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Spanning across more the 4,000 sq miles (10,350 sq km), San Diego County has a coastline of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and wetlands, and a broad, mountainous hinterland. The Anza-Borrego Desert forms a natural boundary to the east. San Diego city lies close to the border with Mexico, exploiting a large bay protected by two peninsulas. Stunning beaches and plentiful opportunities for leisure activities are the main attractions along the Pacific shoreline. A drive inland unveils hidden gems to the visitor revealing the tranquility of National Forests and the wilderness of state parks.

To get away from it all, only an hour's drive east of San Diego is Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Almost half of its 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) are an officially designated wilderness that is home to skunks, bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, and mountain lions.

In addition to horseback riding, camping, and mountain biking facilities, there are 130 miles (210 km) of hiking trails. The Cuyamaca Peak Trail is an arduous but rewarding ascent by paved fire road. From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views over the forested hills of northern San Diego County as far as Palomar Mountain. At the northern end of the park lies the Stonewall Gold Mine; once a thriving and wealthy prospectors' town.

Rising to 6,200 feet (1,900 m) and densely forested, Palomar Mountain offers visitors breathtaking views over north San Diego County from the serpentine road that climbs its slopes. The Palomar Mountain State Park encompasses 1,600 acres (645 ha) of the mountain's scenic landscape. It has good hiking trails and provides facilities for camping, hiking and trout fishing.

At the summit is the surreal-looking white dome of the Palomar Observatory. Operated by the California Institute of Technology, this internationally renowned observatory first opened in 1948. From 1948 to 1956, the observatory's Oschin telescope was used to photograph the entire night sky. A second survey began in 1983 and is still in progress today, comparing images to earlier ones revealing changes since the 1950s. This provides vital data for researchers. Visitors are not permitted to look through the 540 ton telescope, however, an exhibition area and photo gallery explain how it functions.

The lush, oak-shaded park surrounding a large fishing lake forms an oasis in the dry south-eastern corner of San Diego County. Lake Morena Park covers 3,250 acres (1,300 ha) of land. For those who come to fish or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the lake, rental boats are available.

This remarkable conservation project at Chula Vista Nature Center was established in 1988 to provide refuge for the wildlife of California's coastal wetlands. A free bus transports visitors to the Nature Center from a parking lot located by 1-5. Here visitors can learn about the fragile environment of the 316 acres (130 ha) of protected land while watching the herons, ospreys and kestrels.

When San Diegans want to go for a pleasant drive or spend a romantic weekend in the back country', they often head for the mountain town of Julian. Gold was discovered here in 1870, and the restored 19th century wooden buildings that line the main street help to re-create the atmosphere of those pioneer days.

Today tourists come, especially in autumn, to sample Julian's famous apple pie and buy rustic souvenirs in the quaint gift shops. The Julian Pioneer Museum is jam-packed with curiosities and photographs evoking the town's history. Visitors can also venture inside an original gold mine at the Eagle and High Peak Mines. Those wishing to stay overnight will find plenty of comfortable bed-and-breakfast accommodation both in and around the town.

Learn more about this author, Janette Peel.
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