San Diego Crew Classic
Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United...
Hikers in spring are often astonished to encounter lush growths of grass carpeting the hillsides while new growth erupts in profusion in seemingly every corner.
To most untrained or unaccustomed eyes, the San Diego landscape appears scrubby, lifeless, monotonous, and drab, especially during the arid summer months. However, the wide range of habitats and ecosystems within the county actually guarantees an extended spring growth period that can range from early February deep into June. This gives San Diego County a much longer "spring" period than most climates!
For visitors looking to enjoy the habitats of San Diego County at their loveliest and most verdant, below is compiled a brief description of each major ecosystem along with the peak times for spring vegetation. Briefly, if you wish to see outdoor San Diego at its finest, come during winter and spring. Hikers in winter and spring are often astonished to encounter lush growths of grass carpeting the otherwise drab hillsides while new growth erupts in profusion in seemingly every corner.
Best Times: early February to May
Hikes: Torrey Pines State Reserve
Coastal open space preserves protect the wonderfully aromatic coastal sage-scrub habitats. The plant life here is call "summer deciduous," meaning that the vegetation sheds its leaves during the arid summer months. In winter and early spring, every plant here is alive with new growth, buzzing insects, and a bewildering array of wildflowers.
Some of the Most Beautiful landscapes in SoCal
Best Times: February through May
Hikes: Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve, Mission Trails Regional Park
The chaparral belt that covers the inland foothills and lower elevations of the mountains features fewer blooming annuals. However, the brilliant blue of California lilac, a number of blooming vines and annuals in disturbed locations, and a progression of different blooms make the otherwise drab chaparral a surprisingly welcoming place to visit.
Panoramic views, oak woodlands, and valleys
Best Times: February through August.
Hikes: Palomar Mountain State Park
Mountain habitats experience the closest approximation of "traditional" seasons with fall color, winter snowfall, a spring thaw, and warm summers. Wildflowers in the mountain chaparral begin blooming in February, and the bloom can transition through a number of different species deep into summer. Some of the best species, including azaleas, dogwoods, and lilies are found along mountain watercourses, and they reach peak bloom in June.
Explore Surprising Mountain Landscapes
Best Times: 1-2 Weeks after a Spring Rain
Hikes: Borrego Palm Canyon, Hellhole Canyon, Galleta Meadows
The famous desert wildflower bloom is the most unpredictable and shortest-lived of the spring periods. Sometimes, the wildflower bloom lasts a scant two weeks or so before the desert sun causes spring growth to wilt under unbearable heat. However, if your timing is right, few sites in the county are more spectacular than a peak desert wildflower bloom.
Brilliant colors stretching across the desert
Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...
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Step back in time and discover the stories of San Diego's original Chinatown and the vibrant Asian Pacific Historic District. Journey through history as you explore how this once-bustling...
Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United...
San Diego Leprechaun Run is BACK in Pacific Beach! We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 5th Annual San Diego Leprechaun Run 5K & Kids 1K on Saturday, March 15th!
Established in 2002 and held each year during the last week of January, the San Diego Black Film Festival has grown to become one of the largest black film festivals in the country. We screen over...
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