Tijuana River Estuary

Tijuana River Estuary is a coastal wetland at the mouth of the Tijuana River that supports salt marshes, mudflats, and sand dunes. The landscape creates multiple habitats where water and land meet, making it home to creatures adapted to both environments.

The federal government designated this area as a National Natural Landmark in 1973 to protect its coastal ecological value. This official status helped preserve the wetland and limited future development in the region.

The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve conducts extensive scientific studies on coastal ecosystems and environmental changes through multiple research stations.

Visitors can walk the trails and watch birds throughout the day, with a visitor center available for information and exhibits. Early morning offers the best chance to see wildlife active across the wetlands.

This is one of the largest untouched coastal areas between California and Mexico, supporting species found in very few other places. Its location along a regional boundary makes it a critical point where birds and other animals migrate between north and south.