Best Birding Spots in San Diego County

If you would like to be toured around, the good people at the San Diego Audubon Society provide regularly scheduled and FREE guided field trips to the best birding sites in the County at specific times of the year.

However, if you are interested in going it alone, here is a list of the best birding sites in Central San Diego, South Bay, North County, East County, the mountains, and the deserts that are recommended by The San Diego Audubon Society. We especially thank our good friend, Jim Peugh, for helping guide us in the right direction.

Old Mission Dam - Set in San Diego's beautiful Mission Trails Regional Park system, this urban river gorge features lush vegetation, flowing water, and the remains of an old dam built for the San Diego Mission. The trails throughout the park are moderately strenuous. A drinking fountain and portable restrooms are located near the old dam. Gates open at 8am.

Directions: Take Mission Gorge Road north to the main entrance. This is Father Junipero Serra Trail and has numerous speed bumps and a speed limit of 15 mph. Turn left (or right if coming from Santee) and proceed several miles to the parking lot on the left. Park in the parking lot at Old Mission Dam in Mission Trails Regional Park.

Lake Murray - This is another good birding and walking spot associated with Mission Trails Regional Park. The lake is actually a reservoir which is very popular with area residents who want to picnic, barbeque, or walk, walk, and walk. Restrooms and water fountains are available on site.

Directions: From Interstate 8, exit on Lake Murray Boulevard north, turn left on Kiowa Drive.

San Diego River Estuary - This coastal estuary is a haven for shorebirds of all types. Sometimes the estuary is flush with water and other times, the tide is extremely low exposing undulating mud flats. This is a great place to take young children who are just beginning to understand bird behaviors and the importance of our region's natural resources. There is a paved bicycle and jogging trail on the north access road (South Shores Park Road) that is accessible from Sea World Drive. Restrooms and water fountains are available across Sea World Drive at South Shores Park.

Directions: From the I-8 West, take the exit for Mission Bay Drive/Sports Arena Boulevard. Make a right on Ingraham, exit at Sea World Drive and proceed to the access road. From the I-5, take Sea World Drive west to the access road.

Famosa Slough - The slough is a place that motorists often whiz by as they drive between various parts of Point Loma and Ocean Beach. The Famosa Slough has been one of San Diego's more hidden environmental resorces and it is a very special preserve indeed. So special, that the City of San Diego joined with volunteer groups, including the Audubon Society, to clean it up and protect it. Easy hiking along the trail makes it a perfect place to introduce youngsters to birding in a completely urban setting. No public facilities.

Directions: Take I-8 West, proceed to the end of the freeway and turn onto Nimitz Boulevard. Make a left onto West Point Loma Boulevard. Proceed about a mile and watch for the slough on the right or the left. Park on Famosa Boulevard or West Point Loma Boulevard.

and the surrounding residential areas. Water and restroom facilities are available at Cabrillo Monument, Fort Rosecrans, and at various restaurants/shops in the area.

Lake Hodges - When the water is low, the trees that grow in the lake become exposed causing many to call it "Tree Hodges" from time to time. Lake Hodges is the kind of place that immerses you in nature quickly and deeply. The trails are well maintained and offer good views of this very scenic reservoir. Restrooms, water, and picnic tables are available at the City of San Diego's Joslyn Senior Center.

Directions: From Interstate 15, exit on Via Rancho Parkway, go west to Lake Drive, then south to the lake entrance. From the entrance it's about one mile to the launch area. Continue up the hill about one-half mile and turn right at the entrance to the Joslyn Senior Center).

Ellen Browning Scripps Park - This picturesque coastal park in La Jolla features rocky shoreline birding. Free, time-limited, street parking is available all around the village of La Jolla. A good place to start your easy walk is just past the Children's Pool near 303 Coast Boulevard. Public restrooms and water fountains are located in the Park. Plenty of hotels and restaurants are located in the village of La Jolla.

Directions: Take Hwy 52 West to La Jolla Parkway and continue as the street becomes Torrey Pines Road. Turn right on to Prospect then right on to Coast Blvd. The park is located at the bottom of the hill.

Penasquitos Canyon Preserve - This 7-mile canyon preserve is easily accessible from either end of the canyon. This can essentially become a day trip because of its multiple hiking possibilities. The Preserve has a drinking fountain and portable restrooms. Because the area is quite large, be sure to consult the information kiosks located at each of the entry points. Please note that there is a nominal user fee.

