Whether you live in Southern California or are just planning a visit, there are so many fun things to do that you’ll have trouble finding the time to do them all. Here are a few of the lesser known gems in San Diego county.

Chula Vista Nature Center

This little zoo specializes in sea animals and birds. Visitors have the opportunity to see sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea turtles and more up close. You can even touch the rays. They post feeding times for many of the animals, including sea turtles, sharks and rays and eagles. Raptor row is home to birds that have been injured or couldn’t survive in the wild. The hawks, osprey, falcon, turkey vultures and owls here all native to this area.

Take the time to explore the walking trails that stretch between the Chula Vista Nature Center and the ocean. You’ll see native plants and animals in action.

The nature center is located at 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, named for the gunpowder factory that used to exist on Gunpowder Point, in Chula Vista. Hours are 10 – 5 every day.

Solid Rock Gym in San Marcos and Poway

Solid Rock offers a huge indoor rock climbing gym. You can come for a day to try it out, or become a member and climb all the time. Beginners, including young children can get a feel for climbing while staying close to the ground. As you get a little more advanced, you can climb higher with ropes. The staff there will help you with safety gear. In addition to climbing for fun and exercise, Solid Rock offers parties and scout programs.

Solid Rock has gyms at 992 Rancheros Drive in San Marcos, 13026 Stowe Drive in Poway and 2074 Hancock Street in Old Town San Diego.

Carlsbad Surf School

There’s no better place to learn to surf than San Diego. You can take a surfing lesson at the Carlsbad Surf School year-round. They provide all the equipment, including wetsuits if they’re needed. They promise the even beginners will be able to stand up on their surf board after a two hour class. This is a great way to experience the ocean like a California native.

Carlsbad Surf School meets at the end of Carlsbad Village Drive.

La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Go kayaking at the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, home to a variety of sea life and birds. Explore the sea caves and see seals, sea lions and maybe even dolphins in their natural habitat. No experience in necessary. Even first time kayakers will have a great time. Participants must be at least 6 years old and able to swim.

Hike Bike Kayak Sports in located at 2246 Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla. Tours meet at the shop.

Back Alley Tour of the Gaslamp Quarter

This 90 minute walking tour covers 15 blocks of the historic downtown area. You’ll hear colorful stories of the history of the Stingaree, home of San Diego’s turn of the century redlight district.

Tours meet at Horton Plaza in San Diego.

All over San Diego county you can find wild adventurous fun. This is just a small sample of the fun day trips available. Go beyond the typical tourist traps and really dig in to this unique town!

Author Bio: Written by Hannah Valez. New Homes San Diego New Homes Carlsbad New Homes San Marcos

Category: Recreation
Keywords: recreation in san diego, fun activities in southern california, chula vista recreation