• Explore the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. This secluded and meticulously landscaped park was formerly the rancho and vacation retreat of actor and preservationist Leo Carrillo. Wander among the historic hand-crafted adobe buildings and see the agave, bougainvillea, Birds of Paradise, plentiful trees and the dozens of brilliant peacocks.

• Explore the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas. Formerly the Quail Botanical Gardens, explore this 37 acre garden, which features the largest bamboo collection in the country, as well as desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, Mediterranean climate landscapes, and a subtropical fruit garden. Travel around the world and see the geographically organized gardens from almost every continent.

• Explore the San Elijo Lagoon by hiking Annie's Canyon Trail. The rugged wilderness paths in an ecological reserve feature sweeping views of the ocean and lagoon, which is one of the largest remaining coastal wetlands in San Diego County.