San Diego is a nature lovers paradise, with stunning ocean views across 100km of coastline, desert landscapes, hiking trails and rocky cliffs. Here are our top 7 picks for the most beautiful natural wonders in sunny San Diego.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The spectacular sandstone formations at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve are a must-see for nature lovers in San Diego. Nestled at the top of the scenic cliffs of La Jolla this is one of only two places on earth where you can find the nations rarest pine tree, the Torrey Pine. The Torrey Pine is a local icon in San Diego. Did you know its pine nuts were once eaten by the Kumeyaay tribe of Native American people?
With a series of well-kept trails that wind along cliffs offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, there’s something to suit everyone from family-friendly adventures to more advanced trails.
Image source: SanDiego.org
La Jolla Underwater Park
Scuba dive in San Diego to uncover the beauty that lies beneath. Dive into the West Coast’s first underwater preserve, spanning 6,000 acres of ocean floor and tideland. Swim amongst seals, sea lions, bright orange garibaldi fish, and leopard sharks. For an even more unreal experience, take a visit to the seven sea caves of La Jolla Cove.
Sunset Cliffs’ Hidden Sea Caves
Rumoured to once be a cave used to smuggle rum from Mexico during the Prohibition era, these sea caves are a thing of beauty and history! You’ will need to time a visit to the sunset cliffs in order with low tide to access this hidden gem. Aptly named, these sea caves are also the most incredible place to watch the sun go down after a day exploring San Diego, so you won’t want to forget your camera!
Image source: California By Choice
Potato Chip Rock
You may have seen the famous Potato Chip Rock on your Instagram. The fun photo opportunity is well worth the hike, exploring a labyrinth of giant granite boulders along the three to four-hour Mt Woodson trial. An insta-worthy hike for sure!
Image source: SanDiego.org
Annie’s Canyon Trail
Known by the locals as Mushroom Caves, this once no-trespassing hike is open to the public to explore. A walk through this canyon will feel other worldly, meandering through caves made of sandstone. Found in the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, the moderate-to-strenuous climb to a vista point offers panoramic views of the reserve and the Pacific Ocean.
Image source: SanDiego.org
Cedar Creek Falls
Trek the challenging 9.5k roundtrip hike to this spectacular waterfall plunging 80 feet into a pool of water. This strenuous hike requires a visitors permit and a minimum of one gallon of water, but it’s worth every step to reach this natural work of beauty. This famous hike is the reverse of your average trail, as you begin on the downhill slope making your way towards the waterfall. Once you’re refreshed and take in the surrounding beauty of the tranquil waterfall (don’t forget your bathing suit!) you begin your uphill climb to return to your starting point, taking in the mountains surrounding you along the way.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Spanning 800km of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and many hiking trails, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. There’s a world of wildlife to be seen across this spectacular park including golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas, chuckwallas and the red diamond rattlesnake.
Image source: San Diego Tourism Authority
