TOP 30 Waterfowl viewing in California

The El Estero Duck View Parking Lot is a unique institution located in Monterey, California. Situated at 633-683 Camino El Estero, this park and zoo offers visitors the opportunity to observe a variety of ducks in their natural habitat. With ample parking space and designated viewing areas, visitors can enjoy a peaceful and educational experience as they observe these fascinating waterfowl up close. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing way to spend the day, the El Estero Duck View Parking Lot is a must-visit destination in Monterey.

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 2548 Grizzly Island Road in Suisun City, California, United States. This expansive wildlife area offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of habitats, including marshes, wetlands, and grasslands, all teeming with a wide variety of plant and animal species. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and photography in this beautiful natural setting. With its serene atmosphere and abundant wildlife, Grizzly Island Wildlife Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature.

Penasquitos Lagoon Open Space is a beautiful park located in San Diego, California, United States. This tranquil oasis offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. With stunning views of the lagoon and surrounding wetlands, this open space is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, a picnic with family and friends, or a leisurely bike ride. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and hiking along the scenic trails that wind through the park. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or a chance to connect with nature, Penasquitos Lagoon Open Space is the ideal destination.

The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 45211 County Road 32B in Davis, California, United States. Spanning over 16,000 acres, this wildlife area is a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. Visitors can explore the diverse habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and marshes, while spotting a variety of bird species, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. The area also offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing. Whether you're looking to reconnect with nature or simply enjoy a peaceful escape, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination.

Tri-City Park is a 40-acre park located in Placentia, California, bordering the cities of Fullerton and Brea. The park features a lake, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and recreational activities such as biking, walking, model sailboating, and fishing. It is also a wildlife sanctuary and a popular bird watching destination. The park offers a peaceful and natural setting for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities and observe migratory waterfowl. With its scenic surroundings and amenities, Tri-City Park is a must-visit tourist attraction in Orange County.

Los Banos Wildlife Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 18110 Henry Miller Avenue in Los Banos, California. This expansive wildlife area is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities such as bird watching, hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography. Visitors can explore the diverse habitats of wetlands, grasslands, and forests, and spot a wide range of bird species, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. With its serene atmosphere and stunning natural scenery, Los Banos Wildlife Area is the perfect destination for a peaceful escape into nature.

Rocky Oaks Park is a hidden gem nestled among the hustle and bustle of modern life in Malibu, California. This tranquil park features a seasonal pond and a variety of plant communities that provide a habitat for local wildlife. Take a leisurely hike along the loop trails and enjoy picturesque views of the pond, once used as a watering hole for cattle but now a vital water source for native animals such as rabbits, coyotes, and deer. Plants like tule, cattail, and willow flourish in and around the pond, while water birds like buffleheads and mallards gracefully glide across the water. The park serves as a rest stop and commuting area for animals traveling between habitats in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Klamath River Jet Boat Tours is a travel agency located at 17635 U.S. 101 in Klamath, California, United States. Choose from two convenient times for a daily 45-mile round trip tour led by an experienced captain and narrator. Learn about the rich history of the river, local Native American culture, and thriving wildlife as you spot bear, Black Tail deer, Elk, Osprey, Eagles, Hawks, Otters, Mink, and more along the riverbanks. Guests have raved about the excellent narration, knowledgeable captain, and the opportunity to see bald eagles, osprey, and other waterfowl up close. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and informative experience, Klamath River Jet Boat Tours promises a fantastic excursion on the river.

Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is a park and tourist attraction located at 800 Seal Beach Boulevard in Seal Beach, California, United States. This refuge protects a remnant of a vast wetland complex and serves as an important stopover point for migratory shorebirds along the Pacific Flyway. Visitors can see shorebirds and the occasional green sea turtle and light-footed Ridgway’s rail during monthly tours. The refuge is closed to the public except during special events and escorted tours held on the last Saturday of each month. Established in 1972, the purpose of the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is to protect and preserve valuable salt marsh habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife in California. The refuge works to support and protect endangered species such as the light-footed Ridgway’s rail, California least tern, and Eastern Pacific green turtles. The refuge collaborates with others to conserve and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the benefit of the American people. Please note that the refuge does not guarantee accessibility compliance for websites linked to their page.

