

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
San Elijo Lagoon, between the towns of Solana Beach and Encinitas, is an ecological preserve, home to many types of birds, which can be viewed from a small network of trails. Although bisected by two freeways and a railroad, the lagoon was saved from development in the 1960s. Within its1,000 acres are six distinct plant communities. Nearby residences...
San Elijo Lagoon, between the towns of Solana Beach and Encinitas, is an ecological preserve, home to many types of birds, which can be viewed from a small network of trails. Although bisected by two freeways and a railroad, the lagoon was saved from development in the 1960s. Within its1,000 acres are six distinct plant communities. Nearby residences and some traffic remind you that you're not far from the city, but it is a convenient place to find some solitude among the wetlands. Birds are plentiful on a quarter-mile, self-guided nature trail. You will no doubt see an osprey or a great egret or two, and on my visit in September, mullet fish were leaping all along the trail as it wound through the marsh.
Visitor center: The preserve’s new two-story visitor center was designed to be a model of “green” building. Mostly recycled materials were used in its construction, and the building is highly energy- and water-efficient, with solar panels, a recycled water system, and a “cool” roof that includes a garden with native plants. A few short, mostly level trails meander through the native plant gardens north of the visitor center, overlooking the northernmost end of the lagoon.
Interactive exhibits explain the building’s green features and why water conservation and storm water pollution control are important to coastal watersheds. Be sure to take the elevator to the second-floor observation deck, which wraps around three sides of the building and provides extensive views out over the lagoon and marsh.
Visitor center: The preserve’s new two-story visitor center was designed to be a model of “green” building. Mostly recycled materials were used in its construction, and the building is highly energy- and water-efficient, with solar panels, a recycled water system, and a “cool” roof that includes a garden with native plants. A few short, mostly level trails meander through the native plant gardens north of the visitor center, overlooking the northernmost end of the lagoon.
Interactive exhibits explain the building’s green features and why water conservation and storm water pollution control are important to coastal watersheds. Be sure to take the elevator to the second-floor observation deck, which wraps around three sides of the building and provides extensive views out over the lagoon and marsh.
Trail/Pathway Details
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Trail
Trailhead: Visitor center
Length: Less than .5 mile
Typical Width: 4 ft. & above
Typical Grade: Level
Terrain: Hard
Terrain varies from hard to firmDescription
Along the way are several broad pullouts on both sides of the trail, with interpretive signs and views over the marsh; to the west you can see the ocean. A short distance from the first pullout, you cross a bridge over one of the channels, where you can look down into the water and catch a glimpse of...view full description
Accessibility Details
The facilities listed below meet all of our access criteria unless otherwise noted.
Accessible Parking: Yes
Accessible Restroom: Yes
Other Things of Interest
You may fish with a license. No commercial fishing, nets, or sieves allowed.
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Additional Information
View Map |
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Website: | www.sanelijo.org |
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Managing Agency: | California Department of Fish and Game |
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Address: | 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea |
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Nearest City: | Encinitas |
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Phone: | (760) 634-3026 |
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Hours: | Trails: Daylight hours Visitor center: Daily, 9 am-5 pm |
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Fees: | None |
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Dogs: | On leash |
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Public Transportation: | North County Transit District |
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Reviewed by Eileen Ecklund, September 19, 2009
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