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FeedSchool’s Out, Get ‘em Out...More...by the Shore
It’s summertime in San Diego. And for most kids, the beach is a primary attraction. And a good one. Yet we have many other opportunities for the whole family to spend some enjoyable time together. Here are a few you and the kids will enjoy getting acquainted with, not so much at the beach, but definitely part of the ocean-connected world. But first, the Forum Quiz. Where can you enjoy great ocean views and watch gliders sail above you?
UPDATES
Major New Open Preserve Grand Opening. This is a genuine BIG MOMENT for nature fans. On June 29 is the grand opening of the Santa Ysabel Preserve, part of San Diego County park & Rec. This is a 3800 acre gem, with 11 miles of trails. I visited there last year and said a “HOORAY!” that it’s part of the public domain. If you’ve been at Volcan Mountain, it’s one mile past on Farmers Road. Open weekends only from 8 a.m to sunset.
Mission Trails Photo Contest Awards Reception will be Sunday June 25. It will be a pleasant experience perusing the many terrific photos, with some prizes and refreshments. At the Visitors Center, 2-4 p.m.
The Interpretive Association of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is looking for volunteers. A variety of services are open to add to pleasurable visits for visitors (and for the volunteers). Contact them at 760-765-3020.
$$$ for nature needed now
In Anza Borrego Desert State Park, the ABF (Anza Borrego Foundation), has just taken on a major challenge to raise $300,000 by June 30. Objective is to close the deal on a valuable 4000 acre park addition, the Desert Cahuilla Prehistoric Project, out near Ocotillo Wells. Trust for Public Land is the prime pusher with many other organizations pitching in. Your donations now can help secure this land before the option expires. Please go to www.theabf.org or call 760-767-0446.
SD River Park Foundation is on course to add 200 acres to the 110-acre Eagle Peak Preserve. And they need some financial help fast to make it happen. Visit www.sandiegoriver.org or call 619-297-7380.
EDITORIAL TIME. How About More Bayfront for All of Us Kids?
Years back I visited the lovely town of Annecy, in the mountains of France near Grenoble. I recall strolling along the lake and marveling at how much of the lakeside was parkland. The central town buildings and market were nearby, but away from the lake. Why am I bringing this up? Compare that to a stroll along our lovely bay, say for many blocks south of Broadway. Unnnh. Buildings, Seaport Village, huge hotels, the Convention Center, the new monster Convention Center add-on. Yes, there are a couple of tiny Embardacero parks installed there, that about 0.1% of the populace ever gets out to. Tried to attend a symphony summer concert on Embardadero South Park? How do I find it? Park where?
My point. We’ve been blocking off the public’s enjoyment of our bayfront for decades. And we now have an opportunity to open up one important segment to the public. Except what’s proceeding at breakneck speed is another major building complex, with further reduction in the tiny open space allocated before – “Let ‘em eat cake?” We still have a wee bit of time to keep some space for the public, if we squawk even louder and faster. Start with your own SD City council member and Mayor, plus Congresswomen Susan Davis, and other local Congress members.
OUTDOORS PLACES AND ADVENTURES FOR THE KIDS, AND THE PARENTS, AND THE GRANDPARENTS
I must go down to the sea again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.
John Masefield, Sea Fever
And here are some calls that you and the kids are likely to find immensely pleasurable.
From border to border.
- For an experience that combines history, bi-cultural, ocean strolls and coastal wildlife, stop in at Border Field State Park. Have a picnic at one of the tables on the bluff overlooking the ocean. Add some smarts about wildlife with help from a series of descriptive kiosks. I-5 south to Coronado exit, cross to Hollister and follow signs to park.
- Then to experience our northern border, take the family camping at San Mateo State Campground, part of San Onofre State Beach. Just across the road at the camp entrance is Orange County, and all around you is Camp Pendleton. This is a first-rate campground, from which you can all stroll a half-mile along the creek down to the ocean.(You’ll find it hard to believe they want to run a major tool road right along here.) I-5 north to Basilone Road west.
Estuaries.
- At the Tijuana Estuary, excellent hands-on exhibits add to the enthusiasm (and they’re learning something besides). Well-marked trails head out into the estuary area. I-5 south to Coronado Ave. exit west, becomes Imperial Ave, left at 3rd.
- Just south of Del Mar and at the western end of Carmel Valley Road, you’ll find lots of kids splashing around at the Los Penasquitos Estuary. This is the westernmost end of the six mile long Los Penasquitos County Park, which follows Penasquitos Creek over from I-15.
Bayside enrichment.
- Lots of hands-on water-related activities at the Chula Vista Nature Center. With its many exhibits inside and out, plus a marked trail along the bay, kids can have a rich experience here. There’s even a petting pool, so go ahead and scratch the back of that sting ray or shark swimming by. I-5 south to E St. Exit, west into Nature Center Parking lot for shuttle.
