Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Serra Mesa

"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."

"This family-owned North Park restaurant has been serving incredible Cantonese fare since 1931. With that many years of experience, you know you’re in for a treat regardless of what you order but if you need a few suggestions, a few of the staff’s favorites include crispy beef, walnut shrimp and Szechuan tofu."

"See the world through the lens of a trained eye at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), home to over 9,000 images from the 19th century to today. The MOPA is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and exhibiting the entire spectrum of the photographic medium. The museum’s diverse exhibits explore cultural, historical, and social issues through photography."

"Art lovers looking for a dose of culture should head to the San Diego Museum of Art. Its distinctive facade is a copy of the 17th-century University of Salamanca, in the so-called plateresque style, with finely-chiseled terra-cotta work. Busts of Spanish painters adorn the entrance, and their artworks are among the many eclectic exhibits displayed here."

"Considered one of the great small museums in the world, the Timken houses a wonderful collection of European old master paintings, American paintings, and Russian icons. Artists represented include Rembrandt, Rubens, Fragonard, Bierstadt, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, John Singleton Copley, and Eastman Johnson. Admission is always free."

"Your first stop for an afternoon of museum-hopping is to peruse the minor masterpieces at the San Diego Museum of Art. Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building."

"For over 70 years, Anthony’s Fish Grotto has been serving up sensational steak and seafood in San Diego.Foodies rave over the La Mesa restaurant overlooking a tranquil pond while devouring the popular salmon Reuben with Loise dressing on marble rye. Try Mama Ghio’s famous New England clam chowder, a favorite since she started doling out the luscious concoction to hungry customers in 1946. Anthony’s is a dining delight that serves more than five-star seafood within an airy, welcoming ambiance."

"The Fish Market is known for its grilled seafood, sushi, and oyster bars. It is a Bayfront chain branch that offers diners patio tables and the dual service of a retail market. After enjoying your meal you can take some home."

"The Edgewater Grill is located in Seaport Village, on the San Diego Bay, with one of the finest waterfront views in San Diego. Spanning the length of the restaurant are outdoor patios where guests can enjoy an unobstructed view. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 619-232-7581"