Overview
Along the heart of the Los Angeles coastline, the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve protects nearly 600 acres of coastal habitat surrounding saltwater estuary. A Ballona Creek bike path, guided tours, and community restoration events are highlights of this coastal gem located just steps from the beautiful community of Playa del Rey and minutes from Los Angeles’ most iconic beaches. Following many decades of habitat degradation, CDFW has plans for large-scale tidal habitat restoration for this property, to reconnect Ballona Creek with its historic floodplain and bring back lost coastal estuarine habitats that once supported rare species. To learn more about this project, including the environmental documents, please visit the Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project page.
Location
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking Trails
Fishing
Volunteering
The Ballona Wetlands has volunteer events including salt marsh and dune tours, habitat restoration, and creek cleanups. Visit the CDFW Events Calendar to view opportunities.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed only in designated areas under the Interstate 5 bridge on the north side and under the Carlsbad Blvd bridge on the north and south sides.
A valid CDFW fishing license is required. Check fishing regulations for current licensing fees. Licenses are not available at Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and must be purchased before arrival.
Rules and Visitor Use
Be aware of the following rules while visiting Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve:
In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve.
For specific questions regarding use of this land, contact the South Coast Region San Diego office at (858) 467-4201 or AskR5@wildlife.ca.gov.
Facilities
The primary improvements to this property includes a short nature observation path accessed via Fiji Way and a youth-sized baseball field off Culver Drive. There are no public restroom facilities or drinking water available on site. Public parking at the reserve is very limited.
There is an educational facility with porta-potty, available through managed access only. Contact South Coast Region San Diego office for more information at (858) 467-4201 or AskR5@wildlife.ca.gov.
Connectivity
There is cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.
Area History
Past land use in the area of Ballona Wetlands included ranching, farming, and, more recently, recreation. Ballona Wetlands was acquired to preserve, protect and restore the coastal wetland habitat and associated species. The property was designated as an Ecological Reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 2005.