Mission Trails Regional Park
This 2300-hectare (5750-acre) park on the east side of San Diego is a naturalist's paradise. On any given day, you can see animals indigenous to this semi-arid landscape, including coyotes, fox, hummingbirds and the small gecko lizard. The park hosts ecology and guided interpretive walks year round. It is also possible to camp in the park during the summer (Thursday through Sunday), as there are 46 fairly primitive campsites accessible to vehicles. Reservations may only be made through the website.

1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, off Highway-8 East
Tel: (619) 668 3281.
Website: www.mtrp.org
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Free admission (park and interpretive centre); charge for camping.

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 with paths, ponds and lakes providing scenic views of the waterfront.

849 West Harbor Drive
Tel: (619) 235 4014.
Website: www.seaportvillage.com 
Opening hours: Shops open daily 1000-2100 (until 2200 in summer).
Free admission.