By The San Diego Union-Tribune staff
From The San Diego Union-Tribune
SAN DIEGO—It’s easy to spend time outdoors in San Diego County, but even easier to go to the same old spots over and over again.
This list offers more than two dozen places to spend time outside this year, whether you want to be out in nature or enjoy a glass of wine or mocktail on a breezy restaurant patio.
Aquarius Bar & Grille Patio
This Mission Bay dive bar has live music most days. But come Sunday afternoons for the High Noon Grateful Dead Party. Cold beer? Grilled mahi-mahi tacos? Grateful Dead covers? Yes, please! You can even bring the kids and dogs. The cover charge is $7.15. 48 Quivira Way, San Diego. AquariusBarGrille.com—Kristina Davis
Bird Park Near Morley Field
This little neighborhood park borders the eastern edge of the Morley Field area of Balboa Park, overlooking Pershing Drive. Wide open space allows for tossing a football or Frisbee, while younger children can take to the swing set. Bring a packed meal, spread out a blanket, and watch the colorful sky show as the sun sets over the treeline. Balboa Park. Along 28th Street between Upas and Redwood streets.
—Anita L. Arambula
Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center Trail
Easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there, the trail at the Buena Vista Audubon Society’s Nature Center offers an easy, flat, 0.4-mile nature trail at the western edge of the 220-acre Buena Vista Lagoon and Ecological Reserve. Along the way, you can identify plants, habitats, and key features by using your smartphone and the Nature Center’s online interactive mapping program. Make an afternoon of it by enjoying a brisket sandwich at Heritage Barbecue & Beer, located just two blocks north of the Nature Center, before burning off some of the calories on the trail. 2202 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. BVAudubon.org/nature-center
—Anita L. Arambula
Cesarina’s Patio
There are no bad tables at Cesarina, an artfully decorated Italian restaurant in Ocean Beach that specializes in handmade pasta and tiramisu prepared at your table. But the patio has special charm. It’s intimate, lush, cozy, and heaping with plants. While there are a lot of outdoor dining options in San Diego, not every place cares this much about ambiance while also delivering consistently excellent dishes. One note: The patio isn’t big, so you can try your luck at a slow time or, a better bet, reserve. 4161 Voltaire St., San Diego.—Roxana Popescu
Civita Park
This newish, sprawling park is the jewel of Mission Valley, with a playground for big and little kids, clean restrooms, and a great uphill slope to get in your steps. Check out the Saturday morning farmers market (the sushi, arepas, and tamales are excellent!). The park also hosts free summer concerts. 7960 Civita Blvd., San Diego.—Kristina Davis
Dave’s Rock Garden
Eight years ago, Encinitas resident Dave Dean began cleaning and clearing a neglected city-owned lot by Moonlight Stage Beach to beautify it for the community. Today, it is home to a hillside garden with meandering paths, benches, garden art, and thousands of cacti and other drought-tolerant plants. But the main attraction is the more than 7,000 rocks hand-painted by visitors from more than 113 countries. Mr. Dean, who has the city’s blessing to maintain the property, is there most days, greeting visitors, offering tours, and manning the painting station where visitors can paint their own rocks to add to the year-round public attraction. Admission is free, but Mr. Dean accepts donations of cash to buy paint and brushes, as well as native plants and outdoor art. Open sunup to sundown seven days a week at Second and B streets in Encinitas.—Pam Kragen
Fathom Bistro
Located on the Shelter Island Pier, Fathom Bistro is the craft beer bar you didn’t know you were missing in life. And it’s on a pier, so you get spectacular views of the bay. It’s not fancy or frilly, but Fathom is the kind of place that creates warm and fuzzy memories simply because of its location. The beer helps, too. Plan to sit outside and bring a jacket. 1776 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego.—Jennifer Van Grove
Fletcher Cove Beach Park
Solana Beach is lucky to have this park, which features a basketball court, picnic tables, and a kids’ play area, all conveniently situated next to a small beach. But what’s really special about Fletcher Cove is the viewpoint that sits on the bluffs above, next to the Fletcher Cove Community Center. There are benches and tables—perfect for a lunch date—surrounded by plants, tall palm trees, and sweeping views of the ocean. The intersection of Pacific and South Sierra avenues, where the two streets meet Plaza Street (or just map to Fletcher Cove Beach Park).
