GPS: 33.695584,-118.046917

Rating:  Easy to Moderate (Flat dirt & paved walkways, grass)

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is the largest coastal salt marsh preserve in the Los Angeles/Orange County metropolitan region. Its 300 acres are a vital oasis for resident shorebirds and millions of migrating birds traveling between the Arctic and South America along the Pacific Flyway. At Huntington Central Park we will see locals and possibly vagrant migrants.

We will bird at the Reserve first and then drive to Huntington Central Park.

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the Park picnic tables.

Directions:

Take I-5 north past San Juan Capistrano. Continue on I-5 to I-405. Take I-405 north (towards Long Beach). Exit on Warner Ave. West. Continue west approximately 6 miles to Pacific Coast Hwy. Turn left (south) and drive about 1 mile (making a U-turn) to the Reserve parking lot on the east side of Pacific Coast Hwy. It’s about 70 miles from Oceanside and should take about 75 minutes. Meet at the boardwalk entrance.

PLAN ON ARRIVING EARLY. The Reserve has a small parking lot that fills up quickly between 7:30 – 8:00 am.  There are no restroom facilities at the parking lot/trailhead. Visitors are advised to use nearby establishments before arriving at the Reserve. Restrooms are available at the second destination, Huntington Central Park.

After we bird at the Reserve, we will then drive to Huntington Beach Central Park for more birding and a picnic lunch.  We will meet at the picnic tables to the east of the Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 where there is plenty of parking.

Photos: Bolsa Chica

Further Information on Location Here & Here