Our Mission

T his southernmost
The mission of California State Parks is
to provide for the health, inspiration and
education of the people of California by
San Diego
part of the Golden helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary
biological diversity, protecting its most Coast
State, with its warm valued natural and cultural resources, and
State Parks
creating opportunities for high-quality
beaches, sculpted outdoor recreation.
bluffs and historic
adobe buildings, has
been a mecca for
individuals seeking California State Parks does not discriminate
against individuals with disabilities. Prior to
a better life. Today, arrival, visitors with disabilities who need
more than ever, it assistance should contact the park at
(619) 688-3260. To receive this publication
is the destination in an alternate format, contact:

of millions who CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

P. O. Box 942896
pursue the modern Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
For information call: (800) 777-0369
equivalent of the (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S.
“California Dream.” 711, TTY relay service

www.parks.ca.gov

Discover the many states of California.TM

San Diego Coast State Parks

4477 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 688-3260
Cover photo courtesy of Susan Myrland.

© 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2009) Printed on Recycled Paper

T he San Diego Coast is world famous provides beach-level camping between of Spanish soldiers, priests and explorers
for its mild year-round climate. This fifty- the communities of Coronado and Imperial led by Captain Gaspar de Portolá and
mile stretch of coastline, from the U.S. Beach. Day-use beach access is available Franciscan Father Junípero Serra, arrived
Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton to the from Carlsbad State Beach to Border Field in what is today San Diego. They built a
Mexican border, contains some of California’s State Park. chapel dedicated to Saint Diego and a fort
most interesting and rare examples of Early California history, recreational on what is now Presidio Hill just to the east
natural and cultural heritage. opportunities and natural wonders await you of present-day Old Town. As time passed,
San Diego’s early history comes alive at in San Diego Coast state parks. the town built up around a typical Spanish
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, plaza, and the first San Diego community
located in the heart of the city, and at San Old Town San Diego State was born. Since 1769 it has known the rule
Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, near Historic Park of Spain, Mexico and the United States.
San Diego’s famed Wild Animal Park in the Explore the rich heritage of California by Today the historic park reflects the
north county. touring the unique museum exhibits and cultural elements of its exciting and
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, the shops in the historic adobe buildings of Old romantic past. Guided tours are available.
home of rare and endangered Torrey pines, Town San Diego. Today’s Old Town bustles For more information,
lies thirty miles north with activity while call (619) 220-5422.
of the Tijuana River preserving the
National Estuarine essence of one of
Research Reserve California’s earliest
and the international settlements.
border. The On May 15, 1769,
Research Reserve an overland party
provides protection
for a designated Father Junípero Serra
“wetland of national
importance” and
offers an educational Bandini House in Old Town San Diego
facility for students
and visitors.
San Diego Coast state parks provide
visitors with three areas for camping and
many day-use beaches. South Carlsbad
and San Elijo State Beaches in the north
county have full-service campgrounds with
all the amenities except hookups, and Silver
Strand State Beach in the south county Painting of early San Diego by Lt. William H. Emory, 1846
San Pasqual Battlefield A seawall facilities and
State Historic Park promenade requires a parking
An award-winning visitor center interprets stretches from fee. Visitors enjoy
the Mexican War, as well as the history Pine Street to swimming, board
of the San Pasqual Indians and the Tamarack Avenue and body surfing,
development of San Pasqual Valley. and offers views and scuba diving.
On a cold, wet December 6, of Agua Hedionda South Carlsbad
1846, in the valley known as San Lagoon. From State Beach is
Pasqual, United States the walkway, reached by exiting
General Stephen visitors may watch Interstate 5 at
Watts Kearny and marbled godwits Palomar Airport
and whimbrels Cardiff State Beach Road in the
his soldiers met
80 armed Mexican Whimbrel troll the beach City of Carlsbad
Californios under and gulls, cormorants and pelicans fly over and heading south along the Pacific
the leadership of the waves. Marine mammals such as dolphins, Coast Highway (Carlsbad Blvd). For more
Andrés Pico in a sea lions and harbor seals splash offshore. information, call (760) 438-3143.
battle for the sovereignty of California. Carlsbad State Beach is accessed via
The Battle of San Pasqual was the Tamarack Avenue, off Interstate 5. For more San Elijo and Cardiff State Beaches
bloodiest battle fought in California information, call (760) 438-3143. Although San Elijo and Cardiff are separate
during the Mexican War. For state park units, they adjoin and can be
more park information, call South Carlsbad State Beach enjoyed as one.
(760) 737-2201. This narrow beach has historically San Elijo State Beach, with two miles of
been described as “cobble coastline, is mainly a campground, but
Carlsbad State beach.” Sand periodically
Beach buries the natural seawall
Carlsbad State of cobblestones for
Beach is one of long periods of time.
San Diego’s most But changing weather
popular beaches. and water currents,
The Tamarack along with the nearby
Avenue area is a dredging of Agua