—Maura Fox
Golden Hill Fountain Grotto
This recommendation is less about the grotto itself (the oldest designed feature of Balboa Park, now mostly a pile of ruins) and more about the surrounding trail. Descend into the canyon around the rainy season to encounter a mystical meadow filled with blooming nasturtiums, then ascend to the main section of Golden Hill Park for serene views of downtown. As usual, be mindful of unhoused neighbors! 2440 Russ Blvd., San Diego.—Bella Ross
Grant Hill Park
Dare I say, the most underrated park in San Diego? This modest patch of grass in the Grant Hill/Sherman Heights neighborhood packs a punch with sweeping binational views, from downtown to Tijuana and the mountains of East County (not to mention the Coronado Islands and bridge). Load up your picnic basket at Adalberto’s down the street for the peak neighborhood experience. 2660 J St., San Diego.
—Bella Ross
Green Valley Falls
Tucked into this campground is a mountain swimming hole with small cascades and pools that are impressive after a wet winter. You can watch the gutsier visitors jump off a small cliff into a deeper pool. (Warning: The water is cold and the rocks are super slippery!) Bring a picnic lunch and water shoes and plan to spend the day, or reserve one of the 81 campsites for a weekend getaway. The pools are accessed by a short downhill trail, with day-pass parking available. Green Valley Campground, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Parks.ca.gov/667—Kristina Davis
James Hubbell House
Sculptor/designer James T. Hubbell spent more than 40 years creating his other-worldly home, art studios, and gardens in the hills of Santa Ysabel. His sweeping, organically inspired designs and stained glass works have been compared to those of Spanish artist-architect Antoni Gaudi, and his whimsical, rounded, hut-like structures have been described as hobbit-like. Hubbell, now 92, and his wife, Anne, no longer live on the property, but their nonprofit Ilan-Lael Foundation now runs the compound as a working art studio, museum, artists’ retreat, and meeting center for art-related events. Public tours are offered each spring and fall, with all proceeds going to the maintenance of the property. 930 Orchard Lane, Santa Ysabel. IlanLaelFoundation.org—Pam Kragen
Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
Find Japanese culture through exhibits, educational programs, inspiring people, and nature at the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum in Balboa Park. One of the best times to experience this garden is in March, when the cherry blossoms are blooming. This year, the Cherry Blossom Festival is slated for March 7–10. Also, the garden is free to San Diego County residents and active military personnel and their dependents every third Tuesday from April through February and the fourth Tuesday in March. 2215 Pan American Road East, San Diego. Niwa.org—Carlos Rico
Kate Sessions Park
I think of this park as three-in-one. On the north side, there’s a play structure and a lawn for birthday parties, soccer, and picnicking. On the south side—across the road and parking lot—you get one of San Diego’s most jaw-dropping views from a massive, sloping field dotted with shade trees. The third area has a few miles of easy-to-moderate trails—with their own gorgeous panoramic views. 5115 Soledad Rd., Pacific Beach.—Roxana Popescu
Laguna Meadow Loop at Laguna Mountain
This one’s for the stargazers. Love getting away from the city when meteor showers roll in but struggle to find a place that isn’t light-polluted? Add Laguna Mountain to your list. There are camping options for those who want to make it a celestial overnighter and plenty of parking for a quicker visit. There’s even an observatory in the area! If you’re more of a dayside adventurer, the mountain’s Meadow Loop offers a pretty rare mash-up—a lake nestled in a rolling meadow surrounded by old pine trees. The full trail can be a long one—6 to 10 miles depending on the off-shoots you take—but it’s easy to craft a shorter adventure if you’re looking for a jaunt. And it’s dog-friendly! Cleveland National Forest. BLM.gov/visit/laguna-mountain—Lyndsay Winkley
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail
Created by locals over a decade ago, the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail is a short, 0.6-mile trail along the bluffs of La Jolla’s coastline. Along the way, take in views of snorkelers and scuba divers in the cove, a marine life preserve, as well as some of the local marine life, including sea birds, seals, and sea lions. Located north of Prospect Street, off Torrey Pines Road. FriendsOfCoastWalk.org—Emily Alvarenga
Lake Murray
On a chilly morning, you can often count on the weather being warmer in La Mesa. Go for a long walk with a friend and get some exercise at the same time. It’s family-friendly. Nice to see so many kids outdoors on bikes. 5540 Kiowa Dr., La Mesa. MTRP.org/lake-murray—Laura Castañeda
La Playa Piers and La Playa Trail
A handful of residential piers and private docks—technically not allowed on Port of San Diego tidelands—follow the La Playa Trail and dot the dirt coastal pathway that extends from Talbot Street to Kellogg Beach on Shelter Island. The piers were built between 1935 and 1940 and are partially open to the public because of a land-use truce between the port and pier users. They offer picturesque views of Shelter Island’s Yacht Basin and a glimpse of the upscale homes that overlook the bay. The path is an easy, kid-friendly walk and offers a quiet alternative to busier coastal walkways. The piers start near the Talbot Street entrance to the La Playa Trail.—Jennifer Van Grove
