Four Great Day Trips Just Off the Island

For most people, it's just too easy to stay on Coronado Island because it offers so many great things to do and places to go.  But, there are also plenty of other fun spots close by.  Here are some of my favorites:

1. Otay Valley Regional Park. This is South County's answer to Mission Trails Regional Park and is the brain child of John Willett of Chula Vista. Now in his 90s, Willet embodies volunteerism and civic duty; he is out there daily looking after this gorgrous park that stretches from the bay to Otay Lakes. 
2. Tijuana River Valley. This 1,800 acre park offers horse and hiking trails that abuts Mexico has some of the best birdwatching in the country and lets out right on the beach. You can even rent horses down there.  
3. Chula Vista Nature Center.  The nature center rests right on the bay in the middle of the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.  Great spot for kids. 
4. Bayshore Bikeway. This 24 mile bike path travels along most of the bay.  You can catch it right near the and take it unofficially all the way to the ferry in San Diego to get yourself back to Coronado. It's a great way to see the South County. 

I hope you enjoy my suggestions.  Let me know if I'm missing your favorite getaway that's just off the island.