2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
ThomBros: 1167-E4
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day.
Phone number: 760-634-3026
Email: SanElijo.EcologicalReserve@sdcounty.ca.gov
Directions: From I-5 take Manchester Avenue west. The entrance to the Nature Center is on the south side of the road. From Solana Beach, access to the trails on the south side is at the north end of North Rios Avenue, reached from Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Other trail access points are available; see the reserve brochure.
Location Map (find park name in the left column)
Features:
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- 300 species of plants, 300 bird species, six plant communities
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Not only is San Elijo Lagoon one of the few remaining coastal wetlands in San Diego County, it is home to an exceptional number of plants and animals. A walk along the five miles of trails will take you through five plant communities, where you’ll encounter many of the more than 300 species of plants, 16 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 26 species of mammals. The lagoon is especially known for its bird life. At least 300 species have been seen here, 76 of which are classified as sensitive.
A new “green” nature center, on the north side of the lagoon at 2710 Manchester Avenue, offers exhibits that detail the lagoon’s plant and animal communities, its fascinating history, and the various natural and human influences that affect this sensitive ecosystem. Please note that as an ecological reserve, San Elijo Lagoon has no developed facilities on the southern trails. However, restrooms and water are available at the nature center.
The reserve is open during daylight hours only, and the nature center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day.
For a printable brochure of the reserve, including a trails map, go to this page. For information on the nature center, go to this page.
For meeting room reservations at the Nature Center, please call 858.565.3600 (toll free 1.877.565.3600). Room capacity is 41 people with tables and chairs, and 87 people seated theatre-style.
  
Click images to enlarge
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