Get to Know San Diego

Tecolote Canyon is a sentimental favorite of mine, as I grew up near it. The word Tecolote means “owl”, but you don’t see many owls there these days. The park is about 900 acres and about six miles of hiking trails.

Tecolote Canyon is a park owned by the city, and work is being done to bring it back to its original natural state. It’s quite a challenge. Much of the canyon has homes overlooking it, and many have ice plant growing to help in case of a fire.

You have to watch out for rattlesnakes and poison oak when hiking Tecolote Canyon. Those aren’t the only hazards, but there are the ones most commonly faced. You can see other wildlife in there. Coyotes can be quite a problem for homeowners along Tecolote Canyon as well.

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Located at the Northwest end of San Diego, within the city limits, Torrey Pines offers you over 2000 wild and natural acres. Along with the trees of Torrey Pines, there’s a visitor center, miles and miles of trails, miles of beaches, and a lagoon that’s a vital area for seabirds.

The State Preserve of Torrey Pines not only preserves the trees but the salt marshes and waterfowl refuges as well. The Torrey Pines State Beach here stretches nearly four miles, from Del Mar to the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines Mesa.

Also found here is Blacks Beach, located at the base of the 300 foot cliffs. The cliffs here offer paragliding, remote control gliding, and even hang gliding. At the north end of Blacks Beach, clothing is optional. To be on the safe side, always read the signs and follow the rules of the beach.

With plenty to offer, Torrey Pines State Preserve is a great addition to the already vast area of San Diego. You can visit here from San Diego, as it’s a short drive away. Torrey Pines has great beaches and plenty of trails for you to see. As a family trip, Torrey Pines is a great place to spend the afternoon on your once in a lifetime vacation.