Our Mission The mission of State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and This southernmost education of the people of California by 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 creating opportunities for high-quality State Parks 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

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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 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, and the . 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 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 his soldiers met and whimbrels Road in the 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 , 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 . 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 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 For updates, call the parks or visit least tern 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. 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 Tvolunteers 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.