favorite surf spot. The Hedionda Lagoon, affect
reef provides gentle the beach composition.
waves, perfect for long and The park has 220 campsites
short board surfing. Certain areas and two day-use areas. Ponto Day-Use
are set aside for swimming only. Area, south of the campground, has restroom San Elijo State Beach
includes a small day-use lot. spectacular views of presents the detailed story of the Torrey
Reservations are necessary for America’s rarest pine pines. Beautiful Torrey Pines State Natural
the 171 campsites, which fill tree, which grows Reserve and State Beach
quickly for holidays and the along these dramatic are located between
summer season. ocean cliffs. the cities of Del Mar
Cardiff State Beach is Torrey Pines and San Diego. From
located south of San Elijo State Beach, along Interstate 5, exit west
Creek. Developed day-use the Pacific Coast on Carmel Valley
facilities with outdoor showers Highway, is framed Road, go one mile,
and modern restrooms are by impressive bluffs then go 3/4 mile
available. Day-use fees are to the north and south on the Pacific
collected at each beach. south and the Los Coast Highway. For
“Pipes,” “Turtles,” “Cardiff Peñasquitos Marsh more information,
Reef,” “Georges,” and “Seaside” Natural Preserve, call (858) 755-2063, Torrey pine
are major surfing attractions in which runs through or visit www.parks.
these state parks. Swimming this eye-catching ca.gov/torreypines.
and scuba diving are also wonder. Stretching for
popular activities. Inshore holes Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve five miles, the beach Silver Strand State Beach
and strong rip currents can be provides a great Silver Strand State Beach lies along a
dangerous. Contact a lifeguard for suggestions venue for walking, running, photography, or seven-mile isthmus to Coronado Island
about safe swimming areas. just enjoying the ocean and shore. in San Diego Bay. For day-use visitors,
Located in the city of Encinitas, the parks Parking and restrooms are provided at ample parking along the ocean front
are reachable from Interstate 5 by exiting to the beach and trailhead. A visitor center allows easy access to both the ocean and
the west on Birmingham or Manchester and bay front beaches.
following the signs to entrances from the There are dressing rooms, showers and
Pacific Coast Highway. For more information, restroom facilities close by, and picnic
call (760) 753-5091. tables are available for small and large
groups. A concession stand is open during
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve the summer season, providing snacks,
and State Beach cold drinks and surf rental equipment.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a jewel If you have a self-contained camping
of the California State Park System. Named vehicle, you can stay the evening and
for the native pines growing on the bluffs, enjoy the sunset, relax with friends
this park has natural splendor that is truly around a campfire, and catch the morning
memorable. Seven miles of hiking trails offer sunrise over the mountains. Beachside
 hazardous conditions such as inshore holes, • California State Parks along the San
rip currents, and the lack of lifeguard service. Diego Coast are located in and near
The park provides restrooms, picnic areas, urban areas. Lock your car and keep
horse corrals and scenic views across the valuables with you. Report all crimes
beach and estuary. For more information, call and emergencies to rangers, lifeguards
(619) 575-3613. or 911.
• Please do not feed wildlife. Human
Tijuana River National Estuarine food may be harmful and may
Research Reserve encourage aggressive behavior. Store
Silver Strand State Beach food securely in campground lockers
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research or vehicles.
RV campsites may be reserved by calling Reserve is one of only 24 wetlands in the
(800) 444-7275 or visiting www.parks.ca.gov. United States that has been designated by the Accessible Features
Silver Strand Natural International Ramsar Committee as a “wetland Accessibility is continually improving.
California Preserve, located on of international importance.” Estuaries provide
least tern For updates, call the parks or visit
the south side of the food and nesting areas for many creatures, http://access.parks.ca.gov.
entrance to Silver especially shorebirds. At least 370 bird species
Strand State Beach, have been seen here.
contains a unique All of the plants and animals in this park
coastal strand plant are protected—some are threatened
community or endangered. With your help,
that was once the estuary will be preserved
found throughout the forever.
southern California coast and A visitor center at 301
is now rare. Nesting sites for the Caspian Way, Imperial Beach,
California least tern and Western has exhibits and activities to
snowy plover are also found here. explain the resources of the
Call (619) 435-5184 for information. estuary. For more information, Tijuana Estuary
Endangered Western call (619) 575-3613 or visit
snowy plover www.parks.ca.gov/tijuanaestuary.
Border Field State Park
Located within the Tijuana River National
Estuarine Research Reserve, Border Field State PLEASE Remember
Park is in the very southwestern corner of the • Dogs are not allowed on most beaches
United States, 15 miles south of San Diego. because they often disturb wildlife,
Visitors enjoy fishing, beach-walking, hiking, especially birds. Where dogs are allowed,
horseback riding and birdwatching. Swimming they must be kept on a six-foot leash at
and wading are not recommended due to all times. Border Field State Park
 he staff and
T volunteers of
the San Diego
Coast state parks
are dedicated
to providing you
with a quality park
experience—safe
recreation, an
understanding of
the rich cultural
heritage of
California, and
an appreciation
of our natural
wonders. Please
contact a staff
member or
volunteer with
your questions or
comments.