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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.

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.

One of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on earth at more than -240 below sea level, Salton Sea was re-created in 1905 when high spring flooding on the Colorado River crashed the canal gates leading into the developing Imperial Valley. For the next 18 months the entire volume of the Colorado River rushed into the Salton Trough. By the time engineers were finally able to stop the breaching water in 1907, the Salton Sea had been born at 45 miles long and 20 miles wide – equaling about 130 miles of shoreline. Salton Sea State Recreation Area covers 14 miles of the northeastern shore and has long been a popular site for campers. Increasing salinity means that fish no longer can survive in the waters. Kayakers, campers, birdwatchers, photographers and hikers continue to enjoy the area's many recreational opportunities.