When I want to relax, I can drive a short distance from my home to Mission Trails Regional Park. A quiet visitor’s center is tucked into the hills, just off a busy road. It’s easy to live nearby and not even know this park and center is here. Once you find it, though, it offers a place to take in the view out onto the peaks jutting up from the San Diego River Valley.
Outside the center an amphitheater built into the hills provides a place for education and concerts.
Did you spot the wildlife sculptures in the amphitheater?
Inside, the center’s lobby welcomes you.
The displays are geared to teaching people about Mission Trails Regional Park–both the history and flora and fauna of the area.
Outside the center you’ll find a replica of the dwelling of the Kumeyaay Indians, who once called this park their home.
A model of the flume shows how water was diverted from the river to other places in need.
As you stroll around, you’ll find other sculptures, complete with sound effects of various animals and birds coming from speakers (that scared me, I will admit).
This late in spring, few blooms are left here. I did find these lovely purple ones.
This puffy pink bloom is the brush mallow.
You can hike on one of the many trails in the area, climb one of the 5 peaks, and relax at the river dam. Spring greens are at their best right now.
Not up for a hike? You’re always welcome to kick back in a grove of trees and enjoy the gentle breeze.
How about you? Do you live near a park that you love to visit?
16 Comments
What a beautiful space! I relaxed just looking at these!
Wonderful sights and it’s to have such a place close by. We have some places close by in nature that we love to visit.
So lovely! You’ve shared great photos. Thank you for joining us at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/05/getting-ready-to-play.html
This is indeed a lovely place to visit I love the animal sculptures and the amphitheater. We have many parks around us but ours are mostly forest preserves as we don’t have mountains in the mid west. I think I would be up for a hike where you are … maybe someday 🙂
Andrea @ From the Sol
I especially loved the artwork…just beautiful!
That is a lovely visitor’s area. I probably would have been scared the first few times I heard those animal noises too!
Love this park, and I’ve never been here! Those big stones with the animal sculptures are beautiful! An many thanks for sharing the relaxed atmosphere with SEASONS! Happy you’re back:. Enjoy your week!
Very cool park. I like that you have options for hiking toughly and hanging out gently. I live near the Pinnacles National Park, which offers those options, too.
I love these types of places. There are few visitors and plenty of photo opportunities. Nicely done.
Oh, I would love to take the kids to a place like this! I love the amphitheater.
The park looks like such a wonderful place to wander. Your photos are gorgeous too!
Very beautiful place. Loved the animal sculptures and pretty scenery. I would enjoy visiting this for sure.
Very calming and refreshing place!
What a fabulous place and the visitors centre looks really cool
Mollyxxx
This looks like such a lovely tranquil place Sharon. I would go there to relax as well.
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens
How lucky you are to live near such a place. I love learning about local history.
Amalia
xo