San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
San Elijo Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area
San Elijo Lagoon is a peaceful 979-acre ecological reserve and one of the largest wetlands in San Diego, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature. It features a LEED Platinum-certified Nature Center and 7 miles of trails, including the challenging Annie’s Canyon Trail.

πŸ“œ A peaceful 979-acre ecological reserve and one of San Diego's largest wetlands.
🏞️ Explore 7 miles of trails, including the challenging Annie's Canyon Trail.

Why Go

🌿 Enjoy nature, hiking, birdwatching, photography, and painting.
πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Discover diverse environments like salt marshes, freshwater areas, and shrubs.
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Kids can enjoy TRACK Trails, a fun scavenger hunt with online prizes.
πŸ’‘ Learn about the reserve's history, plants, and animals at the LEED Platinum-certified Nature Center.
πŸŒ… Experience beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the trails, from easy to moderate.

Why Avoid

⚠️ Annie's Canyon Trail is a bit harder, which might not be suitable for all visitors.
🚫 Incoming tides cover much of the landscape twice a day, changing accessibility.

Hours

⏰ Nature Center: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily.
β˜€οΈ Trails: Open from sunrise to sunset.

Parking

πŸ…ΏοΈ Nature Center: 2710 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007.
πŸ…ΏοΈ Annie's Canyon Trailhead: 900 North Rios Ave., Solana Beach.
πŸš— Several trailheads are accessible from nearby neighborhoods.

Tags
ecological reservenature centerhikingbirdwatchingwetlandsfamily-friendlyoutdooreducationwildlifephotography