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.