Break out the binoculars and surfboards! When you visit San Diego’s beaches, you can do more than sit in the sand. Are you a bird watcher, photographer, or animal lover? Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has spectacular wildlife viewing. During the winter months, look for migrating gray whales from the high points along the bluffs. It’s possible to observe seals, dolphins, sea lions, and some of the 200 species of birds who inhabit the area year-round. To get your feet wet or surf, visit Torrey Pines State Beach, a few miles north of the reserve. Camping isn’t permitted at Torrey Pines, but vehicles larger than a standard-size car may park at the north parking lot.
Would you rather have a guaranteed view of sea life? Take the family to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This public center supports ocean conservation efforts. The aquarium features a wide variety of sea life, including cold and tropical water fish, and offers fun activities for the whole family. To avoid searching for limited on-site parking, leave your RV at the campground.
People who like to peddle will want to check out San Diego’s Bayshore Bikeway, a 24-mile bike path that passes through some of the city’s most visited places. Two favorite San Diego RV campgrounds, Silver Strand State Beach Campground and Chula Vista RV Resort, are located along the bike route. Getting where you want to go on a bike couldn’t be easier! The Bayshore Bikeway runs past restaurants, bars, shopping, and points of interest like the Coronado Ferry, Hotel Del Coronado, and downtown San Diego.
Families who like outdoor shopping won’t want to miss Seaport Village. Seaport Village is known for its small galleries, specialty stores, restaurants, and free entertainment from artists and street performers. Across from the village at the Embarcadero, the statue, Embracing Peace, welcomes people to the decommissioned aircraft carrier, USS Midway Museum. The 25-foot statue recreates the photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse in times square to celebrate the end of World War II. To learn about life on board a ship during wartime, visit the interactive and family-friendly museum. Both Seaport Village and the Embarcadero are within walking distance to the train depot and trolley station.