The 30 Best Coastal birding in California

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The IRWD San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful oasis nestled in the bustling Orange County, California. Covering over 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, this sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers. With half of the wetlands restored to their natural state and 12 miles of scenic walking trails, it is a popular destination for those seeking a serene escape from city life. Visitors to the sanctuary can observe over 200 bird species, take leisurely walks along the trails, or simply relax and enjoy the sounds of nature under the shade of native willow trees. As a wildlife sanctuary, the marsh is a protected area where vehicles, bicycles, drones, dogs, and other animals are not allowed to ensure the well-being of the plants and animals that inhabit the area.

Located at 265 Idlewood Ln in Trinidad, California, the Stone Lagoon Red Schoolhouse is part of the Elk Country Resort and Campground. This campground, lodging, and park covers nearly 200 acres of Northern California's pristine coastal environment. With its own private lake, hiking trails, and yearly creek, guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a stunningly beautiful wonderland filled with large old-growth trees. Formerly known as Redwood Lake Resort and Stone Lagoon Campground, this institution is conveniently located on the famous Redwood Highway (Hwy 101) between Orick and the seaport town of Eureka, just a short 35-minute drive south. Visitors can explore the local Elk herd, the historic Red School House, and Barn, or venture out to enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, bird watching, and more within a 5-minute drive of the resort.

The Albion Biological Field Station, located at 34000 Albion Street in Albion, California, is a hidden gem in Northern California. Surrounded by forested hills and near the Pacific Ocean, this university-owned institution offers a rustic charm that has been welcoming students and visitors since 1947. Managed by Director Sheldon Schultz, the Albion Field Station provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural world. With tide pools, estuaries, and a variety of wildlife, including deer and birds, the station offers an immersive learning experience for students, families, and groups.

Stronetta Headlands Trailhead is a picturesque park located at 451 School Street in Point Arena, California. This beautiful trailhead offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking in this serene and tranquil setting. With well-maintained trails and breathtaking scenery, Stronetta Headlands Trailhead is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world.

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White Point Beach is a stunning natural feature located in Los Angeles, California, United States. This picturesque beach offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you're looking to relax on the shore, go for a swim, or simply enjoy the breathtaking ocean views, White Point Beach is the perfect destination for nature lovers and beachgoers alike. With its convenient location in sunny Southern California, this beach is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Pacific coast.

Van Damme State Beach, located in Little River, California, offers a scenic beach, lush fern-filled forest, and year-round camping. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, birding, kayaking, and botanizing. The park features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail in the Pygmy Forest, as well as hike-in campsites in a beautiful redwood forest. The park's historical resources are connected to the redwood lumber industry, providing insight into the struggles of a small, independent lumber operation. The climate is temperate year-round, with winter rains and cool summer fogs supporting the thriving coastal redwoods. Camping reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and visitors can explore the park's habitats through various hiking trails. Van Damme State Beach is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature and history.

McClures Beach is a natural feature located in Inverness, California, United States. Hiking opportunities in Point Reyes National Seashore are abundant, with trails that wind through Douglas-fir forests, offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and traverse rolling coastal hillsides. It is important to have a trail map before embarking on a hike, as well as to follow all trail closures and barriers for visitor safety and habitat protection. The park's trails pass through a variety of habitats, offering opportunities to see diverse wildlife. Visitors can choose hikes based on time, habitat, or location, and can find suggested routes starting at different trailheads. Short on time? Explore trails that can be completed in under an hour. Looking for a bigger adventure? Try routes of varying difficulty. Remember to check trail conditions before heading out, and to minimize your impact by leaving only footprints. For those hiking with dogs, be sure to know where pets are allowed in the park. For more information, contact the park at 415-464-5100.

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Pescadero Marsh Trail is a beautiful nature park located at 35 Pescadero Creek Road in Pescadero, California, United States. This park offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse and vibrant marsh ecosystem, with a variety of plant and animal species to observe. The trail winds through lush wetlands, providing a peaceful and scenic setting for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and wildlife viewing along the trail. Pescadero Marsh Trail is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of the California coast.

Natural Bridges State Beach, located at 2531 West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California, is a beautiful park and beach that offers stunning views of shore birds, migrating whales, seals, and otters. The park features public access tide pools where visitors can see sea stars, shore crabs, and other colorful ocean life during low tides. The park also includes a Monarch Grove where thousands of Monarch Butterflies overwinter, creating a "city in the trees" from late fall to winter. In addition to the natural beauty of the park, visitors can participate in guided hikes, backpacking adventures, and other public programs offered by California State Parks. The park also has a picnic area with tables, barbecues, and restroom facilities for day-use visitors. Please note that there is a $10 vehicle day-use fee to enter the park.