Directions: There are various ways to enter the Preserve. The east entrance is located at the intersection of Black Mountain and Mercy Roads. The western staging area is on the south side of Sorrento Valley Boulevard, approximately 1 mile east of Vista Sorrento Parkway. A convenient northern entrance is near Peñasquitos Creek Park at the intersection of Park Village Road and Camino Del Sur in Rancho Peñasquitos.

Crown Point - The best and most accessible area to go birding overlooks the Kendall-Frost Preserve from the northerly end of Crown Point Shores Park. There is even an observation platform. This is not a large area to explore, so it won't take much time to see the various birds. Picnic tables, restrooms, jungle gyms, and water fountains are available in the larger Crown Point Park located up the road.

Directions: Take I-8 west to the exit for Mission Bay Drive/Sports Arena Boulevard. Go north (right) on Ingraham, cross the last bridge and turn right onto Crown Point Drive. Park at the north end of the park are to your right.

Dairy Mart Ponds - The word, Pond, comes from the place's origin as an old sand mining operation. The word, Dairy Mart, refers to the old dairy that used to operate in the South Bay area. The whole region is now maintained and managed by the San Diego County Parks Department. The trails are easy to moderate. Be sure to bring water since there are no potable facilities.

Directions: Take I-5 south past Imperial Beach to the Dairy Mart Road exit. Turn right on Dairy Mart Road and head to the ponds. Park anywhere along the road or in the parking area just past the Pond.

Tijuana River Estuarine Reserve - This is a place that attracts a number of people from around the world that come to explore this expansive coastal marsh located right near the US-Mexico border. There is a very good Interpretive Nature Center located across across the marsh at the north edge. There is plenty of information about the kinds of flora and fauna that can be found at this government protected reserve. The trails are easy and look-outs are available to allow maximum coverage and minimum damage. Water and restrooms are located at the Nature Center.

Directions: Go south on I-5 to the Coronado Avenue exit in Imperial Beach. Go west on Coronado Avenue. This then becomes Imperial Beach Boulevard. Follow it all the way to Seacoast Drive. Turn left and find the available parking spaces on the east side of the street.

Sweetwater River - Another large expansive riparian area awaits birders in the South Bay. The river area also features open fields and plenty of chaparral. The Sweetwater River is part of the National Wildlife Refuge, and is protected mightily from encroachment. It will not take birders long to see some of San Diego's best birding areas. However the hike is strenuous if you want to reach the Sweetwater River Reservoir. Although there are no water or restroom facilities, plenty of restaurants are located nearby.

Directions: Take Freeway 94 east to Jamacha Junction. Turn right and go east on Highway 94 toward Jamul to Singer Lane on the right just before the Old Steel Bridge. Drive in on Singer Lane , turn left and park near the old bridge. The trail is marked by large rocks on the right just past the bridge. Belive it or not, the trail goes all the way to the Sweetwater reservoir (about four miles).

South Bay - South Bay is part of a fairly new National Wildlife Refuge that preserves and is restoring the remaining wetlands, mudflats and eel grass beds of the area. The refuge boundary is 3,940 acres. Be prepared for moderate hiking and the sad reality of no water or restroom facilities!

Directions: Take I-5 south to the Palm Avenue exit in Imperial Beach. Go west to Delaware and turn right. Turn right onto 8th Street. Drive left on 8th Street to Boulevard Avenue. Parking is available on side streets and on Delaware.

San Elijo Lagoon - This North County lagoon is a good spot to conduct birding all year 'round. The site is especially good for shorebirds at low tide. The trails are easy and conditions are mild. Restrooms and water are located at the Interpretive Center (see map).

Directions: Take I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. Go west less than one mile to Rios Avenue. Turn right and go all the way to the end of Rios. Park at the end of the street near the barricade.

Buena Vista Lagoon - This beautiful coastal lagoon is half in Oceanside and half in Carlsbad. The Nature Center onsite can also get you directions to the several other lagoons just south of Buena Vista (good view). You can also drive down South Coast Highway and stop at the numerous beaches and lagoons along the San Diego County coast.

Directions: From I-5, exit at Vista Way and go west toward the ocean a few blocks to South Coast Highway. Turn left and continue until you see the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center on your left (2202 South Coast Highway, Oceanside).

Santee Lakes - This is one of San Diego's strangest locations for a huge recreational preserve because it is smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood. However, many San Diegans love to come to Santee Lakes because it combines the convenience of public facilities with endless opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the lakes and the adjoining habitats. It truly is an oasis. Please note that there is a nominal vehicle entry fee. There are plenty of restrooms, water fountains, a concession store, recreational facilities, and picnic tables.

