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Silver Strand State Beach features extensive beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Combined with the area's mild climate, the beaches make Silver Strand one of the area's finest recreation destinations. Camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking are popular activities. Anglers can fish for perch, corbina, grunion, and yellow-fin croaker. Shade ramadas, tables, barbecue pits, and fire rings may be available in the day use area. South of the developed area, there are one and a half miles of ocean and natural preserve. Strolling along the beach, visitors can see moonsnails, concleshells, and an occasional sand dollar in the sand.

San Onofre State Beach offers three miles of beautiful sand beaches for hiking. The park is also popular for surfing.

Palomar Mountain State Park features spectacular views of the Pacific, camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing (trout) in Doane Pond. Coniferous forests cover much of the 1,897 acres, in contrast with the dry lowlands surrounding the mountain. This is one of the few southern California areas with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. East of the park is the world-famous Palomar Observatory.

San Clemente State Beach is popular with surfers on the north end of the one-mile beach as well as hikers along the trails on the bluffs. The beach has a landscaped blufftop with picnic areas. Trails lead down to the beach, which is popular for body surfing, swimming, and skin diving.

Spreading over 24,677 acres of land, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park features meadows, mountains, and oak woodlands. More than half of the park is classified as wilderness; meaning all vehicles, even bicycles, are prohibited. There are more than 100 miles of riding and hiking trails, including the Cuyamaca Peak Trail which climbs to the 6,512-foot summit with a spectacular view of the Pacific coastline, Colorado Desert, Mexico, and the Salton Sea. The park contains exhibits about Native Americans, gold mining, and natural history. Fishing is seasonal.