Overview
Located on the Southern California coast north of San Diego, the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve includes a variety of shoreline, marshland and riparian forest habitats. Wildlife viewing and hiking are popular visitor activities.
Location
South Coast Region (Region 5)
San Diego County
Trail access at Gabbiano Lane south of Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011 (Approximately 35 miles from San Diego)
Directions: From Interstate 5 in Carlsbad, take Poinsettia Lane east. Turn south on Batiquitos Drive to Gabbiano Lane. Take a right on Gabbiano Lane, which passes through a residential neighborhood. Trail access to the Reserve is at the end of the street.
South Coast Region San Diego Office: (858) 467-4201
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking Trails
Hunting: Upland Game Birds
Fishing
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 Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve and must be purchased before arrival.
Rules and Visitor Use
Be aware of the following rules while visiting Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve:
- No horses allowed
- Dogs must be under owner's control at all times
- No bikes allowed
- No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
- No fishing allowed east of Interstate 5
In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve.
This ecological reserve is adjacent to or shares marine habitat with a Marine Protected Area (MPA). For the public use regulations for MPAs, see Section 632, Title 14, CCR.
For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the South Coast Region San Diego office at (858) 467-4201.
Facilities
The primary improvements to this property include hiking trails and a nearby nature center maintained by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation. Public parking at the reserve is very limited.
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 Batiquitos Lagoon included ranching and, more recently, recreation. Batiquitos Lagoon was acquired to preserve, protect and maintain the improved coastal wetland habitat and associated species. The property was designated as an Ecological Reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1983.
Photos and Media
Land Management Plan Development
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated the development of a Land Management Plan (LMP) for the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve. An LMP is a long-term planning document that identifies current conditions, assesses issues and opportunities, and outlines management goals and strategies for comprehensive management of the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve over the next 20-30 years.
As CDFW embarks on the development of this important plan, we will be seeking input from tribes, stakeholders, and the public during various stages of plan development. If you would like to participate in the development of the LMP by providing input or comments, we encourage you to join our email distribution list to stay informed of upcoming public meetings and opportunities for document review. You can fill out this LMP email distribution list form to sign up. If you have questions about the Land Management Plan, email LandMgmtPlanning@wildlife.ca.gov.
For more information, call the area at (530) 254-6644 or the Northern Region's Redding office at (530) 225-2300.