Directions: From Mission Gorge Road in Santee, turn left on West Hills Boulevard, go under the freeway, and proceed to Carlton Oaks Drive. Turn right and proceed about a mile to park entrance on left. OR Take Highway 52 east and take the Mast Boulevard exit. Go under the freeway to the left and proceed about one mile to the overpass over Lake 2. Turn right and go a short distance to Carlton Oaks Drive. Turn right, go a short distance, and watch for the entrance to the park on the right.

Lindo Lake Park - This nice 54-acre park is located in the middle of Lakeside. Trails are easy and public facilities are available.

Directions: Take I-8 east to Highway 67 and go north on 67. Take the Riverford Road exit and turn left on Woodside. Go all the way to the end until you see the park. Parking should be ample in the area.

Kit Carson Park - Located in Escondido, Kit Carson Park has grown to be a very diverse regional park that serves many public uses, including birding. In fact, birding is pretty good right in the main picnic area. Be sure to check out the narrow canyon (follow the trail), just to the north of the picnic area, to see the two ponds. Trails are easy. Plenty of public facilities are available.

Directions: Take I-15 north to the Via Rancho Parkway exit. Turn right on Via Rancho Parkway and continue as it becomes Bear Valley Parkway. Continue to the second entrance of Kit Carson Park on the left (a stop light and fire station is on the left as you make the turn). Turn left and go a short distance. Make a right at the end of the drive. Proceed a short distance again to El Arroyo Picnic area on the left.

Guajome Regional Park - This expansive county park of over 500 acres is located in Oceanside. It features a 25-acre lake and adjacent marshland. The trails can be moderately strenuous, but we hear from the Audubon Society that the trail along the marsh and through a wooded area along a stream is rewarding. Thankfully, there are restrooms, picnic tables and drinking water at this regional park. NOTE: There is a day-use fee.

Directions - Take I-5 north from San Diego about 40 miles to Highway 76 in Oceanside. Go east on Highway 76 about 7 miles to Guajome Lakes Road. Turn right (south) and go a short distance straight ahead and enter the park. There is also a parking area on the west side of the park off North Santa Fe Road. The park normally opens at 9am on Saturday.

Blue Sky Preserve - This ecological preserve is the jewel in the crown for the City of Escondido and the City of Poway. The preserve features an active streambed with a lush riparian woodland and surrounding chaparral. Many avid hikers and birders appreciate the beautiful views of the surrounding natural habitat. Portable restooms are located along the hiking road. Restrooms and water available at the adjacent hike-in picnic area.

Directions: Take I-15 north to Rancho Bernardo and exit at Rancho Bernardo Road. Go east about four miles. Be warned that the road name changes to Espola Road after the Pomerado Road intersection. The road eventually curves to the right - look for a large Blue Sky Reserve sign. The parking area will be on your left.

Noble Canyon - Located near Pine Valley, Noble Canyon provides good birding especially when the creek is low. Please note that this is not a route for the usual sedan, you are advised to use a four-wheel drive for this adventure. At this time, Pine Creek Road can be driven all the way through the wilderness. The road comes out at Sunrise Highway near the Pioneer Mail Picnic area. Trails are moderately strenuous. There are no public facilities.

Directions: Take I-8 east and exit at Pine Valley . Go north under the freeway to Old Highway 80. Turn left and go just over one mile, cross the concrete bridge, and make a sharp right turn at the end of the bridge onto Pine Creek Road. Proceed about 1.4 miles and watch for the gravel parking area next to the road on the right. Look for the sign that says "Noble Canyon Trailhead."

- Palomar Mountain State Park is a beautiful forest-like recreation area. There are many tall and lush conifers located all around. The main birding area is accessible from the end of the Doane Pond parking area. While you are on top of the mountain, be sure to walk over to the Palomar Observatory and take a look. Trails are moderately strenuous. Restrooms, some picnic tables, and potable water are available. Please note that there is a day-use fee. When you pay your fee, be sure to get a map so that you can find your way to Doane Pond.

Directions: Take I-15 north to Highway 76 or take Valley Center Road through Escondido and north to Highway 76. Turn right and go about 5.6 miles from Valley Center Road or about 20.6 miles from I-15. Watch for the Palomar Mountain State Park sign and turn left. Proceed up the mountain to S-7 at the top. Turn left and then another immediate left at the corner store. The road is very windy. Be on the watch for bicyclists who also make the trek up and down the mountain. Continue for about three miles until you see the park entrance.

