Do it like a local - A weekend guide to San Diego's north coast nature hikes and taste treats
Take advantage of the great weather and natural beauty of San Diego's northern coastal region. Hiking, beaches and great views await. There's fun for the whole family or a quiet rendezvous away from more crowded attractions. I love bird watching the egrets, red tailed hawks and blue herons that call this area home. Local eateries from white table cloths to beach shacks will help to make your visit satisfying on every level.
The clifftop gardens, Koi Ponds and beach views at the Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage and Meditation Gardens are peaceful and beautiful year round. There are shady benches to relax on and a weekend tour of the house where Yogananda wrote the Autobiography of a Yogi.
Park at the bottom of the hill or alongside Highway 101 to stroll the beach at the foot of the Torrey Pines cliffs. The more physically fit can hike up the road to the top and down the winding trails or you can park at the top and hike from there. Great for the whole family with views of the ocean. Often dolphins are spied playing in t... More >
Park at the bottom of the hill or alongside Highway 101 to stroll the beach at the foot of the Torrey Pines cliffs. The more physically fit can hike up the road to the top and down the winding trails or you can park at the top and hike from there. Great for the whole family with views of the ocean. Often dolphins are spied playing in the surf.
You'll be close to amenities such as the train station, the Encinitas Highway 101 shopping and dining district and especially Moonlight Beach, with it's waves, volleyball, beach fire pits and playground, just a few blocks away.
Visit several microclimates along the 4 miles of easy winding trails of the San Diego Botanic Garden. There's a Childrens Garden and many rare plants. Be sure to walk through the Bamboo Forest and up to the look-out at the north side of the garden. Special events are held year round.
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Follow west of the freeway at the Manchester exit to the new Lagoon Nature Center. Built of sustainable materials with a rooftop garden, the Center features displays of the local habitat and wildlife. The trail loop is an easy walk with great birdwatching and is raised above the wetlands for panoramic views.
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Swami's beach is great for watching the famous surfing action or to try it yourself! Park at the lot on the cliff above the beach and walk down the path or just enjoy the waves from above. The beach has one of the best wave breaks in the area. Afterward, carefully head across the Pacific Coast Hwy. for a healthy snack at Swami's Cafe.
| Delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches, smoothies and specials are all reasonably priced. |
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At Swami's Cafe there's no need to brush the sand off your feet after walking the beach. Mingle with the locals and enjoy the generous portions. Delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches, smoothies and specials are all reasonably priced. Casual, healthy eats with something for every hungry tummy.
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Some of the best BBQ in San Diego awaits at Rimel's. Kid friendly as well as a great date spot. I recommend choosing the rotisserie chicken and two of your favorite sauces (served on the side). The seafood is terrific here as well. Don't miss the giant fish tank inside and walk through to see the sister restaurant tanks as well at Zenbu.
Above the beach bustle with stunning views from it's medium to luxury rate rooms, is the Moonlight Beach Best Western. You follow the steep drive that curls up the hill from Encinitas Boulevard and arrive at the entry for this tranquil and airy hotel. You'll be close to amenities such as the train station, the Encinitas Highway 101 shopping and dining district and especially Moonlight Beach, with it's waves, volleyball, bea... More
Above the beach bustle with stunning views from it's medium to luxury rate rooms, is the Moonlight Beach Best Western. You follow the steep drive that curls up the hill from Encinitas Boulevard and arrive at the entry for this tranquil and airy hotel. You'll be close to amenities such as the train station, the Encinitas Highway 101 shopping and dining district and especially Moonlight Beach, with it's waves, volleyball, beach fire pits and playground, just a few blocks away.
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