2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
Phone: 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.
Watch a video presentationof the nature center.
About the Nature Center
The Nature Center is a perfect starting point for experiencing the beautiful San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. New, museum quality interactive exhibits interpret the history and development of the ecological reserve.
Learn more about the hundreds of plant, animal, and insect species that live there, and demonstrate the natural processes critical to the health of this precious estuarine environment. Its location next to some of the seven miles of trails in the reserve makes it a convenient place to bring the family before venturing out into the lagoon.
The 5525 square foot, two story building presents a unique opportunity for the public to see first hand a number of “green” building concepts in use. The Nature Center was designed and constructed with a focus on the environment through energy efficiency, water conservation, and natural resource preservation.
Many “green” technologies have been incorporated into the design, construction, and operations of the building including a solar powered photovoltaic system mounted on the roof, an energy-efficient radiant heat system encapsulated in the floors, water conserving toilets, energy conserving appliances, a “green” roof, and the use of recycled water in toilets and landscape irrigation. In addition, construction materials used throughout the building contain a high content of recycled material.
Rental Options
The meeting room includes the use of 30 chairs and 12 tables. If you rent the deck before 5pm, we partition off a portion for public use (2/3 private rental; 1/3 public use).
After 5pm through sunset (as late as 8pm), the deck becomes exclusively yours. Use after 5pm, requires at least 30 days advance notice. Please note that each time block has a $5 reservation processing fee with a $300 cleaning deposit prior to the event.
| Time Block | Meeting Room Only | Meeting Room with Deck |
| 9 am - 11 am | $100 | $400 (2/3 of deck) |
| 12 pm - 2 pm | $100 | $400 (2/3 of deck) |
| 3 pm - 5 pm | $100 | $400 (2/3 of deck) |
| 5 pm - 6 pm | - | $200 (all of deck) |
| 6 pm - 7 pm | - | $200 (all of deck) |
| 7 pm - 8 pm | - | $200 (all of deck) |
To reserve the space at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, please feel free to contact the Nature Center directly.
Click images to enlarge
