Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Spring Valley

"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."

"Located in Mission Beach, Soulshine Vegan Cafe is a fully vegan, organic, and gluten-free cafe that serves a tempting plant-based menu, including kombucha and homemade desserts. 3864 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (2.2 miles away)https://soulshinemb.com/. View this post on Instagram"

"Located on Mission Beach, Soulshine is a good spot for a vegan, organic brunch. Their menu features blue corn tortilla tacos and enchiladas packed with vegetables and cashew cheese. There are refreshing salads to choose from, as well as falafels and sushi."

"Offering a variety of options that include vegan favorites such as the Beyond Burger, “fish” tacos, nachos, fresh salads and a carrot cake that you won’t want to share."

"Imperial BeachConveniently located right at the entrance to the Imperial Beach Pier, Cow-A Bunga Ice Cream has been serving its handcrafted ice cream to locals since 2000. Grab a cone, ice cream sandwich, or sundae and go for a stroll on the pier or along the beach. They also serve huge shave ice treats, delicious coffee drinks, and smoothies.How to:Limited seating is available on a first-come basis."

"This Imperial Beach spot has been owned by French Chef Fabrice Gaunin for 17 years. With prime views of the pier, Cow-A-Bunga serves equally impressive ice cream. Along with his wife, Nelly, each flavor is handmade in the shop one bucket at a time, sourcing farmers markets for local ingredients, like raspberries and strawberries for special batches."

"A post shared by skybound coffee☕️ (@skyboundcoffee) on Jun 6, 2014 at 7:37am PDT. Skybound is your go-to coffee or lunch break lounge. They offer healthy sandwiches, with vegan options, and renders a consistently pleasing customer service."

"This hike will take you through unique rock structures, and at the end, you can enjoy the sunset from the beach (a sometimes nude one). Don’t forget to check out the Mushroom House too while you’re there. More: Photo Guide to Hiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail"