San Elijo Lagoon050

San Elijo Lagoon is one of San Diego County's largest coastal wetlands. It lies along the coast between the cities of Solana Beach and Encinitas, extending inland to the community of Rancho Santa Fe. It is fed by a 77 square mile watershed with two main tributaries, Escondido Creek and Orilla Creek. The reserve encompasses approximately 900 acres of diverse habitat with six plant communities: coastal strand, salt marsh, freshwater marsh, riparian scrub, coastal sage scrub, and mixed chaparral.

This mosaic of habitats supports over 300 species of plants, over 20 species of fish, over 20 species of reptiles and amphibians, 24 species of mammals, and over 295 species of birds. Many of the areas wildlife can be seen on early morning hikes or in the early evenings. There are over 5 miles of hiking trails in the reserve open to the public. The Nature Center, at the northwest side of the lagoon offers information about the wildlife as well as trail info, drinking water, restrooms, and a parking lot facility.

The San Elijo Nature Center opened in 2009 and features interactive displays and high-tech exhibits.