Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Video footage ©William Bay
Drone footage ©Joshua Rittenberry

Experience Southern California's largest coastal wetland

The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 30 Reserves in the United States. We preserve, protect, and manage the natural and cultural resources of the Tijuana River Estuary by creating opportunities for education and research while promoting public access for recreation throughout the Reserve. Come experience the beauty and wonder of this natural wetland habitat.

A mother and child overlooking the wetlands at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Explore the Tijuana Estuary

From hiking and biking to birding and horseback riding, the Tijuana Estuary has something for everyone.

Plan your visit

Student researcher Nancy Torres washes and separates the samples she's collected into multiple composites in the Tijuana Estuary.

Research and Monitoring

The unique socio-ecological setting of the Tijuana Estuary makes it an ideal "living laboratory" for researchers.

Learn more

A group of students listen to a presentation by a California State Parks employee at the Tijuana Estuary

Education Programs

The Tijuana Estuary offers a variety of educational programs that celebrate the natural and cultural resources found in the Reserve.

Explore our educational offerings

Current Announcements

PROJECT UPDATE: Border Field Resilience, Access, and Habitat Restoration Project

SCH # 2025040060 - On March 10, 2025, California State Parks issued a Notice of Determination for the Final Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Border Field Resilience Access and Habitat Restoration Project.

The project proposes to improve access to Border Field State Park by addressing regular flooding along the entrance road (Monument Road). The project would restore disturbed habitat to improve the health and function of the Tijuana River watershed.

Additional project information and files can be found here, scroll down and click on "read the full notice."

Improved Accessibility at the Tijuana Estuary

The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve has long offered San Diego residents a place to play, learn, and connect with nature and each other. We are proud to share that this special spot is now more accessible than before, so everyone can experience its beauty. Recently, the Reserve has made improvements towards accessibility at the Tijuana Estuary for visitors - these efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to expanding access. Click here for the Accessibility page to learn more about how the Reserve offers opportunities to visitors of all abilities.