San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Map: San Diego Coastal Lagoons & Reserves San Elijo Lagoon
2710 Manchester Ave
(between Mackinnon Ranch Rd & San Elijo Ave)
Cardiff, California
More info: website
San Elijo Lagoon is one of few remaining coastal wetlands of San Diego County and home to an exceptional number of animals and plants. It lies along the coast in Cardiff, CA, extending inland to Rancho Santa Fe.
The San Elijo Lagoon is part of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, a county and state regional park of nearly 1,000 acres of diverse habitat including six plant communties: coastal strand, salt marsh, brackish/freshwater marsh, riparian scrub, coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral. In the reserve you can access over seven miles of trails via eight trailheads and encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna.
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, about 1,000 acres, is collectively owned and managed by the State of California (managed by the California Department of Fish and Game), the County of San Diego (managed by the County Department of Parks & Recreation), and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy.
These agencies are jointly responsible for preserving this area as a sanctuary for critical natural resources. As long as visitors remain sensitive and thoughtful, they can enjoy recreational use of The San Elijo Lagoon while it is being preserved for the wildlife that depend on it.
Please observe the following rules:
- Stay on established trails only.
- Dogs are allowed if they are kept on a leash of 6 feet or less.
- Carry your trash out including your pet's waste.
- Fishing with a fishing license is allowed from established trails. Nets or seines are not allowed, and commercial fishing of any kind is prohibited.
- Boating, kayaking, swimming and wading are not allowed.
- Bicycles, motorcycles and other vehicles are prohibited.
- Do not disturb or collect any form of plant, animal, artifact or mineral.
- Do not enter the reserve after dark.
- Please do not feed the wildlife or release any animals into the reserve.
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Nature Center
The San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center is found off a Manchester Avenue in Cardiff. A new nature center is presently being built to replace the old one. Under normal operation, the center offers information on The San Elijo Lagoon and what you might find during your hike. They also hold educational seminars for schools and visitors. They offer guided hikes and nature walks on Saturdays but check the The San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center website for more info. The Nature Center is the only trailhead with drinking water and restroom facilities.
LOCATION:
2710 Manchester Ave
(between Mackinnon Ranch Rd & San Elijo Ave)
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
DIRECTIONS:
I-5 to Manchester exit
Drive west on Manchester Avenue
Turn left into first available driveway
2710 Manchester Avenue
MAP
OTHER SAN ELIJO LAGOON TRAILHEADS
Rios Avenue
I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe exit
Drive west on Lomas Santa Fe Drive
Turn right on Rios Avenue
Drive to end of Rios Ave and park along the curb
MAP
Santa Carina
I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe exit
Drive east off exit
Turn left at the first available street: Santa Helena
Turn left on Santa Victoria
Turn left on Santa Carina
Drive to the end of Santa Carina and park along the curb
MAP
Santa Inez
I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe exit
Drive east off exit
Turn left at the first available street: Santa Helena
Turn left on Santa Rosita
Turn left on Santa Florencia
Turn left on Santa Inez
MAP
Santa Helena
I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe exit
Drive east off exit
Turn left at the first available street: Santa Helena
Follow Santa Helena all the way to the end
MAP
La Orilla
I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe exit
Drive east off exit
Turn left on Highland Rd (4-way stop)
Turn left on El Camino Real
Look for the parking area on the left side of the road before you get to the 90 degree bend in the road
MAP
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