- Under, rather than on, the Coronado Bridge is Chicano Park, not quite on the water but close. With a rich array of murals about the Latino experience on the bridge supports. .I-5 to Crosby St. West, left on Logan.
- Take a walk out on Shelter Island and mull over the James Hubbell and team’s creation at the far end.
- Try kayaking in Mission Bay, with one place at the Hilton right across from the Boy Scout camp on Fiesta Island.
Pier and jetty strolls.
- Take a walk out on any of our piers: Imperial Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier, Oceanside. These are great places for the adults to experience some major stress relief. How aggravated mentally can you stay when you’re enjoying the incredible scenery around, below and beside you? Then relax with a cool drink and some delicious fish and chips – let the rest of those Type A’s fight those traffic jams.
- South Mission Jetty is a jem, as long as you can clamber over rocks and avoid crashing waves. Watch the boats go in and out of Mission Bay entry. Best way is ride your bike. Otherwise I-8 to W. Mission Bay drive, right and loop around onto Mission Bay Drive to Mission Blvd. Left to lots at end (if you’re lucky).
Topside views.
- A must-visit for locals and tourists is Cabrillo National Monument, at the tip of Point Loma. Multi-sensory experience here, with enlightening films, great views, scoping the navy at work, a climb up the old lighthouse, gazing around in all directions for great ocean and bay views. See if you can see any passing whales (you won’t, unless it’s January). Check out the old WW2 armaments. Stroll down the Bayside Trail right to the water’s edge and watch the sailboats and occasional Navy vessel. I-8 west to end, over to Nimitz, to Catalina exit, right and on up all the way.
- Head up past La Jolla to Torrey Pines State Reserve. Stop in at the visitors center, either at the start of end of your hiking; lots of exhibits to identify various flora and fauna. Amble out along one of several trails and hear the kids ooh and aah at the ocean views from above. Photo ops galore. Can’t take that fun trail down to the ocean as it’s undergoing repair. Head over across the lagoon and enjoy some more fabulous views from the Reserve Extension. I-5 to Carmel Valley Rd. west to end and left at PCH.
- For a wild and crazy scene, pop into the cliffs above Black’s Beach to the Gliderport. You’re right there where the hang gliders head out, where the radio controlled model planes soar around, and nature abounds on the beach below.. Have a snack and visit the store. I-5 to Genesee west to Torrey Pines South to Salk Institute and west.
Tidepools, and even a cave.
- Just get the kids out there and let ‘em poke around. Again the setting is superb and the pace is slow. Drive out along
Sunset Cliffs with more super views over to the park below Point Loma Nazarene College. I-8 west to end and left onto Sunset Cliffs Blvd, to end. - Drive into PB’s Tourmaline Surfing Park and explore the tide pool to the north (obey the signs and don’t hang around near the cliffs). Grand or Garnet west to Mission Blvd, north to Tourmaline left.
- For a multi-facet experience take in the tide pools along Coast Blvd. In La Jolla, and observe the sea lions at Children’s Cove. Just north of La Jolla Cove is the store an the entrance to the cave that takes you right to the water. Come back up and stroll along the cliffs; watch the cormorants make their homes along the cliffs. I-5 to La Jolla Parkway west to Torrey Pines Rd left, then right at Prospect and right where it heads down toward ocean.
- In North County is Table Top. I-5 north to Lomas Santa Fe west to PHC, right to Cardiff State Beach, park and walk south.
Sleepy Lagoons.
- We’re most fortunate that we have several lagoons, providing us with some pleasant and valuable breaks from developed civilization. Located between Del Mar and Solana Beach is San Dieguito Lagoon, the western end of the San Dieguito River Park, a major project stretching 55 miles from “Coast to Crest.”Drive east from I-5 on Villa de la Valle to the Strawberry Stand educational exhibit.
- San Elijo Lagoon’s a dandy, with a new visitor center located west of I-5 along Manchester Avenue. Or you can park at several places and amble around, peering at the ample birds that make this home, or a place to come back to from time to time. For south edge I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe east, quick left onto Santa Helena/Marine View, left at Santa Victoria and left at Santa Carina to end.
- Further north, between Encinitas and Carlsbad, Bataquitos Lagoon’s north side is another relaxing stroll. Start with the visitor’s center there and walk along the shore a mile or so to the east. You’ll be communing with nature here.
So there you are, a few of our many enjoyable options for exploring the coastal areas with the chillun. Sure beats mowin’ the lawn or watchin’ TV, don’t it? And if you want full details of all these places, plus a whole lot more, pick up Outdoors San Diego: Hiking, Biking & Camping, from Tom Leech & colleague Jack Farnan. With a special section about places to take the kids.
SO GET OUT AND ENJOY SAN DIEGO. And let me hear from you via the Forum hot button or new email address outdoorssd@aol.com.
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