Lake Poway Recreation Area
Visiting this recreation area feels like a short-term trip to summer camp, with a playground, archery range, paddle boats, trees for shade, and picnic tables. At the Lake Poway Concession, visitors can find bait and tackle for fishing or snacks and drinks for after a hike. I recommend the simple Lake Poway Trail for views of the water throughout. Nonresidents must pay $10. 14644 Lake Poway Rd., Poway. Poway.org/401/lake-poway—Abby Hamblin
Lowell Davies Festival Theatre
Nothing says San Diego in the summer more than watching a play by William Shakespeare at the Old Globe’s outdoor 620-seat Lowell Davies Festival Theatre in Balboa Park. Since 1978, the Globe has presented Shakespeare under the stars from June to September. The productions often feature famous TV and movie stars and top New York directors. When the sun goes down, the animals at the nearby San Diego Zoo become more active, so it’s not uncommon to hear the occasional roars of big cats and elephants during the show. The Globe offers lap blankets for rent at the festival theater for the tourists who show up in shorts, not realizing how refreshingly cool it can get on summer evenings in San Diego. 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. TheOldGlobe.org/plan-your-visit/theatres/lowell-davies-festival-theatre—Pam Kragen
Lower Otay Lake
Lower Otay Lake stands out as a special place. The lake is surrounded by picturesque hills and lush greenery, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Lower Otay Lake, with its tranquil ambiance and recreational opportunities, serves as a testament to the beauty of Southern California’s natural landscapes. 1500 Wueste Rd., Chula Vista. SanDiego.gov/reservoirs-lakes/lower-otay-reservoir—Meg McLaughlin
Mission Pacific Hotel’s Rooftop Bar
Up North, for a change of pace, soak in the sun and a nice afternoon of light food and drinks at the rooftop bar in Oceanside at the Mission Pacific Hotel Rooftop Bar. Mostly for adults, they have some tasty Mexican treats such as roasted corn, taquitos, and prawns. It’s a little bit pricey, but worth it. There are fire pits for the evenings.—Laura Castañeda
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge boasts more than 12,000 acres in east San Diego County and is home to a truly impressive range of animal and plant species. It’s quickly grown into one of my favorite places to hike and run, not only for its well-maintained trail network but because it’s a quick and easy way to get out in nature—coyote and tarantula sightings aren’t uncommon here—without driving too far out of town. Plus, it’s the best place to see fall foliage; the colors can be breathtaking. 2806–2912 Millar Ranch Rd., Spring Valley. FWS.gov/refuge/san-diego—Maura Fox
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
There’s a lookout on the second story of the San Elijo Nature Center, where you can have a picnic with a sea breeze and view of the ocean. Some days, you can watch fish jump up out of the water and ducks land on the lagoon as you walk on the trail by the nature center. There are short and long trails at the lagoon. The trail by the nature center has pines and some leafy trees along with river brush where bird watchers are often peering. There are benches and a small wooded area with a tiny meadow. A bridge connects the trail to the northern part of the lagoon, which is closer to the ocean. Admission and parking are free, but the lot is small, so there’s overflow parking across the street. There’s also access to Annie’s Canyon Trailhead on the lagoon’s south side at 900 North Rios Ave. 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. SDParks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/SanElijo.html—Linda McIntosh
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs is a must for visitors and company. Take a long walk along the ocean, watch a sunset, bring your burrito from Nico’s Mexican Food in Ocean Beach, and just enjoy the view. Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego. SanDiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/shoreline/sunset—Laura Castañeda
Summers Past Farms
Google describes Summers Past Farms as a plant nursery, but it’s so much more than that. Located off Old Highway 80 in El Cajon, it’s home to an array of herb and flower gardens, cute pet chickens and cats, and a huge grassy field that will certainly inspire you to frolic or do a cartwheel. I feel like an exuberant kid again every time I’m there. Visitors will also find a soap shop, a barn selling gift items, and a coffee kiosk. I recommend ordering a beverage and settling in with a book on the grass or at one of the patio tables as the hours fly by. 15602 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon. SummersPastFarms.com—Maura Fox
Tobey’s 19th Hole Restaurant
Nestled in a secluded area of the Balboa Park Golf Course, Tobey’s 19th Hole Restaurant has an outdoor patio with a breathtaking view. While perched above Switzer Canyon, a diner can view the southern tip of the links with its lush flora and foliage, on to the towers of Downtown, then Point Loma and the bay in the distance. The restaurant is located next to the clubhouse, which is accessed by Date Street or 26th Street. It’s a great place to take in a basic breakfast at a reasonable price while feasting on a rarely seen slice of San Diego. 2600 Golf Course Dr., San Diego. Tobeys-19th-Hole.Cafes-World.com—Michael Price
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