San Diego Lagoons and Nature Centers

I have prepared a list of all San Diego lagoons and nature centers along the coastline and linked each site to its appropriate website.

Explore, have fun, and learn at the same time!

Nature Centers and San Diego Lagoons

San Diego doesn’t just have the best beaches in the country; we also have some of the most significant coastal wetlands.

With over 70 miles of coast to discover in San Diego, there are also several coastal lagoons to visit. If you are in the mood for a hike or are interested in the area’s natural history, you cannot go wrong!

I will start the list at the most northern location, Oceanside, and make my way South, finally ending at the Mexican Border.

Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center

• Nature Center, run by the Audubon Society
• Over 223 acres of coastal wetlands
• 103 birds, 18 mammals, and 14 reptile and amphibian species were found in the park
• Native Garden

2202 South Coast Hwy, Oceanside CA 92054

760-439-2473

Website

Map

Helpful Posts–

• A Walk Around the Buena Vista Lagoon
• Five More San Diego Hidden Gems

Agua Hedionda Discovery Center

• Nature Center run by Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
• 400 acres
• The northeast end of the lagoon is a protected habitat
• Native Garden

1580 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008

760-804-1969

Website

Map

Helpful Posts-

• Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center
• Hubbs Trail Tour at Aqua Hedionda Lagoon
• Hiking North Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trails in May

Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center

• Nature Center run by The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
• 610-acre Ecological Reserve
• 1.5-mile trail- leashed dogs are welcomed
• Over 200 pre-historic sites along the shoreline date over 8000 years old

7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad CA 92011

760-931-0800

Website-http://www.batiquitosfoundation.org/

Map

Helpful Posts–

• Walking Around the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center- The Nature Collective

• 979-acre Ecological Reserve
• Nature Center run by San Elijo Conservancy
• Most extensive San Diego coastal wetlands

2712 Manchester Ave, Encinitas, CA 92007

760-634-3026

Website

Map

Helpful Posts–

• San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center- The Nature Collective
• Annie’s Canyon Trail- San Elijo Lagoon

San Dieguito County Park

• Found a short distance from the Pacific Ocean
• Many trails take you toward the coast with exceptional views

1628 Lomas Santa Fe, Del Mar CA 92014

858-755-2386

Map

San Dieguito River Park

• located about 2 miles from Del Mar North Beach
• Coast to Crest Trail continues here
• bird watching stations
• benches

Coast to Crest Trail, Del Mar, CA 92014

(858) 674-2275

Website- http://www.sdrp.org/wordpress/

Map

Helpful Posts-

• Coast to Crest Trail- San Dieguito Lagoon

Los Penasquitos Lagoon

website- http://www.lospenasquitos.org

• The Northern Border of the City of San Diego forms a natural border with Del Mar
• There is a colony of the endangered evergreen species- Pinus torreyana– (Torrey pine)
• Located within the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The Visitor Center, The Torrey Pines Lodge, is located on top of the hill at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

For more detailed information, go here.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Map

Website

Helpful Posts-

• Torrey Pines State Beach
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
• Los Penasquitos Lagoon

Friends of Famosa Slough

PO Box 87280 San Diego, CA 92138-7280

(619) 224-4591

Website- http://www.famosaslough.org

• There is no nature center here, but there is a kiosk with information at the south side.
• short trail, but so much to experience
• man-made bird island over on the south side

Map

Helpful Posts-

• Slough What? Discovering Famosa Slough
• A Few Plants at Famosa Slough

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

1080 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91910

619-476-9150

Website

• There is a fee to visit- (See The Living Coast Discovery Center)
• many trails to explore
• zoological/interactive nature center
• many historical sites to view

Helpful Posts-

• The Living Coast Discovery Center
• San Diego Bay- A Photo Tour

Map

Tijuana River Valley Regional Park

Website- http://www.sdparks.org

• Prominent bird watching spot with over 375 species seen here
• Bordered by Mexico

Ranger Station: 2721 Monument Road, San Diego, CA 92154

Bird and Butterfly Garden: 2310 Hollister St., San Diego, CA 92154

Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Center

Website- http://trnerr.org/about

301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

619-575-3613

Map

Border Field State Park

1500 Monument Rd, San Diego, CA 92154

619-575-3613

Website

Map