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San Diego Goes to the Birds

So even if the weather is fair in your 'hood, you still have to admit: now that it's January, it's winter. Right? Not if you're in San Diego, one of the country's biggest outdoor playgrounds. If you're out west on a sunny day, there's nothing better than a nature trip out to the Chula Vista Nature Center. The facility--part of the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge--is the city's prime spot for birdwatching, hiking and guided nature walks. (And despite the photo, it's not just for kids.)

With roughly 300 bird species living in the area or flying through, you're guaranteed to spot something unique. (For some of us that would amount to anything that's not a dirty, smog-breathing pigeon.) If you aren't really into birds--and that's OK--the hiking trails are a great way to get closer to coastal nature. There's also a huge aquarium complex full of sharks and rays. No matter what sort of animal adventure you get into, the CVNC is a steal at $6 compared to $33 for the San Diego Zoo.

[Photo: nalilo]

Related Stories:
· Chula Vista Nature Center [Official Site]
· Jaunted's Nature Coverage [Jaunted]