Wow! I am so happy to write up this post in record time! You see, yesterday, I realized that the California State Parks uniquely celebrate the New Year. How is that, you may ask?
California State Park staff members, docents, and volunteers will show off the beauty and wonders of our gorgeous State Park system by leading the general public in First Day Hikes! Below is valuable information on each San Diego/ California State Park featured, plus a brief explanation of where and what is offered.
I will start north up at San Onofre State Beach and go south towards the California/Mexican Border.
It is supposed to be chilly on the coast today, with the high only 62 degrees, so please consider that!
Table of Contents
First Day Hikes at San Onofre State Beach
Where – Trestles Beach Trailhead on Cristianitos Road/ El Camino Real
Time- 2 pm
Parking- Free on Cristianitos Rd or in Trestles paid parking lot next to Carl’s Jr
Experience-
- walking 1.5 miles on Trestles Beach Trail through coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats while noting plants and birds along the way
- check out the tide pools on the beach during the extreme low tide
Ages- all ages
Length of Hike– take note that the walk is quite far, about 1.5 to 2 hours
Contact– Cryssie.Moreno@Parks.ca.gov
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South Carlsbad State Beach
Where– Campfire Center within the South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Time- 1:30 pm
Parking– must park offsite and walk onto the campground
Experience- Joined by a State Park Interpreter, you will begin the walk by going down the main stairway and making your way north on the beach, taking note of the coastal plants and wildlife, and being on the lookout for dolphins and whales.
Ages- all ages
Length of Hike- 45 -minute walk
Contact– Email to register and include “First Day Hike S. Carlsbad” in the subject line at SanDiego.interp@parks.ca.gov. Walk-ups are also welcome
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Cardiff State Beach- First Day Hikes 2022
Where – Seaside Parking Lot near Tower 11
Time– 11 am
Parking– paid parking lot
Experience–
- a brisk walk along the Living Shorelines Projects rare Sand Dune Trail, and then walk toward Cardiff Reef and check out the tide pools near Tower 10
Ages– all ages
Length of Hike- 45 minutes
Contact– Sandy at-Â Sandy.Tolzda@parks.ca.gov
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First Day Hikes at Torrey Pines State Beach
Where-Â on top of the hill at the Visitor Center
Time-Â 10 am and 2 pm
Parking-Â off-street parking as well as paid parking
Experience-
- there are six trails to choose from, but the Nature hike leader will determine it due to the size of the group and ability levels
Ages- all ages but accompanied by a parent or guardian
Contact- Hike lead coordinator docent Joe Meyer at meyer-joe@att.net or State Parks Ranger David at drichards@parks.ca.gov
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Tijuana Estuary Natural Preserve and Birding
Where– Visitor Center at 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach
Time- 11 am
Parking– free parking lot
Experience–
- Docent Jan will take you around the salt marsh around the Visitor Center, pointing out endangered and sensitive species
- great hike for the whole family
Ages- all ages
Length of Hike-flat and easy 1 to 1.5 miles
Contact-
- Call (619) 575-3613 Wednesday-Sunday for more information. Visit www.trnerr.org.Â
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References-Â California Department of Parks and Recreation
I have always had a deep-seated passion for the Ocean Environment which ultimately led me to receive a degree in Marine Biology. Living in the San Diego area for over 30 years, I have extensively explored the 70 miles of San Diego’s coastline, and I am here to share! Please use my website to your advantage and have a look around at all the wonders that the beaches of San Diego can offer you!