San Diego, ‘America’s Wildest City,’ is a Beacon of Biodiversity

As one of California’s most welcoming destinations, known for beaches, biotech and a vibrant urban landscape with a waterfront downtown, San Diego County is also home to an amazing range of animal and plant life. From the kelp forests of the Pacific to the sun-baked sands of Anza-Borrego, San Diego is a living crossroads — where coastal, mountain, desert and marine ecosystems meet, mingle and evolve together.

Read on to learn more about San Diego's amazing biodiversity and how to experience and appreciate the region's natural riches.

According to PBS’ “Nature,” San Diego County is the most biologically diverse county in the entire continental United States. The documentary “America’s Wildest City” chronicles everything from the tiny fairy shrimp that emerge after desert rains to the hawks circling the coastal bluffs of Torrey Pines — all within a short drive of Downtown.

Part of what makes San Diego so extraordinary is its topography and climate diversity. Within a single day, you can stand on an ocean cliff, walk through chaparral and oak woodlands and wind up in a cactus-studded desert.

Where to begin your explorations

A great way to learn more and launch your explorations of San Diego's living wonders is at one of the region's excellent nature-focused museums and attractions. Among them:

The San Diego Natural History Museum (aka The Nat) in beautiful Balboa Park boasts a wealth of exhibits focused on San Diego biodiversity, and also offers hands-on activities, films and more.

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla immerses visitors in the fascinating ecosystems of the Pacific, including the San Diego coastline, through its Living Seas exhibit and other features that showcase the bounty of marine life here.

And the Living Coast Discovery Center in the South Bay community of Chula Vista is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium set on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can enjoy up-close animal encounters with endangered green sea turtles, shorebirds, hawks, owls, sharks, stingrays and more.

Experience San Diego's biodiversity in the wild: 8 great open spaces 

As you head out to discover San Diego's natural riches, here are some perfect places to visit: 

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

What to See: Rare Torrey pines, coastal sage scrub, and sweeping ocean views. Tips: Stay on marked trails and consider joining a guided nature walk to learn about this rare coastal ecosystem.

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

What to See: More than 500 native plant species, along with diverse bird and reptile life. Tips: Gentle trails make this a perfect outing for all levels — bring water and enjoy the shady canyon scenery.

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

What to See: Salt marshes, migratory shorebirds and endangered coastal species. Tips: Bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching from viewing platforms along the bay.

Tijuana River Estuary

What to See: One of Southern California’s last intact coastal wetlands, teeming with migratory birds and marine life. Tips: Stop by the visitor center and take the flat trails through tidal marsh habitat.

Batiquitos Lagoon

What to See: Tidal wetlands, fish nurseries, and a variety of shorebirds and native plants. Tips: Walk the lagoon trail and visit the small nature center to learn about wetland ecology.

Cabrillo National Monument

What to See: Tidepools filled with sea stars, anemones and small fish, plus sweeping coastal views and seabirds. Tips: Visit at low tide for the best marine-life viewing, and check out the lighthouse museum while you’re there.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

What to See: Desert wildflowers, cacti and bighorn sheep against dramatic desert landscapes. Tips: Best visited in spring during the superbloom; carry plenty of water and plan for warm weather.

Black Mountain Open Space Park

What to See: Chaparral-covered hillsides, plus reptiles and bird life typical of inland San Diego. Tips: Hike in the morning for cooler temperatures and panoramic city views from the summit.

San Diego’s biodiversity by the numbers

• More than 1,700 native plant species
• 520-plus bird species
• 600-plus native bee species
• Hundreds of butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians

(Sources: UC San Diego, The Nature Conservancy and The San Diego Natural History Museum)