I will be housesitting for 6 days in San Diego(Rancho Bernardo area) in September. I've been there many times with family and seen the main attractions but this trip I'll be alone and would like to do some hiking, replenishing my soul, maybe even a workshop or yoga-type activity. I love nature, animals & history, theater.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Christy

Christy, have you been to the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve in Poway? Here is a web link for you.
http://tchester.org/sd/places/bs/blue_sky.html

Also, The Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, which you can get to easily by taking the Mercy Road off ramp from I-15S, is a great hiking area. turn right at the bottom of the ramp and go to the bottom of the hill. Go straight across Black Mountain Road and you're there.

There are half-price same-day tickets for sale at or near Horton Plaza. There is a website explaining this that you can find through Google.

How about the impound lot in Chula Vista right on the border where they keep all the drug dealers cars for sale later? Lots of interesting stuff to look at!

We love to walk in Mission Trails Park, east of San Diego just west of Santee. The lakes at Santee also are nice to walk around. I would second Penasquitos. You can rent kayaks in La Jolla and explore the many caves in the cliffs there. We also like to go to the paraglider port at Torrey Pines and watch them soar out over the cliffs.

if you don't mind driving (about 2 hours each way) - head to joshua national park outside of palm springs for a day. it's a great place for hiking and since there are several routes to/from palm springs, you can do a different one each way.

The Marine Corps Recruit Depot has a great museum. Almost right downtown, open to the public. Historically very interesting.

Hike the cliffs at Torrey Pines State Park. Won't be crowded at all during weekdays. Wonderful serene views of the ocean. Go during low tide and walk down to Black's beach.