horton, have called the William Heath Davis House 'home.' You'll get to tour the home, and its decorated rooms - each representing different eras in the life of the house and its various former (and rumored ghostly current) inhabitants. Getting in: William Heath Davis House tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass."

"Throughout the year’s many historical figures have visited the William Heath Davis House. As visitors tour the house, they will see each room is dedicated to a different period in the house’s history, and most of it was restored to its 1850’s glory. Rumor also has it that this house hosts its own ghostly visitors as well."

"For an interactive dining experience, snag a seat at j/wata Temaki Bar for made-to-order hand rolls filled with premium fish—best eaten immediately...Read More"

"Location: 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109Phone: (858) 539-8635Website. It just doesn’t get any prettier than this. Located at the Polynesian-themed Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Pacific Beach, this magnificent restaurant overlooking Mission Bay serves up delectable ocean-inspired modern California cuisine."

"Their onsite restaurant, Oceana Coastal Kitchen, features an amazing view and a jellyfish aquarium in the restaurant. Highly recommend this spot for a seafood dinner, or plan to enjoy breakfast with a view."

"Helmed by a venerable sushi master, this restaurant is unassuming, low-key, and unquestionably authentic. Under the eye of owner Yukito Ota, who has trained many of the city’s top sushi chefs, its omakase experience is one of the best in town."

"Then roll south to the city’s best sushi at Sushi Ota in Pacific Beach, followed by tiki cocktails and decor to match at The Grass Skirt. Excerpted from the Fourth Edition of Moon San Diego."

"Over in Pacific Beach, check out Sushi Ota, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 3,615 reviews on Yelp. You can find the sushi bar and Japanese spot at 4529 Mission Bay Drive."