San Diego Coast Life
 
 

Batiquitos Lagoon

Location: Carlsbad, California (map)
More info: Website

Lagoon Highlights

The Batiquitos Lagoon is home to many plants, birds, and fish. The 610-acre lagoon is located 28 miles north of San Diego, north of Leucadia, at the southern edge of Carlsbad, and next to South Carlsbad State Beach. The Batiquitos Lagoon can be seen and experienced from a nature trail (see trail map with access and parking locations) on the north side. The public walking and hiking trail is about 2 miles long. It starts just east of Interstate 5 at the end of Gabbiano Lane and goes most of the way to El Camino Real on the east end of the lagoon.

There are five public parking lots providing access to the trail, one by the The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center and four on Batiquitos Drive. Horses and bicycles are not allowed. Take the Poinsettia Lane exit from I-5 and head east. See the map for trail access locations.

Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center

The Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center is a short walk from the end of Gabbiano Lane in Carlsbad. (see map) From the Poinsettia exit off I-5, go east and turn right (south) on Batiquitos Dr. (the second stoplight past the freeway), then down the hill toward the lagoon and turn right onto Gabbiano Lane (the first street). Drive to the end and park in the 6-car lot to the west or on the street. map to center

Walk through the posts onto the asphalt driveway and past the fenced desiltation basin (full of cattails) to the The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center [on the left].

 
Clear day at Batiquitos Lagoon
Clear day at Batiquitos Lagoon.
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Crisp Autumn day at Batiquitos Lagoon
Crisp Autumn day at Batiquitos Lagoon.
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Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center
Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center blends in with surroundings. More Photos »