Things to Do in Bonita

To the uninitiated, the dusty, mountainous expanse just north of the Mexico border might sound like a war-torn battleground—it has born the boots of soldiers in the United States Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. However, the troops simply visited to practice plane evacuations at Skydive San Diego, whose private, skydiving-only airport is buffeted by steady winds and outfitted with state-of-the-art Cessna and DeHavilland jump planes.

Civilians can jump there too, drinking in views of the Pacific before leaping out of an aircraft for solo jumps or tandem dives, in which a USPA-certified instructor harnesses securely to the jumper with professional equipment and a powerful hug. With 8,000 square feet of padded packing area, the full-service facility not only houses an airport, but also a bunkhouse for overnight stays and a deck for barbecuing post-jump feasts.

A family-owned-and-operated farm nestled in the hills of Jamul, Hidden Haven Farms maintains the camaraderie of the Old West lifestyle through relaxing horseback rides and educational field trips. In its tranquil setting far from metropolitan stressors, the farm's owners lead visitors along serene jaunts atop equestrian counterparts, meandering through the farm’s rolling countryside and ranch layout to take in sites and look out for time-traveling rustlers trying to take livestock back to the 1860s.

Hidden Haven's pastures also provide a space for outdoor education, as the family welcomes visitors for field trips, home-school programs, summer camp, and birthday parties. During these visits, guests can master the process of shearing a sheep, watch bee pollination, and witness the first seconds of new life at a live egg hatching. Horses model student-attached saddles and optional sets of subwoofers before trotting field trippers around the farm. Throughout the experience, guides stress the importance of maintaining a healthy connection and respect for all four-legged comrades.

San Diego’s picturesque harbor—awash with graceful bridges, sweeping views, and glimpses of sea lions—has thrilled passengers on Hornblower San Diego cruise ships for more than 30 years. Hornblower’s large fleet of ships includes an antique yacht and one of the largest charter yachts in Southern California, and each cruise is narrated by an experienced expert. An environmentally concerned company, Hornblower San Diego introduces passengers to ecological problems and ongoing environmental projects in the area on its cruises.

PB Christmas Trees spreads holiday merriment with noble, douglas, and grand firs individually selected from forests in Oregon along with fraser firs from North Carolina. On the lot, trees stand in water and receive additional watering from the staff each day to keep needles healthy and green. Trees vary in size from 2' up to 16', ensuring customers can a perfect specimen no matter how high their ceilings or how modest their budget. Complimentary hot cider keeps patrons warm as they peruse the lot, and once they've found their perfect tree, the crew will gladly grab a rope and secure it to a car or riding mower at no additional charge.

Staff members at Rick's Rent-A-Boat outfit water-riders with the necessary safety equipment before sending them off for a ride on a professionally maintained jet ski, kayak, or boat. During excursions, riders safely glide over the ripples and spray of San Diego Bay's coastal waters atop a Kawasaki or Honda jet ski, kayak, or Triton ski boat. Sporting a provided life vest and drawing on operating instructions included with each rental, riders cruise atop their seafaring stallions, skimming over foamy waves and leading schools of local fish in a Hamlet lecture. Depending on Mother Nature's mood, guests can make waves 8 a.m.–8 p.m. every day of the week.