Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Shelter Island

"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."

"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 […]"

"San Diego's monument to sports and fitness, this 4,600-acre aquatic park has 27 miles of shoreline including 19 miles of sandy beaches."

"Coronado is one of those popular San Diego tourist spots that people flock to no matter where they are staying. It’s easy to spend a half or full day in this charming residential community with gorgeous beaches that are rated among the best in the nation. Orange Avenue is the main street and fun for browsing shops and dining at excellent casual restaurants."

"San Diego Itinerary Day two: Visit Fairytale Coronado Island On the second day of your San Diego itinerary, hop aboard a ferry across San Diego’s harbor to Coronado Island, a seemingly fairytale-perfect beach community that’s a lot of fun to explore. Once the ferry docks, it’s a quick stroll to rent bikes, your wheels for the day."

"Coronado Island I recommend another taste of the beach for your final day of your one week itinerary to Southern California. Drive across the bridge and enjoy your final hours enjoying this beautiful coastal town of Coronado."

"On a sunny day, the rooftop of the Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant and Cantina is a delightful place to enjoy what is probably the best brunch in San Diego for anyone who loves..."

"Billing itself an "organic health bar," this little cafe in the heart of La Jolla's village serves natural, organic breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Salads and wraps can be made to order, with customers checking off the items they want; each item comes with a symbol signifying whether it's organic, vegan and/or gluten-free. Specialties include the Acai Bowls, which include the trendy fruit along with strawberries, mango, coconut, granola and soy milk; fresh fruit smoothies; and protein shakes."

"Salads and wraps to die for, plus some delicious protein shakes that will keep you going the rest of the day."

"I got the half pitaya and acai, and the acai dominated the pitaya so I was not really able to try ..."

"Veggie Smalls is a vegetarian restaurant that has many options for a healthy lunch, their food is prepared under a Street Food concept. Try their tacos, soup, hamburgers, hot dogs and enjoy a delicious experience!"