Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in North San Diego Bay

"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."

"A photo posted by Donut Panic (@donutpanicsd) on Jan 11, 2017 at 6:16am PST. “Donut Panic”about eating amazing donuts from this little shop on Mission Gorge Road because they are organic and in San Diego, we love the organic, healthy options – even when it comes to eating donuts!. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends, Donut Panic offers 100% vegan donuts and bagels, and during the rest of the week they have traditional desserts and old fashioned donuts."

"Besides a clever name, Donut Panic is also great at glazed donuts. Along with traditional donuts, they offer vegan creations such as chocolate espresso almond, Earl Grey, maple bacon glaze, and even rosewater cardamom. Baker Linda Dami combines potato flakes mixed with flour, soy milk, sugar, salt, oil, and yeast."

"Address: 6171 Mission Gorge Rd, Ste 113, San Diego, CA 92120. Neighborhood: Grantville. Don’t panic when you see the donuts at Donut Panic...their donuts taste just as good as they look!"

"Owned and operated by Sicilian chef Vincenzo Lo Verso, Osteria Panevino is located in the historic Gaslamp District. The breakfast menu offers egg dishes, waffles, pancakes, and a unique breakfast pizza, while soups, salads, sandwiches, and a selection of entrees are available for lunch. Dinner brings even more options, including appetizers, risotto, pizza, and pasta with gluten-free alternatives."

"Osteria Panevino is the oldest Italian restaurant in San Diego’s Gaslamp district and offers authentic Tuscan food themes – including fresh bread, pasta, and desserts. Relish the delectable ossobuco, stuffed Portobello caprese sandwich, or the spinach and cheese ravioli. They also serve an award-winning collection of domestic and Italian wines."