TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE
12600 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037 Directions
Since 1977
Here’s The Deal:
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is an urban seaside protected island. The preserved area has high broken cliffs and deep gullies overlooking the ocean on headlands. It is 1,500 acres of a state park along the coast. Hikers can track the trails across pine-sculpted stands. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has a wealthy plant population, spring wildflowers, and tourists can see the California quail gathered in coveys early in the fall and winter mornings. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, along with the beach, is where visitors can enjoy past environments. It remains one of the wildest habitats along the coast of Southern California, with miles of unspoiled beaches, chaparral, majestic Torrey Pine trees, and a lagoon important to many migratory bird species. The park offers hikers eight trails and landscape.
SPECIALTY:
Directions, State Parks, Interpretive Displays, Beaches, Landmarks, Nature and Wildlife Areas, Parking Area, Visitor Center, Historic Walking, Accessible Trail Information, Nature, Outdoor Activities, Picnicking & Camping
Price: Entrance fee: $10-25 (per vehicle, depending on the day)
TBR® Inspection Report:
MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK
1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119 Directions
Since 1974
Here’s The Deal:
Mission Trails Regional Park covers 7,220 acres of natural and developed recreational facilities. It is the sixth-largest urban park in the United States. The park is also providing camp during the San Diego Spring Break Unified School District. Regional Park gives you a quick, natural break from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. It offers residents and tourists a way to discover San Diego's cultural, historical, and recreational aspects. The visitors center, along with the park, includes the art gallery. You can enjoy the 60 miles of trails, kayaking, on camping on Kumeyaay Lake and Lake Murray. Mission Trails Regional Park is open every day of the year.
SPECIALTY:
Walking, Picnic, Restroom Facilities, Visitor Center, Retirement Parties, Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Playground, Bicycling, Fishing, Anniversaries, Birding, Fundraisers & Nature Trail
Price: Kumeyaay Lake Campground: $24
TBR® Inspection Report:
CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106 Directions
Since 1913
Here’s The Deal:
Cabrillo National Monument on the top of a hill at Point Loma in San Diego pays tribute to the Spanish explorer Juan Cabrillo. It has a bayside trail about 2 miles long. The Trail is a place to hike or relax and also to see the important habitat for wildlife. The state park service here protects the old point Loma lookout and the ruins of the coastal defense fort Rosecrans, a coastal sage scrub ecosystem, and Cabrillo's tidepools. Visitors can walk around the lighthouse and the house of the adjacent keeper. It offers some stunning views over the skyline of San Diego Bay, Coronado, and downtown. You can enjoy a nice walk down the hill and many interpretive signs to read about the plants around them and the beings that inhabited the area.
SPECIALTY:
Lighthouse, Natural Resources, Visitor Center, Walking, Sunny Day, The Pacific Ocean Shore, Point Loma, Navy Ships, Cultural, Whale Watching, Tide Pools, Gift Shop, Small Museum & Trip
Price: Individual Permit: $10
Vehicle Permit: $20
Motorcycle Permit: $15