Between LA And San Diego Is California's Underrated Nature Preserve With Wetland Trails And Birdwatching

Southern California may be famed for its sandy beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world. But many travelers may not know that the region has lost much of its natural wetlands over the years due to factors like urban sprawl and agriculture. You can still find remnants of these incredibly important watery habitats scattered along the coast, if you know where to look. Stretching across nearly 1,000 acres, the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is home to one of the largest patches of wetlands in all of San Diego County.

This hidden gem was established in the early 1980s to protect the shallow-water estuary, situated in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, where the Escondido and La Orilla creeks flow into the Pacific Ocean. The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is bisected by Interstate 5, splitting it into eastern and western sections. The reserve sits between Los Angeles and San Diego, though it's much closer to the latter, standing just outside official city limits. Downtown LA is about a 2.5-hour drive up the coast, give or take with a little traffic.

The wetlands and surrounding grasslands are a haven for all kinds of animals, including a bevy of birds, which you can admire as you walk along the scenic trails. "Really a treasure to experience, [the] wildlife is varied and visible," shared one visitor. Before heading out on your hike, pop into the Nature Center to grab a helpful map and trail guide. Check out some of the exhibits while you're in there, too, which explore how the nature preserve came to be and some of the critters you may see while you're there.

The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve has an incredibly diverse mix of coastal wetland ecosystems within its bounds, thanks to its position at the junction of the ocean and winding creeks. You can see classic habitats of salt, freshwater, and brackish marshes spread across the lagoon, as well as a lush canopy of riparian scrub that fringes the estuary, giving way to coastal strand, coastal sage scrub, mixed chaparral, and other upland wilds beyond. Take in the scenery with a peaceful stroll through the reserve. The place has about 7 miles of trails to roam — some of which can be accessed via California's under-the-radar beach city of Solana Beach, right next door. 

There are paths suitable for a range of skill levels, with routes ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. The trail by the Nature Center is great for a relaxing stroll, offering a short 0.3-mile loop, along with a longer 0.7-mile option. Stop at the scenic overlooks to get a better view of the lagoon channel, and read the interpretive signs posted along the way to learn more about the surrounding wetlands.

The relatively easy San Elijo Lagoon Loop is great if you want to cover a bit more ground, circling the western side of the reserve for about 4 miles. "Very fun, beautiful views," shared one hiker. The popular AllTrails route pieces together several different pathways within the nature preserve, including a portion of the Annie's Canyon Trail, which is San Elijo's highest-rated route on the hiking app. It cuts through a gorgeous sandstone slot canyon and can get hilly in certain sections, so be prepared for a little climb.

The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve may not get as much attention as some of San Diego's top tourist attractions, especially its famous sunny beaches. While the protected site largely flies under the radar for folks just passing through on the highway, many birdwatchers are already in the know about the immense diversity this underrated patch of wilderness has to offer. So don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars because there's usually plenty of bird activity happening around the lagoon — it's on par with some of the best birdwatching destinations in the United States. "Absolutely stunning views and lots of wildlife," wrote one visitor. "We saw several species of birds including osprey, belted kingfisher, great blue heron, snowy egrets, and great white egrets. I highly recommend this spot for nature lovers and families."

The reserve serves as a stopover on the Pacific Flyway, a vital migratory route for millions of birds on the West Coast. More than 240 bird species have been spotted on the eastern side of the nature preserve, while almost 300 have been recorded in the western section. Some notable sightings across the reserve include endangered California least terns, light-footed Ridgway's rails, and Belding's savannah sparrows. You may be able to spot more shorebirds around the lagoon during low tide, when the waters recede to expose the mudflats for foraging. If you want to explore more protected wilds around Southern California, the scenic Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge also has beautiful wetland trails to roam and wildlife to see.