Whether you are a runner, hiker, birder, photographer or painter, San Elijo Lagoon is a great waterfront destination. One of San Diego’s largest wetlands, this 979-acre shallow-water estuary was formed by the Escondido and La Orilla Creeks, where they meet the Pacific Ocean.

Miles of easy-to-moderate trails connect educational exhibits to the coastal strand, salt marsh, and narrow sandstone cliffs above. Kids can take advantage of a TRACK Trail – which is a nature-themed scavenger hunt that guides them on a wilderness adventure for prizes – and those with limited mobility will enjoy guiding along the County’s first ADA-accessible trail.

Stop by the LEED Platinum-certified Nature Center to view wildlife exhibits, meet animal ambassadors, and get hiking recommendations from volunteers.

DID YOU KNOW? Coastal wetlands and lagoons filter pollutants to clean water that flows into the ocean. Lagoons also provide hatcheries for young fish and provide safety for resident and migrating birds. Sadly, at least 90% of California’s coastal wetlands have been replaced by urban development, so this property is extremely valuable to its wildlife residents and to the humans who live near and who visit for recreation. Despite efforts since the 1800s to bisect the lagoon with railroads, highways and other transportational thoroughfares, recent efforts have restored this habitat to its natural – and even an improved – state.