Top rated Nature preserves in San Diego, United States to elevate your visit (Updated March, 2024)

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Nature preserve

Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.

4.80 (14.3K reviews) (~24.98 km from centre)

Mission Trails Regional Park

Park

8,000-acre recreational park featuring 60 miles of trails, along with a lake for boating & camping.

4.80 (7.6K reviews) (~14.9 km from centre)

Cowles Mountain Trailhead

Hiking area

Picturesque uphill hiking trail known for its panoramic views at the summit.

4.80 (1.7K reviews) (~15.19 km from centre)

Mt. Helix Park

Nature preserve

High point offering views of San Diego, with a large amphitheater hosting plays, lectures & events.

4.80 (1.7K reviews) (~17.74 km from centre)

Point Loma Tide Pools

Hiking area

National monument rock pools exposed at low tide below sandstone cliffs teeming with rich sea life.

4.80 (1.4K reviews) (~9.43 km from centre)

Oakoasis County Preserve

Park

👍👍 This is a great, easy-going hike. I wanted to break in some new boots with limited time, so I wanted some exercise on a shorter, moderate hike. While there are a few uphills, a lot of the trail is level. There is a side detour that gives a beautiful overlook of El Capitan Reservoir. Suitable as a...

4.80 (222 reviews) (~33.37 km from centre)

Lily Pond

Nature preserve

👍👍 This is a very popular photo spot in Balboa Park, day or night. There are always lots of fish to look at.

4.80 (108 reviews) (~2.06 km from centre)

El Cajon Mt Trailhead

Nature preserve

4.80 (99 reviews) (~34.34 km from centre)

El Capitan Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 I've done this hike 2 times that's how smart I am. It's intense and challenging. Its 12 miles round trip 6 miles in and up and 6 miles down and back. Only grade A professionals like myself should do it and 3 rules. Rule #1 never do it alone & rule #2 take at least 2 gallons of water & rule # use Tr...

4.80 (96 reviews) (~34.34 km from centre)

Goodan Ranch

Nature preserve

This tranquil 2,272-acre preserve is a hiking destination with canyons, ravines & rolling hills.

4.80 (33 reviews) (~28.84 km from centre)

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Nature preserve

Large park featuring native plants, picnic areas & hiking, biking & equestrian trails.

4.70 (1.3K reviews) (~41.08 km from centre)

Ocean Beach Tide Pools

Nature preserve

👍👍 Better be CAREFUL, very slippery when wet to be able to walk across the tide pools to explore and have an amazing seat for the sunset. Not really accessible when the tide is high but 80% of the time you can walk across at ease. Not exactly wheelchair accessible but on a scale of 1-10 on difficulty I...

4.70 (468 reviews) (~9.19 km from centre)

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation (Discovery Center)

Environmental organization

👍👍 This place is surprisingly awesome! It's great for a quick educational stop. It has live turtoises, turtles, lizards, owls, falcons and snakes. With its gorgeous views, it's a great place for an event. We have had birthday parties for 4 year old during the day and 40 year old in the evening. Both we...

4.70 (360 reviews) (~48.88 km from centre)