Only 30 miles north of the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Batiquitos Lagoon and Ecological Reserve is a 610-acre coastal wetland habitat in north San Diego County situated between Carlsbad and Encinitas.

Established as an ecological reserve in 1983, Batiquitos Lagoon boasts of several habitat types including intertidal mudflats, coastal salt marshes, nesting areas, open water, and sub-tidal zones.

In 2012 the eastern portion of the lagoon was designated as a State Marine Conservation Area (No-Take); this designation allows for marine and estuarine waters to be set aside to conserve and protect marine life and habitats. Wading, swimming, boating, horseback riding, and biking are not permitted in the conservation area. However, a 2.5-mile out and back hiking and walking trail along the lagoon’s northern edge is an easy way to explore the natural diversions of this protected reserve.

Did you know? Native Americans have resided around Batiquitos Lagoon for at least 8,000 years. Almost 200 prehistoric sites have been identified around its shoreline.

PHOTO CREDIT: City of Carlsbad