
San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve
4.7 (749)park
A coastal wetland reserve where trails wind through salt marshes to the narrow sandstone walls of Annie's Canyon.
Description





Spanning 979 acres, the reserve centers on a shallow-water estuary where Escondido and La Orilla Creeks meet the Pacific Ocean, ranking among San Diego’s largest wetlands. Seven miles of easy-to-moderate trails traverse coastal sage scrub and freshwater habitats, including the quarter-mile route into Annie’s Canyon. Along with open paths for walking, running, birdwatching, and painting, the site features a LEED Platinum-certified Nature Center with exhibits on local wildlife and the reserve’s history.