Four Mile Beach, located at 3810 Coast Road in Santa Cruz, California, is a natural feature offering visitors a chance to explore the stunning Santa Cruz coastline. With 7,000 acres of land, visitors can hike along more than 35 miles of trails, venture into the Santa Cruz Mountains, or walk along the coastal bluffs. The park features historic buildings from the late 1800s, including a Victorian home, a water-powered machine shop, and a rodeo arena. Visitors can also learn about California's early ranching history through guided tours on weekends. Although the Wilder Ranch Park Store is currently closed due to flooding, visitors can still enjoy the park and pay for parking fees using the Yodel app on their smartphones. The park is Crumb Clean, meaning visitors can help protect the endangered marbled murrelet bird that nests in the park. Various activities and events are offered at Four Mile Beach, including free public ranch tours on weekends, horseback riding, and camping.

Marina State Beach is a popular tourist attraction located at 200 Reservation Road in Marina, California, United States. This beach winds through the Marina Dunes Natural Preserves, offering stunning panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It is a hotspot for hang-gliding, radio-controlled gliders, and kites. Visitors can enjoy picnics and take in the beautiful scenery. However, water recreation is not recommended due to strong rip currents. The weather can be changeable, so layered clothing is advised. Dogs are not allowed at this location, but are permitted at other nearby beaches. The Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book is available for students to learn about the diverse plant and animal life in California's MPAs. Download the coloring book and the California Coastal Explorer Guide for more information. Please note that online reservations are not available for this park.

Carmel River State Beach, located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a picturesque mile-long beach on Carmel Bay. The beach features a bird sanctuary in a lagoon where visitors can observe a wide variety of waterfowl and song birds. The beach also offers panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Monastery Beach, also known as San Jose Creek Beach, is popular with scuba divers. However, swimming, wading, or walking near the sanctuary can be dangerous. Please remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times while visiting the beach. As of September 16, 2014, beach fires are banned at Carmel River State Beach and other state beaches in the Monterey District to minimize fire dangers. State Park officials will issue warnings to first-time offenders and citations to repeat offenders. For cooking purposes, a raised and self-contained gas camp stove may be used.

Morro Strand State Beach Day Use Area, located at 21 24th Street in Cayucos, California, is a natural feature that offers a three-mile stretch of beach for visitors to enjoy. The beach connects the town of Morro Bay to Cayucos State Beach and provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as windsurfing, fishing, jogging, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging at the Morro Strand Campground up to six months in advance, with options for tent camping and RV hookups available. The campground also offers amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, water spigots, flush toilets, and token-operated shower facilities. Additionally, there is an RV sanitation station and water-fill station on site.

Harmony Headlands State Park is a stunning 784-acre coastal park located along Highway 1 in Cayucos, California. Just 3 miles south of the charming town of Harmony, the park offers a peaceful and secluded setting for visitors to enjoy. The park is a popular tourist attraction and offers recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can take a leisurely 1.5-mile trail from the parking lot to a coastal marine terrace grassland with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The park is rich in history, with evidence of human occupation dating back at least 10,000 years. The native people, ancestors of the Salinan or Chumash tribes, lived along the coastal bluffs and utilized the natural resources for survival.

Estero Bluffs State Park is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 750 Hearst Castle Road in San Simeon, California, United States. Dogs are allowed on leash in permitted areas south of San Geronimo Road. The park aims to preserve and protect the diverse and scenic area of the California Central Coast, including sea stacks, wetlands, bluffs, terraces, streams, and a pocket cove with a beach. The property is home to endangered species like the snowy plover and contains sensitive Native American sites. Residents of Cayucos and surrounding communities worked together in the 1980s to stop coastal development and preserve the open space, leading to the Trust for Public Lands purchasing the property in 2000 and deeding it to the State in 2002. The park offers recreational activities such as sea kayaking, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.

Morro Bay State Park is a beautiful campground and park located in Morro Bay, California. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The park features lagoon and natural bay habitats, as well as two volcanic peaks, Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo. Morro Rock is a prominent landmark in the bay, and the park also includes marine protected areas offshore. The Museum of Natural History offers exhibits on the area's natural features and history. The campground offers over 140 campsites for tents and RVs, with amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and shower facilities. Reservations can be made online or by phone. The park also offers educational programs for children and school groups. Don't miss the chance to explore this unique and beautiful area on the Central Coast of California.

Eldwayen Ocean Park is a picturesque seaside park located along Ocean Boulevard in the charming coastal town of Pismo Beach, California, in the United States. This beautiful park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Visitors can relax on the grassy lawns, watch the waves crash against the shore, and even catch a glimpse of local wildlife such as seabirds and seals. Eldwayen Ocean Park is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature in a tranquil and scenic setting.

