Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Ocean Beach

"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."

"Mon - Thu 4:00 - 9:00 PM; Fri 3:00 - 10:00 PM; Sat 1:00 - 10:00 PM; Sun 1:00 - 6:00 PM"

"If you can get past the strange name, you’ll find some tasty craft beers (and a lot of beaver puns) here. This quirky brewery is all about “dam good times,” as it says, so all of the company’s beers, from its light blonde ales to barrel-aged stouts, have an extra dose of personality. The company features lots of interesting flavor combinations, like a Mexican Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout, a caramel-flavored Tastes Like Space brew, and a malty lager that apparently has a “mild biscuit” flavor."

"The most popular Belching Beaver beer, the Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Photo credit: Belching Beaver Brewery. This brewery has one of the most unique flavored stouts and a lively atmosphere."

"Filippi’s Pizza Grotto is one of the best go-to spots for good Italian food and is famous for its delicious pizzas and its meatball subs. There can be a wait at this popular spot, but it is one that loyal customers are willing to endure. Visit Filippi’s and their décor will make you feel like you’re in Italy."

"Little Italy offers an abundance of Italian restaurants, which is no surprise. It’s tough to narrow down recommendations with so many scrumptious menus. But if I could send you for one dinner in this delightful area of San Diego, adjacent to downtown, I would direct you to Filippi’s Pizza Grotto."

"For a taste of Italy in San Diego, grab a table at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. With 15 locations throughout the greater San Diego area and beyond, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto is a household name. Filippi’s serves Italian fare including pizza, pasta, and classic entrees such as Chicken Parmigiana."

"Again, they have multiple locations, but the one I have been to is in Barrio Logan. What I love about this place is they have coffee on tap!. They are all unique flavors and you can get little taste testers."

"Finally, over in Hillcrest, check out Chocolat Hillcrest, which has earned four stars out of 1,217 reviews on Yelp. You can find the breakfast and brunch spot, which also offers gelato and other desserts, at 3896 Fifth Ave. (between Robinson and University avenues). This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"They serve up lots of treats on their breakfast and lunch menus including one of the best french toasts in the city. By all means eat from the menu but saving lots of space in your stomach for their gelato is essential. It is piled high with deep, rich and creamy flavours that will blow your mind as soon as you taste them."

"Silver Strand State Beach is made up of beaches lining both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The beaches are connected by pedestrian tunnels under the busy street. Popular activities include camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking."

"Glorietta Bay Park is a city park with a small north-facing beach on the San Diego Bay side of Coronado Island. The park is located in a protected spot on […]"