World City Guide

Further Distractions

Further Distractions
Mission Trails Regional Park
This 2300-hectare (5750-acre) park on the east side of San Diego is not to be confused with the many other 18th-century missions that are scattered throughout California, including the original birthplace of San Diego, El Presidio in the Old Town. The Mission Trails Regional Park is a naturalist’s paradise. On any given day, one can see a variety of animals that are indigenous to this semi-arid landscape, including coyotes, fox, hummingbirds and the small gecko lizard. The park hosts ecology and guided interpretive walks all year round. It is also possible to camp in the park during the summer, as there are 46 fairly primitive campsites that are accessible to vehicles

1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, off Hwy-8 East
Tel: (619) 668 3275 or 2748, for campsite reservations.
E-mail: mtrp@mtrp.org
Website: www.mtrp.org
Transport: Orange ‘El Cajon’ trolley to bus 115.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission: Free (park and Interpretive Centre); US$13 (camping), second vehicle US$3 and pets US$2.

Seaport Village
Named for its historic waterfront setting on the shores of San Diego Bay, Seaport Village is one of the city’s more unusual ‘malls’. Located at the southern edge of the city’s old Embarcadero wharf area, the village is primarily a shopping and eating district. However, the beach area does have seven kilometres (four miles) of walking paths, ponds and lakes, providing scenic views of the waterfront, to explore.

849 West Harbor Drive
Tel: (619) 235 4014.
E-mail: conte@spvillage.com
Website: www.spvillage.com
Transport: Bus 4; Orange ‘Santee’ trolley.
Opening hours: Shops open daily 1000-2100 (until 2200 summer).
Admission: Free.