Putah Creek State Wildlife Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 22074 California 128 in Winters, California, United States. This expansive wildlife area offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region, with stunning views of Putah Creek and the surrounding landscape. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, picnicking, and fishing in this peaceful and serene setting. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or explore the great outdoors, Putah Creek State Wildlife Area is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

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.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, located at 12600 North Torrey Pines Road in California, is a stunning park and tourist attraction known for its unique natural beauty. The reserve is home to the rare Pinus torreyana pine tree, found only in this area and on Santa Rosa Island. Visitors can explore trails through wind-sculpted pines, high cliffs, and deep ravines overlooking the ocean. The reserve also boasts one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The picturesque visitor center, housed in a pueblo-style building, offers interpretive displays for guests to learn more about the park's rich plant community and wildlife. Picnicking and camping are not allowed in the reserve, but visitors can enjoy the nearby Torrey Pines State Beach accessible by trail. The park's popularity means that parking can be a challenge, especially during peak hours, so it is recommended to plan visits accordingly. Admission fees range from $12-$25 per vehicle, and camping is not permitted. Gates open at 7:15 am and close at sunset, with the visitor center opening daily at 9:00 am. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse plant and animal life, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Boggs Lake Preserve is a beautiful park located at 6902 Harrington Flat Road in Kelseyville, California. This serene preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. With its tranquil lake, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, Boggs Lake Preserve is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in the peaceful surroundings, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty of Boggs Lake Preserve for yourself.

Duck Pond is a peaceful park located at 160 Armory Drive in San Rafael, California. This serene oasis offers a tranquil setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, the pond provides a picturesque backdrop for picnics, birdwatching, and leisurely strolls. With its lush greenery and calming waters, Duck Pond is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the natural world.

Keller Beach Park, located in Richmond, California, is a popular tourist attraction offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. With a beautiful shoreline picnic area, a secluded cove with a swimming beach, a fishing pier at a historic site, and a hilltop offering panoramic views of the North Bay Area, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this 307-acre park. Named in honor of State Senator George Miller, Jr., and former State Assemblyman John T. Knox, Keller Beach Park is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the Bay Area. The park is also an official San Francisco Bay Water Trail site, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts to kayak and paddle.

San Pablo Reservoir Oaks Picnic Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 7301 San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante, California, United States. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, picnicking, kayaking, and hiking. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature while engaging in these activities. The park has recently reopened on February 2, 2024, and will be closing on November 10, 2024, for the rest of the season. Boat rental availability is dependent on weather conditions, and boat inspections cannot be conducted under wet conditions. To ensure the best results on personal boats, they must be banded.

El Dorado Park West Duck Pond is a charming oasis located in Long Beach, California. Situated at 2400 North Studebaker Road, this park is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The serene duck pond is home to a variety of waterfowl, providing a peaceful and picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon picnic. With lush greenery, walking paths, and benches, the park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a bird watcher, or simply looking to unwind in a beautiful outdoor setting, El Dorado Park West Duck Pond is the perfect destination for a day of tranquility and enjoyment.

Goose Lake State Park is a picturesque park located on the Oregon-California border, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including migratory waterfowl and mule deer. Visitors can enjoy camping on the grassy expanses along the banks of Goose Lake, a seasonal lakebed that fills with water in the spring. The park's remote location allows for a tranquil camping experience without the need for reservations. In addition to camping, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Hart Mountain Wildlife Refuge, the Warner Mountains, and the obsidian beds in the Modoc National Forest. The town of Lakeview, just 15 miles north, offers amenities such as fuel, groceries, and restaurants.

Owens Lake West Delta Birding Area is a beautiful park located in Lone Pine, California, United States. This institution is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a diverse range of bird species to observe in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy the serene surroundings and take in the picturesque views of Owens Lake while exploring the park's trails and observation points. Whether you are a seasoned birder or just looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature, Owens Lake West Delta Birding Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

Welcome to Sea Lion Overlook, a serene park nestled in the heart of Inverness, California, at 16375 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Situated within the breathtaking landscapes of Point Reyes National Seashore, our park offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich diversity of wildlife and natural beauty that this unique region has to offer. At Sea Lion Overlook, nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike can experience the wonders of the wild. From December through March, witness the fascinating behavior of elephant seals at the nearby Elephant Seal Overlook, where these majestic marine mammals gather to breed and raise their young. Listen to the distinctive calls of the seals and observe their interactions in their natural habitat.

Welcome to Cathedral Redwoods, a breathtaking tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Located at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, our enchanting destination offers a serene escape into nature with its towering redwoods and diverse ecosystems. Explore over 30 miles of trails designed for hikers of all levels. Whether you have an hour or a full day, Cathedral Redwoods has a trail for you. For a short and leisurely trek, the Redwood Grove Loop Trail is a must-see. This 0.8-mile wheelchair-accessible path takes you through an ancient redwood grove, home to the park's largest tree, standing at an impressive 277 feet and over 1,500 years old. Don't forget your flashlight to explore the famous Fremont Tree, which can accommodate your entire family inside its hollow trunk.

Welcome to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Carlsbad Blvd Trailhead, a serene escape nestled in the heart of Carlsbad, California. Located conveniently at Carlsbad Blvd, this picturesque park serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, our trailhead offers something for everyone. Explore the well-maintained trails that wind through diverse landscapes, offering stunning views of the lagoon and its vibrant ecosystem. Perfect for walking, jogging, or bird watching, the trails provide an ideal setting for outdoor activities and relaxation. The park is family-friendly and welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.