Agua Dulce Creek - Located in the Laguna Mountains, Agua Dulce (Sweet Water) Creek offers multiple good birding sites. These include the meadow near the Group Camp, on Kitchen Creek Road, and throughout the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Trails are moderate. Public facilities are located at the Agua Dulce parking area. You might want to pick up a map of the Recreation Area in the Laguna Village Visitor Center. NOTE: A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required.

Directions: Take I-8 east past Pine Valley. Look for signs on I-8 east indicating Sunrise Highway Exit and Laguna Mountain Recreation Area (about 48 miles from Mission Valley). Head north on Sunrise Highway (S-1) about 10 miles to Morris Ranch Road. Turn right to check out the large meadow and forest. Go back to Sunrise Highway and straight across to Wooded Hill Road. Go a short distance to the end of the road and turn right to the Agua Dulce Group Camp parking area. More trails await you downstream.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park - This state park enables birders to interact with many different types of critters in a scenic mountain setting. The trails range from easy to moderate. Public facilities and picnic tables are located at the campground. Be sure to get a copy of their special 'bird checklists'when you arrive at the entrance station to pay your day-use parking fee.

Directions: Take I-8 east to the Highway 79 exit. Go north on Highway 79 about 11.5 miles to the entrance on the left. Park at the day-use parking area just inside the entrance to Paso Picacho Campground.

Kitchen Creek - Many birds make their way to the Kitchen Creek area on an annual basis. In fact, the Audubon Society believes that it is one of the most dependable place in San Diego county to find birds in the spring and summer. The trails are moderately strenuous so be prepared and yes, bring your own water. There are no restrooms.

Directions: Take I-8 east just past the Buckman Springs exit. Turn left and proceed to the target location just past "Cibbet's Flat Campground". Parking is available in the large gravel area on the left or the large dirt area on the right. The trail begins at the rough dirt road to the left of the parking area.

Lake Henshaw/Mesa Grande Road - What is not to like about driving into the Santa Ysabel area early in the morning? And what better way to start you day than sinking your teeth into a freshly baked loaf of bread from Dudley's Bakery before heading off into the wilderness. Note: This is a driving expedition as opposed to a hiking expedition.

Believe it or not, the Santa Ysabel Mission (just up the road from the bakery) is a good place to catch sight of birds. There is an interesting Indian cemetery located on the property of the church. If you are so incline, be sure to check it out and pay your respects. After visiting the Mission, drive to Mesa Grande Road until it terminates at Lake Henshaw (about 11.5 miles). As you drive along the road, be on the look-out for Golden Eagles at Black Canyon Road. Restrooms and water are available at the Bakery and at Santa Ysabel Mission.

Lake Morena - One of San Diego County's main water recreational areas, Lake Morena is also a good spot for birding. Start at the picnic area near the ranger station and check the shoreline of the lake and nearby camping area. Take the road along the lake and head up the "Ward's Flats" meadow area. Don't worry, a map is available at the ranger station. Be especially cautious if you plan on hiking this area in the summer since it can become unbearable for even the healthiest of people. Be sure to bring water for your hike. Public facilities and picnic tables are available at the park.

Directions: Going east on I-8, exit on Buckman Springs Road. Turn right on Oak Drive. Turn right to Lake Morena Drive. Take another right and continue thorough the village to the park.

Borrego Springs - The Anza-Borrego Desert is a local and national treasure. Because the land is protected, many chance encounters with wildlife are possible. It is a magical place that invites visitors to get out of their cars and go explore. Be mindful of snakes especially in the summer. The trails can be mildly strenuous so bear that in mind in case you go in the dead of summer. Be sure to bring water.

Directions: There are various entrances to this vast desert area. Take Highway 78 east from Julian to Highway S-3. Turn left on S-3 and go a short distance to Tamarisk Grove Campground on the right and nearby Yaqui Well. Or continue on S-3 a few miles to Borrego Springs. Or take S-2 north from I-8 (at Ocotillo) to Highway 78, turn right and proceed as above.

Agua Caliente County Park - Located in the Anza-Borrego Desert, this is another great birding location especially during the annual spring migration. A good place to catch sight of the birds is "Squaw Pond." Be sure to carry water to go with you. Portable restrooms and water are available at the camp site. NOTE: There is a day-use fee.

Directions: Going east on I-8 to Ocotillo turn north on S-2 for 25 miles. Turn left to to get to the park.