South Strand Conservation Park is a serene and picturesque park located in Dana Point, California. This beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with stunning views of the South Strand coastline. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the trails, birdwatching, and picnicking amidst the natural beauty of the park. The park is dedicated to preserving and protecting the local environment, making it a great place for nature lovers to explore and appreciate the diverse wildlife and flora of the area. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out in nature or a place to connect with the outdoors, South Strand Conservation Park is the perfect destination.

Baker Beach, located at 1300 Scenic Drive in Trinidad, California, is a beloved institution dedicated to providing public access to the stunning Trinidad coast while also preserving its natural beauty. From Little River to Big Lagoon, visitors can enjoy the picturesque views and pristine beaches that make this stretch of the Humboldt County Coast so special. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or simply soak in the breathtaking scenery, Baker Beach offers a peaceful and idyllic retreat for all to enjoy.

MacKerricher Beach, located at 24100 MacKerricher Park Road in Fort Bragg, California, is a beautiful state park offering a variety of habitats including beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest, and wetland. Visitors can explore tide pools, spot seals along the coastline, and observe over 90 species of birds at Cleone Lake. The park is popular for activities such as hiking, jogging, horseback riding, and biking, with a wheelchair accessible nature trail available. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance, subject to availability and park rules. The park is three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near Cleone, and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby headlands, making it a great spot for whale watching during winter and spring.

Keller Beach is a serene and picturesque natural feature located in Richmond, California, United States. Situated along the shores of the San Francisco Bay, this beautiful beach offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, take a leisurely stroll along the coastline, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. The calm waters are perfect for swimming or paddleboarding, and the beach is also a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. With its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty, Keller Beach is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Dimmick Memorial Grove State Park, located in Elk, California, United States, is a stunning park and tourist attraction that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the redwood forest along the Navarro River. The park is popular for picnicking, swimming, camping, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The second growth redwood groves provide a home for various wildlife such as raccoons, black-tail deer, and river-oriented birds like the belted kingfisher. While online reservations are not available for this park, visitors can enjoy both Guided and Self-Guided educational field trips at no cost. School groups can make reservations one month in advance for a chance to explore the park's K-12 School Field Trip experiences. The park is located on Highway 128, two miles east of the junction with State Highway 1, with the Paul M. Dimmick Campground located six miles east of the junction. Navarro Beach Campground is situated at the mouth of the Navarro River on the Pacific ocean.

Spring Ranch Nature Preserve is a peaceful and picturesque park located in Little River, California, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, with lush forests, meandering streams, and stunning coastal views. The park is a haven for wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature photography. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and exploring the many trails that wind through the preserve. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape or a fun day out in nature, Spring Ranch Nature Preserve is the perfect destination.

Pinole Shores Park is a stunning tourist attraction located on Pinole Shores Drive in Pinole, California, United States. The park offers beautiful views of Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline, and San Pablo Bay, with sailboat and shipping traffic adding to the scenic charm. Visitors can explore the park's 2,432 acres of parkland, which include breezy meadows, aromatic eucalyptus woods, and bluffs and beaches on San Pablo Bay. The park features over 100 species of birds due to its diverse habitats, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. The eucalyptus woodlands provide shelter for wildlife such as deer, hawks, owls, Monarch butterflies, and more. Additionally, the park offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms and paved trails for all visitors to enjoy.

Fort Funston, located on Fort Funston Road in San Francisco, California, is a popular park and tourist attraction known for its stunning 200ft high bluffs. It is considered one of the best hang-gliding spots in the country, attracting thrill-seekers from near and far. The park also offers a network of trails that are perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and dog walking. One of the unique features of Fort Funston is its sand dunes, which are home to plants with deep roots that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the constantly shifting landscape. The park is also an important nesting site for bank swallows, a threatened species in California. These birds dig holes in the sandstone cliffs to raise their young between March and June.

Shorebird Park Emeryville is a picturesque waterfront park located in Emeryville, California, United States. This park is a popular destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and a variety of shorebirds that can be observed in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy walking along the shoreline, picnicking on the grassy areas, and taking in the sights and sounds of the bay. With its tranquil atmosphere and diverse wildlife, Shorebird Park Emeryville is the perfect place to relax and connect with nature.

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a stunning 2,432-acre park located in Richmond, California, offering visitors a scenic escape from the nearby urban areas. With trails winding through meadows, eucalyptus woods, bluffs, and beaches along San Pablo Bay, the park provides breathtaking views of Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline, and sailboat traffic on the bay. The park underwent major restoration in 2017, including enhancements to the Dotson Family Marsh, Atlas Road Bridge, and the Bay Trail extension. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and picnicking in the park's diverse habitats. With wheelchair-accessible facilities, group picnic areas, and a new park entrance, Point Pinole is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park is open seasonally, with parking fees collected from April to October. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the East Bay Regional Park District at 1-888-327-2757.