The sunny San Diego weather allows for many outdoor adventures, and here you'll find a variety. This park is spread over 7,220 acres and has a visitor station open daily. You'll also find Lake Murray and the Cowles and Fortuna mountains here. You can select numerous hiking trails scattered throughout the park, all offering scenic views. Mission Trails Regional Park serves as a hub for recreational activities such as bird-watching, rock climbing, and even equestrian adventures. The visitor center is architecturally outstanding and worth a visit for the dramatic views.
Visitors to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park are regaled with a plethora of stories pertaining to the lifestyle which prevailed here in the past. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area through visits to attractions such as the Casa de Estudillo, Johnson House and San Diego Union Museum among others. Along with these, the state park encompasses a series of other equally remarkable landmarks which offer the chance to gain a deeper insight into the heritage and traditions as they existed during the initial days of San Diego's founding.
See the majestic California Gray Whale while whale watching on the San Diego coast. Along the way you'll see famous and historic sights of the San Diego Bay, such as the Navy Submarine Base, NOSC, and the Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Light House. Although people mainly see Gray whales, at times the tour has also spotted Orcas, Fin Whales, Finbacks, Blue Whales, Humpback Whale and Sperm Whales. In addition to whales, you'll witness many varieties of marine life including dolphins, sea lions, Mola Mola (sun fish) and marine birds such as Brown Pelicans, Sea Gulls and Blue Herons.
San Diego's McCoy House was the residence of former sheriff James McCoy and his family. The Greek-revival, wood-frame house was built in 1869 by McCoy as a wedding present to his wife Winnifred. In 2000, the house was acquired by the state and was restored and converted into a museum. It houses several fascinating displays that transport visitors back to the 19th century.
Lovers of all types of marine life will delight in a tour of this world-renowned aquarium. Splendid examples of marine life of all sizes, shapes and colors are here on display from the cool Pacific Northwest to the warm waters off Mexico. An extension of the famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the mission here is to promote ocean sciences through hands-on experience. Catch a glimpse of a few of the rarest seahorses, living coral reefs, sharks and varieties of fish. A snack shop and gift shop are on premises. Birch Aquarium also serves as a fantastic venue for holding weddings, banquets and live concerts.
This botanical wonderland features the largest North American display of bamboo, besides serving as the setting for plants of every kind including tropical flora, indigenous plants and unusual specimens that flourish in this mild coastal climate. Volunteers maintain this world-class botanical garden located a few miles north of San Diego. A botanical library is present on site for study and research. Group tours are available, and there is a gift shop and nursery on the grounds as well.