Outdoors
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near La Mesa for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
10 mi southwest · Fish and Wildlife Service
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a rich diversity of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species and their habitats within a highly urbanized coastal environment.
14 mi southwest · National Park Service
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto shore, becoming the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States.
15 mi southwest · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve preserves one of the largest remaining examples of coastal wetland habitats in the southern California sub-region.
Map of 19 places loads as you scroll.
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a rich diversity of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species and their habitats within a highly urbanized coastal environment.
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto shore, becoming the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States.
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve preserves one of the largest remaining examples of coastal wetland habitats in the southern California sub-region.
The Otay Mountain Wilderness has a total of 16,885 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office .
Boulder Oaks offers equestrian and family sites in the scenic Cleveland National Forest, about an hour away from San Diego, California.
El Prado Group Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area.
Contrary to its name, Horse Heaven Group Campground has no equestrian sites. Instead, this tent-only facility can accommodate gatherings of up to 100 people.
Among the live oaks in southeastern San Diego County is Cottonwood Campground. The campground offers a tranquil and refreshing experience.
The Carrizo Gorge Wilderness now contains a total of 14,741 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.
The Coyote Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 18,630 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.
The Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 21,388 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.
The Jacumba Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 31,357 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.
The terrain within the Santa Rosa Mountains Wilderness is rugged with elevations rising dramatically from just above sea level to 7,000 feet.
This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert.
This oasis with its hundreds of swaying fan palms offers sanctuary in the midst of the dry Colorado Desert. Pools fed by artesian springs and seepage from the nearby Coachella Canal form a lush wetland area.
The Mecca Hills Wilderness now contains a total of 26,242 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office . All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
The western boundary of the Orocopia Mountains Wilderness is contiguous with the Mecca Hills Wilderness with the exception of the Meccacopia Jeep Trail, which bisects the two wilderness areas.
Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown La Mesa. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by Fish with Chilo.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by Your Guide to Living in San Diego.
Watch on YouTube ↗
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 10 miles southwest of La Mesa as the crow flies. Next are Cabrillo National Monument (14 mi) and Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (15 mi).
Federal agencies including Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.